Travis County Criminal Attorney News Info
Things to Know if You Are Pulled Over for DWI
Picture this: you’ve been out at a restaurant or bar and had a drink or two. Afterward, as you drive home, you suddenly hear a siren and see the flashing lights of a police car in your rearview mirror. You start to panic because, while this type of traffic stop...
The Most Dangerous Time of the Year: The Holidays and Driving Under the Influence
Celebrating the holiday season with friends and family should be a happy time of year for all. However, sometimes the holidays are blighted by someone choosing to get behind the wheel after drinking. Make sure to keep your holiday season merry, by avoiding a Christmas...
Shoplifting During the Holiday Season
The winter holiday season is here, which means holiday shoppers are out in force. While there are scores out shopping for Christmas this year, it seems many of them are choosing to skip paying for what they choose in the wake of the high inflation rate. Christmas...
Domestic Violence and the Holidays
The winter holiday season is upon us, a festive time of year for most people. But the holidays are more challenging for some people, especially if there is domestic violence in their household. Whether emotional, verbal, or physical violence, abuse can make the...
National Computer Security Day: Protect Against Identity Fraud, Part 2
As the crime of identity fraud increases, many people are beginning to understand the importance of protecting themselves, especially in the digital space. National Computer Security Day on November 30th is fast becoming the date people are using to remind themselves...
National Computer Security Day: Protect Against Identity Fraud, Part 1
National Computer Security Day is observed every year on November 30th. It is a day to raise awareness about cyber security issues, help people maintain online security, and empower people to take ownership of their online identity. As the world becomes more and more...
3 Myths About Assault Charges in Texas
In the state of Texas, if you are arrested and charged with assault, you could end up in court and will face extremely harsh penalties if convicted. You need to understand the legal nature of assault to avoid this, as well as common misconceptions and myths about...
Crime in Austin
Every state in the US has some level of crime. Criminal activity varies depending on several different factors, such as if the location is urban vs. rural. The types of crimes in cities differ from those in smaller towns. Read on if you want to know more about some of...
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney
A personal injury attorney in Austin, TX offers legal assistance in situations where, due to someone’s careless actions or negligence, physical or psychological injury is caused to another individual. A personal injury attorney will handle cases that involve injury...
Texas Drug Charges: Possession vs. Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute
Texas takes drug crimes very seriously, and strict drug laws exist to deal with such crimes across the state. Understanding the types of drug charges prescribed by law in Texas can help you steer clear of legal trouble relating to drug possession. For instance, you...
Classes of Misdemeanors in Texas
In the State of Texas, a person arrested for a crime will be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor is a criminal charge under a felony, reserved for less serious crimes. If you are facing misdemeanor charges in Texas, you could be severely...
How to Expunge your Record in Texas: A Basic Overview
Have you made some legal mistakes in the past and now have a criminal record? Do you want to clear your record and clean up your act? You may be eligible to have your record cleared of qualifying arrests through the process of expunction. If you want to learn how to...
Expungements in Texas: Clear Your Criminal Record
One mistake can cause inconveniences or minor setbacks for people. But when the mistake is actually a poor choice or decision that constitutes a criminal act, people’s entire futures can be impacted significantly. Texans with criminal records often worry about...
DWI Pretrial Diversion
Have you been charged with a DWI in Texas? If so, you are likely concerned that you won’t be able to keep working and providing for your family during your trial. If your case qualifies, one of the options you might have if you are facing Texas DWI charges is a...
Fentanyl in Austin
Texas takes drug crimes very seriously, imposing the harshest possible penalties on convicted drug offenders. Texas is currently dealing with a rise in drug offenses, especially those involving fentanyl, a synthetic opioid and one of the latest drugs of concern across...
A Brief Discussion of Sex Offender Registration in Texas
Being charged with a sex crime in Texas can result in the offense being added to your criminal record and you will be required to register with the state as a sex offender. Most people think that registering as a sex offender in Texas is straightforward; but there is...
Understanding Sexual Assault Charges in Texas
Have you or a loved one been blindsided by allegations of sexual assault? Unfortunately, such allegations are made every day, sometimes falsely. If you are facing possible charges for this crime, it is important that you have an understanding of sexual assault...
Repeat Offenders, Part 2: Possible Defenses Against a Repeat Offender Designation
The state of Texas takes a firm stance when it comes to repeat offenders. The best way for individuals facing a repeat offender designation to defend themselves is to be found not guilty of the charges against them; by avoiding the conviction, he or she will avoid the...
Capital Murder Versus Murder in Texas
What is the difference between capital murder versus murder in Texas? From the perpetuation of the crimes to their punishments, Texas handles these charges very differently. While both are categorized as homicides under the Texas Penal Code, one is a first-degree...
Repeat Offenders, Part 1: the Three Strikes Law in Texas
Texas 3 Strike Law The state of Texas deals harshly with repeat offenders. Individuals who have been deemed to be repeat offenders face especially strict state laws for the crimes they commit. Many of them face the Three Strikes Law related to felony convictions if...
