While some might argue that theft is not a major concern in Texas, the truth is that lawmakers and, consequently, law enforcement over the last year have been focusing more of their efforts on this crime. At the least, depending on where you live in Texas, the local governments have been redefining and reforming how theft is treated overall. The point is, if you are accused of theft in Texas, you should be prepared for an unexpected outcome. The legal system in Texas may not just give you a "slap on the wrist" for an offense like this, so it is important to have a skilled criminal defense attorney representing your best interests.

The Latest Developments in Theft Law Across Texas

For the most part, theft is a serious crime in Texas. Lawmakers and law enforcement officials alike have not neglected to focus on it. In fact, during the past year, a wide variety of policy and law changes have been enacted that could affect many Texans. A few of the most recent developments in theft law throughout Texas include:

While it is true that states across the nation have legalized marijuana, both medicinally and recreationally, you should know that Texas still remains one of the strictest states when it comes to drug possession enforcement. While you might think that having a small amount of marijuana in your possession is not that big of a deal, in the state of Texas, it is considered a serious criminal offense. Drug possession, in general, includes penalty groups that determine punishments depending on the controlled substance and the amount. It is important to understand the different penalties if you ever face any drug-related charges. 

Drug Possession Penalty Groups

There are four main drug penalty groups in Texas, with a few subsets. These penalty groups are determined based on the type of drugs involved. The groups are:

Arguments between strangers or even family members can often lead to heated disputes that may result in physical confrontations. Statistics show that assault is one of the most common types of violent crimes committed in the United States. Many people think an assault is a physical attack on someone, but it can also just be the threat of inflicting violence. It is important to know and understand the laws concerning assault in Texas, because you never know when incidents might escalate. If you or someone you know is facing assault charges, a skilled criminal defense attorney can ensure your rights are protected in a court of law. 

Assault in Texas: An Umbrella Term

Many states have defined “assault” as merely threatening or attempting to commit harmful acts upon another person. The actual act of harming someone is defined as a “battery” charge. In Texas, the two crimes are combined into one single offense. All of the following actions are classified as assault (in this case, “simple assault”):

If you were pulled over for driving while intoxicated (DWI), and you know you are guilty of that crime, that does not make it an open-and-shut case. You still have the right to legal representation, and your attorney can fight for you in such a way that you may be not found guilty, the case may be dismissed, or the charges may be reduced. In fact, criminal defense attorneys are able to discover things that you—and possibly the prosecution—are unable to see about your case. As they collect, research, and study these details, they are able to undermine the prosecution’s case against you. Here are all the reasons why you should seek an attorney even if you were driving drunk:

The Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer

Ultimately, the most important reason you need an attorney if you are facing DWI charges is that, even if you know you are guilty of the crime, all sorts of things could have happened during the legal process. This can include the procedures followed when police officers first arrested you and collected evidence or the ways the prosecutor makes an argument against you. For example, your criminal defense attorney can assist with the following issues:

DWI (driving while intoxicated) is a serious charge in Texas, but DWI with a child passenger can be even more serious, carrying with it particularly severe consequences, both in terms of criminal law and civil law. From jail time and fines to loss of child custody, the effects of these allegations can completely change your life. To better prepare you if you are facing these charges, the following information outlines the legal definition of DWI with a child passenger, as well as the penalties associated with this criminal offense.

What Is DWI With a Child?

If it is determined that you were driving while intoxicated (a BAC of .08 percent or higher), and you had a child under the age of 15 in your car at the time, then you could be charged with DWI with a child passenger in Texas. You can still face this charge even if the child did not get injured or harmed in any way.

In some states, DWI (driving while intoxicated) and DUI (driving under the influence) are considered synonymous. However, in Texas, DWI and DUI are actually two distinctly separate charges. That is because DUI involves underaged drinking, whereas DWI can apply to anyone who is of legal drinking age. The two charges are legislated, enforced, litigated, and penalized differently. Below is a closer look at these offenses and their corresponding consequences.

