Anybody who has ever watched a crime drama has probably heard the phrase, "You are being arrested for assault and battery." Often, this makes it sound like battery and assault are the exact same charge. However, this is not the case. Battery and assault are closely...
Criminal Defense
How bail conditions work
If someone is facing trial for a criminal offense, there is often a lot of time between the arrest and a final guilty or not guilty plea. Most people facing charges would like to spend that time elsewhere rather than in jail. One of the things the judge decides in the...
3 common ways to receive a burglary charge in Texas
A burglary conviction in the Lone Star State carries with it some significant legal penalties. If prosecutors prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, you may forever have a felony conviction on your record. You may also face a lengthy prison...
Can self-defense be effective against an assault charge?
If you face assault charges, you will need to prepare a defense that will allow you to show the court you were within your rights and that your actions did not qualify as assault. One option to justify your actions is claiming self-defense. In some cases, it might be...
What are the 3 areas of negotiation for a plea bargain?
No matter what crime the courts accuse you of committing, it is likely that plea bargaining will be a part of your criminal proceedings. Whether or not it is a good idea for an individual to take a plea bargain depends on specific situations, but bargaining is almost...
When does firearm possession become a felony in Texas?
Texas’ reputation as a gun friendly state does not prevent courts from treating gun crimes seriously. While many gun possession crimes are misdemeanors, certain circumstances or types of firearm possession can graduate the offense to a felony. Understanding Texas...
What can elevate an assault charge?
A simple assault charge will usually not carry too harsh of a penalty. It may even be a misdemeanor in most cases. However, there are certain elements that could elevate this crime and bring about a harsher charge and sentence. The Texas Constitution and Statutes...
Understand the basics of aggravated assault charges
Assault charges can have a deep impact on people's lives. However, people may face more serious consequences if they commit an aggravated assault. People face assault charges if they either threatened or tried to harm another person. FindLaw says that a charge of...
Don’t wait for an arrest to exercise the right to remain silent
Movies and television shows involving an arrest always show the officer advising an individual of his or her rights after placing the individual under arrest. Part of the “Miranda rights” involves advising the person that he or she has the right to remain silent....
Understanding human trafficking charges
Human trafficking charges are very serious. The 13th Amendment outlaws the act but it remains a prevalent crime in our society today. The penalties of these charges are severe and vary depending on the type of trafficking, force used, duration and victims. Here, we...
