An indictment from a grand jury means that the grand jurors felt there was enough evidence for you to be charged with a felony offense, indicating that the criminal case should proceed. What comes next will be gathering the State’s evidence, exploring defensive theories, and prepping for trial. Grand juries do not decide whether someone …
Ben Michael
Sequestered Jury: What Is It And What’s The Purpose?
Sequestered jurors are isolated from the public and outside influences during a trial and/or during deliberations. You’ll be required to stay in a hotel, your meals will be provided, and you will have limited access to your family through means facilitated by the court deputy who has you in their charge. You do not have …
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Is Adultery a Crime in Texas?
Adultery is not a crime in Texas. It will not result in criminal charges or penalties, unless you’re in the military (which does classify it as a crime). And though you may feel angry and hurt if you find out your spouse has been unfaithful, you’re the one who will likely end up facing criminal …
What is a No-Bill?
Legal terminology can be confusing. If you learn that your case has been “no-billed,” it means it is over – at least for now. In a felony case, a prosecutor must present the charges to a grand jury. The grand jury will decide whether to indict or “true-bill” or not to charge and issue a …
What is Capital Murder in Texas?
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 …
Is It Illegal to Drink in Public?
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 …
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Charges in Texas
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?
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. …
Do You Need a Front License Plate in Texas?
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 …
Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?
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 …