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Recent Blog Posts
What Penalties Can I Face After a First-Time DWI Arrest in Texas?
Drunk driving can be very dangerous. Alcohol or drug use affects drivers in many ways, and it can lead to impairment of a person’s vision, coordination, and reaction time. Drivers need to be able to respond quickly to conditions on the road around them and take the appropriate action to avoid collisions. Drug or alcohol impairment can make it impossible to operate a vehicle safely, and because of this, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious criminal offense. While most people understand that they can face consequences if they drive while drunk, those who have not previously been arrested for DWI will likely be uncertain about the charges they may face or the procedures followed after they are arrested, and they will want to work with an attorney to determine their options for defending against first-time DWI charges.
What Are the Consequences of Family Violence Charges in Texas?
Family members do not always get along, but while some disagreements are to be expected, there are cases where a situation can get out of control, leading to accusations that one person has harmed the other or caused them to fear for the safety of themselves, their children, or other family members. Allegations of family violence can be very serious, leading to criminal charges and other consequences in Texas. Those who are facing these types of accusations will want to understand the specific charges they could potentially face, as well as how other legal issues may affect their life, family relationships, and reputation.
Family Violence Charges
If a person is arrested based on accusations of family violence, they will typically be charged with domestic assault. Under the Texas Penal Code, assault charges may be based on a person’s intentional infliction of injury or threats to injure someone else. Assault may also be charged if a person made “offensive or provocative” physical contact with someone else, such as slapping them, shoving them, or poking a finger in their chest.
Hands-Free Cell Phone Use Still Contributes to Car Accidents
According to a recent study, teens are not the only ones continuing to use their cell phones behind the wheel and hands-free devices may not provide the increased safety they purportedly offer. Despite the thousands killed and hundreds of thousands injured each year in motor vehicle accidents around the United States, middle-aged adults—not just teens and young adults—admit to using mobile devices while driving to make and receive calls, to text, and to check email or other apps. While many use hands-free devices, many continue to hold the phone in their hands, which is against the law for young drivers in Texas and generally considered to be unsafe for drivers of any age.
Distracted Driving Study
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego looked to build on the findings of other studies that examined the distracted driving habits of teenagers and younger adults. To do so, the team focused on adults ages 30-64, surveying more than 700 individuals, and publishing their findings in the Journal of Transport & Health. While the respondents represented less than an ideal cross-section of society as a whole—nearly 70 percent were white, 75 percent were women, and about 68 percent had an income in excess of $50,000 per year—the project was able to identify several alarming trends.
What Is the Difference Between Drug Possession and Delivery in Texas?
The state of Texas takes drug crimes very seriously, and if you are facing criminal charges related to controlled substances, you may be looking at a lengthy prison sentence, steep fines, and other consequences. In drug cases, the charges and penalties can be different depending on whether you have been accused of simple possession of a controlled substance or whether you allegedly sold, transferred, or distributed drugs to others. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you understand the specific charges you are facing and the best defense strategies that will help you avoid a conviction or minimize your potential consequences.
Drug Possession Versus Drug Delivery
Texas law defines possession as the “actual care, custody, control, or management” of a controlled substance. Typically, possession charges are based on drugs being found in a person’s physical possession or in their home or vehicle. The penalties for possession will depend on the type and amount of drugs. Possession of less than one gram of “hard drugs” like methamphetamines, cocaine, or heroin is a state jail felony, which carries a prison sentence of 180 days to two years. Possession of these drugs in higher amounts can result in more serious felony charges that carry longer jail sentences.
