How to Get Credit for Time Served in Jail in Collin County

When you face criminal charges in Collin County, Texas, the thought of spending time in jail can be daunting. However, you may be eligible for credit towards your sentence if you have already spent time in custody before your sentencing. Don’t know how to get credit for time served in jail? Understanding how to get credit for…

Do I Turn Myself In If There’s a Warrant for My Arrest?

Most criminal cases in Texas begin with a judge or magistrate issuing a warrant for the suspect’s arrest. If you have reason to believe there is an active arrest warrant for you, your first instinct might be to try and run. That is never a good idea. The longer a person waits to turn themselves…

What Will Happen to Me If I Aid or Assist a Fugitive?

Many of us have faced a situation where a family member or friend is accused of a serious crime. Your first instinct may be to offer help. After all, if you believe the person is not guilty, you want to do everything you can to help them avoid possible jail time. But there is a…

Moving Out of State While On Probation

In most misdemeanor–and many felony–cases, defendants are not sent to jail upon conviction. Instead, Texas law allows the judge to sentence the defendant to community supervision. It is more commonly known as “probation” in other states. Probation basically means the defendant remains free, subject to his or her compliance with certain conditions imposed by the court. In misdemeanor cases,…

What Constitutes the Crime of Elder Abuse in Texas?

While many accusations of elder abuse are real, some are exaggerated or arise from a misunderstanding. Are you a caretaker who is facing elder abuse charges? If so, you need to protect yourself from criminal charges. Texas Elder Abuse Laws While elder abuse is often physical in nature, it refers to any type of mistreatment that causes…

Can You Refuse to Testify if Subpoenaed by a Texas Court?

Have you received a subpoena to testify as a witness in a criminal trial or grand jury proceeding? If so, you probably have many questions regarding the law and your rights. For example, can you ignore the subpoena? If not, what are the penalties if you refuse to show up in court and testify? Can the court…

Pros and Cons of a No-Contest Plea

When you have committed a crime, the first court appearance you will make is called an arraignment. At that time, you will be informed of the charges against you and asked if you have legal representation. This proceeding takes place before your trial, and you must enter a guilty, not guilty, or no-contest plea. The…

Why Using a Public Defender Is a Bad Idea

The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees everyone the right to an attorney during criminal cases. A U.S. Supreme Court case, decided almost 60 years ago (Gideon v. Wainwright) held that if a person wants an attorney but cannot afford one, the state must provide them with an attorney at no cost. Justice Hugo…

Is Your Seven-Day Pill Box Illegal?

Prescription drug abuse has become a major public health issue in recent years. Oxycontin and other opioid painkillers have been widely abused. Legally speaking, all drugs that require a doctor’s prescription are tightly regulated. You can be arrested if you are found with any such drug on your person without a valid prescription. You will…

What is the Difference Between Deferred Adjudication and Straight Probation?

Texas may impose a range of punishments on you if you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor. The are many factors that influence the outcome of a case. These include the severity of the crime, whether certain punishment is mandatory, and mitigating or aggravating circumstances. In addition, an important factor is your criminal history….