Posted on October 07, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Fortunately, Americans have important rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. One of these rights is the right to be free from unjustified searches of their personal property. In many cases, police or other government officials must get a search warrant before they can search a person’s property. However, there are also situations in which a search warrant is not required. It is important for every Texan to know their rights and understand when police have the right to search their home, vehicle, or personal property. This is especially true if you are facing criminal charges.

When Do Police Need a Search Warrant to Search Someone’s Property?

Police officers generally need a search warrant to search someone’s house, apartment, or other dwelling place. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. Police can search your home without a warrant if you or someone else who lives there gives them permission to search. Police may also be able to conduct a warrantless search if someone is in immediate danger or evidence is being destroyed. Police may also seize evidence in clear view. For example, if you are talking to police on your front porch and they see needles and drugs in your living room, they may have the right to seize these items and place you under arrest for drug possession.

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 Posted on September 26, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Many Texas employers require applicants and employees to take a drug test. Workers are asked to provide a urine sample which is then tested for THC, cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates, and other drugs. Individuals hoping to get or keep their jobs often ask whether cheating on a drug test is illegal. There are products such as synthetic urine and blocking agents on the market that are used to falsify drug test results. Most people assume that job loss is the worst possible outcome of using these products. However, in Texas, it is possible to face criminal charges for falsifying a drug test result. 

What Happens If I Cheat a Drug Test for Work?

Texas is known for having strict drug laws. Marijuana, cannabis, and THC products are still illegal in Texas. Penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana have been reduced in recent years, but it is still a crime to possess any amount of marijuana in Texas. There are only a few exceptions for the medical use of very low-THC marijuana products. Cultivation and delivery or sale of marijuana are penalized even more harshly. 

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 Posted on September 23, 2022 in Criminal Defense

If they are honest with themselves, most drivers would admit to driving above the speed limit at least once or twice in their lives. Some may also admit that they have shown off their vehicles by revving the engine, accelerating very quickly, racing other vehicles, or squealing the tires. Unfortunately, these seemingly harmless activities can result in very serious penalties if they are done in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Usually, speeding only results in a traffic ticket and a moderate fine. However, drivers who are involved in an accident causing injury or death because of alleged drag racing or flaunting may face felony charges.

Defining Street Racing in Texas

Street racing is a dangerous and illegal activity that has been on the rise in recent years. It often results in high-speed chases with police, accidents, and sometimes even deaths. The Texas Penal Code prohibits:

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 Posted on September 14, 2022 in DWI

Receiving a phone call from a family member who has just been arrested for drunk driving can be shocking and confusing. If you do not have much experience with the criminal justice system, you may be unsure of what to do. You may be overwhelmed with questions like, "Will my loved one go to jail? Can I bail them out? What are the next steps after a DWI charge?"

The first step is to remain calm. It is important to remember that being charged with a DWI does not mean that your loved one is automatically guilty. They are entitled to a fair trial, and it will be up to the prosecutor to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. There are a few things you can do to help your loved one through this difficult time.

Look Into Getting an Attorney Writ Bond So He or She Can Leave Police Custody

After a Texas DWI arrest, your loved one will likely be taken to the police station for processing. Once they have been processed, they may be eligible for an attorney writ bond. Typically, an arrested person has to wait in police custody until they can see a judge. This can take as long as two or three days. An attorney writ bond can get a DWI defendant out of jail within a matter of hours. You may be able to secure an attorney writ bond for your loved one without even leaving your home.

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 Posted on September 07, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Most people assume that criminal charges can only lead to one of two outcomes: a guilty verdict or an acquittal. However, there is another potential outcome that is even more preferable than being pronounced "not guilty." In some cases, criminal charges against a person are dismissed entirely. Once charges are dismissed, the person is no longer facing any legal penalties or repercussions. He or she will be spared the stress and expense of a jury trial. Even better, the person can ask the court for an expungement that erases the arrest record and court files.

