Recent Blog Posts
What Are the Penalties For Unlawful Possession of a Weapon?
While Texas is known for having more lenient gun laws, you can still face penalties when you unlawfully carry or possess a firearm in the state. Unlawful possession of a weapon in Texas is a gun crime that is taken seriously, and you can face severe legal consequences for violating gun laws. An experienced Texas weapons charges attorney can help you understand your legal options if you are facing this charge.
What Counts as Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm?
In Texas, unlawful possession of a firearm occurs when an individual carries or otherwise possesses a firearm despite restrictions prohibiting this behavior. Under both federal and state law, individuals who cannot lawfully possess firearms include the following:
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Individuals under 18 years of age
Sexual Offenses in Texas: Understanding Megan’s Law
Sex crimes have harsh penalties in Texas, and many sex crimes require offenders to provide their details to the state’s sex offender registry. The creation of the sex offender registry in Texas is related to Megan’s Law, a federal law that outlines the monitoring and notification process of sex offenders.
If you have been charged with a sex crime in Texas, you may be subject to Megan’s Law. A skilled Texas sex offense defense attorney can answer your questions and help you understand your rights if you face these charges.
What Is Megan’s Law?
Megan’s Law refers to federal legislation that was introduced and enacted in 1996 after the tragic 1994 case of Megan Kanka. Megan Kanka, who was seven years old at the time, was abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered by a twice-convicted sex offender who lived across the street from her family home. The family did not know of the presence of the sex offender in their neighborhood, and federal legislation sought to create sex offender registration lists and notification systems in the aftermath of this case.
What Are Texas Internet Crimes?
Internet crimes are not always taken seriously, as many people think that they will not be caught engaging in anonymous illicit behavior on the internet. However, Texas prosecutes internet crimes aggressively, and many types of internet crimes can land you with a conviction that stays on your record forever.
If you have been arrested for an internet crime, hiring an experienced Texas internet crimes defense lawyer is key to protecting your rights and understanding what to do next.
Types of Internet Crimes in Texas
The Texas Penal Code outlines the types of online crimes in the state that can result in criminal convictions. In general, activities online that involve fraud, child pornography, solicitation of prostitution, piracy, and theft, including identity theft, are illegal.
What Are the Penalties for Mortgage Fraud in Texas?
Mortgage fraud is when a person intentionally makes false or deceiving statements to obtain property or a mortgage loan. Any person involved in the process of home buying, from the real estate agent and mortgage broker to the buyer, can commit mortgage fraud, though most cases of mortgage fraud involve a person falsifying or misrepresenting facts to a mortgage lender.
Mortgage fraud is a serious crime in Texas, and it is considered a white-collar crime. If you have been charged with mortgage fraud, you will need the skilled representation of a Texas criminal defense attorney.
Types of Mortgage Fraud
Several different types of mortgage fraud exist, and this crime is often charged alongside crimes like tax fraud or identity theft. Accusations of any of the following schemes or activities can be considered mortgage fraud:
What Exactly is a Motion to Revoke Probation?
In Texas, probation (community supervision) is a common alternative to incarceration for individuals convicted of certain crimes. However, when a person fails to comply with the terms of their probation, they may face a Motion to Revoke Probation (MTR). A Texas lawyer can help you understand an MTR, how it works, and what you can expect if you find yourself in this situation.
Make Sure You Understand Probation in Texas
Probation is a form of criminal sentencing that allows a person to remain in the community under the supervision of a probation officer. In Texas, probation can be granted for misdemeanors and felonies, with terms lasting from six months to ten years. Probationers must adhere to specific conditions, such as regularly reporting to their probation officer, maintaining employment, and refraining from drug and alcohol use.
The First Steps to Take After Being Charged with Homicide
Being charged with homicide is an incredibly serious matter that requires immediate action to protect your rights and future. If you find yourself in this situation, you must understand the steps you need to take to navigate the legal process. A Texas lawyer can discuss the critical steps to take after being charged with homicide.
Understand the Charges and Remain Silent
In Texas, homicide charges can fall under several categories, including murder, capital murder, manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide. Each of these charges carries different penalties and requires a specific legal strategy. You should understand the exact nature of the charges against you and the potential consequences you face.
One of the most important things to remember when facing homicide charges is to exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you in court. Politely inform the police that you wish to remain silent and that you want to speak with an attorney. Avoid discussing the details of your case with anyone except your lawyer.
What to Do If Charged with Human Smuggling in Texas
If you face human smuggling charges, you should understand the severity of the situation and take immediate action to protect your rights. Human smuggling is a serious offense that can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. Make sure you understand the steps you should take if you are charged with human smuggling. You can benefit by having a Texas lawyer by your side during this process.
Make Sure You Understand Your Charge
According to Texas Penal Code Section 20.05, human smuggling is the act of intentionally employing a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or any other means of transportation to move an individual to hide that person from law enforcement or escape from law enforcement. You must comprehend the specific allegations against you and the potential consequences you may face.
Understanding Bail Bonds and Pretrial Release in Texas
The bail bond process is complex and requires understanding to navigate properly. Knowing your rights regarding pretrial releases for the crime you are being charged with is important, and having a Texas lawyer on your side can benefit the outcome.
What Are Bail Bonds?
When an individual is arrested, they can be granted bail, a sum of money paid to the court to ensure their appearance at future proceedings. If the defendant cannot afford the total amount of bail, there is assistance from a bail bondsman. The bondsman will charge a non-refundable fee (usually 10% of the total bail amount) and post the bond on the defendant’s behalf.
Texas provides various bail bond options, such as cash bonds, surety bonds, personal recognizance bonds, and property bonds. The type of bond used will depend on the defendant’s financial situation and the court’s discretion.
Defending Against Robbery Charges in Texas
If you are facing robbery charges, it is crucial to understand potential defense strategies. A Texas lawyer can help you strategize how to defend against these serious charges. Every case is different, so it is important to have legal representation on your side.
Understanding the Charges
First, make sure you know how robbery is defined robbery under Texas law. According to Texas Penal Code Section 29.02, robbery involves intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another or placing someone in fear of imminent bodily injury or death while in the course of committing theft. Aggravated robbery, a more severe charge, involves the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon during the crime.
Challenging the Evidence
A primary defense strategy is to carefully analyze and question the prosecution's evidence. This may involve challenging eyewitness testimony for inconsistencies, questioning the reliability of identification procedures, or exposing flaws in the collection and handling of physical evidence. If the evidence against you is weak or tainted, your defense attorney can argue for a dismissal or acquittal.
Your Rights When Facing Internet Crime Charges in Texas
The internet brings both opportunities and risks—including the potential for facing accusations of online crimes. If you find yourself in this situation, it is essential to understand your rights under state laws so you can protect yourself. A Texas lawyer can help you determine the best way forward based on your circumstances.
What Behaviors Qualify as Internet Crimes
Texas statutes specify a range of online behaviors that authorities can charge as internet-related crimes. These include the following:
- Cyberbullying and Harassment: Using digital communications to repeatedly stalk, threaten, impersonate, or otherwise intensely torment other people.
- Hacking: Intentionally accessing someone’s computer, network, email, social media, or other digital system without authorization.
