Tips for Minimizing the Risk of a Drunk Driving Arrest Over the Holidays It's the holidays—time to celebrate—and that often means a cocktail or two with friends and family. That's all part of the season—unless you decide to get behind the wheel … [Read more...]
Start the New Year with a Clean Slate — Expunging Your Criminal Record
Use the Texas Expungement Process to Seal Criminal Records What's your New Year's resolution? A better job or a new place to live? A return to school, so that you have better job skills? When you have a criminal record hanging over your head, … [Read more...]
Your Personal Halloween Nightmare: Getting Arrested for DWI
A Real Halloween Scare — A Drunk Driving Charge!! There's nothing quite like a good scare on Halloween night—but here's a nightmare you can do without—getting pulled over by law enforcement officers after you've been enjoying a few cocktails with … [Read more...]
Probation Violations
If you’re sentenced to probation, your initial feeling might be relief because you’re not incarcerated, you can spend time with your family and in your community, and you can resume your life. But, probation doesn’t offer absolute freedom. An … [Read more...]
The Statute of Limitations in Texas Criminal Prosecutions
Are There Time Limits on When a Criminal Case Must Be Initiated? There’s a longstanding principle in our legal system, known as the “statute of limitations,” that sets limits on the amount of time that may pass before a civil lawsuit is filed or a … [Read more...]
Search and Seizure in Texas—The Basics
Understanding Your Rights under the Fourth Amendment If you are under investigation for a criminal offense, or if you have been pulled over by police officers for any type of infraction, there may come a point where the officers want to conduct a … [Read more...]
The Difference Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in Texas
Distinguishing the Criminal Act from the Civil Wrong It seems like it’s almost impossible to read a newspaper or tune into the news without hearing a report of allegations of sexual harassment or sexual assault, with the terms often used … [Read more...]
Is It Domestic Violence?
How to Know If Behavior Rises to the Level of Domestic Violence In any relationship, there will be disagreements. Voices can be raised and threatening words spoken. But what is domestic violence? When does a person’s behavior cross the line and … [Read more...]
First Offender Programs in Texas
We all make mistakes—unfortunately, for some of us, those mistakes can have legal consequences. While the aftermath of a criminal arrest can be traumatic, the existence of a number of first offender programs in Texas can give you the opportunity for … [Read more...]
The Legal Process for Early Termination of Probation
If you’ve been convicted of a crime or have pleaded guilty, there’s a good chance that a part of your sentence will involve a period of probation, where you’ll have some restrictions set on your activities and where you’ll have to report to a … [Read more...]
Expunging or Sealing a Criminal Record in Texas
When you’ve been arrested or convicted on a criminal charge in Texas, it can haunt you for years. Because arrests and criminal proceedings are a matter of public record, a potential employer may see them and make an unfavorable decision based on … [Read more...]
Assault Charges: Dropped, Dismissed or Reduced?
Under the state laws in Texas, you can be charged with criminal assault under three circumstances: You intentionally threatened another person with physical harm You intentionally engaged in provocative or offensive physical contact with another … [Read more...]