Many criminal prosecutions in Texas end not with a court trial but with a plea bargain. This is when the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser offense, usually in exchange for a more lenient sentence. However, plea bargains can often be detrimental to the defendant's...
Criminal Defense
The drunk driving penalties are harsh in Texas
The penalties for drunk driving are severe in Texas, and even first offenders face mandatory jail time. Motorists can be charged with driving while intoxicated in the Lone Star State if blood or breath tests reveal that they were behind the wheel with a blood alcohol...
Some commonly used defenses in Texas courts
Criminal charges can result in serious consequences such as jail time, fines and a criminal record. However, people facing criminal charges in Texas have some options for criminal defense strategies and tactics commonly used in the state. Commonly used defense...
What does deadly conduct mean in Texas?
In Texas, it’s a crime to use weapons in certain ways as it could lead to deadly conduct charges. These are the elements and consequences of a deadly conduct offense. Understanding deadly conduct Deadly conduct involves dangerous, threatening or reckless use of...
What are the facts about sibling sexual abuse?
Many residents of Texas survive sexual abuse. Many who experience it during their childhood suffer at the hands of a sibling. It is more common than many parents realize. Understanding sibling sexual abuse When people think about sexual abuse within families, they...
Are sex offenses due to psychological conditions?
Sex offenses in Texas, especially those committed against children, result in serious legal penalties. The psychological treatment of sex offenders is controversial, as these individuals, primarily adult males, will eventually return to the community. Many don't...
Prosecutors rely on fear during plea negotiations
Well over 90% of the criminal cases in Texas and around the country are resolved by plea agreements rather than trials, and many of these agreements are rooted in fear. The prosecutors who make plea offers and the defendants who accept would be far better off if they...
Discovery process in criminal cases
In Texas, discovery is a crucial phase of a criminal trial. It's the period during which the two sides share information and evidence so that nothing throughout the course of the trial itself is a shock to the other side. How written discovery works Discovery starts...
What you need to know about burglary charges in Texas
If you are accused of burglary in Texas, you may be looking at a felony or misdemeanor charge, depending on the circumstances. This is because the crime carries two illegal acts, i.e., entering someone else's property uninvited and committing or intending to commit an...
What should you expect when charged with indecent exposure?
Indecent exposure carries the classification of "sex crime" in Texas. As a result, the penalties for indecent exposure include jail sentences, prison time, and severe fines. The ultimate sentence that you will receive for indecent exposure depends upon a number of...