Posted on June 11, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Solicitation of prostitution used to be a Class B misdemeanor. This means that anyone who was convicted of a first offense of solicitation of prostitution faced up to 180 days in jail and a fine not exceeding $2,000. Someone who was convicted of a second offense was charged with a Class A misdemeanor and faced up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $4,000.

But that all changed in September 2021. Now solicitation of prostitution is a state jail felony, while actual prostitution still remains a Class B misdemeanor. This means your rights are even more at stake, which is why it is more important than ever to seek a Texas criminal defense attorney if you are accused of solicitation of prostitution.

What Is Solicitation of Prostitution?

According to Texas law, solicitation of prostitution is when someone “knowingly offers or agrees to pay a fee to another person for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with that person or another.” In other words, merely offering to buy sex is a felony even if the transaction does not take place. 

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 Posted on June 04, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Many people aspire to be famous athletes. After all, being a well-recognized NFL or NBA player comes with major perks. In addition to the large paycheck, these players get endorsement deals, free entrance to some of the most desirable clubs, hotels, and concerts, and live lifestyles that most of us can only dream of.

But in other ways, professional athletes are just like everyone else. They also make mistakes, face problems like divorce and addiction, and sometimes even break the law. When famous athletes are accused of crimes, they need an aggressive, experienced criminal defense attorney who is not intimidated by the players’ fame or the prosecutor’s efforts to make an example out of them.

Here is an update to our blog about some of the worst crimes committed by NFL players, including crimes they have been convicted for in the last five years.

• Henry Ruggs III — Henry Ruggs, a former wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, was sentenced to at least three years in prison in August 2023. Ruggs was accused of killing a woman in a fiery car crash when he was driving drunk at speeds up to 156 mph. Ruggs pleaded guilty to a DUI felony.

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 Posted on May 29, 2024 in Criminal Defense

There is something that teenagers are often told as they take their test to get a driver’s license that still rings true in adulthood: driving is not a right but a privilege. There are many laws about driving, and if you are found in violation, you might get the privilege taken away. If you are accused of committing a crime, injuring others on the road, or reckless driving, the court has several options. It might revoke your license permanently, temporarily suspend your license, or order an indefinite suspension of your license. This article will examine what happens when a license is indefinitely suspended and what you can do if that happens to you. Of course, if you are facing this possibility, you should speak with a skilled Collin County, TX criminal defense attorney to understand how best to protect your rights.

How Does a License Get Suspended in Texas?

There are two types of driver’s license suspension in Texas:

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 Posted on May 21, 2024 in Criminal Defense

If you have ever been charged with a misdemeanor in the state of Illinois, it will remain on your criminal record. If anyone does a background check on you for university acceptance, real estate purchases, or employment, something you did in the past can have serious consequences on your present and future. The good news is that some criminal records are eligible for expungement, meaning your criminal history can essentially be erased. This is not a simple, straightforward process and is even more confusing if you are trying to do it on your own without legal expertise. If you have been wanting to get a misdemeanor expunged from the record, speak with an experienced Collin County, TX criminal defense attorney who can review your case and help you navigate the process.

Can Every Misdemeanor Be Expunged?

The short answer is no. Not all misdemeanors can be expunged from a criminal record. To understand whether your misdemeanor can, you need to answer three questions:

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 Posted on May 10, 2024 in Criminal Defense

When you hear that the police suspect you of committing a crime, it is only natural for you to try and make yourself appear innocent however you can. There are many kinds of evidence. Some things might be able to prove beyond any doubt that you were the perpetrator. Other types of evidence might be more circumstantial and might only indicate that you had anything to do with the crime when taken into consideration with many other factors. You might be tempted to try to get rid of that evidence if all the other factors do not put you under any suspicion. However, altering, concealing, or destroying evidence is its own crime, otherwise known as evidence tampering. Instead of helping you, tampering with evidence is taken very seriously and you will likely pay for it heavily later on. If you have questions about tampering with evidence, speak with a skilled Collin County, TX criminal defense attorney to get answers.

