What You Need to Know about Open Carry in Texas
Since January 1, 2016, Texas has allowed “open carry” — or wearing weapons in plain view in belt or shoulder holsters. That law was passed even though 75 percent of Texas police chiefs expressed opposition to open carry. Since then, lawmakers have passed more gun-related laws, several of which went into effect on September 1, […]
What is a Motion to Suppress Evidence in Texas? [2023]
A motion to suppress evidence in Texas is a legal challenge brought by a defendant in a criminal case, asking the court to prevent prosecutors from introducing certain evidence against them at trial. If the motion is granted, it is often a game-changer for the defense because the evidence is thrown out (i.e. suppressed). In […]
DWI Open Container in Texas
What is DWI Open Container in Texas? Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in Texas and an open container enhances the punishment a person faces if convicted. This article provides a comprehensive overview of DWI with an open container in Texas, shedding light on the specifics of the law, its implications, and the […]
Intoxication Assault in Texas
Definition of Intoxication Assault Intoxication assault, as set out in the Texas Penal Code, occurs when an individual, because of intoxication, causes serious bodily injury to another person. This injury can result from the person operating a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or even an amusement ride. The term “serious bodily injury” is significant. The law […]
Teenage Vaping in Texas | Punishment for THC & Tobacco
Attention parents and juveniles: Teenage vaping in Texas is illegal. It doesn’t matter if it’s nicotine or THC, it’s against the law for a juvenile to vape or smoke an e-cigarette in the Lone Star State. And that’s not all. Effective Sept. 1, 2023, public school students found in possession of a vape pen or […]
Types of Federal Firearm Charges
Understanding Federal Gun Charges: A Comprehensive Guide In the United States, the right to bear arms is enshrined in the Constitution. However, this right is not without its limits and responsibilities. Federal laws regulate who can possess firearms, how they can be used, and what types of firearms are permissible. Violations of these laws can […]
Retroactivity of Amendment 821 to Federal Sentencing
In a landmark decision, the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) has voted 4-to-3 in favor of the delayed retroactive application of Amendment 821, which pertains to criminal history. This significant move makes specific inmates eligible for reduced sentences, with the retroactive changes becoming effective from February 1, 2024. Amendment 821 itself introduces newly created Section […]
New Law: Texas Drunk Drivers Must Pay Child Support If a Parent Is Killed
Texas already has some of the harshest drunk driving laws in the country, and now, lawmakers have taken it one step further. Governor Greg Abbott recently signed a law that requires drunk drivers who cause a crash that kills a parent to pay child support until the surviving child (or children) turn 18 or graduate […]
Varghese Summersett Named a 2023 ‘Best Company to Work for in Fort Worth’
Varghese Summersett has been named a “Best Company to Work for in Fort Worth” by Fort Work Inc. magazine, marking the second year in a row that the law firm has received this prestigious honor. Varghese Summersett was recognized on Thursday, August 17, during an awards luncheon at River Ranch Stockyards, where hundreds of business […]
Harassment in Texas
What is Harassment in Texas? Harassment is defined in Penal Code Section 42.07 and covers a wide variety of actions that are committed with the “intent to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or embarrass another” including obscene communication, threatening communication, false alarms about a family member’s serious bodily injury or death, repeated telephone or electronic […]
