Police officers can initiate a traffic stop for a variety of reasons. For example, a suspicion of drunk driving is a common reason to pull motorists over. If a police officer sees you do something while you’re driving that makes them believe you’re impaired, they’ll...
Thanks to the Second Amendment to the American Constitution, the majority of people in the United States have the right to own and possess firearms. Many consider this one of the most fundamental rights in the United States. People buy firearms for hunting, target...
Not all criminal cases proceed to trial, but defendants should still strive to understand the justice system to prepare for all possibilities. The right to a fair trial is a cornerstone of the American criminal justice system, but many things can interfere with...
Not all DWI arrests are the same. For one thing, someone could get a DWI for operating their vehicle under the influence of alcohol, but they could also face those same charges if they were using prescription medications or illegal drugs, such as marijuana. But even...
Despite being one of the most pivotal aspects of the criminal justice system, the presumption of innocence is often overlooked. In fact, people are often assumed to be guilty of something merely by being questioned, detained and charged. In reality, it isn’t supposed...
Texas, with its strong stance on crime, treats drug offenses seriously. Drug conspiracy charges add another layer of complexity to a more “traditional” drug case; they allege an agreement between two or more people to commit a drug-related crime. Understanding how...
These days, nearly everybody has an amazing little computer in their pockets in the form of a smartphone – and many people keep a lot of private information buried on those devices. Just how private is that information, really? In some states, the law says that the...
Texas is a bit behind the rest of the country when it comes to marijuana laws. Twenty-four states have made marijuana fully legal, even for recreational purposes. Fourteen more states allow the use of medical marijuana. Texas is one of the few states that hasn’t...
The flashing lights and siren of a police car can make anyone's stomach do a little flip. And while it's important to be polite and respectful during a traffic stop, it's just as important to understand your rights. One of those rights is the freedom from unreasonable...
Being charged with any type of criminal offense is a serious matter. Even convictions for misdemeanor crimes can result in fines and jail time, and this is certainly the case for felony convictions. The U.S. Constitution provides anyone facing criminal charges with...
