FAQs: Criminal Defense - Page 4

What Is Criminal Trespass in Texas? Misdemeanor criminal charges often start with a minor scuffle or incident that escalates once the police are called. In many cases you...

Can Accomplice Testimony Alone Convict You? Many criminal cases are based on the testimony of an alleged accomplice. Prosecutors frequently convince an accomplice to cooperate in exchange for...

Failure to Yield Traffic Tickets One of the most common traffic violations that get drivers ticketed in the Houston area is failure to yield the right-of-way. All...

Can Facebook Be Used in Criminal Sentencing? Under Texas criminal law, a judge or jury may consider a defendant's gang affiliation when determining a sentence. Gang membership is relevant...

Can Lying on Government Forms Lead to Charges? Many white collar crime prosecutions in Texas begin when someone allegedly makes a false or misleading statement to a government agency. Keep...

Can Police Search for a Beer Bottle Without a Warrant? A DWI open container charge requires proof that the defendant had an opened bottle, can, or similar receptacle of alcohol in his...

Is Intoxication a Criminal Defense in Texas? In criminal defense law, proof of insanity can serve to absolve a defendant of guilt. Indeed, the Texas Penal Code expressly recognizes...

How Far Can Prosecutors Use Past Records? A common prosecution tactic in sex crimes cases is to introduce evidence of the defendant's “bad character,” such as a prior criminal...

Can I Learn a Confidential Informant’s Identity? Houston-area law enforcement often use “confidential informants” to identify suspects in drug crimes cases. Under the Rules of Evidence governing criminal trials...

Can I Claim Self-Defense in a Burglary Case? If you are charged with a serious crime in Texas, you have the right to present a defense within the boundaries of...

Received a Texas Traffic Citation? No one likes to see the red and blue flashing lights in their rear-view mirror. Getting a traffic ticket is never fun,...

Is Bigamy a Sex Crime in Texas? By Tad Nelson - Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer It is common knowledge that you cannot legally be married to more than...

Bad Jury Instructions in Houston Criminal Court When you are tried for any kind of criminal offense in Texas, the trial judge is responsible for instructing the jury as...

Can Fraud Convictions Lead to Restitution? In cases involving white collar crimes, it is not uncommon for a state or federal court to require a convicted defendant to...

Can Failing to Identify Yourself Be a Crime? Can the police stop you and ask you to identify yourself? The answer to this question depends on the circumstances. Section 38.02...

When Interviews Become Interrogations As criminal defense attorneys, one thing we stress time-and-again to our clients is the importance of invoking your rights to remain silent...

Can Nonverbal Contact Violate a Restraining Order? Domestic violence allegations in the Galveston area frequently lead one party to seek a protective order against the other. In some cases...

When Can Police Search My Car Without a Warrant? Drug crimes cases in Texas often start when a police officer conducts a search and finds illegal narcotics on the accused person...

What Is a Legal Stop in Houston? One of the most common traffic violations we see in the Houston area is failing to legally stop at a stop sign...

When Can Courts Require Child Probation? In Texas, many juvenile offenses can lead a judge to place a child on probation. The actual terms of probation will vary...

Using a Fake ID to Buy Alcohol in Texas What Happens If I Use a Texas Fake ID to Purchase Alcohol? While some people consider using a fake ID to get...

Can Texas Parents Give Alcohol to Their Children? Texas, like the rest of the United States, sets the legal age for consuming or purchasing alcohol at 21. This is unusual....

When Can Police Search Your Vehicle or Home? Many of us have been pulled over by a police officer due to a minor traffic violation, such as speeding or a...

What to Do If Police Pull You Over Nobody likes seeing flashing police sirens while they are driving on the highway. But if you are pulled over by a police...

What Makes a Warrant Invalid in Texas? When a police officer appears at the door and states that he or she has a search warrant, most people assume that...

Can You Trespass on Your Own Property? Trespassing is a common offense in Texas, as it is in many other states. Even normally law-abiding citizens may find themselves charged...

How Apps Can Lead Students to Cybercrimes Today’s news headlines are full of stories about teenagers who are being prosecuted nationwide for sexting, or sending explicit pictures to other...

What to Do If HPD Pulls You Over Regardless of whether you’ve been drinking or not, seeing the flashing lights of a Houston Police Department vehicle in your mirror isn’t...