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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Juvenile law is a sensitive area of the criminal justice system. It is difficult to strike a balance between handing down a punishment that fits the crime and the idea that juveniles simply might not yet fully recognize right from wrong. There are times, however, when...
When law enforcement officers suspect that a driver is under the influence of alcohol, the information that they obtain from a breath test to affirm their suspicion may not necessarily be accurate. Blood Alcohol Concentration readings from a breath test may not be...
Citizens are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures by the Fourth Amendment as well as Article I Section 9 of the Texas Constitution. In most cases, police officers can only search your smartphone with a valid warrant. Under Texas rules, even if you are...
When people drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they pose a danger to themselves and others on the road. For this reason, members of law enforcement keep a close eye on people who are driving erratically and may even set up DUI checkpoints to catch those...
A grand jury is a group of citizens serving several-month terms to review the results of criminal investigations and solicit testimony in an effort to determine if there is sufficient evidence of the commission of a crime. If so, the grand jury issues an indictment,...
