Police officers love turning routine traffic stops into arrests. If they can charge you with a felony, like drug possession, it is even better in their book. For you, on the other hand, the arrest may have been totally unexpected. No one expects their quick run to the store or commute home to end with them in jail and their car in an impound lot. Often, drivers are entirely unaware that they are doing something wrong at the time they get pulled over. You could have simply not realized that you had a tail light out - and really, getting pulled over is one of the more common ways that people find out about such things. The reason you got arrested may have absolutely nothing to do with the original reason you were pulled over. However, as long as the stop was legal, the following investigation can go in any direction. If you were arrested after a traffic stop, Law Offices of Sam H. Lock can fight to defend your freedom. 

Top 4 Reasons Texans Get Arrested During Traffic Stops

In general, Americans are very vulnerable to arrest while they are driving or riding in a car. It is fairly easy for police to find a reason to stop and search vehicles. Some of the most common reasons police find to arrest drivers include: 

• Intoxication - If you get pulled over for a minor traffic violation, but the officer notices that you smell like alcohol or cannabis, you are most likely going to be arrested. Officers are trained to spot signs of intoxication by harder drugs as well. Driving while appearing even slightly “off” can lead to a criminal charge. 

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If you have been accused of a crime, it is important to understand your rights. One of the most important rights you have is the right to remain silent. This means that you do not have to say anything to the police or anyone else that could incriminate yourself. Often, simply staying quiet is one of the best things a criminal suspect can do to maximize his or her chances of getting the charges dismissed or receiving an acquittal. Unfortunately, remaining silent is often easier said than done. Police and investigators use many different tactics to encourage criminal suspects to divulge information. This is why it is crucial to have an experienced lawyer by your side when you talk to the police.

History of the Miranda Warnings

Miranda warnings are a set of warnings that are read to criminal suspects in police custody before they are interrogated. The Miranda warnings were established in the 1966 case of Miranda v. Arizona. In this case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that any statements made by a criminal suspect during custodial interrogation can only be used against the suspect if the suspect was first reminded of his or her constitutional rights.

Since the Miranda decision, the police have been required to inform a suspect of his or her right to remain silent before interrogating them. If you are questioned by the police, it is important to make full use of this right. You should politely decline to answer any questions until you have an attorney present. Anything you say to the police will only be used to strengthen the prosecution's case against you.

For many people, boating and drinking are almost synonymous. On a hot summer day, nothing may sound more refreshing than an alcoholic drink. However, boating while under the influence of alcohol is also dangerous. Alcohol is the leading contributor to boating accidents and about a third of all fatal boating accidents involves impairment by alcohol.

Boating while intoxicated (BWI) is unlawful in Texas and violators can face misdemeanor charges for operating a boat while impaired. Usually, BWI is punishable by 72 hours to six months in jail. However, BUI consequences are much more severe if someone is seriously or fatally injured in a boat accident.

Boat Injuries and Deaths in Texas

Unfortunately, severe boat-related injuries and fatalities are more common than many realize. Boat collisions and other boat-related accidents can lead to brain injuries, spine injuries, electric shock, or drowning. If a boat operator is involved in a boat accident in which someone else is serious injured and the operator is intoxicated by alcohol, he or she can face intoxication assault charges.

While the justice system may be set up for some forgiveness for a first mistake, if you are facing your second driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges in Texas, you are definitely at risk for some serious consequences. The penalties are harsher, the sentencing less forgiving, and you are staring down the possibility of a felony charge if you are arrested a third time.

Unfortunately, a repeat DWI charge suggests to the court and prosecutors that you failed to learn your lesson the first time. With this in mind, it is essential that you work with an aggressive, experienced Texas DWI defense attorney who can provide the representation you need.

Second Texas DWI Punishments

A second DWI is charged as a Class A misdemeanor, with increased penalties from a first DWI. The punishments that you are facing with a second DWI conviction include:

The recent case of human smuggling that left 53 migrants dead in a tractor-trailer outside San Antonio underscores the often-tragic results of smuggling along our southern border. To date, federal prosecutors have charged four men in the case, which represents the most migrant deaths in a single smuggling attempt.

Federal and Texas state prosecutors come down hard on human smugglers, even for those who only play a small role in a smuggling operation. Additionally, many innocent people can be caught up in border enforcement. If you have been arrested on human smuggling charges, it is essential to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Federal and State Prosecutions of Human Smuggling

While border enforcement is largely a federal issue, Texas also has laws against human smuggling given its long border with Mexico and the impact human smuggling has on the state. Whether you are charged by federal or state authorities can depend on which law enforcement personnel were involved in the arrest.