Texas residents store a great deal of personal and confidential information on their computers, cellphones and other electronic devices, and the Fourth Amendment protects this data from unreasonable government searches and seizures. This means that police officers...
The Fourth Amendment gives people the right to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures, and courts in Texas and around the country take this protection seriously. However, there are a few situations where the Fourth Amendment does not apply and police...
"Pretext" is a term that comes up when addressing the legality of traffic stops. In Texas, the police might have a pretext to stop a vehicle for a seemingly minor violation. After pulling a car over, the routine traffic stop may escalate. A driver may wonder about...
If you have been charged with a crime in Texas, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, many cases are resolved through plea deals that are negotiated before they have the chance to get to trial. There may be several benefits...
It can happen to anyone. You go out for a social gathering at a restaurant, bar, or a friend’s house. You have a few drinks. Then you head home. As you’re driving home you suddenly see red and blue flashing lights in your rearview mirror. Your heart pounds. You palms...
When you finalize your divorce in Texas, you might want to move to a new area as soon as possible. Relocating to a new city or state seems like the perfect way to give yourself a fresh start. Unfortunately, you can't move without a judge's permission, and if you do,...
As a Texas business owner, you make decisions each day that impact the lives of dozens, hundreds or thousands of people. You may think that you're uniquely prepared to handle the stress that comes with running your business even during a divorce. However, if you don't...
On February 11, the mayor pro tem of Allen, Texas, was arrested on two child pornography charges. Gary Caplinger, 56, surrendered himself to police, posted the $80,000 bond and was released. Journalist Jobin Panicker of WFAA broke news of the arrest on Twitter and...
When a minor within the Dallas-Fort Worth area is arrested, it can be quite difficult to determine the outcome of their trial. Because they are a minor and have little to no understanding of the law, states will seek to protect them. However, total forgiveness for...
In legal terms, hearsay is a statement that was made out-of-court by another person who's not directly involved in the case. Hearsay is typically not allowed as evidence in Texas court cases because it's difficult to prove. However, there are some exceptions. When can...
