Shoplifting – which is treated as theft under Texas law – is one of the most commonly charged offenses in the Houston area and throughout Texas. In a typical shoplifting case, store security or loss prevention officers will detain a person they suspect of shoplifting until police arrive. But are store employees or security guards…
How Long Does a Shoplifting Arrest Stay On Your Record?
In the Houston area, there are hundreds of shoplifting arrests and citations every month. The majority of shoplifting incidents are filed as misdemeanors, but the consequences of a shoplifting arrest can still be severe. As can be imagined, shoplifting is one of the most damaging offenses to a person’s reputation and job prospects, even if…
How do you prove self-defense in a domestic violence case in Texas?
Domestic violence – known as assault-family violence in Texas – is a serious offense that can lead to long-lasting consequences. Although most first-time assault-family violence cases in Texas and the Houston area are filed as misdemeanors, a conviction can still lead to a permanent criminal record as well as the loss of a person’s freedom…
What If I Stole An Item But Returned the Stolen Property?
In Texas, a shoplifting charge can be very serious. In addition to potential criminal penalties, such as jail time or a fine, a person charged with shoplifting could face a permanent criminal conviction. But how is “shoplifting” defined in Texas? What happens if you return the items that were stolen to the store? How is…
Is It Possible to Get a Charge of Solicitation of Prostitution Reduced in Texas?
In 2021, Texas became the first state to make the solicitation of prostitution a felony. By making the penalties for solicitation of prostitution much steeper, the goal is to help reduce sex trafficking. Whether or not creating harsher penalties is a sound strategy or not, many people with no criminal history charged with solicitation of…
Arrested For Prostitution at a Strip Club? Understand Your Rights.
In Houston, arrests for prostitution are very common. Prostitution arrests take place in a variety of settings, including hotel rooms, areas of town known for street prostitution, and strip clubs. Due to the fact that the police typically need to establish the existence of an offer or agreement to exchange money for sexual services, prostitution…
I have been arrested for prostitution in Houston. How can I help my case?
In the Houston area, prostitution arrests are very common. The penalties for prostitution (for the alleged prostitute) or for solicitation of prostitution (for the alleged buyer of sex) can vary drastically. However, whatever the exact charge you are facing, there are certain steps that you can take to help maximize your chance of getting a…
What is deferred adjudication in Texas? An explanation of deferred adjudication and common questions.
Any criminal offense in Texas will typically be resolved in one of three ways: dismissal, trial or plea agreement. Of course, a dismissal of a charge is usually the best resolution of a criminal case. However, if your case is not dismissed, and you do not go to trial, then one common plea option is…
What is a walk-through arrest and how can it help me clear a warrant without going to jail in Houston?
Most of the time, when a person is charged with a criminal offense in Houston, they will be arrested at the scene of the alleged incident. However, frequently, the police will not arrest the person right away, either because the person has left when the police arrive or because the police conduct a longer investigation….
What is an affidavit of non-prosecution and can it get an assault case dismissed?
Very commonly in assault cases, the alleged victim of an offense will want to “drop” the charges. This can be for a variety of reasons, including that a romantic couple has reconciled, that the alleged victim regrets getting the police involved, or that the charges were fabricated or exaggerated. Unfortunately, once an accusation has been…
