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 »
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 …
Bond vs Bail in Texas: What are the Differences? Read More »
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 …
Austin Warrant Search: Navigating, Understanding Consequences, and Searches Read More »
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 …
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 …
Understanding Sealed and Expunged Records: Legal Processes, Access, and Implications Read More »
Getting arrested and charged with a DWI is a stressful process that nobody wants to experience. It’s only natural to wish for your case to be processed quickly and for the whole nightmare to come to a swift resolution. Unfortunately, even simple DWI cases can take months to resolve. Learning more about DWI court proceedings …