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Recent Blog Posts
Will I Automatically Be Charged with DWI for Failing a Breathalyzer?
Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or other substances is unlawful in all fifty U.S. states. However, knowing when a driver is too intoxicated to drive safely is not always easy. Portable breath alcohol tests like breathalyzers are designed to measure the amount of alcohol on someone’s breath and use that information to calculate the person’s blood alcohol content (BAC). The results of these tests are not always accurate, however. As a result, many people wonder, “Will I go to jail for drunk driving if I fail a breathalyzer test?”
What Happens During a DWI Stop?
When a police officer suspects that a driver may be under the influence, he or she has a few options. Sometimes, the officer asks the driver to complete a field sobriety test. These tests assess a person’s coordination and body responses to determine if they are under the influence. However, illnesses, injuries, and a host of other issues can interfere with these tests. Breath tests are often used in addition to or in place of a field sobriety test.
Will I Face Criminal Charges for Shoplifting in Texas?
Shoplifting is one of the most common crimes in the country. In fact, it is estimated that there are over 500,000 incidents of shoplifting every day in the U.S. Most people know that taking something from a store without paying for it is against the law. However, few realize the consequences that retail theft can lead to. Shoplifting in Texas can damage your personal reputation, limit your employment opportunities, and in some cases, even lead to jail time.
Shoplifting Falls Under the Category of Theft
Unlike other states, there is not a law in Texas that specifically deals with shoplifting. If you are caught shoplifting, you face charges for theft. While shoplifting often brings to mind images of someone stuffing stolen items in a jacket or bag, this is not the only form of shoplifting that can result in criminal charges. Other situations that can lead to theft charges include:
Can You Face DWI Charges for Prescription Medicine in Texas?
When we think about driving while intoxicated (DWI), alcohol or illicit drugs typically come to mind. However, this is not the only substance that may lead to DWI charges in Texas. Many Texans are surprised to learn that driving after taking a prescription medication can sometimes lead to criminal charges – even if the driver was prescribed the medication by a doctor. The penalties for driving under the influence of a prescription drug are the same as those for drunk driving. If you or a loved one have been arrested for DWI because of driving while under the influence of prescription medication, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney for help.
Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Medicine Can Lead to Criminal Consequences
Over two-thirds of US adults take at least one prescription medication. Understandably, there may be a time when someone who takes prescription medication needs to drive. However, Texas law states that driving while under the influence of any intoxicating substance can lead to DWI charges. Even if you are taking the drug legally for a legitimate medical purpose, you can still face criminal consequences.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence?
There is no doubt that domestic violence and abuse are very real problems in Texas. However, not all accusations of domestic violence or domestic assault are true. Sometimes a family member, former romantic partner, or household member makes up an accusation of violence or abuse. An ex-spouse may claim family violence or child abuse in an effort to gain an advantage in a child custody dispute. An angry girlfriend or boyfriend may claim that you hit him or her to seek revenge for infidelity. The possibilities are endless. If you have been falsely accused of hurting a current or former family or household member, contact a criminal defense lawyer right away.
Do Not Seek Retaliation or Confront the Person Who Accused You
If you have been accused of something that you did not do, you may understandably feel angry and offended. However, it is important not to confront your accuser. This only gives him or her the opportunity to make further claims against you. It is possible that you are subject to an order of protection or “restraining order.” This is a court order that may prohibit you from contacting or coming within a certain distance of another person. A Temporary Ex Parte Order may be obtained in Texas without a hearing. This means that you may even be subject to a protective order without knowing it. Confronting your accuser will likely aggravate the situation and may even lead to criminal charges for violating a protective order.
Can Police Force Me to Take a Breath or Blood Alcohol Test in Texas?
In Texas, a driver can be arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) for having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or greater. To determine whether a driver’s BAC exceeds the legal limit, police officers may conduct a field sobriety test or a breath alcohol test such as a breathalyzer. Many Texas drivers have questions about their legal rights during a traffic stop. You may have wondered, “Do I have to take a breathalyzer test?” or “What happens if I refuse a chemical BAC test?”
Preliminary Roadside BAC Tests
The majority of DWI arrests begin with one of two scenarios. The first occurs when a police officer notices that a driver is drifting between lanes, turning with an unusually wide radius, weaving in and out of traffic, or otherwise shows signs of intoxicated driving. The second scenario occurs when an officer pulls a driver over for an offense like speeding or a broken taillight and then notices signs of intoxication such as the smell of alcohol on the driver’s breath.
What Happens If You Get Caught with Marijuana Edibles in Texas?
