Posted on December 28, 2023 in Criminal Law

Transporting undocumented immigrants anywhere within Texas borders—or supporting those efforts—invites criminal prosecution for alien smuggling under federal law. Besides potential fines and jail terms, a conviction seriously disrupts your future. Working with a Texas criminal defense lawyer can help guide you to maximize your defense options.

Assess the Factual Allegations

Smuggling allegations could stem from events as minor as driving friends lacking papers or acts as severe as operating for-profit trafficking channels. Examining the actual accusations and evidence gives attorneys a perspective for narrowing strategic responses targeting acquittals, reduced charges, or mitigated sentencing. Aggressive challenge preparation requires understanding precise alleged actions.

Explore Viable Legal Defenses

Was someone else actually responsible? Did you lack awareness passengers lacked legitimate documentation? Establishing a duress defense proves you had no reasonable means to refuse participation? Certain arguments like these may defeat some or all alien transportation and aiding charges when factually plausible. An attorney can develop possible defenses against documented claim specifics to determine viability in overcoming prosecution assertions.

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 Posted on December 15, 2023 in DWI / DUI

A drunk driving arrest can cause some people to have quick reactions they later regret. But certain choices further jeopardize your case. Avoid these common errors in judgment following driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges to give your defense the greatest advantage. A Texas defense attorney can help along the way.

Immediately Pleading Guilty

Feeling ashamed, many defendants plead guilty at arraignment to end the nightmare. However, the quick confession means you will no longer have any bargaining leverage. The chance to build an aggressive defense to get charges dropped or reduced will no longer exist. It is best to remain calm and work alongside a lawyer to work on strategic options. While there is no guarantee, having legal representation is worth seeing what may be possible.

Failing to Exercise the Right to an Attorney

It is too easy to damage your cases by declining legal help. However, a DWI attorney knows how to exploit technical errors, gather crucial evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and design defense strategies specifically catered to your situation. It is in your best interest not to go up against this case alone.

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 Posted on November 21, 2023 in DWI / DUI

Having your driver’s license suspended after a DWI charge can greatly disrupt your life. It can take a toll, especially when you have to travel to work, school, or other important places. Many wonder if and when they may be able to restore their driving privileges in Texas after an alcohol-related administrative license revocation. You have a right to know about reinstating your license, even if you have a DWI charge. A Texas lawyer can help you understand your rights.

Mandatory License Suspension Periods

The Texas Department of Public Safety will automatically suspend the license of any driver who:

• Refuses a breathalyzer test after being lawfully stopped for DWI. The suspension is 180 days
• Fails a breath or blood test with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. The suspension is 90 days if this is your first offense

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 Posted on November 09, 2023 in DWI / DUI

Being arrested for DWI in Texas is scary. A DWI conviction can disrupt your life with jail time, license suspension, fines, and a criminal record. Working with a Texas lawyer is the best way to navigate the charges and achieve the most favorable outcome. Here is how a lawyer can help you face your DWI charge in Texas:

Reviewing the Evidence

After an arrest, an attorney will order evidence like the police report, breath or blood test results, and dash and body cam footage. Thoroughly examining the evidence is key to building a strong defense, attacking any weak points or procedural mistakes by officers.

Assessing the Charges

Texas has related DWI charges ranging from misdemeanor DWI to felony DWI 3rd, DWI with child passenger, DWI with serious bodily injury or death, or other similar charges. An attorney will analyze the specifics of your charges and any enhancements to advise on potential penalties and defensive strategies. They can easily spot a gap and see if it could benefit your case.

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 Posted on October 20, 2023 in DWI / DUI

Judges often order probation or suspended sentences for first-time DWI offenses in Texas rather than jail time. However, these alternatives come with strict conditions. A Texas lawyer can help you gain clarity and avoid pitfalls.

What to Know About DWI Probation Requirements

Instead of jail, Texas courts may grant DWI probation, allowing you to serve your sentence supervised within the community. Probation terms typically include:

• Mandatory substance abuse counseling.
• Community service.
• Installing an ignition interlock device.
• Paying fines and costs.
• Meeting a probation officer routinely.
• Undergoing regular alcohol testing.

