Houston Criminal Law Blog

EXPERIENCED. AGGRESSIVE. HOUSTON CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM: The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp

Can You Be Arrested for Assault after a Bar Fight?

Posted by The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp under Assault, Criminal Law September 20, 2017

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

Posted by The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp Staff under Criminal Law, Pleas September 12, 2017

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

Posted by The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp under Drug Crimes date

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

Posted by The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp under Child Abuse, Crimes Against Children, Defendants' Rights date

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

Posted by The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp under Assault, Criminal Law, Sex Crimes date

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

Posted by The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp Staff under Criminal Law, Defendants' Rights 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 >

What You Need to Know About “No Refusal” Weekend in Houston This Labor Day

Posted by The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp under Criminal Law, DWI/DUI date

This Labor Day is a no refusal weekend in Houston. Labor Day is a high-profile holiday—along with New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, July 4th, and Memorial Day— because many people travel to attend parties and events with family and friends that include alcoholic beverages on these days. Dozens of drivers are typically arrested for more >

Open Carry: New Law Allows Texas Residents to Carry Swords and Knives

Posted by The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp under Criminal Law, Weapon and Firearm Crimes date

On September 1, 2017, Texans over the age of 18 will be allowed to carry knives, spears, sabers, machetes, and swords. H.B. 1935 (Texas Knife Law Reform Bill) eliminates ownership and restrictions on knives with blades longer than five and one-half inches long, including daggers, double-edged knives, swords, dirks, poniards, dirks, stilettos, and Bowie knives. more >

Criminally Negligent Homicide in Texas: Laws and Consequences

Posted by The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp under Criminal Law, Manslaughter date

Texas Laws on Criminally Negligent Homicide Taking the life of another person is one of the most serious offenses that can be committed in Texas. There are a range of criminal charges that can be applied in a case involving the killing of another person. For example, the most serious charge of this type is more >

Property Crime: What You Should Know About Punishments and Statistics in Houston

Posted by The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp under Arson, Criminal Mischief, Local Crimes, Property Crimes date

The legal term for property destruction is criminal mischief under Texas law. Criminal mischief may include property damage, tampering with the property or belongings of other people, arson, or vandalism: It could be accidental, unintended damage after a hit and run accident. It could also be intentional damage, such as cutting a vehicle owner’s tires. more >

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