If you are facing criminal charges in Texas, it's natural to be concerned about the potential consequences and to want the best possible outcome for your case. But in criminal defense, it's important to remember that only the client's interests matter.

What does this mean? Essentially, it means that the role of a criminal-defense lawyer is to serve as a dedicated advocate for their client-the client before them at the moment-and to pursue the best possible outcome for the client's case. This may involve challenging evidence, negotiating a plea bargain, or arguing for a reduced sentence.

But in pursuing these goals, the lawyer must always prioritize the client's interests above all else. This means putting the client's needs, goals, and concerns first and working to develop a legal strategy that meets the client's unique needs and goals.

If you are facing criminal charges in Houston, it's essential to work with a skilled and experienced criminal-defense lawyer who can help protect your rights and interests. But with so many lawyers to choose from, how do you know who is the best fit for your needs?

Here are some qualities to look for when selecting a top Houston criminal-defense lawyer:

1. Experience: A top criminal-defense lawyer will have years of experience handling criminal cases in Houston and will have a deep understanding of the local legal system. Look for a lawyer who has experience with cases similar to yours and who can demonstrate a track record of success.

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If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Texas, you may be concerned about the long-term consequences of having a criminal record. Even if you were never convicted of a crime, the arrest or charge may still appear on your criminal record and impact your ability to get a job, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses.

Fortunately, in Texas, there is a legal process called expunction that allows you to clear your criminal record in certain situations. Expunction essentially erases your criminal record of the arrest or charge, and allows you in most circumstances to legally deny that the incident ever occurred.

Here are some key aspects of expunction in Texas:

One of the most powerful tools available to criminal-defense lawyers during pretrial litigation in Texas is the motion to suppress evidence. This legal motion allows the defense to challenge the admissibility of evidence that was obtained illegally or in violation of the defendant's constitutional rights.

Here are some key aspects of the motion to suppress evidence in Texas pretrial litigation:

1. Legal Basis: The motion to suppress evidence is typically based on the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution, which prohibit unreasonable searches and seizures. The defense may argue that the search or seizure of evidence was illegal because it was conducted without a warrant, or that the warrant was invalid because it was obtained without probable cause or failed to meet other legal requirements.

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Jury selection is a critical part of the trial process in Texas. A jury is responsible for determining the facts of a case and making a final decision about the defendant's guilt or innocence. In Texas, the jury selection process is governed by a set of rules and procedures designed to ensure that both the prosecution and the defense have an opportunity to select an impartial and fair jury.

Here are some key aspects of jury selection in Texas:

1. Jury Pool: The first step in jury selection is the creation of a jury pool. Potential jurors are selected at random from voter registration lists, driver's license lists, and other sources. The court will typically send out a summons to potential jurors, who are then required to appear in court for jury duty.

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Pretrial litigation refers to the legal actions and proceedings that occur before a criminal trial. These proceedings can be critical to the outcome of the case, as they can help shape the evidence that will be presented at trial, the arguments that will be made, and other important factors.

Some common pretrial litigation issues in Texas criminal cases include challenges to the legality of searches and seizures, discovery disputes, competency evaluations, bail hearings, and pretrial habeas corpus challenges. Pretrial habeas can be used to challenge the legality of an arrest, detention, or indictment on constitutional grounds, including the unconstitutionality of the statute.

Pretrial litigation can be complex and require the expertise of an experienced criminal-defense lawyer. It's important to work with an attorney who understands the pretrial process and can effectively advocate for your rights and interests. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Texas, it's crucial to have a skilled criminal-defense lawyer on your side who can help you navigate the pretrial process and develop an effective defense strategy. By understanding the pretrial litigation issues that can arise in your case, you can work with your attorney to pursue the best possible outcome for your situation.

Penalty Group I consists of drugs with the highest potential for abuse and no recognized medical value. These substances are considered the most dangerous and addictive drugs, and Texas law treats them with severe penalties.

The drugs listed under Penalty Group I include:

• Heroin

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If you're facing drug charges in Texas, it's essential to understand the state's drug laws and how they classify controlled substances by penalty group. Texas divides controlled substances into four penalty groups based on their potential for abuse and medical value. Here's a breakdown of the drugs listed under each group:

Penalty Group 1: This group includes drugs with the highest potential for abuse and no recognized medical value. It includes substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and LSD.

Penalty Group 1A: This is a subcategory of Penalty Group 1 and includes lysergic acid, which is used to manufacture LSD.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges for non-death capital murder in Texas, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. This is a serious and complex legal matter, but with the right approach and an experienced criminal-defense lawyer on your side, you can protect your rights and pursue a positive outcome.

Non-death capital murder is a serious crime in Texas, and it carries the potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. As a criminal-defense lawyer, your goal is to build a strong defense strategy that takes into account the unique legal and factual issues of your case.

One of the first steps in defending a non-death capital-murder case is to conduct a thorough investigation of the case and gather as much evidence as possible. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports and crime scene evidence, and conducting forensic analysis.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, you may feel overwhelmed by the legal process and the complex rules that govern it. One important principle that you should be aware of is the rule against hearsay, which governs the admissibility of out-of-court statements in court.

