Blog - Page 14

DWI vs. DUI: What’s the Difference?

DWI vs. DUI: What’s the Difference? DWI While the terms DUI and DWI are often used interchangeably, there are actually important differences between these two offenses that could play...

DWI Accidents With Property Damage

DWI Accidents With Property Damage DWI Causing an accident while intoxicated comes with serious penalties in Texas. This is true even in minor accidents when no one was...

Aggressive Driving in Texas

Aggressive Driving in Texas Criminal Defense Having a traffic violation on your record can affect your insurance rates and even result in the suspension of your driver’s license,...

Drug-Free Zone Enhancements in Texas

Drug-Free Zone Enhancements in Texas Drug Crimes Any type of drug possession charge should be taken seriously, as a conviction can come with severe penalties, including jail time and...

Challenging a DWI Breath Test

Challenging a DWI Breath Test Science & DWI After arresting a driver who is suspected of driving while intoxicated, law enforcement officers can ask him or her to submit to...

Do I Need an IID After a DWI Conviction?

Do I Need an IID After a DWI Conviction? DWI The short answer to this question is “maybe.” Ultimately, whether a driver will be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)...

Misdemeanor Sex Crimes in Texas

Misdemeanor Sex Crimes in Texas Misdemeanors Most sex crimes in Texas are prosecuted as felony offenses, which carry mandatory jail time and sometimes the requirement of registration as...

Types of Texas Misdemeanor Offenses

Types of Texas Misdemeanor Offenses Misdemeanors Texas law divides misdemeanor crimes into three categories, each of which comes with its own range of penalties. The specifics of a...

First-Time DWI Offenses With Auto Accidents

First-Time DWI Offenses With Auto Accidents DWI Most first time DWI offenses are charged as misdemeanors, which means that defendants are often able to avoid jail time. This is...

Threats Can Lead to Domestic Violence Charges

Threats Can Lead to Domestic Violence Charges Violent Crimes Heated arguments can quickly lead to incidents of domestic violence and eventually to criminal charges, even in cases where no physical violence...

Drug Possession vs. Drug Distribution

Drug Possession vs. Drug Distribution Drug Crimes Being convicted of a drug-related crime comes with serious penalties, including hefty fines and significant jail time. Certain types of drug offenses,...

Federal Offenses vs. State Crimes

Federal Offenses vs. State Crimes Criminal Defense The majority of defendants who have been accused of a crime are charged in state court. It is possible, however, for a...

DWI Supervisors’ Lawsuit Dismissed

DWI Supervisors’ Lawsuit Dismissed DWI Federal Judge Dismisses Whistle-Blower Lawsuit Brought by Former Harris County DWI Testing Supervisors Blood and breath tests provide the key evidence in...

Judge Rejects TBI Defense for Blood Draw Consent

Judge Rejects TBI Defense for Blood Draw Consent DWI DWI Accident & Intoxication Manslaughter A DWI accident will always draw the attention of law enforcement. If an innocent person is killed...

Do Police Need a 2nd Warrant to Test DWI Blood?

Do Police Need a 2nd Warrant to Test DWI Blood? DWI One of the cardinal rules of criminal law is that police must normally obtain a warrant before conducting a search. The warrant...

Domestic Violence Beyond Romantic Relationships

Domestic Violence Beyond Romantic Relationships Violent Crimes Although we often associate domestic violence with acts involving a spouse or romantic partner, in fact, Texas law provides enhanced penalties for...

Jury Role in Contested Traffic Tickets

Jury Role in Contested Traffic Tickets Criminal Defense When you receive a traffic ticket in Texas, you have the right to contest that ticket in court. These cases are normally...

Man Jailed for Impersonating a Peace Officer

Man Jailed for Impersonating a Peace Officer Criminal Defense Many white collar crimes involve some form of identity theft or fraud. For example, in Texas it is a Class B misdemeanor...

Can a Jury Find DWI Guilt but Impose No Sentence?

Can a Jury Find DWI Guilt but Impose No Sentence? DWI Laws are not always precise in their wording. For example, in Texas a first-time DWI charge may be prosecuted as either a...

Burden of Proof in Domestic Violence Cases

Burden of Proof in Domestic Violence Cases Violent Crimes In domestic violence cases, as with any criminal matter, prosecutors may rely on circumstantial and/or direct evidence to establish a defendant's guilt...

Can Out-of-Jurisdiction Cops Make DWI Arrests?

Can Out-of-Jurisdiction Cops Make DWI Arrests? DWI Most DWI arrests begin with a police officer observing a possible traffic violation and pulling the driver over to give them a...

Do Texas Police Have Traffic Ticket Quotas?

Do Texas Police Have Traffic Ticket Quotas? Criminal Defense If you have been pulled over and cited for a traffic violation, you might be wondering if the officer is not just...

Court Upholds Texas City Manager’s Fraud Sentence

Court Upholds Texas City Manager’s Fraud Sentence White Collar Crimes White collar crimes are no laughing matter, especially when the defendant is a public official. The misuse of government funds can lead...

Expert Testimony in Texas Misdemeanor Cases

Expert Testimony in Texas Misdemeanor Cases Misdemeanors Although misdemeanor crimes carry less severe punishments than felonies, Texas prosecutors still take these “lesser” cases seriously. Indeed, it is not uncommon...

Can Off-Duty Cop Statements Lead to DWI Charges?

Can Off-Duty Cop Statements Lead to DWI Charges? DWI When it comes to a possible drunk driving situation, a police officer is not your friend. Even if you happen to know...

Is Necessity a Defense to Drunk Driving?

Is Necessity a Defense to Drunk Driving? DWI Everyone knows you are not supposed to drive while intoxicated. But are there situations where you have to drive drunk in order...

Failure to Report Crash Damage Can Mean Jail

Failure to Report Crash Damage Can Mean Jail Criminal Defense When you are involved in a minor traffic accident with another car, you should always get out and exchange information with the...

DHS Employee Charged With Wire Fraud

DHS Employee Charged With Wire Fraud White Collar Crimes Identity theft is one of the most commonly prosecuted white collar crimes in Texas. If you intentionally use someone else's name, Social...

Laredo Officer Charged With DWI

Laredo Officer Charged With DWI DWI When it comes to drunk driving, the fact someone is a police officer will not necessarily help them avoid an arrest. The...

Dad Gets 24 Months for DWI With Kids

Dad Gets 24 Months for DWI With Kids DWI First-Time DWI with Child Passenger: A Felony in Texas A first-time drunk driving offense is typically prosecuted as a misdemeanor. But the...