DUI: Definition and Enforcement

DUI is a charge brought against anyone under the age of 21 who is found to be operating a motor vehicle or boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unlike DWI, blood alcohol content (BAC) levels are unnecessary in proving that someone has consumed alcohol for these charges. A police officer can claim that a young person is “under the influence” by merely smelling alcohol on his/her breath. In addition, the driver does not need to be drunk or otherwise impaired to be charged with a DUI.

Even though you may not have had an ounce of alcohol all day, it is still possible to be pulled over by a police officer who accuses you of driving while intoxicated (DWI). You may believe you are safe from any criminal charges; however, if you recently consumed something else that might have impaired your driving, you may face legal consequences. This is because in Texas, to meet the requirements for a DWI charge, a driver does not necessarily have to exceed the legal limit of .08 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If you are operating a vehicle and do not have full use of your physical and mental abilities due to the effects of a controlled substance, then you may still be charged with a DWI, such as a prescription drug DWI.

Other Causes of Impairment

Alcohol is not the only substance that can cause intoxication and impair your ability to drive. For instance, any of the following could contribute to a weakened capacity for driving in Texas:

With several Texas cities closing bars and restaurants, more than 500 cases of the virus in the state at the time of this writing, and at least seven deaths reported, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit Texas hard. In response, the Texas National Guard will be activated to assist with the outbreak if necessary. However, did you know that, depending on the laws enforced during a pandemic like this, you can be arrested if you refuse to quarantine or isolate when you are suspected of being infected? It is true, and in those cases, you will need a strong criminal defense strategy. Consider the below facts—and stay safe.

Texas Health and Safety Codes

In Texas, there are various health and safety codes that dictate how local governments and citizens must deal with an outbreak like coronavirus. For the most part, the rules are broad to allow for an open interpretation depending on the situation. Here are some of those Texas health codes:

A few years ago, hemp was legalized at the federal level thanks to a Farm Bill that enables people to cultivate, sell, and possess the hemp plant and hemp-related compounds, such as CBD (cannabidiol). In these cases, the level of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content found within the product must be less than .3 percent. Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants, but marijuana tends to contain much more THC, making it a drug that can provide its users with a high. Since the Farm Bill has made CBD products more common, and marijuana has been legalized in other states, Texas has also changed its policies. In June of 2019, Texas passed a bill legalizing hemp such that the state would be in agreement and coordination with the federal government. However, despite this new legislation, you cannot buy just any edible product that contains CBD, and possession of any product with a THC level above 0.3% could lead to potential criminal consequences. In some instances, possessing marijuana edibles could land you in jail, and some prosecutors in Texas are even issuing warnings to the public that the wrong edible could bring with it significant penalties.  

From an outside perspective, it could seem as if a family violence case is open-and-shut in favor of the alleged victim and the prosecution, but the truth is that these cases are a lot more involved and complex than you might think. There are many elements of these types of allegations that can be legitimately and convincingly argued from both sides of the courtroom. In fact, criminal defense approaches and strategies for these types of charges can be especially effective for someone facing such serious accusations.

Effective Defense Strategies

An experienced criminal defense attorney will review the case thoroughly and examine all evidence. Some of the methods used to defend against family violence charges include:

If you are facing charges of intoxication manslaughter, you might be wondering if this is a completely indefensible offense that cannot be adequately challenged in court. Of course, it is natural to have all of these worries and fears when this type of tragedy happens. You might even feel an overwhelming sense of guilt as you struggle to see a way out. However, the truth is that with the right criminal defense attorney, you could be found not guilty, have the case dismissed, or have your charges significantly reduced. Your lawyer can help you determine the best defense strategies that will allow you to achieve a positive outcome to your situation.

Effective Defense Strategies With Intoxication Manslaughter

While it might seem as if a charge of intoxication manslaughter cannot be overcome in court, there are a variety of ways to challenge or defeat these charges, including:

• Suggesting Faulty Sobriety Tests — As with a DWI case, one of the best ways to achieve success is to establish reasonable doubt by calling into question the validity of the sobriety tests. If your lawyer can instill uncertainty and skepticism in the jury about the overall effectiveness of the sobriety tests, then it might lead them to believe that you were not intoxicated at the time of the accident.

