FORT WORTH CRIMINAL DEFENSE BLOG HOME

Texas Poll Watching vs. Voter Intimidation — Know the Difference!

By: Brandon Fulgham

Poll Watching | Voter Intimidation

The 2020 election is gearing up to be an interesting event in the nation’s history. The United States seems as politically polarized as ever and it’s a tense time to be voting, especially when some campaigns seem to be encouraging people to watch others at the polls.

What you may not realize is that in Texas there is such thing as an official poll watcher – as opposed to the unofficial call the GOP has put out for poll watchers.

To help you protect voter’s rights, it’s important to recognize the difference between voter intimidation and someone following proper protocol to oversee voting activities. Here’s what you need to know to empower yourself on election day and ensure Texas voters’[...]

“Borrowed” a Vehicle? You Might Get TX State Jail Felony Charges

By: Brandon Fulgham

Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle

Under Texas law, taking an unoccupied vehicle can result in charges of theft. If you use force to take an occupied vehicle, then you can face charges of carjacking.

So what if you simply borrow a car with the intention of returning it?

Well, you can face charges for that, too.

Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle is a separate but equally serious charge under Texas law. A conviction for it can have a big impact on a person’s life. If you’re not familiar with this charge, then here’s what you need to know to help you avoid turning a joyride into a crime.

Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle: What Is It?

The Texas Penal Code identifies Unauthorized Use [...]

What Counts as Criminal Tampering with Government Records in Texas?

By: Brandon Fulgham

Criminal Tampering

Tampering with government records is a serious charge that can result in jail time as well as fines. You may not think that you’d ever be the position to defend yourself against this type of allegation in Texas, but the truth is that it is easier to do than you may think.

Here’s what you need to know about criminal tampering with government records in Texas and the penalties that can result if you are found guilty.

Defining Texas Criminal Tampering with Government Records

You can be charged with criminal tampering of government records in this state if you are caught doing any of the following:

• Intentionally make a false alternation of or false entry in a government record
• Present,

[...]

Innocent Texas Jogger Lands Assault Charges for Resisting Arrest

By: Brandon Fulgham

Assault | Racial Profiling

Police misconduct has been under a microscope all over the country — including in Texas. One more incident was reported recently down in the Alamo City.

Police had been canvassing a San Antonio neighborhood for an assault suspect when they spotted a 33-year-old jogger. When one officer attempted to question him, the jogger asserted his right not to answer, stating that he was just working out.

San Antonio Man Arrested After the Victim Confirms His Innocence

The conversation escalated as the officers continued questioning the jogger and he again asserted his right not to be questioned. He was placed in a police car even after the assault victim had arrived at the scene and confirmed that this was not the [...]

Texas Offenders: You May Qualify for an Order of Nondisclosure

By: Brandon Fulgham

Order of Nondisclosure

When you are convicted of a crime in Texas, the ramifications go far beyond the sentence that can be imposed by the court. Many other consequences can stem from convictions that have an impact on your everyday life.

For example, you may have trouble finding employment, may not qualify for loans, or even have issues with the custody of your children – long after you have paid your debt to society.

Luckily, for some convictions, the law allows for relief in the form of an Order of Nondisclosure. In Texas, the list of eligible crimes was recently expanded, making what’s eligible for an Order of Nondisclosure more extensive.

If you want to learn more about Orders of Nondisclosure, [...]

Did You Know Texans Can’t Smoke Until Age 21 Now?

By: Brandon Fulgham

Fake IDs | Minor in Possession (MIP) | Tobacco 21

You might be surprised to learn that the legal age for smoking in Texas is now 21. Last summer, with relatively little fanfare, the Texas Tobacco 21 law was passed, which raised the minimum age to purchase or possess tobacco and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21.

This means that if a minor under 21 is caught in possession of tobacco or e-cigarettes, or worse yet, attempts to purchase tobacco by misrepresenting their age, serious criminal consequences can result.

To help raise awareness regarding this new law, we’ve put together a guide covering Texas’s new Tobacco 21 law, and the consequences minors could face for violations of the law, or for related offenses such as the use of a fake [...]