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 …
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Charges in Texas Read More »
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. …
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 …
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 …
Your home is your castle, and Texas law grants you the right to protect it (and yourself). But how far are you allowed to go to protect yourself? Sometimes, use of deadly force is justified, while sometimes homeowners have a duty to retreat. It can seem confusing. Here’s what you need to know to protect …
Texas Self-Defense Laws: Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground Read More »
You can’t shoot someone simply for trespassing in Texas, but you can take other actions to defend your property. Many of our clients are gun owners, and they often believe that they have the right to use those guns to protect themselves under any circumstance. However, the legal right to own and carry a gun …
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 …
Aggravated sexual assault involves a sexual assault with at least one aggravating factor that increases the offense’s severity.
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 …
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 …
Domestic Assault / Family Violence in Texas: Charges & Consequences Read More »
