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
