You may never have heard of a “good guy/gal packet.” But if you’re a criminal defendant or ever become one, this packet — sometimes called a “mitigation packet” — could be a blessing. These packets generally come into play during plea negotiations. Information in the packet, such as evidence of a solid work history or …
The Comprehensive Guide to the “Good Guy/Gal Packet”: Navigating Plea Negotiations Read More »
A Victim Impact Panel (VIP) class sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other advocacy groups generally lasts two hours, whether it’s the online or in-person version. However, you might end up spending more time participating in the in-person class due to the need to arrive early, and travel to and from the class …
How Long Is a MADD Class? Duration, Options, and Costs Read More »
You don’t always need to pay the full bail amount if you’re charged with a crime. In criminal cases, a judge might release a defendant from custody without requiring an upfront payment under what’s known as a personal bond. But if the defendant violates conditions of the personal bond arrangement, such as failing to show …
Personal Bonds in Texas: Do You Have to Pay the Full Bail Amount? Read More »
Can a felon legally purchase a gun? In general, they can’t. Usually, it’s not only illegal for a felon to buy a firearm, but it’s illegal for them to ship, transport, possess, or receive a firearm or ammunition. Both federal and state laws control whether a felon can purchase or use a firearm. Understanding Firearm …
Firearm Possession: Can a Felon Legally Purchase a Gun? Read More »
In some situations, a Texas temporary driver’s license isn’t a big deal. For example, you normally receive a temporary driver’s license during in-person renewal of your driver’s license. Having a Texas temporary driver’s license can be a big deal, though. That’s especially true if the temporary license resulted from a DWI arrest. What Is a …
Texas Temporary Driver’s License: A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
A DWI conviction usually puts a big dent in your car insurance. On average, your insurance premium for full coverage goes up roughly 70% after a DWI conviction. An insurer might even refuse to provide coverage if a DWI shows up on your driving record. The consequences might be even more severe if a DWI …
Some criminal cases brought to a prosecutor might not result in criminal charges being filed. A prosecutor may decline to proceed with a case for various reasons, such as insufficient evidence, an uncooperative witness, or a violation of the suspect’s constitutional rights. Understanding the Prosecutor’s Decision Several factors influence a prosecutor’s decision to file criminal …
What Happens if a Prosecutor Decides Not to Prosecute? Read More »
If you have limited resources or maybe some knowledge of the legal system — but without a law degree — you might be tempted to represent yourself in court. This is known as “Pro Se Litigation”. But how successful are those who represent themselves? There isn’t great data available on this, but the bottom line: …
Success Rate of Representing Yourself in Court: Understanding the Odds Read More »
The Texas Department of Public Safety operates an online database where you can search for information about criminal arrests and convictions. The public has limited access to this information, but authorized law enforcement agencies, authorized government agencies and authorized private entities can obtain far more information. Overview of the TDPS Online Database The Texas Department …
From petty theft to violent offenses, crime can take various forms and have varying consequences for the individuals and communities involved. Generally, criminal acts are divided into five main categories: crimes against a person, crimes against property, inchoate crimes, statutory crimes, and financial or “white-collar” crimes. The severity of the crime and the resulting damage …