Resources - Michael & Associates, Attorneys at Law

We Tested ‘Legal’ THC Edibles from Throughout Texas. Here’s What We Learned.

A Texas law allows the sale of hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products with a concentration below .3%. In a three-month project, we tested ten samples to see if they met the legal requirements. “Legal” cannabis stores have sprouted up across Texas, and if you haven’t noticed the shops, you’ve certainly seen the ads on social media …

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Adrien Thomas Found Not Guilty in 2021 Fatal Auto-Pedestrian Collision

Press Releases / By Rebecca Stumpf

WILLIAMSON COUNTY: Michael & Associates secured a not guilty verdict in a 2021 DWI case against Adrien Thomas in a tragic 2021 accident in Northwest Austin that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. Jurors in Williamson County deliberated for less than two hours on Tuesday before determining that Thomas was not at fault in …

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What is Capital Murder in Texas?

Law, Texas / By Ben Michael

Capital murder is the only remaining death penalty offense in Texas. A capital murder has all of the elements of an intentional murder but with additional factors that are considered so egregious that the act has a separate classification. For example, the murder of a peace officer or murder of someone under the age of …

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Is It Illegal to Drink in Public?

DWI-DUI, Law, Texas / By Ben Michael

In Texas and many other states, public drinking is typically illegal. However, in the United States, there are a few notable exceptions, including tourist destinations such as Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Savannah, where laws have been enacted to legalize it. Drinking while in your vehicle in those places, however, may not be legal. In …

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Common household items including baking scales, vials, aluminum foil and spoons can be considered drug paraphernalia.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Charges in Texas

Law, Texas / By Ben Michael

Possession of drug paraphernalia in Texas is typically a misdemeanor offense that usually won’t carry jail time, but it could leave you with a lifelong criminal record. It can also be tricky to deal with criminal charges because the definition of drug paraphernalia in Texas is so broad that even routine household items meet the …

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Is Texas a Stop and Identify State?

Law, Texas / By Ben Michael

Texas is not a “Stop and Identify” state. There are 23 states with various “Stop and Identify” laws. Stop and ID laws require residents to provide ID any time a law enforcement officer asks to see it. Because of the limited instances in which Texas requires ID, it is considered a “Failure to Identify” state. …

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Do You Need a Front License Plate in Texas?

Law, Texas / By Ben Michael

Texas law requires all vehicles to have both front and rear license plates, so yes, you need that front plate. Failing to comply could result in a fine of up to $200. More importantly, though, failing to have that second plate gives cops probable cause to pull you over, and this could lead to more …

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Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?

Law, Texas / By Ben Michael

Sports betting is not legal in Texas. Despite recent efforts by the state legislature to legalize sports betting with House Bill 1942, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick refused to allow the bill to be considered by the state’s Senate. Patrick is vocally anti-gambling, and his stance has effectively ended hope for legalized sports betting until the …

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Texas Self-Defense Laws: Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground

Law, Texas / By Ben Michael

Your home is your castle, and Texas law grants you the right to protect it (and yourself). But how far are you allowed to go to protect yourself? Sometimes, use of deadly force is justified, while sometimes homeowners have a duty to retreat. It can seem confusing. Here’s what you need to know to protect …

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Can You Shoot Someone for Trespassing in Texas?

Law, Texas / By Ben Michael

You can’t shoot someone simply for trespassing in Texas, but you can take other actions to defend your property. Many of our clients are gun owners, and they often believe that they have the right to use those guns to protect themselves under any circumstance. However, the legal right to own and carry a gun …

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