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An expunction allows people to remove certain arrests, charges, and convictions from their permanent criminal records. Once those offenses are legally expunged from your record, you have the right to deny they ever happened. It is like receiving a clean slate in the eyes of the law. In many cases, this grants you the opportunity to start and receive a fresh start so that you are not judged for prior mistakes. This can help with securing employment, buying a house, renting an apartment, or applying for a car loan. There are specific legal steps that must be followed for an expunction, and it is crucial to work with a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can help ensure that your request for expunction will be approved.

Steps for Seeking an Expunction

Obtaining an expunction can be a complicated and challenging process, but with the right lawyer, it can be accomplished as quickly and efficiently as possible. Here are some basic steps to take if you are seeking an expunction:

Under Texas law, there are multiple different offenses regarding driving while intoxicated (DWI), and you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. Ultimately, which crime you are charged with depends on your history and your BAC level. Here is a closer look at each type of charge related to DWI:

Definition and Penalties for Class A DWI Charges

A Class A DWI charge is more severe than a Class B offense, because it can imply repeat offenses of a similar crime or a stronger case for the prosecution due to sobriety test results. In particular, if someone is charged with a Class A DWI offense, the following might be true:

One of the most serious offenses related to DWI is intoxication manslaughter. This is the primary reason people are pulled over for driving while intoxicated in the first place: to ensure that deaths resulting from impaired drivers do not take place. With Texas leading the nation in traffic fatalities and the country itself seeing an increase in such tragedies by nearly one-third over the last decade, you or someone you know could be faced with the consequences of intoxication manslaughter if you are involved in an accident. Therefore, it is important to know how Texas law defines this crime and its potential penalties.

Manslaughter Versus Murder

Before understanding intoxication manslaughter, it is helpful to know the difference between manslaughter and murder. While both manslaughter and murder result in someone’s death as a consequence of actions taken by the defendant, in the case of murder, the accusation implies that the defendant had malicious intent. With the crime of murder, the prosecution alleges that it was the defendant’s goal to kill the other person; however, with manslaughter, the death is considered a result of alleged recklessness on the part of the defendant. In regard to intoxication manslaughter, a death in a car accident while a person is impaired is typically not considered murder. Instead, it is usually considered manslaughter, since the majority if not all of these cases lack malicious intent.

With the start of the new year, it is worthwhile to consider the latest changes to criminal laws in the state of Texas. While the laws regarding how crimes like driving while intoxicated (DWI), drug charges, theft charges, and assault charges are prosecuted will largely remain the same, there is a definite financial impact to some of the latest legislation. Whether the changes will directly affect you depends on the types of charges you are facing and the circumstances of your case.

No More Surcharges Under Safe Driving Program

One major legislative move by the Texas legislature has to do with safe driving. Beginning in September of last year (2019), the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) was repealed. In case you were unaware of this program meant to encourage safe driving, it imposed surcharges on people with traffic-violation-related points and/or convictions on their driving record.

If you want the legal representation you expect and deserve after being arrested on criminal charges, you should take advantage of an attorney writ bond. Consider it like having a precheck ticket at the airport or an express line at a grocery store. You will get the bond you need to leave jail within a few hours as opposed to a few days. You will be back in the comfort of your own home in no time so that you can get back to living your life. And of course, the team at the Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. will be available to help you with any follow-up after the attorney writ bond process sets you free. Before making any decisions about your legal representation, take a closer look at the benefits of an attorney writ bond.

Why Get an Attorney Writ Bond?

If you or your loved one are in jail and waiting for a bond hearing before a judge, a licensed lawyer can file an attorney writ bond. In doing so, the attorney will require the sheriff to quickly set a bond for you, which, when paid, will allow you or your loved one to leave jail without waiting for a judge or magistrate to be available to issue your bond.

