If you think it’s a good idea to go down through a chimney like Good Saint Nick, you might want to think again. Burglary is one of those offenses that gets real complicated real fast. One small change in how you go about your “business” and your possible sentence jumps from six months to twenty […]
Author: Staci
Defending Santa Claus
All events take place in Grinchville County in Winter Wonderland, a location that just so happens to be identical to San Antonio in every way, including its laws. The following excerpt is from a news article in the North Pole Gazette detailing the police investigation into the allegations against Mr. Claus: Santa Claus has been […]
Evading with a Vehicle
We all know that running from the cops is generally frowned upon, right? We assume that’s pretty common knowledge. But did you know that there are criminal charges specifically for trying to escape arrest? There’s even a special charge for trying to escape in a vehicle or boat. Just to drive that home. This week […]
Obstruction
This week, we’re talking about Obstructing a Highway or Other Passageway. It’s a wordy charge (and a wordy statute), but it boils down to this: Yes, you can get arrested for being in the way. Let’s take a look at the statute: Texas Penal Code Section 42.03:Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway (a) A person commits an […]
Writs of Habeas Corpus – Or How to Appeal When You Can’t Appeal
Let’s talk about writs. Practically speaking, a writ of habeas corpus allows an attorney to attempt to overturn a conviction (or a defendant in pro se cases, since attorneys are usually not provided to indigent defendants for writs) by bringing evidence before the court that is not already in the record. New evidence can be presented in multiple ways, from affidavits and depositions, to having full-fledged hearings before the judge that look a little like a trial. It’s a bit of a hail mary… but endlessly worth it if they succeed.
Collateral Consequences in Family Violence Cases
Criminal cases involving allegations of family violence are some of the most sensitive, and serious, offenses in the justice system and for good reason. But the consequences of a case go far beyond the possibilities of conviction.
Parole in Texas
If you or a loved one are considering taking a plea deal that includes prison time, understanding how parole works in Texas can be vital in assisting you in making that decision. Most felonies, with the exception of state jail felonies and some felonies prohibited by statute, are parole eligible offenses. In Texas, there are […]
Non-disclosures and Expunctions
In Texas, there are options for most criminal cases that are disposed of without a conviction to either be expunged or eligible for non-disclosures. It’s important to understand the difference between these two types of sealing. Expunction Expunction removes all trace of a criminal charge from a person’s record. If a charge is expunged, a […]
Juvenile Law Overview
When a child gets into trouble, it can be scary not only for the child, but for the parents as well. The Juvenile Justice system in Texas is set up differently than the adult system and the terminology and procedures involved may be confusing. If your child is in need of legal representation because of […]
Drug Offenses in Texas
Being arrested for possession of any controlled substance can be scary. Whether is a simple misdemeanor possession for marijuana or its a first degree felony for a penalty group one substance, it’s important to understand that drug offenses don’t have to ruin your record or your future. There are programs available to resolve drug offenses […]