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When is it legal for police officers to search a residence?
Police officers help to enforce the law. They respond to calls for assistance from members of the public in distress. They investigate criminal activity to identify the person accountable. If police officers could do whatever they wanted, they could very easily...
How a guilty plea could affect a defendant’s future
Those facing significant criminal charges in Texas often decide to plead guilty. People may worry about the exposure that occurs during a criminal trial. They worry that community members or employers may find out about their charges and judge them. They may also...
What is “swatting” and can you get into trouble for it?
“Swatting” is a practice that has its roots in the online gaming community, where it first got started – but swatting has become a fairly common tactic for revenge or intimidation. In essence, swatting involves placing a call to emergency services and making up some...
How the right of discovery can help those accused of crimes in Texas
Some of the most valuable civil rights specifically focus on an individual's rights during a criminal case. Police officers and other state authorities are required to follow the law when searching for evidence or questioning someone as part of an investigation, for...
Do you have an expectation of privacy with your trash?
Your expectation of privacy is important. It generally applies to your home and property, where the police cannot usually enter without your permission or a warrant. This is your private property, and there has to be a very significant reason to override that right to...
Can someone’s intoxication upon arrest influence their defense?
Police officers often see people at their most volatile and vulnerable. They might get called to a party after a huge fight breaks out or to a home after a disagreement between spouses has turned violent. Frequently, violent incidents between people involve at least...
What substances do college students use the most?
Parents who have children in college are often worried that those children are going to get involved with drugs. Part of this concern may simply stem from the fact that most college-age young adults have never lived outside of their parents’ home before, so their...
Is it a felony to evade arrest?
You never planned to evade arrest, but you got nervous when a police officer turned on the flashing lights behind your car. You didn't want to stop, and the officer had to turn around to give pursuit, so you decided to speed up and see if you could get away from them....
What are your rights when accused of a crime in Texas?
Some rights associated with criminal prosecution are well-known. Most people are at least passingly familiar with their Miranda Rights because of how frequently they feature in movies and television shows. Still, many people fail to even understand the true...
Dealing with the fear of jail
Going to jail, whether for a matter of days or for many years, is a scary prospect for anyone. Jail limits your basic freedoms as a person, and it can incite panic in many people when they contemplate not being able to live a free life. Those who already have a fear...