You must comply fully with all probation requirements for its entire duration. Otherwise, your probation could get revoked, meaning incarceration. Having an experienced DWI lawyer advise your probation strategy is crucial. They can help craft your probation plan, assist with conditions like interlock installation and alcohol testing, and intervene if any violations get alleged.

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 Posted on October 10, 2023 in DWI / DUI

Being arrested for DUI charges in Texas can lead to a complex legal process with severe, life-altering consequences that go far beyond the night spent in jail. That is why understanding exactly how to respond after a DUI arrest is absolutely critical to protecting your legal rights and minimizing the penalties you may face with a Texas lawyer.

Be Cooperative but Selectively Silent

Beyond providing your driver’s license and basic identifying information as required, it is wise to decline to engage in any questioning or interrogations politely yet firmly. You should not have any discussions after your DUI arrest until you have a lawyer present with you. Anything you say to officers on the scene, on camera at the station, or on recorded police interviews can and will be used as statements against your interests later in court. Wait until your lawyer is present before providing accounts of what occurred.

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 Posted on September 22, 2023 in Criminal Law

Gun crimes are a significant concern in the United States, prompting discussions about the jurisdiction and enforcement of firearms-related offenses. While many gun crimes are prosecuted at the state level, federal law also plays a crucial role in addressing and prosecuting federal gun crimes. If you are facing federal gun charges, your freedom may be at stake, as a federal gun crime conviction can lead to devastating personal and professional consequences. Contact a lawyer with experience in defending clients against federal gun charges. While a positive outcome cannot be guaranteed, hiring a lawyer is your best chance at obtaining a favorable case outcome.

Federal Firearm Laws

The United States criminal code features several federal laws regulating firearms and their possession, sale, and use. These laws are designated to complement existing Texas laws and address specific issues that extend beyond state boundaries, making federal involvement necessary.

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 Posted on September 07, 2023 in Criminal Law

The criminal justice system holds individuals accountable for committing crimes, and their involvement after a crime has been committed. One such role is that of an accessory after the fact. If you have been charged as an accessory after the fact, you need to strongly consider hiring a criminal defense lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.

Definition of an Accessory After the Fact

In Texas law, an accessory after the fact is an individual who, after a crime has been committed, assists or harbors the perpetrator with the intent to prevent their identification, capture, or prosecution. This assistance can take various forms, such as providing the perpetrator shelter, transportation, or financial aid.

Legal Implications

The role of an accessory after the fact is considered a separate offense from the primary crime committed. While the primary offender is charged with the actual crime, the accessory after the fact, is charged for their assistance or involvement after the crime has taken place. This distinction allows the legal system to hold individuals accountable for their actions in obstructing justice.

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 Posted on August 25, 2023 in Criminal Law

Asset forfeiture is a legal process that allows law enforcement agencies to seize, and potentially forfeit assets tied to criminal activity. This tool is used to disrupt and combat organized crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and other illicit activities. Today, we will look at the concept of asset forfeiture in criminal cases, exploring its rationale, procedure, and potential impact on the individuals involved. If you are facing criminal charges and fear your assets may be seized or forfeited, contact a San Antonio area criminal defense lawyer to get the legal help you need.

Rationale Behind Asset Forfeiture

Asset forfeiture serves two primary purposes:

• Disrupting criminal enterprises – By seizing assets connected to criminal activity, law enforcement aims to disrupt the financial structure of organized crime networks. Stripping criminals of their ill-gotten gains hampers their ability to perpetuate criminal enterprises.

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 Posted on August 10, 2023 in Criminal Law

Compassionate release is a program in Texas that allows federal prisoners to be released from prison before completing their full sentence. Today, we will explain the basis of compassionate release and what you need to know about the program. If you have a loved one you believe may qualify for compassionate release, contact a federal criminal defense lawyer to begin the process of pursuing the release of your loved one.

What is Compassionate Release?

Compassionate release, also known as early release, is a program that allows eligible federal prisoners in Texas to leave prison before their sentence ends. This is intended to help prisoners dealing with exceptional and unexpected circumstances.

Who is Eligible for Compassionate Release?

To be eligible for compassionate release, federal prisoners in Texas must show that an extraordinary circumstance has arisen, such as terminal illness, significant health problems, inmates of advanced age who have served the majority of their sentence, or unforeseen family-related issues that require the federal inmate to leave prison to care for an incapacitated family member.

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