Someone pulls what looks like a handgun, points it at you, and threatens to shoot. You react because, in that moment, you believe you are about to be seriously hurt or killed. Later, police pick up the weapon and discover that it was an airsoft gun, replica, BB gun, or even a realistic … [Read more...] about Can You Be Charged in Texas If the Gun Used Against You Turned Out to Be Fake?
Is Going to Trial Ever the Better Option for Defendants?
When you face criminal charges, a plea agreement can seem like the safer option. You know what you are agreeing to, you avoid the uncertainty of a jury, and the case may end much sooner. That does not mean accepting a plea is always the right decision. Going to trial can sometimes be the better … [Read more...] about Is Going to Trial Ever the Better Option for Defendants?
What Factors Prosecutors Consider Before Filing Serious Charges?
Being investigated for a serious crime does not necessarily mean charges are inevitable. Police may believe they know what happened, witnesses may have given statements, and an arrest may even have occurred. The prosecutor still has to look at the case and decide whether the evidence supports moving … [Read more...] about What Factors Prosecutors Consider Before Filing Serious Charges?
What Happens If No Lawyer Is Willing to Represent My Criminal Case?
Being charged with a crime is stressful enough without hearing one attorney after another say they cannot take your case. What happens if no lawyer is willing to represent my criminal case? In Texas, the answer depends on why private attorneys are declining and whether you qualify for … [Read more...] about What Happens If No Lawyer Is Willing to Represent My Criminal Case?
Can You Expunge a Criminal Record Without a Lawyer in Texas?
A past arrest can still show up on background checks even if the case was dismissed or never resulted in a conviction. That naturally leads many people to ask, Can You Expunge a Criminal Record Without a Lawyer in Texas? Yes, Texas allows people to file for an expunction on their own, but … [Read more...] about Can You Expunge a Criminal Record Without a Lawyer in Texas?
Is It Illegal to Lie to the Police During Questioning?
Police questioning can make people nervous, even when they haven't been arrested. The urge to explain, minimize what happened, or give a less damaging answer can be strong. But is it illegal to lie to the police during questioning? In Texas, certain false statements to law enforcement can lead to … [Read more...] about Is It Illegal to Lie to the Police During Questioning?
Why Would a Grand Jury Decline to Indict a Criminal Case?
Prosecutors often take cases to a grand jury when they believe they have enough evidence to pursue felonies and other serious criminal charges. However, a grand jury will not automatically return indictments. Learn more about how grand juries evaluate evidence by reading the following … [Read more...] about Why Would a Grand Jury Decline to Indict a Criminal Case?
How Police Get You Talking Without Violating Your Rights
You’ve seen it a million times on TV: The police catch the suspect, put handcuffs on them, read them their Miranda Rights, and then ask questions. While law enforcement officers will eventually receive Miranda warnings before formal questioning, officers are taught many legal interview techniques … [Read more...] about How Police Get You Talking Without Violating Your Rights
Should You Ask for a Lawyer Even If You’re Innocent?
People often think they don’t need an attorney if they didn’t do anything wrong. However, one of the best things you can do for yourself during a criminal investigation or arrest is to exercise your right to an attorney. Whether you’re guilty, innocent, or somewhere in between, asking for a lawyer … [Read more...] about Should You Ask for a Lawyer Even If You’re Innocent?
Does the Defense Have to Turn Over Evidence to the Prosecution?
Many defendants believe their attorneys can withhold any and all evidence, witnesses, and strategies from prosecutors until right before trial. While defendants do have certain rights under the Constitution, they are typically required to turn over evidence under Texas law if certain conditions are … [Read more...] about Does the Defense Have to Turn Over Evidence to the Prosecution?
