In Texas courts, PSI is shorthand for a Presentence Investigation Report. Texas judges use this document to assess punishment for a felony crime. The federal court system uses a similar report known as a Presentence Report (PSR). Both PSIs and PSRs are at least partially based on interviews with defendants and details of the defendant’s …
Ben Michael
What is Aggravated Sexual Assault in Texas?
Aggravated sexual assault involves a sexual assault with at least one aggravating factor that increases the offense’s severity.
Michael & Associates Secures Win For Local Police Chief Against Corrupt City Officials
For immediate release October 31, 2024 LAMPASAS COUNTY, Texas—In a resounding victory for justice, Michael & Associates announced that City of Lometa Police Chief Melissa Cantu has been cleared of all charges in a high-profile case that showcased deep-rooted issues within City Hall in Lometa, Texas, and exposed the ugly side of small-town corruption. Cantu, …
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Domestic Assault / Family Violence in Texas: Charges & Consequences
Family violence is defined by Chapter 71.004 of the Texas Family Code as acts by one member of a family or household against another member of that same family or household with the intent of bodily injury, physical harm, or sexual assault. No harm needs to occur; reasonable fear that physical harm is imminent is …
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What is Nunc Pro Tunc? How to Fix a Clerical Mistake in a Court Order
Nunc pro tunc orders allow the courts to fix clerical errors and reduce delays in the judicial process. They issue a decision that applies retroactively as if the decision had been made at an earlier date. Nunc pro tunc is a Latin term that means “now for then.” The orders are procedural tools that correct …
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What is the Legal Age of Consent in Texas?
The age of consent in Texas – the age at which you can legally consent to sexual activity – is 17. This means that individuals who are age 17 or older can legally engage in consensual sex with peers who are at least 17. However, some exceptions protect teens who are within three years of …
Is Porn Illegal in Texas?
Most – but not all – forms of pornography are legal in Texas. However, there are laws in place to protect vulnerable people from unknowingly or indirectly becoming the subject of pornographic images. There are also rules in place to protect minors from exposure to harmful or obscene content. In some instances, even sharing images …
What is a Mistrial in Texas — and What Happens Next?
A mistrial is basically a do-over. It ends a legal proceeding before a resolution has been reached. If your case goes to trial and the jury is unable to reach a unanimous verdict, a judge finds evidence of misconduct, or even if a juror dies during the proceedings, a mistrial will be declared and the …
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What is a Protective Order in Texas?
Family violence is one of the most common charges we see, and in recent years, Texas courts have issued approximately 30,000 to 40,000 protective orders per year. A protective order is issued by a court to protect someone from harassment, abuse, stalking, or threats by another person. They are typically issued in family violence cases, …
Texas Porn Laws: Why is Pornhub Banned?
People often ask, “Why is Pornhub banned in Texas?” However, the state did not actually ban access to the popular site. Pornhub chose to block all Texas residents in March when a legal challenge to a new state law requiring websites with adult content to verify users’ ages was upheld by the U.S. Court of …