When most people think about assault, they imagine a physical fight or some kind of contact. But in Texas, that’s not always the case. Verbal threats and intimidating behavior, even without a single punch thrown, can still lead to serious criminal charges. In this article, we’ll discuss… What qualifies as assault by threat under Texas law. How prosecutors prove intent in cases of assault by threat. What to do if you’re falsely accused, and how an attorney can help. What Qualifies As “Assault By Threat” Under Texas Criminal Law? You can be charged with assault by threat in Texas even if there’s no physical contact. The lowest-level offense is a Class C misdemeanor, which can apply when someone threatens another person. In these situations, police…Read More
When people think of a family violence charge, their first thought is usually jail. But jail time is often just the beginning. A conviction or even just an arrest can follow you for years, affecting your career, your housing options, your personal relationships, and your future. In this chapter, we’ll walk through exactly how serious the impact can be and what you can do to protect yourself in the here and now. Potential Penalties The criminal penalties you may face depend on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony and whether you’re sentenced to jail, prison, or probation. Misdemeanors may result in county jail time of up to 1 year. On the other hand, felonies can lead to state prison time, generally for…Read More
When you’ve been accused of family violence, evidence is everything. In fact, the outcome of your case may hinge less on what actually happened and more on what can be proven. Whether you're defending against false allegations or arguing self-defense, you’ll need a clear, strategic approach to building your case. This chapter breaks down what kinds of evidence for family violence defense in Texas can help and how to avoid damaging your own credibility along the way. Text Messages And Emails: Integral To A Solid Defense Text messages and email are often some of the most powerful tools you have. Here’s the reality: when police arrive at the scene of a domestic dispute, they usually have very little information. They may have a 911 call…Read More
Facing a domestic violence defense in Texas is serious, and what you do—or not do—immediately afterward can significantly impact your future. Whether the allegation is true or not, your rights are on the line from the very beginning. In this article, we’ll explore… What to do after an accusation of domestic violence. How to protect your record and parental rights. What legal strategies can help you navigate the uncertainty ahead. What Should I Do Immediately After A Domestic Violence Accusation To Protect My Rights? The most important thing you can do is stay silent and contact an attorney immediately. That means no conversations with police, the alleged victim, friends, family, or anyone else. Don't text, email, post on social media, or try to explain your…Read More
Assault charges in Texas can carry serious consequences, especially when the offense is elevated to aggravated assault. Understanding what triggers this enhancement and how it affects your legal options is critical if you or someone you know is facing such a charge. In this article, we’ll break down… How Texas defines aggravated assault. What circumstances can enhance an aggravated assault charge. What legal options may be available if you’ve been charged with aggravated assault. What Is The Legal Definition Of Aggravated Assault In Texas? Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.02, an assault becomes aggravated when it involves either: The use or exhibition of a deadly weapon, or Serious bodily injury to another person These terms carry legal weight. For example, using a weapon includes firing…Read More
DWI arrests in Texas can be overwhelming, especially in the hours and days immediately following your release. Knowing what steps to take and what mistakes to avoid can make a major difference in protecting your record, your license, and your future. In this article, we’ll explore some key things you need to know, such as… How to request footage of your DWI arrest after a traffic stop. How to apply for a permit to drive for essential purposes after a DWI arrest. How a DWI attorney can help you following an arrest. How Do I Request My DWI Arrest Video And Police Report After A Traffic Stop? The short answer: you can’t get full access to these materials on your own. DWI arrest videos, body…Read More
Protective Orders In Texas: The Basics A protective order is a legal order from a court that’s designed to prevent violence or threats of violence between people in close or domestic relationships. In Texas, these orders can be either criminal or civil. Criminal protective orders often come as a condition of bond after an arrest for family violence. Civil protective orders, sometimes called restraining orders or injunctions, can be requested through the courts, even without an active criminal case. A protective order can be requested by several parties, including an alleged victim of family violence, a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a child, the district attorney’s office representing the protected individual, or a private attorney filing the request for their client. Before granting…Read More
