Recent Blog Posts
Possession of a Controlled Substance: What It Means in Texas
Drug laws in Texas are strict, and charges involving controlled substances can carry serious consequences. Even possessing a relatively small amount of certain drugs may lead to felony charges, significant fines, and potential jail time.
In Texas, the severity of a possession charge typically depends on several factors, including the type of substance involved, the amount found, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
What Is Considered a Controlled Substance under Texas Law?
Texas regulates drug crimes under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, which defines controlled substances as drugs or chemicals that are regulated by state law due to their potential for abuse or dependence.
Understanding Bail and Bond for DWIs in Texas
Being arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas can be overwhelming, especially for people unfamiliar with the criminal justice system. Two of the first issues that come up after an arrest are bail and bond—terms that are often used interchangeably but mean different things under Texas law.
Understanding how bail and bond work in DWI cases can help clarify what happens after an arrest and what obligations follow a release from custody. To know more, keep reading or contact our specialized McKinney DWI lawyers.
What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Texas
After a DWI arrest, a person is typically taken to jail for booking. This process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and entering personal information into the system.
In most cases, the individual will remain in custody until bail is set and posted or until they are released on bond. A magistrate usually reviews the arrest within a short period of time—often within 24 hours.
Gonzalo Serrano and Kristi Tyler Are the New Partners at Texas Defense Firm
As Texas Defense Firm begins 2026, the firm is proud to announce the expansion of its leadership team with the addition of Gonzalo Serrano and Kristi Tyler as Partners. This milestone reflects the firm’s continued growth across North Texas and its long-term commitment to developing experienced leaders from within.
Headquartered in McKinney, Texas Defense Firm has grown into one of the larger criminal defense practices in the region, serving clients throughout Collin County and surrounding North Texas counties. The partnership appointments were finalized internally during the holiday season and are now being formally introduced as part of the firm’s strategic vision for the future.
A Leadership Expansion Rooted in Growth and Experience
The addition of Serrano and Tyler aligns with Texas Defense Firm’s deliberate approach to growth—expanding its reach and services while maintaining high standards of advocacy, preparation, and client communication.
The Role of a Criminal Defense Appeal Lawyer in Texas
In Texas, an appeal is the legal process of asking a higher court to review your conviction or sentence for mistakes made during your trial. This is an incredibly complicated process, and if you don’t have a professional by your side, it’s unlikely that you’ll have a real chance of success.
Below are some of the primary ways a criminal defense appeal lawyer in Texas can assist defendants:
Review the Trial Record for Legal and Constitutional Errors
A criminal defense appeal lawyer meticulously examines everything that happened during your trial, like transcripts, evidence, and attorney objections, to find out if any court rules or constitutional protections were violated. This step is critical for spotting mistakes that might have unfairly influenced the jury or outcome.
Analyze Jury Instructions for Legal Defects
The attorney studies all instructions given to the jury to make sure they accurately describe the law and your rights. If vital instructions were unclear or erroneous, or if elements of the offense, this point can become grounds for an appeal.
Texas Defense Firm Announces Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate Official Rebrand in McKinney
Texas Defense Firm is proud to announce an exciting milestone in the firm’s continued growth and evolution: the official public rebrand of Rosenthal, Kalabus & Therrian under the name Texas Defense Firm. To mark this new chapter, the firm will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, and the community is warmly invited to attend.
The ribbon-cutting event will formally introduce Texas Defense Firm as the firm’s primary forward-facing brand while celebrating its continued commitment to providing disciplined, trial-ready criminal defense representation throughout North Texas.
A New Name Reflecting Growth and Vision
While the firm’s legal name remains Rosenthal, Kalabus & Therrian, it will now operate publicly under Texas Defense Firm, a “doing business as” (DBA) designation. This change reflects the firm’s steady expansion, the addition of new partners and attorneys, and its broader geographic reach across North Texas.
What Is a Subpoena?
A subpoena is a formal legal order that requires someone to perform a certain action, such as appear in court or provide a document. In Texas, subpoenas are used in both criminal and civil proceedings to ensure that all of the relevant evidence and witnesses are made available to the court.
If you receive a subpoena, you are legally required to comply with its instructions. Ignoring it can lead to serious consequences, including the possibility of jail time for contempt of court. Subpoenas are a common part of criminal investigations and trials, helping ensure that the justice process has access to complete and accurate information.
Types of Subpoenas in Texas
Texas law recognizes several different kinds of subpoenas, each serving a specific purpose depending on the needs of the case.
A Safe Christmas for Kids: Red Flags of Sexual Harassment During the Holidays
The holidays are meant to bring families together, including extended relatives. For children, however, that often means spending time in unfamiliar settings and around people they do not see regularly. While most holiday moments are positive, these changes can also create situations where inappropriate behavior goes unnoticed.
Learning about the warning signs of sexual harassment is one of the most important ways to protect children during the holidays. Under the Texas Penal Code, sex crimes involving minors are treated extremely seriously.
Why the Holidays Can Increase the Risk
Holiday routines are different from the rest of the year. For example, children may attend large family events and parties with less direct supervision. They may also spend more time with certain family members and friends that they don’t usually see.
Why New Year’s Day Brings the Most DWI Arrests in McKinney, TX
Getting arrested for DWI is stressful under any circumstances. When it happens on New Year’s Day, however, the situation can feel even worse than usual.
Many people are surprised to learn that January 1st consistently ranks as one of the busiest days of the year for DWI arrests in McKinney and across Texas. While celebrations may wind down after midnight, law enforcement activity does not. In fact, it often ramps up.
Learning about why New Year’s Day leads to so many arrests can help explain what happened and why the police were so focused on impaired driving. It can also help you better understand your rights and what comes next if you are arrested.
Holiday Drinking Patterns Play a Major Role
New Year’s Eve is one of the most alcohol-heavy holidays of the year. Parties often start early and last well into the morning hours. Unlike other holidays that center around a single meal or event, New Year’s celebrations usually involve extended drinking.
Differences Between the Juvenile Justice System and the Adult Criminal Justice System in Texas
When a person is accused of breaking the law in Texas, how their case is handled could depend largely on their age. The juvenile justice system and the adult criminal justice system operate with very different goals and procedures.
In the Lone Star State, individuals under 17 years old are typically considered juveniles, while those 17 and older are tried as adults. However, serious cases involving violent crimes like homicide can sometimes blur this line, with minors being transferred to adult court under certain circumstances.
The Purpose of Each System
The most significant difference between the juvenile and adult systems lies in their purpose.
Juvenile justice focuses on rehabilitation. The goal is to help minors learn from their mistakes and reintegrate successfully into society.
Adult criminal justice, by contrast, focuses on punishment and deterrence. Sentences often involve jail time and are meant to hold offenders accountable for their actions.
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 allows a defendant to avoid jail time and be supervised while living at home instead. A person on probation is supervised and must meet specific requirements set by the judge.
Who Grants Probation?
A judge makes the decision to grant probation during the sentencing phase of a criminal case, usually after considering factors like the nature of the crime, the defendant’s criminal record, and other personal details.
When Is Probation Used?
Probation is often granted to first-time offenders and those charged with misdemeanors or non-violent crimes. Judges may consider it for cases where they feel confident that the defendant can safely follow rules and be supervised in the community.