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 what exactly is…
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 known as “catfishing,”…
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 be held morally…
What Happens if You Violate Your Texas Probation?
When you plead guilty to committing a crime, sometimes you will be sent to prison for a specific period and sometimes you may receive probation, a program in which you forgo prison and are instead put under community supervision. You may be placed on either an active or inactive type of supervision with probation. With…
The Texas Castle Doctrine and the Right to Defend Your Property
It makes sense that you have the right to protect yourself when someone else is attacking you, but what about when someone is on your property – do you have the right to protect yourself then? In Texas, you have the right to protect yourself when someone else is on your property. However, there are…
What Does the Term ‘Beyond a Reasonable Doubt’ Actually Mean?
If you’ve ever seen a movie or television show that featured a courtroom scene, you’ve likely heard the term, “beyond a reasonable doubt.” So what does this term, used in criminal trials, actually mean? The term, “beyond a reasonable doubt,” is used as a standard of proof necessary for prosecutors to meet for a defendant…
Can You Be Fired for Your DWI in Texas?
Being convicted of a DWI is never a good thing. It can negatively impact so many aspects of your life. Under Section 49.04 of the Texas Penal Code, an individual who has been convicted of a DWI can face numerous consequences such as up to 180 days in jail, up to a $2,000 fine, and…
Could You Be Charged with a DWI the Day After Drinking?
You go out with friends for some drinks and make sure to find a safe ride home from the bar. You’ve done everything that you can to abide by the law. So when you get into your car the next morning to head for work, only to be stopped by the police under the suspicion…
What Is Prescription Fraud in Texas?
When we think of drug crimes, we often think of illegal substances such as cocaine and ecstasy. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, one of the most serious drug issues in the U.S. is that of prescription drug abuse. This is often because these drugs are easier to get a hold of and…
Is it Ever Against the Law to Carry a Firearm in TX?
When people think of Texas they often think of amazing BBQ, big hair, the Alamo, and football as a way of life. But what many others often associate with Texas is its strong advocacy for the Second Amendment’s Right to Bear Arms. Whether it’s for hunting, target shooting, or protection; many residents of the Lone…
