FORT WORTH CRIMINAL DEFENSE BLOG HOME

When Can You Be Charged with Failure to Identify in Texas?

Failure to Identify After an Accident

Many people are uncertain about how to behave around a police officer, including what information they are required to provide, and what information can be withheld.

In general, it’s advisable to be tight-lipped when talking to law enforcement until you have an attorney present to make sure that your rights are protected. That said, there’s certain information you’re required to provide, and failure to do so can result in criminal charges under Texas statute, “Offenses Against Public Administration.”

Whatever the context, police frequently ask people to provide their name, address, and date of birth. Only under certain contexts are you actually required to provide this information, but giving false information is always considered a criminal offense.

Let’s take [...]

Tax Fraud in Texas Could Land You a Jail Sentence

Tax Evasion | Tax Fraud

Tax time is once again upon us. Even if you think that you’re due for a nice rebate, the tedium of filling out tax returns compels most of us to put it off until the last minute — or to pay someone else to do it for us.

If you do decide to file your taxes on your own, if you’re not careful when filling out your returns, you could end up facing a far more serious consequence than missing out on a part of your refund: tax fraud charges.

Likewise, if you don’t hire a competent tax professional, you could end up falling victim to fraudulent practices, in which tax preparers commit tax fraud on behalf of their clients, [...]

Accidental Destruction Doesn’t Trigger TX Evidence Tampering Charges

Evidence Tampering

There are many interesting and exciting movies and television shows about crimes and trials. A common conceit in these stories is when either the defendant or prosecutor maintains that someone somehow destroyed a vital piece of evidence or altered it in some way to affect the trial’s outcome. In other words, they claim that someone tampered with evidence.

Tampering with evidence is a crime and every state, as well as under federal law.

Let’s take a look at Texas’ Criminal Evidence Tampering Law and discuss why our state would probably not criminally charge an individual who accidentally destroyed evidence – as well as how to fight back if you believe you fall into this category.

Evidence Tampering in Texas

Texas [...]

Deadly Conduct: The “Other” Assault Charge in Texas

Assault

We’ve all lost our temper at some point or another, and as you’ve most likely experienced yourself, often everything ends up resolved in a relatively civil manner.

Some situations, however, only end when assault charges are filed. First hand or not, you probably know that, too. What you may not know is there’s more to assault charges than what you see in a hand-to-hand barroom brawl.

When you’re the kind of Texan who exercises your right to bear arms regularly… there’s an increased chance of being charged with “deadly conduct” should an altercation arise.

Deadly Conduct Charges in Texas

The Texas Penal Code (Sec. 22.05) defines deadly conduct as a crime committed when one person “recklessly engages in [...]

Did You Wind Up with a Texas DWI on NYE…with a Child in the Car?

Child Endangerment | DWI

During New Year’s Eve, police routinely increase patrol cars in an effort to identify intoxicated drivers more quickly to prevent accidents.

As a result, many more people get charged for DWI over the holidays than usual. In some cases, individuals will face charges of DWI with a child passenger. These cases are a lot more severe.

If you happened to be part of that unlucky bunch over NYE 2020, know that consulting with an experienced Texas DWI lawyer is your legal right. It is also one of the best chances you have for understanding your charges and developing the best possible defense for your case.

Texas DWIs At a Glance

Texas drunk driving laws are the 13th strictest in the [...]

Accused of Violating a Protective Order in Texas: What Happens Next?

Protective Orders

You may not be aware of this, but protective orders can be granted without the subject of the order ever even being notified. We have seen cases in which a client has violated a protective order without knowing it.

We’ve also seen situations in which a protective order has been violated simply because they didn’t know what acts were considered in violation of it.

Being accused of violating a protective order is stressful enough. Finding out unexpectedly that a protective order even exists can feel even worse.

Know how protective orders in Texas and the consequences you face for violating them is the first step in navigating any accusation.

Three Types of Protective Orders in Texas

There are three types [...]