Criminal Defense

Texas has a long and complicated relationship with firearms, including when those possessing the guns are minors. Here are some common questions people have about minors and firearm laws in Texas: Can a parent legally gift a gun to a child in Texas? Under Texas law, a person cannot give or sell a firearm to…

Many people assume that pleading “no contest” is the same as pleading guilty in a criminal case. However, there are some key differences. Before you decide what plea to enter in your case, ensure you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney first. In a criminal case, a plea of “no contest” (Latin: nolo contendere,…

If you’re convicted of a crime, there’s a lot at stake – your freedom and your finances, to name two. Once you serve your time and fulfill your obligations, you should be able to walk away and pick up your life right where you left it, right? Unfortunately, this is not often the case. We…

The short answer? You can. Effective September 2023, individuals in Texas can be charged with murder if they provide someone with a fatal dose of fentanyl. House Bill 6 also classifies overdoses from fentanyl as “poisoning” as an alternative to “toxicity” on death certificates. Just a few months ago a grand jury returned the first…

In Texas, the law allows for the open carry of firearms in certain circumstances, and it is generally legal for individuals to carry handguns in plain view in a shoulder or belt holster. However, brandishing a weapon in a manner that causes a reasonable person to fear for their safety or intentionally displaying a firearm…

Methamphetamine (meth) abuse and production are significant concerns in Texas, as well as in many other states across the country. High-purity, inexpensive meth is readily available in our state, and as a result, the drug is widely abused, especially in rural areas. What is meth? Short for methamphetamine, meth is a powerful and highly addictive…

Having a previous domestic violence charge made against you is bad enough, but when you face another allegation of domestic violence, Texas district attorneys can pursue a charge of continuous family violence against you, even if the incidents occurred in different counties and jurisdictions. Continuous family violence, also known as Rachel’s Law, is a Texas…

Texas is one of 26 states in which marijuana possession remains illegal, despite the fact that an August 2022 Dallas Morning News/UT-Tyler poll found that 72 percent of Texas voters support legalizing marijuana for medical use, and 55 percent favor legalizing it for recreational use. Texas also has a somewhat unique approach to marijuana possession…

Texas is set to enact 31 new laws, and new sections of 13 others, starting January 1, 2024. A significant number of them relate to our tax laws, though one creates a new court system for business cases, which we think is a good idea. But as criminal defense lawyers, our primary concern is for…

Texas prides itself on its “tough on crime” reputation, and the state takes criminal prosecutions extremely seriously. According to Prison Legal News, nearly 250,000 people are being held in jails and prisons throughout Texas. If Texas was a country, its incarceration rate would rank eighth among all the countries in the world. Over 700,000 people…

Some might assume that aggravated assault and deadly conduct are basically the same type of crimes. However, deadly conduct and aggravated assault are actually two distinct criminal charges in Texas, each with its own legal definitions, elements, and penalties. Under Texas law, the critical difference between aggravated assault and deadly conduct lies in the intent…

Texas has specific laws regulating the possession and use of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and THC-containing products. Texas law distinguishes between low-THC cannabis products, such as medical CBD, and THC-containing products that are not derived from low-THC cannabis. What is THC, and how does it relate to cannabis? Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is the psychoactive compound…

In Texas, faking a drug test can lead to criminal charges and legal consequences. While the specific charges and penalties can vary depending on the circumstances, some common legal implications associated with faking a drug test in Texas may include: Tampering with evidence Under Texas law, faking a drug test can lead to charges of…

Resisting arrest can lead to various charges, including felony assault. However, it typically does not automatically result in serious charges. In Texas, resisting arrest is generally defined as intentionally preventing or obstructing a law enforcement officer from making a lawful arrest. This can involve a range of actions or behaviors, and the specific criteria for…

Those who abuse tranq—the powerful animal tranquilizer xylazine—face a high risk of overdose, and those who supply it could face serious legal consequences. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of fatal opioid overdoses linked to tranq rose by 276 percent from January 2019 through June 2022, the largest…

Here in Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious criminal offense that can have significant consequences on your life and livelihood. While alcohol-related DWIs are well-known, there is growing concern about marijuana-related DWIs as cannabis legalization efforts gain momentum across the country. Before getting into marijuana DWIs, you should understand our DWI laws. In…

There are few experiences more frightening than being charged with a crime. Texas has always prided itself on its “tough on crime” reputation, and it takes criminal prosecutions very seriously. It takes its penalties seriously, too. Prison Legal News, a monthly magazine published by the non-profit Human Rights Defense Center, says Texas is “more or…

Facing assault charges can be a frightening and life-altering experience. The potential consequences of a conviction, including lengthy prison sentences and a permanent criminal record, make it important to mount a strong defense. The strategies our attorneys will use for your defense may vary based on the circumstances of your case, but also on the…

In the digital age, social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, allowing individuals to connect, share, and express themselves around the globe. However, the widespread use of social media platforms has also given rise to new challenges and legal issues, especially when it comes to criminal offenses. This is particularly true in cases when…

A grand jury in San Angelo recently indicted a man for allegedly firing two gunshots at a vehicle last December. In an interesting twist to the case, the man had already confessed to the crime – to the victim – via Snapchat. Per Concho Valley Homepage, Santana Garcia was indicted this past June for deadly…

A recent traffic stop in Killeen resulted in the seizure of several pounds of drugs and two arrests, per 6 News. According to the publication, a routine traffic stop netted “3.4 lbs. of methamphetamine, 4.2 lbs. of marijuana, 14.3 grams of ecstasy, 8.12 grams of cocaine, 16.74 grams of fentanyl (M30 pills), 5.64 grams of…

The state of Texas recently passed a bill that extends the statute of limitation on several offenses, including misdemeanor and felony assault. These are serious offenses and these extensions now give law enforcement more time to prosecute. It is crucial that, if you are accused (or think you may be accused) of assault, you get…

We understand the complexities surrounding family assault charges related to dating violence. Despite not being a legal member of the family, certain laws concerning family assault charges expand the term “family” to include other folks as well. These charges can arise when a person involved in a dating relationship is accused of causing harm or…

In our state of Texas, burglary charges encompass accusations of unlawfully entering a house, building, or vehicle. Referred to as “burglary of habitation,” it is crucial to recognize that burglary charges can be filed even in cases where no theft occurred. Understanding the definition of burglary, the specific charges you face, and the potential consequences…

Texas is known for being tough on crime. The state’s reputation came into play recently when a man pleaded guilty to a DWI charge, making it his 9th DWI conviction. He was sentenced to life in prison. A Weatherford jury has sentenced Christopher Faran Stanford to 50 years to life in prison after he was…