Under Texas law, there are certain elements that can increase the penalties for a defendant’s drug charges if the prosecutor can prove them. If you have an upcoming trial for allegedly committing a drug offense, you may be interested in knowing the type of things that...
Don’t Let One Mistake Cost You Everything
Criminal Defense
What are some criminal sentences besides incarceration?
One of the first things someone thinks about when they’re facing a criminal charge is what kind of sentence they might face. These vary depending on the charge and other factors. In some cases, the person won’t face any time in jail or prison. Courts tend to favor...
When can police search your home?
You are at home, starting to relax, when you hear a knock on your door. At first, you may not worry, but when you see a police officer on the other side of the door, your heart skips a beat. Moments like these are when you try to sort out facts from fiction about when...
Understanding sentencing in a criminal case
A person who is facing criminal charges will often want to know what type of sentence they could be facing. Sentencing guidelines outline what’s considered acceptable for specific charges. Anyone who is facing criminal charges needs to ensure that they understand a...
Invoke your right to remain silent
People who are being questioned by police officers have specific rights that they can invoke during that process. These are supposed to be conveyed by the police officer. It’s up to the person who’s being questioned to let the officers know that they’re invoking those...
What is necessary for a conspiracy charge?
The legal term "conspiracy" may suffer from improper perceptions. People constantly hear the words "conspiracy theory" spoken with disdain. A legal conspiracy is not the same thing as a fictitious belief not supported by facts. Under federal and Texas state criminal...
When is someone an accessory after the fact?
Criminal activity is not always accomplished alone. An accomplice can be part of a crime at any stage, including after the crime is over. Accessory after the fact charges are relatively simple but can quickly become complicated depending on the situation and the...
What are the rules regarding community service assignments?
Not all criminal convictions lead to harsh sentences, such as lengthy prison terms. In Texas, a minor offense could result in a requirement to perform community service. Shoplifting and drunk driving may result in orders to perform community service, and the Texas...
Understanding wire fraud
In Texas, some people do not think that white-collar crimes are as serious as other types of offenses, but wire fraud and other white-collar crimes are treated harshly under federal law. People who are accused of wire fraud might need to vigorously defend against the...
When police are allowed to use K9 units during a traffic stop
Police departments in Texas and around the country routinely use trained dogs to sniff the air around vehicles during traffic stops, and the courts have ruled that this does not violate rights protected by the Fourth Amendment. One of the most important rulings...