Police investigations in Texas involve varying levels of intensity based upon the nature of the crime. Some searches need a warrant, which is a court-issued document giving police the legal right to search a suspect's property or person. Law enforcement searches that...
Year: 2021
Problems with Breathalyzer tests
Breathalyzers are common tools that law enforcement officers use when determining who is driving drunk, but residents of Texas should know that these devices aren't infallible. They can sometimes give incorrect readings that inflate someone's BAC number. That's...
Reasons why a juvenile may be sent to a detention center
Juvenile law in Texas can be baffling at times, but all the rules are in place for a reason. Within 48 hours of a juvenile being taken into custody, the authorities must alert the guardian, and a court must hold a detention hearing. The detention hearing decides...
Does a juvenile need parental permission to be questioned?
Many Texas parents wonder if their children can be questioned by the police, especially if they face potential criminal charges or witness a crime. Upon arresting any United States citizen, the police will read them their Miranda rights, telling them that they have...
How courts deal with juvenile criminal records
If you are charged with a crime as a young person, there is a chance that your criminal record will be sealed by Texas authorities when you reach the age of majority. This means that the charge won't show up on a background check when you apply for a job, a security...
Are police lineups prone to false identification?
During a police lineup, several people who fit a suspect's description appear before a witness hidden from view. The witness must then identify the person who committed the crime. Unfortunately, the process may come with serious flaws as evidenced by decades of...
Minimum amount to be considered theft
Texas theft laws establish different classifications of crimes of this nature. The manner in which the laws are structured consists of different categories of theft based on the value of the stolen property, and the associated penalties increase with the value of the...
Is change coming for marijuana in Texas?
Texas has long had a reputation as a strict law and order state. However, as sentiment about marijuana changes across the nation, some jurisdictions in Texas are starting to mellow, too. In some parts of North Texas, whether or not someone is busted for weed is...
Is taking the stand the right choice for your legal defense?
Those who have been convicted of a crime in Texas have the option of whether or not they want to take the stand. Many believe that taking the stand will allow them to share their side of the story. However, a skilled prosecutor can make even an innocent person look...
A call for Texas bond reform
Texas legislators are focusing their efforts on reforming the state justice system. One of the biggest concerns is reforming the bond system so that those charged with violent crimes are unable to get out on bond. This call for reform is no surprise for many residents...