Capital murder is the most serious offense you can commit in Texas. It means committing a premeditated murder but with aggravating factors that elevate the charge to a “capital” felony. In Texas, capital murder is a death penalty offense, while first-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Capital Murder vs. First-Degree Murder …
Charles Pelowski
Is Plan B Legal in Texas?
Plan B and other emergency contraceptives, including a separate medication called “Ella” that helps prevent pregnancy within 72 hours after having unprotected sex, are legal in Texas. These contraceptives are not the same as “medicated abortion pills.” This is where the confusion arises about which medications are legal. Texas’s strict abortion laws do not affect …
Objection Hearsay Meaning + More Common Courtroom Objections
If you’ve ever watched a legal drama on television, you’ve heard someone shout “Objection, Your Honor! Hearsay!” at a critical dramatic moment. In simple terms, that usually means a witness cites information they’ve heard from someone else. An objection is a protest raised by an attorney during a legal proceeding. It alerts the judge that …
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2nd DWI in Texas? Laws, Penalties, and How to Fight It
The penalties for a second DWI are more severe than a first offense – and technically require a minimum of 30 days in jail – but it’s still unlikely that you’ll serve any jail time beyond the mandatory minimum of three days required for probation. However, it’s even more vital that you have an experienced …
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1st DWI in Texas? Here’s What to Know
Most first DWIs are Class B misdemeanors, which carry a maximum of 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a mandatory minimum of three days in county jail (which can be suspended or probated). However, statistics show that most first offenders won’t spend more than a few hours in jail. It’s important to remember …
What is the Romeo & Juliet Law in Texas
Texas’ “Romeo and Juliet” law helps teens who have not yet reached the state’s age of consent (which is 17) avoid facing a potential statutory rape conviction for having consensual sex with a peer. For the “Romeo and Juliet” law to apply, the age gap must be no greater than three years. The law comes …
New Texas Drug Laws in 2024
Drug laws in Texas are constantly evolving. Recent updates include revised penalties for drug and marijuana offenses, more flexible sentencing guidelines for judges, and a crackdown on those who are accused of manufacturing or distributing fentanyl. Here is a roundup of the state’s newest drug laws and updates to currently existing laws. Recent Updates and …
Can You Leave the State On Probation in Texas?
If you’re on probation in Texas and wondering whether you can relocate or even leave the state, the short answer is that it will be complicated. However, it’s not impossible. There are rules and guidelines that allow you to leave Texas while you’re on probation. You must complete certain steps first, and your probation officer …
Probation Fees in Texas: How Much Will It Cost?
Probation fees in Texas can be as low as $25 per month or hundreds of dollars, including the monthly supervision fee, court costs, drug or alcohol testing, and such other miscellaneous expenses as ignition interlock devices. Some probationers say they’ve had to prioritize probation fees over rent for fear of revocation. And there could be …
TDPS Online Database: A Comprehensive Guide
The Texas Department of Public Safety operates an online database where you can search for information about criminal arrests and convictions. The public has limited access to this information, but authorized law enforcement agencies, authorized government agencies and authorized private entities can obtain far more information. Overview of the TDPS Online Database The Texas Department …