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. There 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….

What If I’m Charged With Charged with Evading Arrest in Texas?

You are speeding down the road when a police car approaches and turns on the lights and sirens. Instead of pulling over, you keep on speeding until you reach your destination. In another situation, you are shoplifting when the store’s alarm goes off. Panicked, you run from the police officers who are in pursuit. The…

What’s Legal in Your State Might Not Be Legal in Texas

Many of us will be traveling during the holiday season. When you cross state lines, however, you must be aware that certain items may be legal in your destination but not Texas, and vice versa. And we’re not talking about your grandmother’s fruitcake. We mean potentially dangerous weapons, like firearms, knives, and stun guns. Here…

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…

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…

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…

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…

What Is Deferred Prosecution for Juveniles?

Texas Family Code 53.03 governs “deferred prosecution”. It is a very common outcome in juvenile cases. Deferred prosecution essentially dismisses the charges in exchange for serving probation.  When entering a deferred prosecution deal with the prosecutors, the juvenile doesn’t even have to admit guilt.  The juvenile is attempting to complete probation while the case against them is…

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,…

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…