Tales from the Blog

When faced with criminal charges, the stakes are high, and the repercussions can be life-altering. Whether it's a minor misdemeanor or a serious felony, navigating the complexities of the legal system can be overwhelming and intimidating. In such challenging times, the importance of hiring an exp...

Being accused of a crime is a distressing experience that can lead to immediate consequences, including arrest and detention. However, it's crucial to remember that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If you or a loved one has been arrested in Texas, understanding...

As a defense attorney, the pursuit of justice is a calling that often leads to defending clients in high-profile cases. These cases attract intense media attention, creating a challenging environment both inside and outside the courtroom. Navigating the complexities of publicity and media can be ...

In the world of criminal defense, the pursuit of truth is of paramount importance. As technology evolves, various tools and methods are employed to uncover the facts and strengthen a defendant's case. One such method that has been a topic of debate is the use of polygraph, commonly known as a lie...

As a defense attorney, I often encounter individuals who find themselves in complex legal situations, including witnessing a crime they didn't commit while having a questionable past. Being a witness in such circumstances can be overwhelming, as it may involve confronting law enforcement with a p...

In encounters with law enforcement, it's essential to understand the distinction between being detained and being arrested. These two terms often cause confusion among the general public, but they carry significantly different implications regarding an individual's rights and the actions that law...

Finding yourself in the unfortunate situation of being arrested can be overwhelming and disheartening, especially when you don't have the financial means to secure both bail and legal representation. When facing this difficult choice, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option caref...

As a parent, one of the most distressing moments you can face is finding out that your child has been arrested. The mix of emotions, fear, and uncertainty can be overwhelming. However, it's crucial to stay calm and informed during this challenging time. Understanding the legal process and knowing...

In the realm of criminal defense, trials are often viewed as a single entity, where the guilt or innocence of the accused is determined. However, in Texas, the criminal justice system presents a unique duality known as the "Tale of Two Trials": the Guilt Innocence Phase and the Punishment Phase. ...

In an unpredictable world, personal safety is a paramount concern for individuals everywhere. The concept of self-defense serves as a fundamental right, enabling people to protect themselves or others from harm. While the notion of self-defense is universally recognized, its legal implications ca...

In the ever-evolving landscape of the legal profession, communication between clients and lawyers has undergone significant transformations. With each passing year, innovations and technology continue to reshape the way we interact, collaborate, and seek legal advice. In this blog post, we explor...

In Texas, probation and deferred adjudication are two different forms of community supervision for individuals who have been charged with a crime. While both involve monitoring and certain conditions to be met, there are key differences between the two: Probation: Conviction: With probation, ...

When dealing with incompetent defendants in a criminal case, several issues can arise. Competency refers to an individual's mental capacity to understand the nature andconsequences of the criminal proceeds against them and to assist in their own defense. InTexas, the issue of incompetent defendan...

Remember, being contacted by the police does not mean you're guilty of a crime. If the police ask for your consent to search your home, vehicle, or any other property, it's essential to understand your rights before giving consent. Generally, if the police do not have a warrant, they need your consent to search your property lawfully.

An affidavit of non-prosecution is a legal document in which a victim or witness of a crime indicates that they do not wish to pursue criminal charges against the person who has been accused of committing the crime. The affidavit is usually filed with the prosecutor's office or the court handling the case. In some cases, victims or witnesses of a crime may decide not to cooperate with the prosecution, either because they believe that the charges are unwarranted or because they want to protect the accused person. An affidavit of non-prosecution can be used to support this decision and may be taken into account by the prosecutor when deciding whether to continue with the case.

In Texas, law enforcement generally needs a warrant to draw blood in most situations, including after a car accident. The U.S. Supreme Court case Missouri v. McNeely established that the natural dissipation of alcohol in the bloodstream does not create a per se exigency that justifies a warrantle...

In Texas, an arraignment is a court hearing that occurs after a person has been arrested and charged with a crime. The purpose of the arraignment is to formally notify the defendant of the charges against them, advise them of their legal rights, and allow them to enter a plea.

Overall, while federalization of a state criminal case does not violate the Double Jeopardy Clause, it is a complex legal issue that can have significant consequences for individuals facing criminal charges. If you are facing criminal charges, it's important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can advise you on your legal rights and options.

A homeowner in Texas can sue a builder for construction defects. In fact, Texas has one of the strongest laws in the country for protecting homeowners against construction defects, called the Residential Construction Liability Act (RCLA). Under the RCLA, homeowners have the right to sue builders for defects in the construction of their home, including defects in the foundation, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, and other aspects of the home. The law requires that homeowners provide the builder with written notice of the defect and give the builder an opportunity to repair the defect before filing a lawsuit.

It's every parent's worst nightmare - receiving a call from your child's school informing you that your child has been arrested. The situation can be overwhelming and confusing, and it's important to know how to respond in a way that will support your child and protect their rights.

How do you find the right lawyer when everyone is telling you that they are the best? Simple. Talk to them. See what they are really about. During a consultation, make sure you get informed.

An Arraignment is a formal reading of a criminal charging document in the presence of the defendant, to inform them of the charges against them. In response to arraignment, the accused is expected to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

I have been asked many times from clients how a minor child can bring a lawsuit in Texas.  In particular, most questions are centered around exactly how it is done.  The short answer is yes, a child can be named as a plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit if they have been injured.

Alcohol & Drug-Related Criminal Abbreviations Did you get a drunk and disorderly charge? Are you trying to find out what DA means on your employee's background check? There are dozens of different criminal charge abbreviations that are related to drugs and alcohol. Here are a few of the more...

Short Answer:  If you have the right lawyer, nothing.  In fact, if you have retained an attorney, whether it is us or someone else, you can waive your appearance at the arraignment hearing and be excused from even appearing in court.