You’ve probably heard it many times on crime dramas like “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit”—“You have the right to remain silent.” This isn’t made-up dialogue, though. It’s the beginning of a constitutionally required phrase that protects the rights of U.S. citizens who are under arrest. Once an arresting officer has read someone their Miranda …
Right to Remain Silent: Safeguarding Justice in Legal Proceedings Read More »
In every state, incest is illegal. However, the crimes and punishments connected to incest vary from state to state. For instance, state laws may differ regarding which relatives fall under the legal definition of incest. Incest involves sexual contact between close relatives, including brothers and sisters, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, or aunts or …
Incest Laws: Legal Definitions, Penalties, and Key Considerations Read More »
Texas law protects the rights of property owners. Whether it’s a private home, a business, or land, you need permission to be on the premises. If you access someone else’s property without authorization, you can be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. However, not all intrusions are intentional; there …
Criminal Trespass in Texas: Legal Aspects and Ramifications Read More »
Under some circumstances, deferred adjudication is available for first-time DWI offenders in Texas. If you have no prior DWI convictions and meet the other eligibility requirements, your DWI attorney could seek deferred adjudication. If you complete community supervision, the court will dismiss the DWI charge, allowing you to avoid a formal conviction. The DWI charges …
Is Deferred Adjudication Available for DWI Charges in Texas? Read More »
If you’ve been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated in Texas, you’ll be relieved to hear that not all charges lead to a conviction. With help from an experienced criminal defense attorney, it may be possible to have your DWI charges dismissed. Furthermore, depending on how a dismissal is earned, it may be possible to get …
Navigating DWI Dismissals: Expungement, Sealing, and Legal Insights Read More »
In criminal law, the presence of certain circumstances or “aggravating elements” can increase a defendant’s level of culpability. As a result, aggravating factors (or circumstances) often lead to elevated charges for the person accused and—if the charges result in a conviction—harsher penalties as well. In this article, we’ll cover the types of aggravating circumstances that …
Decoding Aggravating Circumstances in Criminal Law Read More »
When it comes to the differences between voluntary manslaughter and murder, things can get a little confusing—after all, they both involve one person killing another person on purpose. The distinctions between the two charges hinge on key legal elements, including the presence (or lack) of premeditation, deliberation, and malice aforethought. In this article, we’ll unravel …
Voluntary Manslaughter: Unravelling Legal Nuances Read More »
In this article, we’ll explain how second degree murders are defined under Texas law, the ways that they differ from other homicide charges, and how an Austin criminal defense lawyer can help you with your case. Understanding Second Degree Murders It is important to understand that Texas law does not use the term “second degree …
Exploring Second-Degree Murders: Navigating Legal Nuance Read More »
Involuntary manslaughter refers to the unintentional killing of another person, usually through reckless behavior or negligence. It’s different from other homicide offenses because it doesn’t require intent, deliberation, or premeditation. Even with the distinction, involuntary manslaughter is still a serious offense that carries severe legal penalties and consequences. If you or a loved one are …
Involuntary Manslaughter in Texas: Legal Insights and Real-world Perspectives Read More »
If you are arrested and charged with a crime, you will usually be asked to return to court at a later date for further proceedings. Most people would prefer to go home and get on with their lives while waiting for their next court date, but to be released from custody, you may need to …
Understanding Personal Bonds in Legal Proceedings Read More »