Texas laws

Can I Use an Attorney Writ Bond to Get Released After Being Arrested?

Posted on February 15, 2021 in Criminal Defense

Collin County criminal defense attorney

After being arrested on criminal charges, you will want to figure out the best way to get out of jail as quickly as possible. While waiting for a judge to set bail and posting that amount either by making a cash payment or receiving a bail bond is one commonly used option, this process can take up to 48 hours to complete. In some cases, you may be able to get released more quickly by obtaining an attorney writ bond. Our attorneys can help you make arrangements to receive this type of bond without the need to appear before a judge, and in many cases, this process can be completed within a few hours. However, it is important to understand the types of cases where an attorney writ bond will or will not be an option.

What Types of Criminal Charges Are Eligible for Attorney Writ Bonds?

Typically, attorney writ bonds are available to those who have been charged with certain types of misdemeanor offenses, including:

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Is My Texas Criminal Record Really Permanent?

Posted on January 29, 2021 in Criminal Defense

Collin County criminal defense attorney expunction

Everyone has made mistakes in their past. Maybe you got caught up with the wrong group of kids growing up, or perhaps you made a drunk decision that you wish you could take back. If you are lucky, you may be the only one who remembers the mistake. For those individuals who have been arrested or charged with a crime, the mistake remains as a mark on their permanent record. People with a criminal background—even those who were arrested but never convicted—have these decisions follow them for the rest of their lives. But what if removing this criminal mark was an option? For some, expunction may be exactly what they are looking for to move on with their lives.

What Records Can Be Expunged?

Criminal records are public, which means that anyone who conducts a background check, especially when hiring for jobs, will see anything built up on your record. An expunction allows individuals to remove information about an arrest, charge, or conviction from their permanent record, but only in certain circumstances. Once the record is expunged, all information regarding the case will be removed from the individual’s record and he or she is legally allowed to deny that the incident ever occurred. You may be wondering why everyone with a criminal record does not work to get their record expunged. The reason? Only 10 situations qualify for expunction. Records eligible for expunction include the following:

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When Can an Assault Charge Be Elevated to Aggravated Assault in Texas?

Posted on January 11, 2021 in Assault

Allen criminal defense attorney aggravated assault

Most people understand that intentionally injuring or harming someone else can lead to criminal charges. In Texas, a wide variety of different actions can fall under the category of assault, but they typically involve claims that a person has acted in a way that he or she knew would cause bodily injury to a person, either intentionally or recklessly. While “simple” assault charges can result in a variety of criminal consequences, these charges become even more serious when a charge is elevated to aggravated assault. Those who have been accused of serious assault charges will want to understand the exact nature of the offense they are accused of committing, as well as the potential penalties they may face if convicted.

Aggravating Factors in Assault Cases

The Texas Penal Code states that a person may be charged with assault if he or she caused bodily injury to someone else either on purpose or through reckless actions, threatened to commit bodily injury or purposely made physical contact with someone else in a manner that could be considered offensive or provocative. A charge may be elevated to aggravated assault if one of the following occurred when the individual allegedly committed assault:

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How an Attorney Writ Bond Can Help Secure a Quick Release from Jail

Posted on December 21, 2020 in Attorney Writ Bonds

Collin County criminal defense attorney writ bond

Being arrested is never a pleasant experience, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the processes followed when they are taken into police custody, booked into a jail or detention facility, and formally charged with a crime. In these situations, individuals will want to get out of jail as quickly as they can so they can return to their normal life while determining how to defend against the charges they are facing. Unfortunately, this process can often take significant time as prosecutors determine what charges to file, and the accused waits for a hearing where a judge can set bail. However, an attorney writ bond will offer another option, allowing a person to get out of jail much more quickly while also ensuring that he or she can determine the defense strategy against criminal charges.

When Is an Attorney Writ Bond Available?

After a person is arrested in Texas, he or she must appear before a judge within 48 hours. At this hearing, the judge will inform the person of the charges against him or her, and the court will set conditions for a bond that will allow the person to be released from custody. In many cases, a judge will specify an amount of bail that must be paid. A judge may also allow a person to be released on a personal bond, in which he or she will not be required to pay bail as long as he or she meets all of the requirements set by the judge, such as submitting to electronic monitoring.

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What Are the Penalties for Aggravated Assault in Texas?

Posted on October 14, 2020 in Assault

Collin County criminal defense attorney aggravated assault

In Texas, the crime of assault is taken seriously. This particular offense includes any situation in which the offender intentionally or knowingly causes or threatens bodily harm to another person, or physically contacts another person in an offensive or provocative manner. However, the severity of the assault and the resulting penalties can vary greatly depending on the situation. A skilled criminal defense attorney can be especially important if you are facing charges of aggravated assault in Texas.

Consequences of a Texas Aggravated Assault Conviction

In most cases, simple assault in Texas is considered a Class A misdemeanor or lower, resulting in penalties of up to one year of imprisonment and $4,000 in fines. However, certain factors can increase the charges to aggravated assault, including:

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What Is an “Order of Nondisclosure” in Texas and When Would I Need It?

Posted on July 22, 2020 in Criminal Defense

Frisco criminal defense attorney nondisclsoure order

You may have already heard about expunctions in Texas. This is when you and your lawyer are able to go to court to wipe your criminal record clean of charges. This is particularly useful to people who do not have multiple offenses and simply want to get that “one bad mistake” removed from their record so they can move forward with their lives. However, getting that “clean slate” that everyone hopes for is not a given; some people do not qualify for it. In those cases, an Order of Nondisclosure might be the right choice. Here is how a nondisclosure order can help you and how you can qualify for one.

Benefits of a Nondisclosure Order

While getting an Order of Nondisclosure will not wipe your entire criminal record clear, giving you the clean slate you crave, it can still assist in helping you get your life back on track. These orders essentially require records of a specific crime to be sealed from the public, including all information related to:

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How Can I Defend Against Criminal Theft Charges in Texas?

Posted on July 15, 2020 in Criminal Defense

Frisco criminal defense attorney theft

Last month, looting took place across the nation after protests turned violent, including in Texas. In consideration of this recent uptick in theft, it is worth thinking about what you should do if accused of theft in Texas. In some cases, the penalties can be severe depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Below are some effective strategies you and your lawyer can use to challenge these criminal charges if you or someone you know is facing such charges.

Key Strategies for Winning a Theft Case

While there are many defense strategies that are unique to each theft case, here are some common and effective steps to fight these charges:

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What Makes an Assault Charge in Texas Different From Other States?

Posted on May 08, 2020 in Assault

Collin County aggravated assault defense attorney

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”):

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