Posted on March 15,2023 in Criminal Law

In Texas, as in many other states, a plea bargain is a standard tool used in criminal cases to resolve charges without going to trial. A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution where the accused party pleads guilty to a less severe offense or accepts a reduced sentence to avoid a trial and the risk of a harsher sentence if convicted. Today, we will discuss what is most important about plea bargains. If you are ever charged with a crime and are interested in your legal options, contacting an experienced criminal law attorney may be wise to ensure you understand your legal options moving forward.

Types of Plea Bargains

For the sake of this blog, we will be discussing two types of plea bargains: charge and sentence bargaining. Whereas charge bargaining involves the accused party pleading guilty to a less severe charge than the one they were initially charged with. For example, a defendant charged with burglary may plead guilty to criminal trespassing instead. Sentence bargaining involves the defendant pleading guilty to the original charge in exchange for a reduced sentence.

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 Posted on February 27,2023 in Criminal Law

If you are convicted of a criminal offense, the consequences can be wide-ranging. Some convictions may result in probation, while others may require significant jail time. Some offenses may result in minor fines, while others may result in hefty fines that can be burdensome to those required to pay them. A criminal defense lawyer is often essential in ensuring your rights will be protected after you have been charged with a crime. Your attorney is an invaluable resource when you are facing criminal charges and looking to protect your rights while avoiding a conviction

If you are facing criminal charges, do not hesitate to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who will advocate for your rights and best interests as you move through the legal process.  

How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help With My Case?

Lawyers are deeply knowledgeable in the procedures followed in criminal courts, and they also understand the specific laws that will apply in your case. Here are several ways a criminal lawyer may be able to help in your situation:

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 Posted on February 03,2023 in DWI / DUI

Driving while intoxicated, also known as a DWI, is a criminal offense that is relatively common in most areas of Texas and the greater United States. Few experiences can be more nerve-wracking than having a couple of drinks with your buddies after work, only to be pulled over by a police officer on your way home. If a police officer pulls you over for a suspected DWI, you may be asked to perform a few tests that will be used to determine whether you are impaired by alcohol or another substance. While it is true that these kinds of tests do not have 100 percent accuracy, they are usually accurate in the vast majority of cases. So, if you have been arrested and charged for a first-time DWI in Texas, it is essential to be aware of the penalties you may face if you are convicted.

It can be easy to feel like all hope is lost if you have been charged with DWI. However, it is important to understand that qualified legal representation can assist you in fighting the charges and working towards a reduced sentence or dropping the charges altogether. If you have been charged with DWI, contact an experienced DWI defense attorney who will work to ensure your rights are protected while also pursuing a favorable case outcome in your favor.

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 Posted on January 30,2023 in Criminal Law

We can all imagine the scenario: you are driving down the road with a couple of buddies, and suddenly, you hear the distinct cracking of a can opening. You turn to your right, and what do you know, but your friend has cracked open a can of beer. At this moment, you are likely wondering, are you in any legal jeopardy for a passenger drinking from an open container, even if you have not been drinking? Well, it is essential to know that in Texas, a driver may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor because of the open container in your car, regardless of whether you have had a single sip from it.

If you have been charged with a Class C misdemeanor for driving with an open container present in your car, consider contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney, who will be prepared to ensure your rights remain protected and that an outcome in your favor can be pursued in your case. 

What to Know About Open Container Laws in Texas 

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 Posted on January 10,2023 in Criminal Law

There is nothing that can ruin your day quite like being pulled over for a traffic stop and then being taken into police custody. That may sound like a far-off scenario that rarely, if ever, happens, but you would be surprised. There are many ways a routine traffic stop can lead to you spending the night or longer behind bars. Remember that the reason you get arrested may have nothing to do with the reason you were initially pulled over in the first place. 

This blog will look at common reasons why traffic stops may escalate into an arrest. If something like this has happened to you, consider contacting a skilled criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect your rights and freedom. 

In What Situations Can a Traffic Stop Turn into An Arrest?

When an officer pulls someone over for a routine traffic stop, it is essential to avoid verbalizing anything that a police officer may find offensive, unusual, or incriminating. Police officers are often on alert to find a reason to suspect you of wrongdoing.

