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?
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?
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?
Choosing Between Public Defenders vs. Private Attorneys
If you are facing criminal charges, at some point you will be asked if you would like to have a public defender or an attorney represent you. This decision is often one of the first choices you’ll have to make after being charged with a crime. For many defendants, this decision comes at one of the … [Read more...] about Choosing Between Public Defenders vs. Private Attorneys
Does Talking to Police Ever Actually Help Your Case?
Most people believe that if they are stopped, questioned, or arrested by police, their best course of action is to be as cooperative as possible and explain everything. You’ve probably heard “just tell the truth” or “if you didn’t do anything wrong, you have nothing to worry about.” However, the … [Read more...] about Does Talking to Police Ever Actually Help Your Case?
Can You Be Charged for a Crime You Didn’t Personally Commit?
It’s a common belief that criminal charges only apply to the individual who commits a crime. Suppose someone else carried out the act. In that case, many people figure they won’t be arrested or charged with a crime themselves. However, criminal laws are rarely that cut-and-dry. In many instances, … [Read more...] about Can You Be Charged for a Crime You Didn’t Personally Commit?
