We’ve all seen that dramatic scene on TV or in a movie when a plea deal is offered at the last second, and it’s “only on the table” for a few minutes. But real life isn’t that dramatic. If you’re wondering how long you have to accept a plea deal, the truth is that each …
Ben Michael
How Much Does a Private Investigator Cost?
As defense attorneys, we work with private investigators often so we generally have a sense of cost. But to get a more concrete answer, we spoke with 25 private investigation firms across the top 10 metros in the United States. We determined that the average hourly rate of a private investigator is $128 per hour. …
Texas’ New Car Inspection Law: What You Need to Know for 2025
Many Texans are still unaware that vehicle safety inspections are no longer mandatory in the Lone Star State. A new state law abolished the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program for non-commercial vehicles. It went into effect on Jan. 1. However, residents of 17 counties are still required to pass – and pay for – an …
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What is ISF Jail?
ISF stands for Intermediate Sanction Facility. It is an in-custody substance abuse treatment option for “low-risk” offenders. It can potentially keep probation and parole violators out of prison. However, whether or not these are a better option for drug and alcohol offenders depends on whom you ask. Though experts agree that there are definite benefits …
Do You Go to Jail Immediately after Accepting a Plea Deal
Plea deals can be a good way to negotiate a better outcome for your case. However, many of our clients are unsure of the process and commonly ask whether they’ll go to jail immediately after accepting the plea deal. The short answer is that it’s possible. However, as with most instances in the Texas legal …
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Is it Illegal to Wear Headphones, Earbuds, or Airpods While Driving?
No matter what you call them, no Texas law prohibits people from wearing headphones, earbuds, or AirPods while driving. However, as with most Texas laws, there are grey areas. Headphone usage is technically legal unless law enforcement officers determine you use them as a “hands-free wireless communication device.” This means you shouldn’t get in trouble …
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What is Disorderly Conduct in Texas?
Disorderly conduct typically means that your actions disrupt others. It can be as simple as swearing or making an offensive gesture, generating a disruptive amount of noise, or discharging a firearm in public. The key is that the act must be knowingly or intentionally committed. However, the other standards for criminal charges are ambiguous, leaving …
What is THC-H, and is it Legal in Texas?
THC-H is a compound that occurs naturally in hemp and marijuana plants. According to claims, it is significantly more potent than Delta-9 THC, which is currently technically legal in Texas in low concentrations. THC-H’s legal status in Texas is up for debate. Though state laws say any hemp-derived THC substance with a potency lower than …
What is a Grand Jury and How Long is Grand Jury Duty in Texas?
It’s bad enough when the dreaded jury duty summons arrives by mail. But what does it mean if that summons says you have to appear for grand jury duty? It means you’ll likely have to serve for multiple weeks and consider several cases. Grand jury duty is not the same as traditional jury duty. The …
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Can An Attorney Issue a Subpoena in Texas?
Subpoenas are court orders that require you to participate in a trial in some capacity – either by testifying on the record or by providing specific documents or other relevant physical evidence. Any attorney admitted to practice law in Texas can issue a subpoena. Subpoenas can typically be issued by a judge, a court clerk, …