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Recent Blog Posts
What is Considered Money Laundering in Texas?
If you have been charged with money laundering, it is very important that you understand the severity of this crime – including the misconception that it is mostly just associated with drug trafficking. Knowing what constitutes money laundering is the first step in challenging charges against you, and an experienced Midland, TX money laundering defense attorney understands what it takes to build a strong defense and will fight to protect your rights.
How Is Money Laundering Defined?
In general, money laundering involves hiding the origins of money that was illegally obtained, "cleaning it up," and making it appear to come from a legitimate source. Federal law defines three types of money laundering transactions:
Can You Recover Losses in a Shared-Fault Accident in Texas?
Car accidents happen every day in Texas, and determining the person who is held responsible can depend on many factors. A common misconception is that only one party can be liable, but in some cases, everyone bears some responsibility. Sometimes, a third party may play a role in the accident, even if they were not present when it occurred. If you have questions about your role in a car accident and what it means for your ability to recover compensation, a Texas car accident attorney can explain the laws that apply to shared-fault cases.
Does Texas Use a Fault-Based Car Accident System?
Texas law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, ensuring that they can pay for any accident they cause. In the event of an accident, the state applies the traditional fault-based approach. Those who are hurt or who suffer property damage in car accidents can either file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, which is known as a third-party insurance claim, or sue the at-fault driver in court. This process is slightly more complex when both parties share fault.
Can Verbal Threats Land Me in Jail in Texas?
Many of us used to chant the popular saying, "Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me" as kids. We tend to agree with this as adults as well, with people believing that physically hurting someone might result in legal trouble but that verbal threats are harmless or protected under free speech laws. However, certain types of verbal threats can result in criminal charges and even jail time. A qualified Texas criminal defense lawyer can explain when a verbal threat might be considered criminal conduct and can work hard to protect your rights.
When Can a Verbal Threat Lead to Criminal Charges?
Texas law identifies several circumstances in which verbal threats might result in criminal charges. Depending on the nature of the threat and the circumstances surrounding it, these threats can lead to misdemeanor or even felony charges. Some key examples include:
Can I Qualify for a Texas Pretrial Diversion Program?
Pretrial diversion programs in Texas offer people facing criminal charges an opportunity to avoid a conviction and clear their record. This option is not granted to anyone being charged; it mainly helps first-time offenders or those charged with less serious crimes. Successfully completing the program can lead to your case being dismissed and even expunged in some cases. A knowledgeable Texas criminal defense lawyer with an understanding of diversion program eligibility requirements can help improve your chances of acceptance.
What Is a Pretrial Diversion Program?
Pretrial diversion programs are an alternative to traditional prosecution. Instead of going through a criminal trial, eligible defendants can be given specific conditions to meet during a supervision period. These conditions can include:
4 Times When Police Can Search Your Car Without a Warrant in Texas
If you get pulled over, you might think the police can only search your car if they have a warrant to do so. While the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures, officers can still search your car without a warrant under certain circumstances. A knowledgeable Texas criminal defense lawyer can explain more about how you can make sure your rights are respected during a search.
When Can Police Search Your Car Without a Warrant?
In Texas, your car is generally safe from an unfair search. However, there are various scenarios when the police can claim a warrant is unnecessary, and searching your car without one is legally valid. Some of these scenarios are:
Will I Go to Jail if I Am Caught in a Sex Sting?
Texas treats prostitution as a serious criminal offense and invests a lot of resources in arresting sex workers and clients. Police regularly investigate and arrest prostitution suspects using sting operations. If you are arrested during a sting operation on suspicion of committing sex crimes, it is crucial to speak with a Texas criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible for guidance on how best to proceed.
How Do Sting Operations Work?
Police sometimes work undercover to catch people committing a crime. Prostitution sting operations can target suspected sex workers or their clients, with an officer posing as a prostitute or as a client to try to nab someone in the act of agreeing to an exchange of sex for money.
How Long Will My Personal Injury Claim Take?
It can be a hard decision to pursue a personal injury case; you might be focused on recovering from your injuries, stressing about income you lost as a result, and concerned about any repairs you need to make. The idea of beginning a legal proceeding can seem overwhelming. Despite all that, you probably understand that the damages you can recover can make the process worthwhile.
Once you have made the decision and are ready to begin, you are probably wondering how long it will take until that money is in your pocket. While all personal injury cases are unique and can be settled differently, several factors can affect how long yours will take. An experienced Texas personal injury lawyer who has helped many clients recover damages can review your case and give you reasonable expectations for how long it might take.
When Can You Claim You Were Acting in Self-Defense?
When someone attacks you, it is natural to protect yourself. Sometimes, in the act of defending yourself, you end up hurting the person who was trying to hurt you in the first place. When someone is injured in an altercation like that, it can be hard to prove who started assaulting who, and who was responding in self-defense. If you are facing criminal charges because your attacker got hurt when you acted to protect yourself, speak with a skilled Texas criminal defense lawyer to understand your options.
What Is Considered Self-Defense?
Self-defense is when you use force to protect yourself or others from harm. Texas law allows you to defend yourself, even with deadly force, if you believe that you or someone else is in danger of being hurt and you need to take action to prevent that. However, it is only legally considered self-defense and not assault if the force you use is necessary to stop the threat. If you keep fighting with an attacker once they no longer present a threat, it might not be considered self-defense anymore.
How Can Mental Health Issues Impact My Texas Criminal Case?
Mental health can play a significant role in criminal defense cases in Texas. Mental health challenges can influence every aspect of the process, from criminal intent to arrest and trial. If you are facing criminal charges and suffer from mental health issues, an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the challenges and ensure that your rights are protected.
What Role Does Mental Health Play in Criminal Cases?
Mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and anxiety can affect behavior. In some cases, these types of conditions can contribute to actions that lead to criminal charges. For example, someone experiencing a psychotic episode could act in ways they otherwise would not if they were not suffering or receiving proper treatment for their condition.
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Facing Criminal Charges in Texas
If you are facing criminal charges, you might feel stressed and overwhelmed. This can be particularly true if this is your first time having this experience. Your actions at this critical time can impact your case, so it is important to know about common mistakes to avoid. To learn more, speak with an experienced Austin, TX criminal defense attorney.
Mistake 1: Not Remaining Silent
A common mistake people can make when they are under investigation or arrested is speaking with the police without a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you later on in court. People mistakenly think if they answer questions and are cooperative, this can help prove their innocence, and if they demand a lawyer, it can make them seem guilty.
The truth is with the stakes of criminal charges so high, you can never be too careful and answering questions without legal guidance can end up hurting you. You should always exercise your right to remain silent and have an attorney present before you answer any questions.
