Do Police Have to Read You Your Miranda Rights?
You’re under arrest, and just like in movies, you have the right to remain silent. What does this mean? Miranda rights are something we’re all familiar with. Whether we know these rights from movies or not, they can prove useful if we’re facing an arrest. However, sometimes the police will not give you a Miranda warning, and that act has its own meanings and consequences. Before we talk about whether police have to read you…
Is Recording the Police Officers in Texas Legal?
Due to police brutality becoming a regular topic on the news and social media these days, most states around the country require police officers to wear body cams. The purpose of these devices is to provide evidence of whether the officer in question is doing their job the right way. However, if the public wants to see those recordings, they need to pay a fee. This has led ordinary people to start filming all interactions…
Recidivism and Rising Rearrest Rates
Government officials and public speakers for privatized U.S. prisons frequently parrot the sentiment that jail time is rehabilitative. Although, the masses that are serving years in poor conditions for low-level crimes would likely just call it punishment. Spending an extended period of time in jail can permanently damage the trajectory of someone’s life. What’s worse? Oftentimes, the sentence isn’t even rehabilitative and actually exposes inmates to more serious offenders and dangerous situations. Typically, the punishments…
The Texas Indictment Process
In Texas, an indictment is a critical step in the legal process for felony charges. It serves as a formal accusation against an individual, issued by a grand jury after reviewing evidence presented by the prosecution. Unlike misdemeanor cases, which may proceed based on a complaint or information, felony cases require an indictment before they can move forward in court. Understanding how this process works is essential for anyone facing criminal charges, as it determines…
What’s the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
The terms felony and misdemeanor are ways of classifying the severity of a crime. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies and result in a year or less in jail time. Felonies are very serious and you may find yourself in jail for a year or up to a lifetime. Misdemeanor A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that can carry up to a year in jail time. These crimes are less serious than felonies, and you’ll…
Bail Bonds: Items You Can Use for Collateral
Sometimes you need to post bail at a moment’s notice. It’s possible that you won’t have sufficient funds to pay the entirety of your bail. At times like these, you can turn to a bond company. If you can’t come up with the 10% fee a bondsman can accept different forms of collateral. Vehicle Most people have some form of transportation to get around. Even if it’s just for work. You can use your main…
Common Myths About Bail Bonds
There are a lot of myths about bail bonds floating around, that can make you feel hesitant to get one. However, it doesn’t have to be a scary or overwhelming process. Our bondsmen at ABC Bail Bonds want to make this as painless as possible and get you out of jail fast. So we’re going to dispel some common myths and set your mind at ease. All Bail Must be Paid Before Release A bail…
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…
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…