Reasons for Dismissal of Criminal Charges in Collin County

There are a number of reasons that criminal charges might be dismissed. One common reason is if the prosecutor decides that there is not enough evidence to convict the defendant. This could be because key witnesses are unavailable or because the evidence is not strong enough to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. In some cases, charges are dismissed because the defendant has been cleared by new evidence, such as DNA testing.

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 Posted on August 26, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Anything from a bar fight to a domestic dispute can lead to assault charges. It's important to understand that assault is a serious criminal offense that often results in life-changing consequences. Your personal reputation, professional career, and very freedom are on the line. If you've been accused of assault, make sure to contact a criminal defense lawyer for help right away.

Defense Strategies for People Accused of Assault

There are a number of ways to defend against assault or aggravated assault charges. The most common defenses used by criminal defense lawyers include self-defense, defense of others, and lack of intent.

• Self-defense is when you use force against someone else in order to protect yourself from harm. In order for this defense to be successful, you must have reasonably believed that you were in danger of being hurt or killed and that using force was the only way to protect yourself.

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 Posted on August 19, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Many people are surprised to learn that the act of planning a criminal offense with another person is, itself, a crime. Talking with another individual about a planned offense can lead to criminal charges for conspiracy – even if you did not follow through with the plan.

Federal criminal charges are often penalized by significant prison terms and other harsh consequences. If you or a loved one are facing charges for conspiracy or another federal offense, it is crucial that you speak to a lawyer right away. Do not consent to police interrogation or discuss the alleged offense with anyone other than your attorney. You have important rights, including the right to avoid self-incrimination, and you need to assert those rights immediately.

Understanding Conspiracy Charges

Federal law states that the crime of conspiracy occurs when:

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 Posted on August 15, 2022 in Attorney Writ Bonds

When a criminal suspect is arrested, they are taken into police custody where they must wait until they are brought before a judge and their bail is set. Most people who are arrested are everyday people with jobs, responsibilities, and family obligations. They do not have time to wait 24-48 hours in jail, nor do they want to. A Writ of Habeas Corpus, usually called an “attorney writ bond” or “writ bond” for short, is a special type of bond that allows an arrested person to get out of police custody or jail almost immediately.

Offenses in Collin County That Qualify for an Attorney Writ Bond

Licensed attorneys in Collin County have the authority to get a criminal suspect released from jail even if the person has not appeared before a judge. Most Class A and Class B misdemeanors are eligible for a writ bond. The main exceptions to this are family violence offenses. Only attorneys can secure a writ bond, not bail bondsmen.

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 Posted on August 10, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Working with a criminal defense lawyer is one of the best ways to ensure that you have the legal advocacy you need when facing criminal charges. Whether you were arrested for assault, drunk driving, theft, or even homicide, a criminal defense lawyer’s job is to bring the strongest possible defense against the charges. However, with so many criminal defense lawyers practicing in the Collin County area, it can be hard to know which attorney is right for you. If you or a loved one were charged with a crime, make sure to ask a lawyer these questions before hiring him or her.

How Much Legal Experience Do You Have?

Lawyers often need upwards of seven years of college to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and be qualified to practice law. However, all of the education in the world cannot beat the benefits of real-world experience. Make sure your prospective attorney has ample experience defending clients in criminal cases. Moreover, ensure that the lawyer has experience handling the type of charges that you are currently facing. If you are facing murder charges, a defense lawyer who only has experience with misdemeanor crimes may not be qualified to handle your case.

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 Posted on July 28, 2022 in Criminal Defense

For many people, the last time they thought about the U.S. Constitution was in high school history class. We do not often think about how the Constitution affects our daily lives, but this document has a profound impact on our rights. If you were accused of a criminal offense, it is crucial that you understand your rights in this situation. It is even more important that assert those rights in order to protect yourself and your future.

You Have the Right to Avoid Self-Incrimination

Self-incrimination refers to the act of incriminating yourself or implicating yourself in a crime. The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution states that a criminal defendant cannot be compelled to testify against himself or herself. You may have heard someone say “I plead the fifth,” which means that they are choosing not to answer a question or reveal certain information. Our right to avoid self-incrimination is the basis of our right to remain silent and avoid answering police questions during an interrogation.

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