Going to criminal court for the first time can be a scary process. If you have limited exposure to the criminal justice system, you likely have no idea what to expect. Taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the process will help you feel more at ease when your first court date arrives. What […]
What Should I Expect When I Go to Criminal Court? Read More »
What is Deferred Adjudication in Texas? The most straightforward explanation of deferred adjudication is that it is just like probation, but it is not a conviction. Deferred adjudication in Texas is an alternative to jail or prison time and is a form of community supervision (probation) that is allowed under Code of Criminal Procedure 42A.101
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Hate Crimes on Rise Hate crimes are soaring across the United States, reaching their highest level in more than a decade . It seems that every day, a new crime occurs against a group of people because of their status – whether it’s race, religion, sexuality, etc. With hate crimes on the rise over the past
When Does A Crime Become A Hate Crime In Texas? Read More »
Testifying in criminal court can be nerve-wracking. The stakes are high and, in many cases, someone’s freedom is on the line. It’s imperative to put your best foot forward and answer questions to the best of your memory. In an effort to lessen the stress and help you feel more comfortable on the witness stand,
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Innocently Carrying Large Amounts of Cash Can Result in Asset Forfeiture & Seizure Imagine you are driving to make a big purchase — maybe to buy a new car or make a down payment on a house — and you are stopped for a minor traffic infraction. You start to panic because you realize you have
Risks of Traveling with Large Amounts of Cash | Criminal or Forfeiture Read More »
What is Judicial Clemency? One of the least discussed areas of criminal law in Texas is a judge’s power to set aside certain straight probation sentences. (Click here to read about the differences between “straight probation” and deferred adjudication. ) Article 42.12 , Section 20 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure sets out the
Judicial Clemency in Texas | Setting Aside Convictions Read More »
State Jail Diligent Participation Credit Texas currently has 19 state jails housing approximately 9,500 state-jail offenders. Under Penal Code Section 12.35 , a person serving time for a state-jail felony may be punished for no more than 2 years, but not less than 180 days, with a fine of up to $10,000. Although the Texas
State Jail Diligent Participation Credit | Early Release Read More »
Confidential Informants Often fodder for Hollywood blockbusters such as Black Mass, Reservoir Dogs, and The Departed, the secrecy surrounding the identity of confidential informants has always captivated the public. Though the film world has undoubtedly glamorized the life of a confidential informant by adding a dramatic flair to their undercover lives, the plotlines focused on
Confidential Informants: Exceptions to Informer Privilege Read More »
Certain criminal convictions can have immigration consequences such as deportation, denial of admission or naturalization for any non-citizen. A defendant’s particular category of non-citizenship may affect the specific consequences of an arrest or conviction. What Are the Categories of Non-Citizens? Legal Permanent Residents, also known as “Green Card holders” Visa Holders include individuals in the
Immigration Consequences for Non-Citizens Facing Criminal Charges Read More »
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