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Recent Blog Posts
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Facing Criminal Charges in Texas
If you are facing criminal charges, you might feel stressed and overwhelmed. This can be particularly true if this is your first time having this experience. Your actions at this critical time can impact your case, so it is important to know about common mistakes to avoid. To learn more, speak with an experienced Austin, TX criminal defense attorney.
Mistake 1: Not Remaining Silent
A common mistake people can make when they are under investigation or arrested is speaking with the police without a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you later on in court. People mistakenly think if they answer questions and are cooperative, this can help prove their innocence, and if they demand a lawyer, it can make them seem guilty.
The truth is with the stakes of criminal charges so high, you can never be too careful and answering questions without legal guidance can end up hurting you. You should always exercise your right to remain silent and have an attorney present before you answer any questions.
How Can Tort Reform Impact My Texas Personal Injury Case?
If someone else’s mistake or negligence caused you to get injured, you might file a personal injury claim to receive compensation for the costs related to the injury such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, in Texas, tort reform laws may affect how personal injury claims work. These laws are designed to limit how much money a person can receive in certain cases, making it more difficult to win large settlements or jury awards. To learn more about tort reform and how it might impact your personal injury case, speak with a qualified Austin, TX personal injury lawyer.
What is Tort Reform?
Tort reform describes changes to Texas law that limit how much compensation you can receive in a lawsuit, including personal injury claims. Tort reform aims to reduce the number of lawsuits that are filed, the cost of litigation, and the amount of money awarded in cases. The rationale behind it is that if these cases are less profitable, it will discourage people from bringing frivolous lawsuits. However, it has also succeeded in discouraging real victims and can prevent them from getting justice.
Can a Criminal Conviction Impact My Immigration Status?
Facing criminal charges can always be stressful. For green card holders, visa holders, or those hoping to become a U.S. citizen, the stakes are even higher. Depending on the specifics of your case, criminal convictions might impact your immigration status. If you are facing charges and unsure how it might affect your status, seek advice from a skilled Midland, TX criminal defense lawyer.
What Happens When a Non-Citizen Is Convicted of a Crime?
When an immigration applicant is convicted of a crime, immigration officials can review the details of the case to decide whether that person should still be allowed to stay in the country and apply for permanent status.
Certain convictions can get a non-citizen deported, for example, aggravated assault, domestic violence, and drug trafficking. When a non-citizen has applied for a green card or visa, some convictions can make them inadmissible to the country, meaning they will not be allowed to enter or remain here.
How Can Texas’s Junk Science Laws Impact a Criminal Case?
As technology develops, it has improved many aspects of our daily routine. Like all areas of life, the criminal justice field has been significantly impacted by technological advances. Improved crime scene investigation techniques and DNA testing and matching methods have been revolutionary in convicting previously unsolved cases and exonerating innocent people who were wrongly convicted.
However, better technology now means that some methods used in the past are lacking or flawed, and resulting convictions can be challenged. A current case that has garnered substantial national attention has highlighted the issues with what is dubbed "junk science." To learn more about how current science might help get a conviction overturned, speak with a knowledgeable Austin, TX criminal defense attorney.
Changing Seasons and Personal Injury Cases in Texas
When most people think of Texas, they generally think of heat. However, parts of Texas can have severe winter conditions. As autumn changes into winter, the weather can cause various hazards that must be addressed so no one gets hurt. Property owners have a particular responsibility to maintain safe conditions in the areas they are responsible for. Otherwise, if you end up with an injury because they failed to keep their property safe, you could sue for damages in a premises liability case. To learn more, speak with a knowledgeable Georgetown, TX personal injury attorney.
Common Winter-Related Accidents
Austin rarely sees snow, but temperatures can drop to freezing in the winter. When that happens, puddles gathered from rain can turn into dangerous, icy hazards. Slip-and-falls are the most common accident caused by wintery conditions. If an accumulation of ice is considered "natural" - for example, if it rained for two days straight and then freezing temperatures caused ice to form on a ramp somewhere - that is not something a property owner would be typically liable for.
