Bo Kalabus | September 18, 2023 | Criminal Defense
What Are the Laws Regarding Fake IDs in Texas?
As long as the legal drinking age in Texas stays at 21, teenagers will probably continue to obtain fake IDs to get served alcohol at bars and nightclubs. Indeed, many college and high school students view a fake ID as a “right of passage” and a victimless crime. But the reality is quite different. Getting caught trying…
Jeremy Rosenthal | September 18, 2023 | Criminal Defense \ Federal Firearms Violations
What is a Straw Purchase?
A straw purchase happens when a buyer receives goods or services on behalf of a third party. Regarding firearms transactions, straw purchases are strictly unlawful. A buyer cannot purchase a gun on behalf of a person prohibited by law from buying or possessing a gun. You also can’t purchase a gun for someone who wants…
Bo Kalabus | September 18, 2023 | Criminal Defense
When Does Smashing Pumpkins and Ding Dong Ditching on Halloween Become Criminal?
Halloween is about trick-or-treating and scarfing down way too much candy. But when does too much fun become criminal? Smashing pumpkins and ding-dong ditching can both result in criminal charges. Harmless Pranks or Misdemeanors & Felonies? Smashing Pumpkins This common prank usually upsets those devoted to carving the pumpkins. But if you smash the pumpkin…
Bo Kalabus | August 22, 2023 | Criminal Defense
Fireworks in Collin County, Texas
With the Fourth of July coming up next week, we pulled some facts together about shooting off fireworks in Collin County. Can I shoot off my own fireworks in Collin County? Use and possession of fireworks is allowed, but only in the unincorporated areas of Collin County. In other words, as long as you are not within…
Jeremy Rosenthal | August 22, 2023 | Criminal Defense
How Long Will it Take for My Case to Get Filed in Court?
If you or a loved one has ever been arrested and charged with a crime, you may find yourself wondering, “When will this nightmare be over?” Unfortunately, you will find that much of the criminal justice system fits the old saying, “Hurry up, and wait!” So, what can you expect? How long you wait depends, in part,…
Bo Kalabus | August 22, 2023 | Criminal Defense
What Happens After My Case is Filed in Court?
Perhaps you or a loved one have endured an arrest and a long wait to see if a case would be filed against you. Then, you receive a notice to appear in court. You may be wondering: What happens now? How long will this take? What can I expect from this process? First, resolving your…
Bo Kalabus | August 22, 2023 | Criminal Defense
What Is an Affidavit of Non-Prosecution (ANP) and How Does It Affect a Criminal Case?
Many Collin County criminal cases start with someone contacting the police and filing a report. This is a common occurrence in family violence cases–someone tells the police their partner assaulted them. After some time has passed, however, the accuser may not wish to go forward with criminal prosecution. Maybe the person made up the whole thing. Or…
Bo Kalabus | August 14, 2023 | Criminal Defense
Will CPS Interview my Child During an Investigation?
Once the Department of Family and Protective Services, Child Protective Services (CPS) begins an investigation of your family, know that the process typically begins with an interview of the child. CPS will attempt to interview your child and may also interview other children living in the home. A CPS Investigator can interview any child who…
Bo Kalabus | August 14, 2023 | Criminal Defense \ Drug Crimes
Getting Caught With Weed – Collin County vs. Dallas County
What happens if you get caught with weed in Texas depends on the amount of marijuana with which you are caught and the city you are in. In Dallas County, if you are caught with less than 4 oz. of weed, the police no longer have to take you to jail due to a Cite…
Bo Kalabus | August 14, 2023 | Criminal Defense \ Federal Criminal Defense
What Is Judicial Clemency?
There are certain cases where a judge may set aside a defendant’s criminal conviction while they are still serving a term of community supervision. In legal circles, this is known as “judicial clemency”. However, that exact term is not used in the law. As the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals explained in a 2002 decision, Cuellar…
