Probation, also called community supervision in Texas, allows individuals to avoid prison by following court-ordered rules. Generally, probation takes two forms. Charges may be dismissed upon the successful completion of deferred adjudication. Alternatively, straight...
People generally understand that they may face criminal charges if they get caught while in possession of controlled or prohibited drugs. The exact charges the state pursues and the penalties that the courts might impose depend on the type of drug, the amount of drugs...
Police officers use a variety of methods to determine if a driver is impaired. One of the things they may opt to use is a field sobriety test. There are many different versions of these tests, but they aren’t all created equally. There are three specific tests that...
It can be difficult to contemplate the reality that your child may face probation, juvenile detention, community service or placement in a rehabilitation program. Thus, if your child is accused of a criminal offense, you need to determine how you can protect them....
Individuals accused of drug offenses in Texas are often very anxious about their future. They may also feel quite anxious and embarrassed about their pending charges. It is relatively common for those accused of drug possession to plead guilty. They hope to speed up...
If your teen is facing drug charges in Texas, you’re likely feeling a mix of worry and uncertainty about their future. While the potential legal consequences of these charges are unquestionably important to address, the underlying issue -- your child’s potential...
Police searches are part of the process in many arrests. Unfortunately, some of those searches do not fully comply with the legal requirements. They infringe on the person’s Fourth Amendment rights. While an illegal search could make it more likely you are arrested,...
Theft involves the misappropriation of resources that belong to someone else. People can face theft charges over allegedly shoplifting from a retail establishment or taking personal property out of someone's home. To many people, theft allegations may seem relatively...
Being arrested and charged with a crime is a stressful experience, and one of the first concerns many individuals face is how to get released from jail while awaiting trial. In Texas, this process typically involves posting bail, a financial guarantee that you will...
A significant number of those charged with criminal offenses in the U.S. are teens. While teens do commit criminal offenses, they also face damaging stereotypes that impact how they are treated by the criminal justice system. To ensure fair treatment, it’s important...