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Understanding the Motives for Arson Can Be the Key to Your Defense in Texas

Arson | Property Crimes

Not too far south of here, Austin experienced one of its biggest fires in years recently. On September 19, a fire burnt the foundation of a 45-unit condo development and spread to neighboring apartments.

People in the community initially feared that arson could have been involved. Investigators have since ruled out that possibility, but there are still no clear answers as to what caused the fire. In the meantime, the condo development has hired extra security for the area – just in case.

When stories like this make the rounds, many ask themselves, “why would someone do this?”

Sadly, there’s no one answer to why people set fires or commit arson. Knowing the various reasons, however, can help you if [...]

Accused of Shoplifting in Texas? You Have Rights

Shoplifting/Retail Theft

Being accused of shoplifting can be a stressful experience. Security personnel may threaten you with criminal allegations, police action, or ask you to pay restitution. However, depending on the circumstances of the situation, their actions may not be entirely lawful.

If you have been accused of shoplifting in Texas, it is important to recognize that you have rights that protect you.

Texas Shoplifting Laws

The act of shoplifting in Texas falls under the definition of “theft” in the Texas Penal Code. In layman’s terms, theft is defined as the act of taking another person’s property with the intention of depriving the owner of that piece of property.

Depending on the value of the stolen items, penalties for the act of [...]

“I Was Just Defending Myself!” Texas Assault vs. Self-Defense

Assault | Self Defense

Self-defense is one of the most common defense strategies in cases involving assault and other violent crimes. George Zimmerman used it when he faced charges of murdering Trayvon Martin. A police officer in Dallas is claiming self-defense in a controversial case after she shot and killed an unarmed man in his apartment.

News stories every day show alleged offenders going to trial claiming that they acted in self-defense when they shot, stabbed, or caused bodily harm to another person. Because in the heat of the moment, this is entirely plausible. Adrenaline may take over and you might defend yourself using physical violence.

Will this argument actually help you avoid penalties, though? That depends on the specifics of the situation.

Before [...]

More Texans Will Drive Drunk Over Halloween – Don’t Get Charged

Drunk Driving | DWI

Halloween looks very different as you grow up. As an adult, Halloween is all about late-night costume parties with friends. Maybe that means driving across town to a friend’s house or to a local bar.

For children, Halloween means trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. The streets are their playground…our littlest neighbors running across to the next house or catching up with their friends.

This combination has proven year after year again to be extremely dangerous. Let’s take a look at the tragic statistics…

The Tragic Statistics of Halloween Drunk Driving

Halloween is the deadliest day when it comes to child pedestrian fatalities. Kids are twice as likely to be killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

A [...]

Is Living with a Criminal Record in Texas Derailing Your Life?

Expungment/Criminal Record Sealing

When you are arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime, the state of Texas puts it on your criminal record. That record is accessible to anyone. If an employer wants to see it, they can. If a university wants to access their applicants’ criminal records before admitting them, they have that ability.

This may seem unfair, especially when you can confidently say that the misdemeanor or felony you committed is nothing more than a part of your past. We agree.

If you have recently been charged or convicted, understand there are ways to get around these limitations, but it’s important to know what they are before you take action.

Limitations in Current Texas Legislation

Many states are passing [...]

Texas Child Pornography Charges: What You Should Know

Child Pornography

Child pornography is considered a particularly grievous offense by both law enforcement and the community at large.

Victims of child pornography are left not only with the trauma of the sex acts performed during its production but also later in life. Today especially, these videos or images are more often than not immortalized on the Internet.

Investigators continue to reveal even high-ranking members of society sometimes engage in this practice. Take one Texas doctor recently charged with possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony.

Texas Doctor Faces Child Pornography Charges

An Odessa-based doctor practicing nearly three decades was recently caught after Microsoft BingImage reported a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children based on images the man [...]