Defending Against Charges of Diesel Theft in Texas
Texas has a set of laws dedicated to what happens when diesel fuel is stolen. A recent case where a Texas man was arrested on charges of diesel theft, convicted, and sentenced to 50 years in prison highlights not only that this crime is more common than you might think but also how seriously it is treated. If you are facing charges of diesel theft, speak with a trustworthy Austin, TX criminal defense attorney to understand your options.
What Are the Charges for Diesel Theft?
According to Texas Penal Code Title 7 Chapter 31 Section 19, diesel theft is when someone illegally and intentionally takes "petroleum product" - crude oil, natural gas, or condensate, from its owner or directly from a pipeline or storage tank without paying for it. It is generally considered a category of property theft. The charges for diesel theft vary depending on how much was taken. The law specifies which amounts of stolen diesel would be penalized with which charges, ranging from a Class C Misdemeanor for stealing an amount worth less than $100 to a first-degree felony for a stolen amount worth over $300,000. Depending on the charges, you might be given no jail time and a fine of up to $500 or you could face a life sentence.
Am I Criminally Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Texas?
Pedestrians get hit by cars in crosswalks more often than many people realize. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, pedestrian accidents resulted in 830 deaths and 1,526 injuries in 2022. If you are the driver, you can be charged with anything from a traffic violation to a serious criminal charge. Having an experienced Austin, TX criminal defense lawyer help you navigate the charges can make a big difference. Read on to learn about some Texas laws that are considered when determining liability for a pedestrian accident.
Right-of-Way Laws
There are guidelines that help determine who has the right-of-way in Texas crosswalks. If there are traffic lights, they need to be followed. Otherwise, pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks. If a pedestrian ignores traffic lights and is hit in a crosswalk when they are not supposed to be there, the driver might not be found liable.
Personal Injury Case with a Gazebo Product Recall
When a product poses safety risks or cannot meet regulatory standards, companies sometimes issue a product recall to prevent injury. Recalling a product means removing it from the market and notifying customers about the issue. The company might also offer repairs, replacements, or refunds. Recently, a popular brand of gazebos was recalled due to safety issues that have caused injuries. If you or someone you know has been hurt by a faulty product, speak with a seasoned Austin, TX personal injury attorney to understand your rights and learn about your options.
Why Were Gazebos in Texas Recalled?
In Texas, over 32,000 units of a specific gazebo were recalled following at least 137 reports of incidents in which the roof panels dislodged, causing them to collapse unexpectedly. For now, it appears that there was only one reported case of minor injuries. Even so, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that consumers can request free repair kits and should stop using their gazebos until they are repaired.
Lower Costs for Inmate Phone and Video Calls
In America, even if you are a convicted criminal you have certain rights. One such right is the ability to make phone calls while incarcerated. In an era where the news is often very negative, we are pleased to discuss a positive development: the costs of phone and video calls for inmates in Texas have recently lowered. This change is a big deal for families and inmates, making it easier for them to stay in touch. If you have been convicted of a crime and are concerned that your rights are being abused, speak with a skilled Austin, TX criminal defense attorney to find out how we can help.
How Does This Help?
Staying connected with loved ones is important for inmates. It helps them feel supported and can even help them behave better and prepare for life after prison. However, in the past, it could be costly for inmates to make phone and video calls, which could place extra financial strain on them and their families. Thanks to a recent FCC vote, that is going to change. There will now be a cap on how much these conversations can cost, doing away with previous exorbitant rates.
5 Tips When Offering an Alibi in Criminal Defense
Regardless of the charges, a solid alibi can contribute greatly to a defendant’s case. Serving as a crucial piece of evidence, an alibi can sway the outcome of a trial if it can present a credible alternative to the story that the prosecution is trying to tell. This article will describe five important things to consider if you need an alibi to help you fight criminal charges. If this is personally relevant to you, speak to a seasoned Austin, TX criminal defense attorney with experience helping clients navigate the complexities involved.
Tip 1: Detailed Documentation
If you are incriminated in a criminal case, one of the best ways to build a strong alibi is by gathering thorough documentation. This can include:
- Correspondence
- Social media posts that have timestamps, location information, or metadata
