What Is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?

Understanding legal terms such as parole and probation is crucial if you’re facing criminal charges or are being sentenced. These two concepts may sound similar, but they refer to distinctly different aspects of the justice system, each with its own unique rules and applications.  What Is Probation? Probation is a court-ordered alternative to incarceration that…

Dropping Charges in Criminal Cases

Being detained and facing criminal charges brings stress, fear, and plenty of questions about your future. Sometimes, charges will get dropped, though. Knowing what it really means to have charges dropped, and how that process might happen, is essential if you want to protect your rights and make smart decisions during your case.  Every situation…

What Are the Safest and Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in McKinney, TX?

According to the numbers, McKinney unfortunately has a crime problem. The city’s crime index places earns it a spot in the 44th percentile for crime safety. In other words, 56% of cities in the U.S. are safer than McKinney. However, your risk of being a victim of a crime or being accused of a crime…

5 Things to Remember if You’re up Against False Accusations in Court in Texas

Being wrongfully accused in a Texas courtroom is one of the scariest experiences anyone can face. Your freedom, reputation, and future all hang in the balance — and when accusations are false, the odds might feel stacked against you. However, there are things you can do to protect yourself, fight back, and work toward clearing…

What Is the Difference Between a Dismissal, an Acquittal, and “No Charges Filed” in a Texas Criminal Case?

Most people’s view of the criminal justice system is that there’s a trial, and the defendant is pronounced either “guilty” or “not guilty.” But the reality is often not that simple. When police open a criminal investigation, there are many ways it can be resolved–and if you’re a potential suspect, you need to be aware…

Roadside Checkpoints Are Constitutional: Texas Court of Appeals

A very recent case decided by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the State’s highest court of appeals to hear criminal cases, has established the lawfulness of roadside checkpoints under certain circumstances. This case will affect not only Driving While Intoxicated cases, but all criminal cases and the citizenry in general.  I’ll explain.  The Fourth…

Am I Being Detained? 6 Questions You Should Ask During Interactions With the Police

Police encounters can happen quickly and unexpectedly. Knowing what to say and what not to say can make a big impact on protecting your rights. In McKinney, Texas, officers have broad authority to question people, but that authority has limits. Knowing what those limits are can help you avoid escalating the situation while ensuring you…

What Proof Is Needed for a Restraining Order in McKinney, TX?

Restraining orders, called protective orders under Texas law, are powerful court orders designed to protect individuals from things like stalking or family violence. If you are seeking one in McKinney or if someone has filed one against you, it’s important to understand what proof is needed for a judge to grant it. Protective orders can…

The Best States for Responsible Gun Owners

Gun laws vary widely across the United States. While some states make it difficult to own or carry a firearm legally, others have created clear and balanced systems for responsible gun ownership. If you’re a law-abiding citizen who wants to exercise your Second Amendment rights, certain states stand out for how they handle things like…

What Is the Difference Between OVI, DUI, DWI, and OMVI?

If you’ve been pulled over for suspected drunk or drugged driving in Dallas, Texas, you may hear terms like DUI, DWI, or even OVI. These acronyms can get confusing fast. While they all refer to some form of impaired driving, the exact meaning and legal consequences can vary depending on the state.  In Texas, only…