Public indecency laws in Texas are extremely strict. Since they are intended to protect people from unwanted exposure to lewd and lascivious conduct, violations are punishable by fines and even imprisonment. A conviction can also cause long-term damage to your reputation in the community and may even require you to register as a sex offender. …
Public Indecency in Texas: Meaning and Legal Implications Read More »
You’ve probably noticed the big flashing warnings along Texas highways whenever a holiday weekend is approaching, notifying drivers of an upcoming “no-refusal weekend.” But what happens if you get pulled over on one of these weekends? Do police really have the right to require you to submit to DWI field sobriety testing and Breathalyzer tests …
Parole and probation are rehabilitation initiatives designed to reintegrate offenders back into society. While parole is a privilege granted to offenders who have served a portion of their sentence (i.e., they’ve been released early), probation is sometimes granted as an alternative to incarceration, allowing offenders to avoid jail time altogether. Both programs have strict conditions …
DWI and DUI have different definitions in Texas. DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated, and is the more common charge. Anybody can be charged with a DWI if they are suspected of operating a motor vehicle with BAC of greater than 0.08%, or are deemed to be intoxicated. DUI – Driving Under the Influence – …
The Lone Star State has strict DWI/DUI laws and severe penalties for those willing to get behind the wheel after too many drinks. It is important to have a clear understanding of the legal alcohol limit in Texas so you can avoid putting yourself and others at physical and legal risk. Key Takeaways What is …
What is the Legal Alcohol Limit for Driving in Texas? Read More »
If you’re pulled over in a seemingly routine traffic stop, what happens if the police officer notices that your breath smells like alcohol? It’s common for officers to check for the scent of alcohol, and it’s possible that odor could lead to a DWI arrest. The scent of alcohol on a driver’s breath doesn’t necessarily …
If a Driver’s Breath Smells Like Alcohol, Can They Be Arrested for DWI? Read More »
An SR-22 is a form that no driver ever wants to see. If you’ve been ordered to get an SR-22, you’ve likely committed a serious traffic offense, such as driving while intoxicated. What’s the purpose of an SR-22? This document, issued to high-risk drivers by insurance companies, proves to your state’s department of motor vehicles …
What Does an SR-22 Look Like? Explaining Its Appearance and Purpose Read More »
You may never have heard of a “good guy/gal packet.” But if you’re a criminal defendant or ever become one, this packet — sometimes called a “mitigation packet” — could be a blessing. These packets generally come into play during plea negotiations. Information in the packet, such as evidence of a solid work history or …
The Comprehensive Guide to the “Good Guy/Gal Packet”: Navigating Plea Negotiations Read More »
A Victim Impact Panel (VIP) class sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other advocacy groups generally lasts two hours, whether it’s the online or in-person version. However, you might end up spending more time participating in the in-person class due to the need to arrive early, and travel to and from the class …
How Long Is a MADD Class? Duration, Options, and Costs Read More »
You don’t always need to pay the full bail amount if you’re charged with a crime. In criminal cases, a judge might release a defendant from custody without requiring an upfront payment under what’s known as a personal bond. But if the defendant violates conditions of the personal bond arrangement, such as failing to show …
Personal Bonds in Texas: Do You Have to Pay the Full Bail Amount? Read More »
