McKinney Texas Criminal Defense Law Blog

Why a drug possession charge is often followed by additional charges

On behalf of Terri Daniel, Attorney at Law, PLLC on Friday, January 25, 2019.

If you're in possession of an illicit substance and get caught, then you may face drug charges. While many people assume they will face a single possession charge for their actions, this is rarely the case.

When the prosecution looks at drug cases, the initial charge is normally possession. You were in possession of a drug, so that makes sense. However, there are other factors to consider. If you possess large quantities of drugs, the prosecution may seek charges such as possession with the intent to distribute, accuse of you of being a drug ring leader or even add penalties for possessing or intending to sell drugs close to a school or playground.

Alternative programs help people heal without incarceration

On behalf of Terri Daniel, Attorney at Law, PLLC on Wednesday, December 26, 2018.

Alternative court programs have been designed to help people who have addictions and mental health conditions overcome their disadvantages while being held responsible for their actions. Alternative programs are ideal for many situations, because they encourage healing instead of punishment without treatment.

Drug addiction and alcoholism are both significant causes of criminal acts. People are not in their right minds when they're on mind-altering substances such as these. Did you know that approximately 75 percent of people who began treatment for drug addiction previously committed acts of violence? These acts could include many types of crimes such as physical assault or mugging.

A special court for treatment: Veterans Treatment Court

On behalf of Terri Daniel, Attorney at Law, PLLC on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.

Veterans Treatment Court may not be something you've heard about in the past, but it's actually a very important court in Texas. It is a court that suggests that the people who have served in the military have different experiences than the general public. As such, the traditional court, with community services of various types, may not be suited to these veterans.

Instead, the Veterans Treatment Court focuses on helping veterans with problems such as DWIs or mental health concerns. The courts use a team-based approach to make sure veterans get the help they need in an appropriate manner. The goal is to treat any underlying problem that could lead to criminal behavior.

How to help your child with their drug addiction

On behalf of Terri Daniel, Attorney at Law, PLLC on Saturday, October 27, 2018.

As a parent, it can be difficult to control the behavior of your child after a certain age. If your teenager started to spend time away from home with people you did not know, it is likely that you felt powerless about the situation. While you might not be able to control their every move, it is important to know how you can still be there for them, especially if you believe that they have a drug addiction.

If you are concerned about your child getting in trouble with the law in the state of Texas due to drugs, you should take the time to learn how the law works. A criminal conviction may affect your child's ability to get a job or rent an apartment in the future. One of the most important things that you can do is to support your child by addressing their drug problem.

Has your child committed a crime? Think about these things

On behalf of Terri Daniel, Attorney at Law, PLLC on Tuesday, October 2, 2018.

As a parent, you know that your children will make mistakes. It's your hope that they never break the law, but this could happen at some point. A child could get caught up in drugs. A child could steal something from a local store.

If the authorities catch your child breaking the law, it won't be long before you find out. At that point, you need to learn more about their charges and the steps you can take to help and protect your child.

Settle on the right drunk driving defense strategy

On behalf of Terri Daniel, Attorney at Law, PLLC on Wednesday, August 29, 2018.

A charge of driving under the influence of alcohol is a big deal, as a conviction can impact your life in many ways. Fortunately, there are a variety of drunk driving defense strategies you can employ, all of which are meant to help you avoid punishment.

The one thing you need to remember is that no two drunk driving arrests are the same. So, the strategy you use won't necessarily be the same as another person in a similar situation.

Drug courts provide life changing opportunities for girls

On behalf of Terri Daniel, Attorney at Law, PLLC on Sunday, July 29, 2018.

Adolescent girls aged between 12 and 17 years old, as well as young women, are getting involved with drugs at alarming rates. There have been reports conducted that show there are significant cultural and biological differences between girls and boys when it comes to the reasons why they begin to use drugs.

Studies have also shown that adolescent girls are much more likely to become addicted to drugs than adolescent boys when they are exposed to drug use at this sensitive age.

What parents need to know about alternative sentencing

On behalf of Terri Daniel, Attorney at Law, PLLC on Saturday, June 30, 2018.

As a parent of a child who has been charged with the possession of drugs, you are likely worried about your child's future, as well as any consequences he or she may face later. While drug offenses have traditionally had serious legal consequences in Texas criminal courts, research has shown a definitive link between drug offenses and addiction. Therefore, serious efforts are being made to tackle drug addition head-on through alternative sentencing programs that include rehabilitation. This concept has proven to be effective in reducing recidivism in many other states.

If your child is convicted of drug possession, there are ways for your child to potentially avoid serving prison. Depending on the circumstances, offenders may be able to seek the help they need to get off drugs and get their lives back on track.

Are you or a family member suffering from meth addiction?

On behalf of Terri Daniel, Attorney at Law, PLLC on Saturday, June 2, 2018.

Texas has suffered from rising meth addiction rates for many years. This drug can be highly addictive, and it becomes even more addictive the longer someone takes it and the more they take of it. Once a high dependence level has been established, to stop using the drug becomes a difficult task because of the withdrawal symptoms experienced by users.

Some of the worst symptoms of meth withdrawal include tremors, anxiety and severe depression. Those who are addicted to the substance might find help through a doctor-supervised treatment plan.

Alternatives to incarceration: Drug courts in Texas

On behalf of Terri Daniel, Attorney at Law, PLLC on Friday, May 4, 2018.

You really never thought about your child having trouble with drugs, let alone that he'd be selling and distributing them to other people at school or on the streets. He's a teen, but, in your mind, still the innocent child you raised.

Unfortunately, when it comes to the law, the reality is stark. Your child could face serious penalties for violating drug laws, possessing drugs, selling drugs, and using or selling them in school zones. The good news is that there are alternatives to prison being used in Collin County. The Drug Court aims to address issues including drug abuse and DWI cases outside the traditional court system.