How To Navigate Felony Charges
Crimes fall into two categories: misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious and generally carry a maximum of up to one year in jail. Felonies involve more serious crimes that typically carry sentences of more than one year’s imprisonment or potentially life in prison. A felony is a serious criminal charge. The resulting penalties can be severe. If you are convicted of the charges, the consequences will be serious including large fines, imprisonment, and social…
What Happens to Bail Money?
Bail is typically very expensive. In Texas, misdemeanors can run up to $4,000. Felonies can go up to $20,000 and serious felonies like murder can start at $1 million. If you don’t appear in court then you forfeit this money. This may lead you to wonder what can happen to your bail money. Factors That Can Raise Bail There are a variety of factors that determine the amount of your bail. These factors can also…
Next Steps After You’re Released on Bail
After being released on bail, hire an attorney right away. Your attorney will be able to get things for you, such as police reports, lab reports, probable cause statements from the arresting officer, dash and body cam recordings, and any other information that can help you build a case. Your attorney can also inform you and protect your rights. Aspects of your life will probably change after an arrest. You should follow the proper steps…
How to Avoid Arrest on New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate the good things of the past year and the possibilities of the year to come. Enjoy the festivities, but also be aware of your surroundings and take a few precautionary measures to avoid ringing in the new year in one of the most costly ways possible: getting arrested. Most Common New Year’s Eve Crimes Driving Under the Influence – There are more alcohol-related accidents on New Year’s…
Bail Industry News: New Los Angeles District Attorney Makes Immediate Reforms
In recent years, bail has been a major focus for social justice advocates. Activists argue that bail disproportionately punishes the poor. They are often the ones affected by high bail amounts for misdemeanors and traffic violations. While there may be some merit to these positions, there could also be problems with doing away with bail entirely. The biggest problem is, of course, violent offenders. However, thanks to a changing of the guard in Los Angeles,…
The State of Crime in Houston Metro
Houston is the most populous city in Texas, and is still a fast growing community. When considering a move to the Houston metropolitan area, families and businesses always check our crime rate. These statistics give people an idea what kind of crime they can expect and whether they can feel safe in our area. It also gives current residents an idea of what is going on in our city. If you’ve been arrested or need…
How to Choose the Right Attorney
Like any other big decision, you should approach choosing an attorney wisely. You will be sharing confidential information with this person, but you will also be entrusting them to offer you proper legal advice and guide you through a situation you wouldn’t be able to navigate on your own. From qualifications and cost, to the area of law and location, there are several aspects to thoroughly go over before selecting the attorney that is best…
What To Do When Your Spouse Is Arrested
Receiving that phone call from someone who has been arrested and in jail can be quite alarming, especially if the person calling is your spouse. Depending on the charges, an arrest can be just the beginning of months of court dates and legal proceedings. If you have learned that your spouse has been arrested and is being held in jail, use the following tips: Have a brief phone call When your spouse calls and tells…
Practicing Gratitude When Out on Bail
Posting bail for someone is a huge favor that warrants a huge amount of gratitude. If you were recently arrested and a friend or loved one bailed you out, you can show appreciation by staying out of trouble upon your release. Appreciation is not always an easy thing to do, but it can be learned. Showing appreciation is not as easy as saying “thank you,” they just bailed you out of jail. Being appreciative that…
Navigating Domestic Violence Charges in Texas
There are three types of domestic violence that are recognized under Texas law. We will briefly explain each law and the associated penalties. Texas does not take domestic violence lightly. Even having a protective order because of domestic violence can have long lasting effects on your record. DOMESTIC ASSAULT Domestic assault is defined as a threat or an act of violence against a person with whom the defendant has an intimate relationship. An act of…