Murder in Texas: Police Investigation and Arrest
Murder investigation Austin. When murders occur anywhere across the country, they send shockwaves through communities. People often wonder what happens when a murder occurs. How does law enforcement proceed? Read on for a brief overview of what happens after a murder...
Self Defense in Texas
Can you go to jail for self defense in Texas? Are you facing murder charges in Texas? Were you charged with the crime even though you were defending yourself? If you want to protect your rights and minimize subsequent legal consequences, you might be able to fight the...
Murder Charges in Texas: An Overview
If someone is responsible for the death of another individual, he or she can be charged with the crime of homicide. Homicide is understood as the killing of one individual by another. The law in Texas includes different categories of homicide; which category is used...
What is Deadly Conduct in Texas?
Deadly conduct in Texas is an assaultive offensive clearly defined in Texas state law. Deadly conduct means engaging in behavior that puts someone else at risk of death. However, loss of life isn't necessarily required for a person to be charged with this offense. If...
Family Violence Offenses: Assault by Strangulation
Assault is a very serious crime. Domestic assault, called assault family violence in Texas, is handled very strictly under state law. While many assault family violence crimes are treated as misdemeanors in the Lone Star State, cases that involve choking or...
Domestic Violence in Texas
In the state of Texas, domestic violence is referred to as ‘family violence.’ Though family violence is not defined in Texas law in its own specific terms, it is referenced and designated as an assaultive offense within the law. The Texas family code and state penal...
Can I Have My DWI Expunged in Texas?
DWI, or “driving while intoxicated,” is a crime that is strictly punished in the state of Texas. Once you are charged and convicted of a DWI, that charge is usually permanent and cannot be cleared from your Texas criminal record. That said, there are expunctions...
Intoxication Assault and Intoxication Manslaughter Charges in Texas
Every Texan knows that driving while intoxicated is extremely dangerous. But despite public awareness of this fact, accidents caused by intoxicated drivers occur often and frequently lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. This is part of why DWI laws are so...
The Financial Impact of DWI
The cost of driving while impaired (DWI) in Texas is very high. A DWI arrest and conviction can be devastating and have life-long consequences. Your criminal record will show the DWI and your reputation will suffer. Further, it can have a huge negative impact on your...
Has Marijuana Been Legalized in Texas?
Across the United States, there has been a push to consider the legalization of the drug marijuana. So, has marijuana been legalized in Texas? The short answer is no. While some state governments have legalized possession and use of the drug in any circumstance,...
Clearing Your Record, Part 2: Partial Expunctions
Texans with criminal records who want to make strides towards better lives have to worry about the impact their criminal histories will have on their futures. They understand that their records can have an effect on every aspect of their lives, causing difficulties in...
Clearing Your Record, Part 1: What is an Expunction?
Having a criminal record can have a significant negative impact on your life. From employment and financial credit to housing options and custody arrangements, it can be a major hurdle. Do you want to clear your criminal record to avoid as many of these obstacles as...
Drunk Driving Charges in Texas
Drunk driving is a crime all across the United States, but there can be different designations of the offenses depending on the state in which it occurs, and the age of the driver. The most common terms are DUI and DWI. DUI is the acronym for “driving under the...
What Are the Penalties for Possession or Delivery of Drug Paraphernalia?
It’s illegal to use, possess, or deliver drug paraphernalia in Texas. Law enforcement officers can arrest and charge you with possession or delivery of drug paraphernalia if they believe you use, deliver, or manufacture drug paraphernalia in the Lone Star State. This...
Possession or Delivery of Drug Paraphernalia in Texas
Texans can be arrested and charged with a criminal offense for having items known to be items used for making and/or distributing illegal drugs. Possession or delivery of drug paraphernalia in the Lone Star State is a serious crime. Though serious, it is nevertheless...
Boating While Intoxicated: A Basic Overview
Being out on the water is a part of life year-round in the Lone Star State. Boaters in Texas can enjoy hundreds of lakes, rivers, and streams. With so many bodies of water and warm and sunny weather most of the year, Texas is one of the most popular states in the...
Detection of Marijuana in Impaired Drivers, Part 1
There is a growing concern in the United States that cannabis use is becoming the more prevalent cause of impairment amongst many drivers detained during traffic stops for possibly driving while intoxicated. As more and more drivers are discovered to have used...
Detection of Marijuana in Impaired Drivers, Part 2
This blog post is part two of a discussion of drugged driving, specifically the increased concern that many traffic accidents involve drivers who are marijuana-impaired. This post will address the call being made for improved roadside drug testing methods and...
Marijuana DUI Testing, Part 2
As marijuana has become more readily available in the US, it has increased as a public health concern. While there are many different drugs that can impair drivers, more and more people are driving under the influence of marijuana when they take to the roads....
Marijuana DUI Testing
Drugged driving is a serious problem in the United States. One of the most pernicious drugs contributing to this problem is cannabis, or marijuana. The problem of drugged driving continues to grow as marijuana becomes more accessible and readily available across the...