A criminal case that goes to trial will have a jury that listens to both sides of the matter before deliberating and making a decision on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. Before the jury hears the case, jury selection must happen. This process is called...
If you are facing criminal allegations, do not underestimate the importance of understanding the specific charges filed against you. You will have trouble defending yourself without knowing what the accusations involve. Two Texas offenses that are often misunderstood...
If you find the police at your door, it’s unlikely to be good news. Nevertheless, many people open their door when an officer knocks, only to later wish they hadn’t. If the police are at your door, you are generally under no obligation to open it. Thus, keeping it...
When you’ve been arrested, the police may pressure you to talk, making it seem like staying silent will only make things worse. However, talking can often do more harm than good. Knowing how to properly assert your right to remain silent can protect you. The Fifth...
Committing a violent crime is never going to be viewed well in the eyes of the law. Yet, the law considers the crime even more serious in certain cases -- especially those in which specific people are targeted for one reason or another. Aggravating factors could cause...
One term you need to understand if accused of a crime is “chain of custody”. This comes into play when the police have physical evidence they hope to use against you. The chain of custody is the term for the history of a piece of evidence from the moment the police...
Pre-trial diversion is a voluntary program that allows certain offenders to avoid or delay the traditional criminal process by completing certain conditions. Instead of proceeding to trial, you agree to meet specific requirements set by the court or prosecutor. If...
It takes a long time to get your green card. The petition, application, biometrics appointment and interview are done, and you are just waiting for a decision. This is an exciting time for you, so losing your opportunity to live and work in the United States would be...
Searches are just one tool that law enforcement has at their disposal. Nonetheless, police officers cannot just search anyone at any time. When searches are conducted, they must follow certain legal protocols. What are your rights during a police search in Texas? ...
Being arrested for a crime is the first event in what’s often a lengthy legal process. One of the priorities you’ll have in this case is getting out of jail while your case is pending. This often involves the court setting a bail, which is a monetary amount that you...