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 Posted on December 26,2022 in Sex Crimes

In Texas, sex crimes are taken exceptionally seriously and, as a result, are aggressively prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This is especially true for crimes such as aggravated sexual assault. Therefore, if you have been charged with aggravated sexual assault, you are in serious legal jeopardy. If you have found yourself in this unfortunate situation, contacting an experienced defense attorney is imperative if you want to keep your freedom and have a chance of avoiding prison. In this blog, we will delve deeper into what aggravated sexual assault is, what the penalties are, and what course of action you should consider taking to avoid being convicted.

What is Aggravated Sexual Assault? 

Under Texas law, aggravated sexual assault occurs when a person intentionally causes or threatens to cause harm to someone through means of a sexual attack. This sexual attack must include an aggravating factor. Several aggravating factors can escalate a charge of sexual assault to aggravated sexual assault.

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 Posted on December 09,2022 in Federal Crimes

In recent years, more and more people have become aware and taken issue with the high number of inmates currently serving time in the United States prison system. Of all 50 states, Texas has the highest number of inmates at 135,906. Advocates for civil liberties in the United States have taken significant exception to the fact that the U.S. has such a high number of incarcerated individuals. Many federal prisoners work hard while in prison to pay their debts back to society to obtain an early release or a sentence reduction from prison. The avenue of “compassionate release” may be available to particular federal prisoners.  

However, a compassionate release is not available to all federal inmates. Therefore, this blog will delve into the requirements for a prisoner to secure a compassionate release. Moreover, suppose you are interested in seeking a compassionate release. In that case, you must first consult with an experienced attorney who knows what the process entails and can ensure everything is done to give you a chance to obtain such a release.

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 Posted on November 18,2022 in Criminal Law

Unlawful immigration is frequently discussed and hotly debated in the political discourse of politics in America. However, for the people living in the central and southern areas of Texas, illegal immigration is a genuine, everyday issue, considering the region's closeness to the border of the United States and Mexico. State officials in Texas and federal officials are frequently looking for anyone who entered the United States illegally. Every once in a while, a person living in the central or southern part of Texas may be accused of helping the unlawful entry of one or group of individuals into the U.S. and can face charges of human smuggling. 

Smuggling someone into the United States is a grave crime that can bring with it hefty fines and jail time. If you have been accused of and charged with human smuggling, consider consulting with an experienced attorney with knowledge of and experience in human smuggling cases. Hiring an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and that your best interests are always put first. 

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 Posted on November 07,2022 in Boating While Intoxicated

There are few things more enjoyable than a lovely day out on the water. With all the magnificent lakes and waterways in Texas, boating is an excellent activity you can enjoy with friends, family, or even yourself. So, what happens when you want to crack a cold one out on the water? Unlike driving a car, it is not illegal to have an open container of alcohol while you are driving a boat or watercraft if the operator is at least 21 years of age and does not become legally intoxicated. 

If you have been charged with boating while intoxicated, you may be shocked, as it is not uncommon for legal-aged boaters to enjoy alcohol while on the water. However, if you have been charged with such a crime, it may be wise to hire experienced legal counsel to help you avoid criminal penalties, including fines and prison.  

Being Charged with Boating While Intoxicated in Texas 

Under Texas state law, a person commits the offense of boating while intoxicated if they operate a watercraft with a BAC at or above .08%. To be convicted of boating while intoxicated, you must be found guilty of at least one of these criteria:  

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 Posted on October 31,2022 in DWI / DUI

It is well-known that DWI arrests tend to increase around any major holiday. When people are in a festive mood and out celebrating, they tend to drink more. Halloween is one of the more casual holidays, and for many, one of the most fun. Most adults only have a reason to dress up in a costume once each year and strive to make the most of their Halloween festivities. Unfortunately, nothing brings an abrupt end to a celebration like a DWI arrest. While you would be far from alone, the consequences of a DWI can be harsh. Texas is not known for light sentencing. Even as a first and only offense, a DWI can leave a mark on your record that closes doors.

If you are one of the hundreds who will be arrested for drunk driving this Halloween, it is important to take the matter very seriously and make finding a good criminal defense attorney a top priority. A DWI conviction could follow you for a lifetime like a haunting you cannot get rid of. 

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