Most prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys are very familiar with polygraphs. Although polygraphs are generally not considered reliable enough to be admissible in court in Texas (as discussed below), they are still used outside of court during investigations or grand jury packets. Lie detector tests based on physiological changes date back...
What happens if I get kicked out of DWI PTI?
For many first-time offenders charged with DWI, a pre-trial diversion could be a good option to keep a DWI off your record. Unfortunately, the requirements of the program can be strict and usually include obtaining an interlock device, performing community service, completing DWI-related classes and more. Most counties, including Harris County, have...
What’s the Difference Between Civil and Criminal Harassment in TX?
There are many reasons for instituting laws. Each law is intended to help maintain order in society by punishing specific types of behavior. Since these behaviors go against the laws in place, we refer to them as “criminal.” Some laws are put in place to prevent people from conducting themselves in an...
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Open and Concealed Carry: Gun Laws in Texas
Texas has long been known as a state proud of its right to bear arms. But while many people in Texas do own a gun, the state still has the power to regulate when and where its citizens are allowed to carry their weapons in order to maintain safety.
When it...
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Is Driving While High the Same as Driving While Drunk?
Much is discussed about the consequences of drinking and driving, but what about driving while high? After all, some substances may actually make your head feel clearer than without them. So is driving while high really that bad?
DUID stands for driving under the influence of drugs and is no less...
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What You Should Know About Mail Theft
With so much happening online, we often talk a lot about cybersecurity and the risks that come with a breach of your accounts. However, what we don’t focus on, as much anymore, is the threat of mail theft. Mail theft is a felony that occurs when someone takes, abstracts, or steals mail...
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What Is Unlawful Restraint in Texas?
If you have ever blocked someone from leaving a room or taken their keys because you wanted them to stay and finish a discussion, you may be surprised to learn that you could be charged with a crime in Texas for your actions. The crime, unlawful restraint, occurs when one person...
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What Evidence Creates Reasonable Suspicion that a Driver is Intoxicated?
Police officers generally must have reasonable suspicion that a crime is being or has been committed in order to pull a driver over. It’s not enough for a police officer to have a feeling or a hunch that something is happening. However, it doesn’t require that the officer have actual knowledge. So...
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Can “Catfishing” Land You in Jail?
The use of the Internet has created another world in which many people choose to hide behind their computers. Speaking with others online requires no proof that you are who you say you are. It is this ability to hide one’s identity that has led many people to partake in what is...
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Is Insanity a Defense to a Criminal Conviction?
From being at another place at the same time to being drugged by someone else, there are various defenses to an accusation of a crime. But what if someone did commit a crime, but was not aware that doing so was wrong because of mental illness or defect? Can he or she...
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