From Prosecutor To Defender: What Drew Me To Criminal Defense Law For nearly a decade, I served as a prosecutor, first in Bexar County, San Antonio, and then for over six years in Tarrant County, Fort Worth. During that time, I handled countless cases, from misdemeanors and DWIs to high-stakes felonies such as aggravated assault, robbery, sexual assault, and even murder. Each case was different, and that’s a major aspect of what drew me in. The challenge, the nuance, and the reality that no two situations are ever the same were absolutely thrilling for me. But over time, I began to notice something that didn’t sit right. Two prosecutors could look at the exact same set of facts and come to wildly different conclusions. One…Read More
Misdemeanor DWI in Tarrant County can carry serious, long-lasting consequences that many people simply don’t fully understand. From permanent criminal records to unexpected impacts on employment and licensing, knowing what you're up against is the first step in protecting your future. This article hopes to be a springboard for understanding how misdemeanor DWI in Tarrant County is handled and will help you learn… How long a misdemeanor will stay on your record in Texas. The possible legal consequences of a misdemeanor DWI. How an attorney may be able to help you keep a DWI off your record. How Long Will A Misdemeanor DWI Stay On My Record In Texas? How long a misdemeanor DWI stays on your record depends on how your case is resolved.…Read More
What Is Considered A Violation Of Probation In Texas? In Texas, a probation violation occurs when you fail to comply with any condition set by the Court. Common violations include: Missing scheduled check-ins with a probation officer Committing a new offense Failing to complete required community service Skipping court-ordered classes like anger management or drug treatment Other violations may involve contacting a victim when prohibited or failing a drug test. Even a single violation can result in a warrant for your arrest. On top of this, the State may then seek to revoke your probation, potentially leading to jail or prison time. How Do I Know If I’ve Violated The Terms Of My Probation? In most cases, your probation officer will notify you if you…Read More
What Is A Pre-trial Diversion Program? A pre-trial diversion program is a form of probation that allows you to have your case dismissed and your arrest expunged if you successfully complete the program. Eligibility depends on factors such as the type of crime you are accused of, your age, and whether you have any prior offenses. Different pre-trial diversion programs have different requirements, but if you qualify, it can be an opportunity to avoid a conviction and clear your record. Who Qualifies For Pre-Trial Diversion Programs In Texas? Texas pre-trial diversion eligibility depends on the county and the specific program available. Common programs include: Veterans treatment courts Mental health courts Drug courts First-time offender programs Deferred prosecution programs. Each program has its own criteria, typically…Read More
How Can I Prepare For My Pretrial Court Hearing? Preparing for a pretrial hearing starts with understanding what type of hearing it is and discussing it with your attorney. Different pretrial hearings serve different purposes: Initial Appearance This is when the judge reviews bond conditions and determines if you qualify for a court-appointed attorney or if you want to hire an attorney. Motion to Suppress Evidence In these, your attorney argues why certain evidence should be excluded usually due to police misconduct. Docket Settings Here, the defense and prosecution negotiate potential plea agreements. Your preparation depends on the type of hearing. If you have evidence like texts, emails, voicemails, or photos gather it and discuss it with your attorney in advance. If you’re expected to…Read More
In this article, you can discover… What a plea deal is, and how the plea process works in Texas. The greatest benefits and risks of accepting a plea deal. How an attorney can help you determine if a plea deal is in your best interests. What Is A Plea Deal And How Does It Typically Work In Texas? A plea deal is an incentive for you to take responsibility for the criminal case against you. In exchange for your pleading guilty, the prosecution may offer you less jail time or a shorter amount of time on probation. This helps keep your case out of trial and keeps the state of Texas from having to file motions, call witnesses, and spend time preparing for and trying…Read More
In this article, you can discover… What to do if you discover that you have an arrest warrant. Why it’s best to never ignore an arrest warrant. How a criminal defense attorney can help defend your rights in light of an arrest warrant. What Should I Do If I Have A Warrant Out For My Arrest In Tarrant County, TX? The first thing to keep in mind is that you should NOT talk to the police. Speaking with an officer or detective alone can cause irreversible damage to your case. Instead, call a criminal defense attorney near you who can help advise you on how to move forward. Generally, your attorney can reach out to the detective to determine if you do, indeed, have a…Read More
In this article, you can discover… What it means to have a “speedy trial” in Texas. What happens if the prosecution isn’t ready by your trial date. How to determine if it’s best to go to trial sooner or to wait. What Is The Legal Definition Of A “Speedy Trial”? The United States Constitution states that you have a right to a “speedy trial,” though determining when that right has been violated is up to the courts. Texas courts will consider four factors to determine if you have been denied your right to a speedy trial, based on the case Barker vs. Wingo. These factors are as follows: How Long You Have Waited For A Trial Courts will first consider how long you have been…Read More
