The intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system is a complex and often misunderstood terrain. For individuals grappling with mental health challenges, facing criminal charges can be an incredibly daunting experience. The legal system, with its...
Criminal Defense
Understanding plea bargains: are they the right choice for you?
Facing a criminal charge can be overwhelming. One option to consider is a plea bargain. Understanding how plea bargains work and determining if it is the right choice for you can significantly impact the outcome of your case. What is a plea bargain? A plea bargain is...
What happens if Texas de-schedules marijuana from Schedule 1?
Texas currently classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 substance. This means the state considers marijuana to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. If Texas decides to de-schedule marijuana from Schedule 1, it would represent a significant shift...
Do I need an attorney if I’m being extradited to Texas?
Extradition to Texas from another state or country can be a complex legal process with serious consequences. If Texas authorities push for your extradition, they likely do so under the assumption that you attempted to evade legal consequences. Seeking legal...
The effect of Texas’ cash bail system
Texas uses a cash bail system that allows defendants to pay for release as their cases play out. However, not everyone has the means to do so, which can result in a number of issues such as losing a job or being unable to take care of a child. Women tend to face a...
Do Texas self-defense laws require retreating?
Self-defense is a fundamental concept in criminal law, allowing individuals to protect themselves or others from imminent harm. The Stand Your Ground law went into effect in Texas in 2007 as Senate Bill 378, according to Progress Texas Stand your ground means there is...
To what extent can police search during a traffic stop?
During a traffic stop, police evaluate your behavior and look inside your car for anything of concern. The Fourth Amendment limits their scope for searching your car. An officer’s search must meet specific requirements for admissibility. Understand when and how police...
Should you refuse field sobriety tests if you get pulled over?
Whether you are driving after a night out on the town or simply heading home from work after a long day, if the police pull you over your anxiety likely spikes. That anxiety only escalates if an officer requests you perform a field sobriety test. You may wonder if you...
The role of domestic violence survivors in filing charges
In cases of domestic violence in Texas, understanding who has the authority to file charges can provide clarity to survivors and their families. Often, the dynamics of domestic violence can make the decision to press charges complex and emotionally fraught. This...
What happens when the police intervene in a domestic dispute?
Domestic disputes are never easy to navigate, especially when your emotions are running high. The National Domestic Violence Hotline reported that nearly half of Americans have dealt with aggressive behavior from their partners at some point, and this behavior can...