Your first probation meeting is the first time you officially meet your probation officer. It’s critical that you make a good impression. But what will happen during this first meeting? Your probation officer will use this meeting to assess your situation. You will probably have to provide a sample for drug and alcohol testing. You …
DWI accident charges in Texas can result in imprisonment and thousands of dollars in fines. The severity of the charges, and therefore the consequences, will depend on the seriousness of the accident. For example, you’ll face harsher penalties if the accident results in serious injury or death. In this guide, we break down the full …
DWI Accident Charges: Legal Implications in Texas Read More »
After you’ve been arrested for a crime, you will be required to appear before a judge, where you will be told—in a formal setting—of the charges brought against you. This first court appearance is also known as an arraignment, and it typically takes place around 48 hours after your arrest—though it may take place later …
Navigating Your First Court Appearance: Insights and Guidelines Read More »
When you’re facing sentencing in a criminal case, you want to make sure that the judge considers all evidence in your favor. One way to do that is to present letters of recommendation for court. In this blog, we’ll go over what these letters are, who can write one, and how a Texas criminal defense …
Crafting Persuasive Letters of Recommendation for Court Read More »
The following is a statement by Michael & Associates on behalf of former Loretta Police Chief Melissa Cantu. For Immediate Release: On September 21st, 2023, municipal Judge Sharon Watson, municipal court clerk Stephanie Sweet and city secretary Elizabeth Lambert met at by the entrance to Lometa City Hall. Lots was discussed, but ultimately there was …
Statement on Behalf of Former Police Chief Melissa Cantu Read More »
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Texas is a serious offense. Offenders are met with harsh penalties and consequences that rise in severity with each subsequent DWI. Multiple DWIs in Texas can lead to a felony conviction, up to $10,000 in fines, and imprisonment. Combined with legal penalties, and the stigma that comes with DWI convictions, …
Under Texas’ Implied Consent law, anyone who accepts a driver’s license automatically consents to breath and blood samples when legally arrested on suspicion of DWI. Even still, you have the right to withdraw consent. However, refusing chemical tests in Texas comes with consequences that you should be aware of. In this article, we’ll cover chemical …
Chemical Test Refusal in Texas: What You Need to Know Read More »
The cost of a DWI lawyer in Texas can vary depending on the lawyer’s experience, location, reputation, and the complexity of the case. For a simple DWI case that doesn’t go to trial, you can expect to pay between $5,000 to $10,000. Some lawyers will charge extra for a trial or an ALR hearing (we …
Driving or operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in Texas, and convictions are met with harsh penalties. In Texas, Driving Under the Influence—which includes operating a boat—is reserved for minors, and is a separate offense from Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Boating While Intoxicated (BWI). DWI and BWI charges …
BUI vs DUI (BWI vs DWI) in Texas: Differences, Similarities, and Legal Penalties Read More »
In DWI stops, police in Texas use SFSTs, or Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, to determine if a person’s driving ability is impaired. However, SFSTs are not always accurate. There are several reasons why a person may perform poorly, including anxiety, poor balance, poor roadside conditions, and incorrect procedure by the officer. Michael & Associates often …
SFST in Texas: What You Need to Know About Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Read More »