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You Can’t Camp in Texas Parks Yet without Pre-Booking Your Reservation

Criminal Trespass | Trespassing

COVID-19 has changed many things about the way people go about their daily lives. From grocery shopping to going camping for the weekend, things seem to be constantly changing. Well, most recently, spending the weekend in a Texas park just got a little more complicated.

Texas Parks and Wildlife announced that their parks are open for day use and limited camping. Now, if you wish to take advantage of the park, you need to make arrangements ahead of time by reserving a day pass online or calling. For camping, you need a pre-booked reservation, too.

Ignoring these new procedures could open you up to criminal trespass charges. Here’s what you need to know about criminal trespass in Texas and [...]

Texas Ex Calling? You Could Face a Protective Order Violation

Protective Orders

The COVID-19 pandemic may be an unusual time with extraordinary circumstances, but it doesn’t change current laws for people subject to a protective order.

Protective orders are a serious matter in the state of Texas. Violating a protective order can result in severe consequences up to and including jail time. This includes situations where the victim was the one who made the initial contact.

To better understand what protective orders are, we’re going to take a closer look at precisely what Texas state law says.

This includes examining what a protective order is, why one might be issued, and penalties for breaking the order. We’ll then look at some ways a person who is subject to these types of orders [...]

Trying to Pay the Mortgage: Essential Business or Violation in Texas?

COVID-19/Coronavirus | Emergency Management Plan Violations | Uncategorized

Even the most stable households across middle America are feeling the pinch from the COVID-19 lockdowns now. Both employees and business owners alike are beginning to struggle after months of not being able to work and still having to pay bills.

So what happens when Texans try to make ends meet? Some business owners don’t see any other way than to violate the orders of local government.

In fact, a number of business owners have been arrested on grounds of an emergency management plan violation. One specific example includes two women alleged to have been operating salon services from their homes.

On the other hand, there appears to be a double standard as some public officials have also been violating [...]

Texas Cracks Down on COVID-19 Identity Theft Complaints

Identity Theft

With the country effectively shut down and more people at home using computers, the instances of identity theft have dramatically increased.

The state of Texas especially has seen an increase in cases of scammers attempting to steal stimulus checks. These and other scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic have authorities quick to crack down on them.

To ensure you aren’t inadvertently caught up in the crossfire, understand what constitutes identity theft crimes in Texas and what the possible penalties for these crimes are.

What are Identity Theft Crimes in Texas?

Identity theft comes in a variety of forms. As technology improves so do the tactics that scammers use to extort information from potential victims.

Law enforcement agencies in the state [...]

Day Drinking During the Pandemic? Don’t Drive in Texas!

Drunk Driving | DUI

With malls closed, concerts canceled, and people being arrested for going to parks, a lot of people are resorting to just staying home.

While many people are opting for Netflix, many more around the country are taking the opportunity to kick back and enjoy some drinking. The Texas Alcoholic Beverages Commission has loosened rules around alcohol sales.

If you’re one of the millions of people who finds themselves drinking a bit more than usual lately, remember that felony DUI laws are still in effect. Police around the state of Texas are on high alert for offenders. Knowing what constitutes felony DUI can help to keep you safe and out of jail.

What are the DUI Laws in Texas?

“Raise the Age” Policy Efforts: The Difference a Year Could Make

Juvenile Crimes

The Texas Juvenile Justice System is tasked with overseeing the handling and prosecution of juvenile offenders. As in other states around the US, Texas has special laws covering juvenile crimes.

These laws govern everything from how crimes are prosecuted and punishments, to who is considered a juvenile…and recently, there have been some major changes.

Specifically, legislators and advocates are addressing the Texas Juvenile Justice System and its practices in the handling of juvenile crimes. It comes in the form of an initiative known as “Raise the Age,” and it proposes to change the legal definition of a juvenile.

The “Raise the Age” Policy in Texas

As the name implies, “Raise the Age” policy proposes to raise the [...]