Fewer drugs have been the subject of as much controversy – or as much confusion – as marijuana. State laws regarding the possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis products vary dramatically from state to state. In Texas, cannabis or “weed” is illegal except in extremely limited circumstances. This includes all edibles and products containing the psychoactive component THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Cookies, candy, brownies, and other products containing THC concentrates are typically penalized more harshly than marijuana and may lead to felony criminal charges and even decades behind bars.
THC Concentrates Including Oil and Wax Are Penalized More Harshly Than Marijuana
Like most states, the criminal penalties an individual faces for possession of an illicit drug varies depending on the amount of the drug in possession. The greater the amount of the drug an individual allegedly possesses, the worse the penalties. Possession of less than two ounces of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor and possession of two to four ounces is a Class A misdemeanor. Possession of any amount greater than four ounces is a felony offense. Distribution of greater than a quarter of an ounce (or seven grams) is also a felony offense.
How Can an Attorney Writ Bond Help if You Have Been Arrested for DWI?
Being handcuffed and placed in the back of a police car is one of the most frightening and intimidating experiences a person can go through – especially if the person has never been arrested before. Most people do not know exactly how arrests, criminal charges, and securing bail work after an arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI). They may be unsure of how long they will be in police custody following the arrest and worried about getting to work, picking up their children from school, and fulfilling other responsibilities. Fortunately, there may be a way to get out of police custody within a few hours following a DWI arrest in Texas through an attorney writ bond.
An Attorney Writ Bond Can Expedite a Criminal Defendant’s Release
When an individual is arrested for drunk driving in Texas, they are taken into police custody. He or she will attend a hearing with a judge within 48 hours of being arrested. During the hearing, the judge explains what the defendant has been charged with and what he or she must do to be released. Often, the defendant must pay a certain amount of money called a “bail” to be released. Some defendants pay their bail through a bondsman. Judges may also release a defendant on a “personal bond,” which means that he or she swears to appear at a future court date.
Defending Against Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana in Texas
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges typically bring to mind drunk driving. However, alcohol is not the only substance that can lead to DWI charges in Texas. While many states have legalized the medical or recreational use of marijuana, the drug is still illegal in Texas save for very specific circumstances. If you are caught driving while intoxicated by marijuana or a THC-containing product, you may be charged with DWI and subject to penalties including heavy fines and possible jail time. Developing a robust defense strategy with help from a skilled DWI defense lawyer may help you avoid these penalties.
Understanding the Difference Between DWI Involving Cannabis and DWI Involving Alcohol
The penalties for DWI involving marijuana intoxication and alcohol intoxication are largely the same. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a temporary suspension of your driver’s license. Second or subsequent offenses or DWI involving certain aggravating factors such as child passengers are penalized by longer jail sentences.
What Should I Do If I Was Arrested for DWI Resulting in Injury or Death?
Most first-time drunk driving offenses are misdemeanor offenses punishable by a maximum of 180 days in jail, fines, and suspension of the offender’s driver’s license. However, driving while intoxicated (DWI) and causing an accident in which someone is injured or killed is a felony offense in Texas. These crimes are punished much more severely than typical DWI offenses. If you or a loved one have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causing a serious car accident, speak with a criminal defense lawyer right away. The sooner you contact an experienced lawyer, the sooner your lawyer can start building a defense strategy.
Penalties for Intoxication Assault and Intoxication Manslaughter
Driving while intoxicated and causing a crash that results in injury or death is referred to as “intoxication assault” or “intoxication manslaughter” respectively. Both of these crimes are felony offenses that are heavily penalized in Texas. If you are convicted of causing serious bodily injury in a drunk driving accident, you could face 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. If you are convicted of causing a drunk driving accident that results in death, you face penalties including a maximum of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
What Is a Texas Magistrate’s Order of Emergency Protection?
Any relationship is bound to have some degree of conflict. However, when a conflict between romantic partners, roommates, or relatives escalates, an individual may be accused of “family violence.” The state of Texas takes allegations of family violence and child abuse very seriously. Consequently, an individual accused of family violence or domestic violence can face harsh criminal consequences. If you have been accused of harming a family member or household member, you may be subject to a Magistrate’s Order of Emergency Protection (MOEP). If someone has filed an MOEP against you, understanding your rights and obligations is essential.
Texas Magistrate’s Order of Emergency Protection
A Magistrate’s Order of Emergency Protection is a court order that is used to protect an alleged victim of domestic violence or stalking from further harassment or abuse. These orders are often referred to as restraining orders or protection orders. In Texas, a judge or “magistrate” is required to issue a MOEP if someone is arrested for family violence involving a deadly weapon or resulting in serious bodily harm. A judge may also issue an MOEP if the order is requested by a law enforcement officer, prosecutor, alleged victim, or the guardian of an alleged victim.
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