Hearsay is often misunderstood as just any statement someone makes. However, in the legal system, hearsay specifically refers to statements made outside of court that are offered in court to prove something is true. Statements made in court under oath and subject to questioning are not considered hearsay.

Hearsay is an out-of-court statement that is offered in court to prove the truth of the matter asserted. For example, if a witness testifies in court about what someone else said outside of court, that statement might be considered hearsay if it is being offered to prove the truth of what was said. This means that the statement is being used to establish that something is true, such as a fact about a crime or an admission of guilt, rather than that something was said (which may be important for other reasons).

If you are facing criminal charges, you might be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It can be tempting to represent yourself or hire the cheapest lawyer you can find, but this could end up being a costly mistake.

Here's the truth: criminal law is complex, and the consequences of a criminal conviction can be life-changing. That's why it's essential to hire an experienced criminal-defense lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system and fight for your rights.

A good criminal-defense lawyer can provide many benefits, including:

As a criminal-defense lawyer, one of the most common mistakes I see people make is talking to the police without their lawyer present. I get it-you want to cooperate and clear your name, but unfortunately, that's not always the best strategy.

Here's the reality: the police are not your friends. They are trained to gather evidence and build a case against you. Even if you're innocent, anything you say can be twisted and used against you. That's why it's crucial to exercise your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.

If the police want to talk to you, politely decline and tell them you want to speak to your lawyer first. This is not an admission of guilt – it's simply a smart legal strategy. Your lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure that your rights are protected.

Being falsely accused of Online Solicitation of a Minor is a nightmare scenario for anyone. Your reputation, career, and personal life can all be severely impacted by such allegations. If you're factually innocent and find yourself in this predicament, it's crucial to take immediate action to protect your rights and clear your name.

Understand the Law

In Texas, the crime of Online Solicitation of a Minor is defined under Texas Penal Code Section 33.021. The statute makes it illegal to knowingly communicate with a minor online with the intent to engage in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or to have the minor engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual material.

Gather Evidence

The key to fighting false allegations is gathering as much evidence as possible to support your innocence. This may include:

If you or a loved one have been charged with assault in Texas, it's crucial to understand the potential consequences and possible defense strategies. Texas Penal Code classifies assault into several categories, depending on factors like the nature of the offense, injuries sustained, and the relationship between the parties involved.

Simple assault, as defined under Section 22.01 of the Texas Penal Code, occurs when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury, threatens someone with imminent bodily injury, or causes physical contact in a provocative or offensive manner. Convictions for simple assault can range from a Class C misdemeanor (for minor offenses) to a second-degree felony (if committed against a family member or public servant).

Aggravated assault, under Section 22.02, is a more severe charge, involving the use of a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily injury. It's generally a second-degree felony but can be upgraded to a first-degree felony in certain situations, such as assaulting a family member, a security officer, or a witness to a crime.

Burglary is a serious offense in Texas, punishable under Section 30.02 of the Texas Penal Code. It occurs when a person, without consent, enters a building or habitation with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault. Burglary can also involve remaining hidden in a building or habitation with the same intent.

The severity of burglary charges depends on the type of building involved. For instance, burglary of a habitation (such as a home) is generally a second-degree felony, while burglary of a building (like a store) is typically a state jail-felony. If the burglary involves a coin-operated machine or a vehicle, it can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor.

Defending against burglary charges may include demonstrating a lack of intent, disputing the alleged entry, or providing an alibi. Engaging a skilled criminal defense attorney is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

Theft is a common criminal charge in Texas, with penalties ranging from relatively minor to severe, depending on the value of the property stolen and other circumstances. Under Section 31.03 of the Texas Penal Code, theft occurs when a person unlawfully appropriates property with the intent to deprive the owner of it.

Theft charges are generally classified as follows:

• Class C misdemeanor: property value less than $100

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Facing false accusations of aggravated sexual assault of a child is a harrowing experience. The emotional toll and potential legal consequences can be overwhelming. If you find yourself in this situation, it's crucial to understand your rights and the defense strategies available to you.

In Texas, aggravated sexual assault of a child is defined under Texas Penal Code § 22.021. This charge specifically involves an alleged sexual assault against a child under the age of 14. The term "aggravated" in this context emphasizes the severity of the offense due to the age of the victim.

A conviction for aggravated sexual assault of a child can result in severe consequences, such as lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and lifetime registration as a sex offender. Therefore, it's vital to seek experienced legal representation to build a robust defense.

Some lawyers try cases.

Some lawyers handle appeals.

We do both.

To begin, a politically incorrect fact:

There are actual high-danger family-violence cases, but in lots of couples, it's an ordinary part of a relationship to be a little rough with each other. They push each other around for years, and it's only when someone goes too far that the law gets called.

I'm not saying it's okay, but just that that's the way it is. Some couples relate to each other roughly.

In a drug-possession case, the State has to prove that you knowingly possessed-that you knowingly exercised care, custody, control, or management-over the drugs. That means that they have to prove that you did something with the drugs (or helped someone else do so) while knowing that they were drugs.

Five basic defenses apply in possession cases in Texas:

1. The State can't prove they were drugs.

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