10 Tips for Avoiding Legal Trouble on Halloween
October 18, 2017The risk of injury and accident increases on Halloween. As many of us focus on what to wear or what candy to buy for trick-or-treaters, don’t forget to protect against potentially dreadful legal troubles on Halloween. Check your home and property for hazards to avoid a lawsuit. If a child, teen, or adult is injured more >
Penalties for Solicitation of Prostitution in Texas
October 11, 2017The act of exchanging sex for money is strictly illegal in Texas. The crime is called solicitation of prostitution. If convicted of solicitation of prostitution, the offender faces significant fines and time behind bars. Recognize that a conviction for solicitation of prostitution can affect the rest of your life. You will have a criminal record that can more >
The 6 Most Common Motives for Arson
Arson is a relatively common crime against property in Texas. When an individual is convicted of arson, experts say the motivation can range from terrorism to insurance fraud. The legal definition of arson involves malicious destruction or damage to a building, vehicle, inhabited structure, vessel or any other form of real property by means of more >
How to Fight a Shoplifting Charge
Shoplifting is a serious crime in Texas. If convicted, the defendant faces potential jail time and fines. In addition to criminal penalties, a Texas shoplifter may be sued in civil court to recover the merchant or store’s damages. Shoplifting is considered theft in Texas. Theft involves unlawful taking of another’s property, such as taking property more >
Can You Be Arrested for Assault after a Bar Fight?
A friendly get-together at a club or bar is usually filled with laughter and camaraderie. However, not all patrons of the establishment are there to enjoy fellowship. A pugnacious individual can start a bar fight for no reason at all, quickly turning a pleasant night into a chaotic nightmare. Alcohol is usually consumed in a more >
Plea Bargains: The Pros and Cons
A plea bargain is used to avoid a lengthy criminal trial. The prosecutor and criminal defense attorney work together. The defendant’s case isn’t litigated before a jury. There are many reasons why criminal defendants consider plea bargains. Plea bargains have become more important to defendants in recent years. Some defendants don’t want to risk the more >
Your Guide to 2017 Marijuana Laws in Harris County
Harris County’s new 2017 marijuana laws—known as the Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program—favor personal users. Instead of going to jail if you’re caught with less than four ounces of pot, you can take a class within 90 days and avoid jail time. Less than four ounces of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor amount. Some police officers more >
CPS Investigations: When to Seek Legal Help
If Child Protective Services (CPS) is investigating you, it’s usually because someone reported his or her beliefs that your child is neglected or abused. You may never know who made the report: perhaps it was a neighbor, a family member, a police officer, a teacher, or a doctor. Sometimes, even strangers contact CPS about their more >
How The New Texas “Campus Amnesty Law” Will Impact Sexual Assault
Sexual assault, commonly referred to as rape, is a serious crime in Texas. A sexual assault crime occurs when an individual knowingly and intentionally commits a prohibited sexual activity under Texas sexual assault laws without a victim’s consent. The state of Texas severely punishes those who commit sexual assault. Two new laws, State Bill 968 (SB more >
What to Do If You Have a Missed Court Date
Nothing should prevent you from keeping a court date. Failure to appear in court can have serious consequences. Regardless of the reasons behind the need for you to appear in court, you must show up. If you’re considering skipping a court date, it’s important to revisit the decision. If you don’t appear, the judge is more >
free case evaluation
Download the Free Ebook From Matthew Sharp