There are many benefits to getting an attorney writ bond, but there are a few primary reasons to have your lawyer file one if you qualify. If you or a loved one are in jail, you most likely hope to get out as quickly as possible. Obtaining an attorney writ bond is the best way to do so because of the following:

If you were pulled over for drunk driving, a lot of questions may go through your head. What if I go to jail? What if they take away my license? How am I going to find the right lawyer? Is my life ruined and over as I know it? Although these worries may seem legitimate, the truth is that the majority of them are driven by anxiety, not truth. With the proper attorney representing you, you may walk out with a “not guilty” verdict. While there are plenty of ways to win your DWI case, including the employment of a wide variety of defense strategies, there are a few basic principles that are commonly used when developing a legal plan for DWI defense. 

Elements of a Winning DWI Defense

There are numerous ways that a lawyer can successfully defend you in a DWI case. If your lawyer makes the right argument and provides convincing evidence from the start, the case could be settled or dismissed. In fact, very few DWI cases actually go to trial. In the instance that your case does take place in the courtroom, here are a few things that your lawyer should be doing on your behalf:

1. Establishing — and Reiterating — “Innocent Until Proven Guilty”: The jury must know that this is not an open-and-shut case against you — DWI cases are rarely that simple. There are many ways that information gathered by the government in its prosecution could be disproven. Additionally, there could be new findings and discovered evidence throughout the trial that might weaken the prosecution’s argument and work in your favor.
2. Exposing the Government’s Mistakes: As previously stated, the government is not infallible in their collection of evidence, their treatment of the accused, or even their approach to the trial. There are countless ways that the seeds of doubt can be planted in the jury’s mind about the strength of the argument against you. Your attorney should take all means necessary to weaken these preconceived notions and prove any wrongdoing by the government throughout your trial.
3. Raising Concerns About the Validity of BAC and Sobriety Tests: Contrary to popular belief, these types of tests are not that accurate. There are various factors that could affect the test results, thus invalidating them. Alcohol content in food can cause inaccurate readings with a breathalyzer, and anxiety can influence one’s ability to adequately complete a “walk-and-turn” test. Your attorney should highlight these testing inconsistencies to use as a defense tactic for your case.
4. Jury Selection: Choosing the right jury can make or break a criminal case — and this is usually even more true with DWI cases. The insurmountable bias that surrounds those accused of DWI can cause the jury to make a decision before they step foot in the courtroom. People presume guilt, especially when tests have allegedly proven drunkenness or when safety issues might have revealed supposed recklessness. However, the right lawyer will be able to convince the jury that their presumptions of guilt are in opposition to their legal duties as jurors and that official alcohol and sobriety tests lack the definitive validity that they assume to be true. Finding a jury that is most devoted to the legal process itself and not their preconceived notions regarding DWI cases and those accused of DWI is critical to the success of your case.

Contact a Collin County DWI Lawyer

Being accused of a crime does not mean you are guilty. An experienced DWI defense attorney can prove your lack of guilt and reveal the impropriety within the system. At the Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C., our lawyers are well-versed in DWI defense strategies, and we can provide you with the proper defense that you deserve. Contact our Plano DWI defense attorneys at 469-333-3333 for a complimentary consultation. We want to inform you of what you are up against and help you achieve the results and resolution you seek.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous, and it is illegal in all 50 states. Alcohol impairs the human senses and slows reaction times, making drunk drivers deadly to themselves and others on the road. Throughout most of the country, 0.08 percent is the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC). In other words, motorists who are driving over this limit are breaking the law and can face harsh criminal charges in addition to making an irreversible mistake that could cost them their life. 

How Do I Know if I Have Reached My Limit?

This 0.08 number can mean nothing to the average person, making it impossible to accurately measure your legal ability to drive before getting behind the wheel. What you think might be a safe amount of alcohol can land you behind bars. While you may not be able to adequately measure your BAC, having an understanding of how many drinks can set put you over the legal limit can make you think twice before grabbing your keys.