If you see a sobriety checkpoint up ahead, you may want to avoid it for any number of reasons. However, it may seem like something you have to go through due to the way it's set up. But do you actually need to go through a sobriety checkpoint when you see one? Or is...
Criminal Defense
A struggle with the police will not help your case
You’ve been a law-abiding citizen for years and never had so much as a warning from law enforcement. Suddenly, you find yourself surrounded by police officers who claim you are a suspect in a criminal investigation. They inform you that you are under arrest....
Is physical contact necessary for assault charges?
Assault is not only a serious criminal charge, but it comes with certain violent connotations. Those convicted of assault could face lengthy jail sentences and find it hard to obtain work upon release. While a physical attack such as punching someone, kicking them or...
3 acts other than stealing that can lead to shoplifting charges
Shoplifting is one of the more common forms of theft in Texas. Although many times shoplifting is an opportunistic crime involving children or teenagers putting items in their pocket or grabbing something and running out of the store, sometimes shoplifting is a...
Be ready to use your defense against an assault charge in court
After an argument with an old friend, you may be surprised when the police show up at your door, charging you with assault. Before you say anything, you need to know what “assault” and “battery” are. If you have any good defense against the charges you may be facing,...
Yes, you can argue self-defense in an assault case
Self-defense can be a strong argument when you are facing a criminal allegation that involves a crime of violence such as assault. Essentially, arguing self-defense means admitting to committing a violent act, but claiming that the act was justified. In fact,...
3 common myths about assault charges in Texas
Facing criminal charges can be a daunting prospect. A criminal conviction could significantly alter your life, particularly in the case of convictions for violence. Often, those accused may feel surprised, shocked and bewildered when notified that they are being...
How does Texas law treat assault charges?
In many states assault and battery are treated differently as being separate crimes under state law. Assault is traditionally making threats that include bodily harm. Battery, on the other hand, is making contact with another person's body in an attempt to cause...
Are military benefits at risk from a criminal conviction?
Joining the military means that interactions with law enforcement will have more consequences for you than for civilians. While you are an active service member, an arrest or criminal charges could lead to military consequences as well or even a dishonorable...
Understanding the importance of an unbroken chain of custody
You’ve likely heard the term “chain of custody” but may not have thought much about it until prosecutors charged you with a crime. Your attorney or the court may keep advising you that you have to trust that police preserved the evidence that prosecutors plan to...