When you are accused of a crime, you have the right to a trial to confront and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Both the United States and Texas state constitutions make it clear that every person charged with a crime has a fundamental right to a “speedy trial.” But how “speedy” is speedy? And what happens […]

Can a police officer stop you on the street and demand identification? In some circumstances, yes. Under Texas law, when an officer has “lawfully arrested” or detained a person, it is a misdemeanor offense for the suspect to refuse to give their name, address or date of birth. Similarly, it is also a misdemeanor for […]

You probably already know that possession of certain drugs–or “controlled substances,” as they are technically known under Texas law–is illegal. For example, if an officer arrests you and finds a baggie filled with cocaine in your pocket, it is a pretty safe bet the prosecution will cite that as proof you knowingly possessed a controlled […]

Even when a drunk driving arrest does not lead to a criminal DWI conviction, there is still a public record. This means that if someone conducts a background check on you for any reason, the record of your DWI arrest will come up. There is, however, a way to prevent such a scenario, and that […]

Operating a motor vehicle is a privilege that comes with a lot of responsibility. Motor vehicles are large machines that have the potential to cause serious damage when they are unsafely operated, and the state is aggressive about finding drivers committing traffic violations that endanger public safety. At the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & […]

Possession of a controlled substance in Texas is a big deal, and one that can result in serious fines and years in prison, as well as a permanent mark on one’s criminal record. At the office of Tad Nelson, our Texas drug crimes lawyer provides focused defense for clients facing drug charges. Here’s an overview […]

Being arrested, charged, and potentially convicted of a crime can have long-term consequences. In fact, even if you’re not convicted, an arrest can show up on your record for years—or decades!—to come, impeding your ability to get a job, secure housing, and pursue other opportunities. Those who are facing criminal charges or who have been […]

Most people have a basic understanding of how crimes are organized in the classification of offenses under Texas law, which separates them into misdemeanors and felonies. Each category in turn breaks down into three levels of misdemeanor and multiple degrees of felony, but the basic distinction revolves around punishment. If you are convicted of a […]

When it comes to drug possession charges, the elements that prosecutors must prove are the same in every case. The Texas Controlled Substances Act prohibits the knowing, intentional possession of a controlled substance that is listed on different Schedules and/or Penalties groups. The nature of the charges varies by the type of drug, but the […]

Many people in Texas face misdemeanor charges and are convicted of the offense. While a misdemeanor offense on your criminal record certainly may not be as serious as a felony offense and likely came with a much lesser sentence, simply having a criminal record with a misdemeanor offense can be problematic. Indeed, from applying for […]