Resources - Michael & Associates, Attorneys at Law

Involuntary Manslaughter in Texas: Legal Insights and Real-world Perspectives

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 …

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Understanding Personal Bonds in Legal Proceedings

Law / By Ben Michael

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 …

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Understanding bond fees in Texas makes it easier to deal with a request requiring a bond.

Bond vs Bail in Texas: What are the Differences?

Law, Texas / By Ben Michael

After getting arrested and put in jail, you will typically be scheduled for an initial hearing, also called an arraignment, where a judge reads out the charges against you, informs you of your rights, and offers you the chance to enter a plea. The judge will determine your bail amount based on various factors, such …

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An Austin warrant search can give you peace of mind.

Austin Warrant Search: Navigating, Understanding Consequences, and Searches

Law, Texas / By Ben Michael

An outstanding warrant can impact your life in unexpected ways, especially if you never know of its existence. Fortunately, there are ways to find out beforehand if a warrant has been issued against you. In this blog, you’ll learn about the resources available to locate this information and how an Austin criminal defense attorney can …

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Typical DWI (DUI) Sentence in Texas

DWI-DUI, Texas / By Ben Michael

Drunk driving offenses are treated seriously in Texas, and convictions can often lead to jail time and fines. The exact sentence for a DWI in Texas will depend on the circumstances of the case. For a 1st DWI, with no aggravating factors, you can expect up to 180 days of jail time. But even with …

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Understanding Sealed and Expunged Records: Legal Processes, Access, and Implications

Law, Lawyers / By Ben Michael

Having a criminal record can cause life-long problems, hamper your personal goals and aspirations, get in the way of employment opportunities, and even become a barrier when it comes to housing options. Even if a court case doesn’t lead to a conviction, the arrest, charges, and court proceedings remain on your record until action is …

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How Long Does a DWI / DUI Case Take? We Pulled the Data.

Law / By Ben Michael

Unfortunately, DWI cases take a long time. We pulled data from DWI cases our firm has handled, and on average, they take 10 months to close. You can see the distribution of our case timelines below: Timeframe to Close Percent of Total Cases 0-2 months 5% 3-5 Months 12% 6-8 Months 23% 9-11 Months 22% …

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Understanding Bond Fees: Navigating the Financial Aspect of Legal Proceedings

Law, Texas / By Ben Michael

If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense in Texas, you’re probably worried about remaining in jail until your case is heard. What will happen to your family if you stay in custody? Will you lose your job? How will the community react? The good news is that you may be able to secure your …

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What is the Vertical Gaze Nystagmus Field Sobriety Test?

DWI-DUI / By Ben Michael

If you’ve been arrested for a DWI in Texas, you need to know about the nystagmus tests that traffic safety officers use to determine if a driver is under the influence. These tests are simple to administer and take little time. The most popular options are the vertical gaze nystagmus test and the horizontal gaze …

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IID After DWI (DUI): What You Need to Know About Ignition Interlock Devices

DWI-DUI / By Ben Michael

After any DWI conviction in Texas, expect serious consequences. Outside of suspended driver’s licenses and administrative fees, you may also be required to install ignition interlock devices (IIDs) in your vehicle, which prevent drivers from taking the wheel if breathalyzers detect minimum alcohol concentration levels. Keep reading to learn more about IID DUIs in Texas, …

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