Texas police officers can arrest people for a driving while intoxicated (DWI) offense based on alcohol intoxication or impairment caused by drugs. In many ways, DWI charges are largely the same regardless of what substance affects someone's driving ability. A judge...
Houston Texas Criminal Defense Blog
Should you accept a plea deal for your criminal charges?
Most people facing criminal charges opt for plea deals to avoid the uncertainties of a trial or have their charges reduced. But is accepting a plea deal always in your best interests? The short answer is no. Plea deals are not there to serve you but to help the...
What is medical marijuana?
Marijuana is one of the most discussed drugs due to its qualities. In Texas, recreational marijuana is still illegal, but eligible residents can access it for medical purposes. Physicians can prescribe low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis. But how does it work?...
Avoid these five mistakes in your criminal case
The criminal charges that have been levied against you threaten to completely change your life for the worse. Although a conviction can certainly lead to jail or prison time, it can also carry collateral consequences that are broad and long-lasting. Despite the stress...
Common police mistakes that could aid your DWI case
Before the police can stop you and make an arrest, they must follow specific procedures. Unfortunately, sometimes the police can fail to follow these procedures and make mistakes, either accidentally or intentionally. These mistakes can affect the outcome of your DWI...
How do Texas law enforcement officers identify drugged driving?
Roughly, Texas defines intoxication as the loss of normal physical or mental faculties due to alcohol, drugs or a combination of intoxicating substances. Police officers use standardized field tests to detect alcohol intoxication, but how do they spot drugged driving...
Be cautious on social media until your case has been resolved
If you are like most adults, you spend a lot of time online. A significant percentage of that time may be spent on various social media platforms. However, if you have recently been accused of criminal wrongdoing, it is time to rethink your approach to these...
Can you argue self-defense for a domestic violence charge?
A domestic violence conviction is something that will follow you for years to come. Beyond a possible jail term, it can shape how others perceive you -- as a violent and aggressive person. Therefore, it helps to present a strong defense that will reduce the chances of...
What if a person under 21 is charged with weapons violations?
Texas is rightfully viewed as a state where people are free to carry a weapon if they see fit. The Second Amendment is important in the Lone Star State and most people understand the fundamentals of responsible weapon ownership and adhere to the law. However, even...
Manslaughter: How viable is a ‘heat of passion’ defense?
Simply put, manslaughter is murder committed without intent. It is a second-degree felony in Texas, and if convicted, you risk a jail term of up to 20 years, a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both. Among the defenses you can raise if you are charged with manslaughter is...