FORT WORTH CRIMINAL DEFENSE BLOG HOME

You’re Arrested for DWI in Tarrant County – What Happens Next?

By: Brandon Fulgham

Drunk Driving | DWI

So, you’ve been pulled over and arrested for driving while intoxicated. Whether you made an honest mistake or know that you were still capable of being behind the wheel, you want to fight your charges.

After all, the penalties for DWI in Texas could cost you thousands and prevent you from driving for an inconveniently long time.

Texas has specific laws and deadlines attached to the process of fighting a DWI charge. Make sure you are meeting these deadlines and taking the next steps with a criminal defense lawyer to give yourself the best chance at getting a reduced sentence – and possibly even have your charges dropped entirely. Remember – a charge is not a conviction. You have [...]

Texas Theft Charges: The Difference between Misdemeanors and Felonies

By: Brandon Fulgham

Felonies | Misdemeanors | Theft Crimes

Theft is the most commonly prosecuted crime in Fort Worth criminal courts. Defined as the unlawful taking of another’s property, theft is an offense that can result in lengthy prison or probation sentences, as well as hefty fines.

An important distinction to make with Texas theft charges is whether the offense (or offenses) in question will be considered a misdemeanor or a felony. Felony theft charges are much more likely to result in time served, and to make options such as diversion programs less attainable.

Below, we’re going to cover Texas theft law, including enhancements and aggregations that can cause misdemeanor theft to be considered a felony.

How Texas Law Defines Theft

Texas law defines theft as being when [...]

Texans’ Right to Remain Silent – How Miranda Rights Really Work

By: Brandon Fulgham

Criminal Defense | Miranda Rights

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you…”

We’ve all heard this phrase in movies and television, but how do these rights actually work in the real world? If you are arrested and law enforcement officers are asking you questions, will all of your answers be evidence used against you? If you are pulled over for possibly driving under the influence, will your silence get you off free?

Let’s explore Miranda rights and how they work in Texas when you interact with law enforcement.

What Are Miranda Rights?

Miranda vs. Arizona was a Supreme Court case that looked at the conviction of Ernesto Miranda. Miranda was unaware that he could invoke [...]

Should Texans Blow into a Breathalyzer If Pulled Over for DWI?

By: Brandon Fulgham

Breathalyzer | DWI

Most of us are familiar with the sinking sensation that comes with seeing flashing red and blue lights in our rearview mirrors. If you’ve been drinking even a little prior to your traffic stop or are stopped at a sobriety checkpoint, this apprehension multiples – and for good reason.

A Texas DWI can have life-changing consequences, even for a first offense. It can cost you thousands upon thousands of dollars in fines, and may even cost you your job. It’s therefore important to know your rights if you’re stopped for suspected drunk driving, and to know exactly how to proceed.

Most Texans are under the mistaken assumption that they are required to submit to any form of sobriety testing. This [...]

What the 20 Charged in West Texas Drug Trafficking Ring are Up against

By: Brandon Fulgham

Drug Crimes | Drug Trafficking

In June, law enforcement agencies throughout Terry County and Lubbock County raided over a dozen locations to bust a major drug trafficking ring in West Texas. The raids were an effort headed by federal and state police to catch over a dozen individuals who had been involved in a conspiracy since January to move drugs. During the raid, police seized a pound of cocaine and five pounds of marijuana. Firearms and vehicles were also taken.

Some of the individuals involved in the ring were already being held in jail for state charges. Collectively, 20 people were charged with the following federal crimes:

• conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana
• distribution and possession with intent

[...]

Why You Should Never Take a Texas Field Sobriety Test

By: Brandon Fulgham

DWI | Field Sobriety Test

If you are pulled over while you are driving, you may face searches or tests to make sure you are not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Failing these tests can lead to criminal charges and even suffering the consequences of a conviction.

There’s something you might not know, though – these tests don’t have to be taken in the first place.

How so?

Below, we’re going to go over Texans’ rights in regards to field sobriety tests and what you can do to prevent DWI charges. Law enforcement officers will not always be clear when they instruct you through a traffic stop, so the more you know, the more you can be in control of your situation.[...]