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 Posted on May 06, 2024 in Criminal Defense

House arrest is a commonly known phrase you may hear on TV and in movies. However, most people are not familiar with what it actually means. House arrest can be granted for specific criminal offenses. You might be allowed to serve your term as house arrest rather than jail time, but have some additional restrictions or other penalties in exchange. If you are interested in house arrest as an option for your sentence, speak with a passionate Plano, TX criminal defense attorney to find out more.

House Arrest in Texas

House arrest is one option for a sentence for a criminal offense. If you are ordered to serve a term of house arrest, you must stay at your home or another residence approved by the court for the duration of your sentence. You might not need to stay inside the residence at all times, but there are guidelines regarding how far from it you can be and for how long.

There are very specific circumstances under which house arrest can be considered as a punishment. If you meet the conditions, you can request house arrest instead of jail time. If your request is approved, you will receive a list of restrictions you must abide by for the duration of your sentence. This list commonly includes details about certain hours of the day you are required to be home and when you are allowed to leave.

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 Posted on April 29, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Child identity theft allegations can have a profound impact on Texas families, leaving accused individuals facing the possibility of criminal charges and lasting repercussions. It is a serious matter that demands attention and a strong defense. However, you must remember that an allegation does not necessarily equate to guilt. If you find yourself facing child identity theft allegations, a Texas lawyer can help you understand your rights and the steps you can take to challenge the accusations and protect your future.

What to Know About Child Identity Theft in Texas

Under Texas law, child identity theft occurs when someone uses a child’s personal identifying information, such as their name, Social Security number, or date of birth, without the child’s consent. This crime is covered under Texas Penal Code Section 32.51, which defines the offense as “fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.”

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 Posted on April 22, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Drug conspiracy charges often have severe consequences when convicted. A drug conspiracy occurs when two or more people agree to commit a drug-related offense, such as manufacturing, distributing, or possessing illegal substances. A person can be charged with drug conspiracy even if they did not actually commit the underlying drug offense. A Texas lawyer can help you sort out the details to see what potential your case has.

The Elements of Drug Conspiracy

Prosecutors in Texas must prove several elements to secure a conviction for drug conspiracy. First, there must be something that shows that an agreement exists between two or more individuals to engage in illegal drug activity. This agreement does not need to be formal or written; it can be a verbal agreement or even an implicit understanding between the parties involved.

Prosecutors must also show that the defendant knew of the agreement and intended to participate. This means that even if a person did not actively engage in drug-related activities, they could still be charged with conspiracy if they were aware of the agreement and intended to participate in it.

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 Posted on April 12, 2024 in Criminal Defense

If you are a first-time offender facing embezzlement charges in Texas, you might be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It is a tough situation to be in, but the good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your future. A Texas lawyer can break down your options and share some practical strategies.

Make Sure You Understand Your Charges

Embezzlement is defined under Section 31.03 of the Texas Penal Code as the unlawful appropriation of property with the intention of depriving the owner of said property. This often involves a breach of trust, as the accused has lawful possession of the property in question. Embezzlement can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the stolen property and other aggravating factors.

Gather Evidence and Documentation

To build a strong defense, work closely with your attorney to gather all relevant evidence and documentation related to the alleged embezzlement. This may include financial records, bank statements, emails, and witness testimonies. Your attorney will analyze this evidence to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a compelling defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.

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 Posted on April 09, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Federal crime investigations are complex processes that involve multiple agencies and strict adherence to legal procedures. In Texas, federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and ICE work together to investigate and prosecute crimes that fall under federal jurisdiction. A Texas lawyer can help you explore the key aspects of your specific federal crime investigation.

The Initiation of a Federal Investigation

Various factors, such as the following, can trigger federal investigations:

• Reports from victims or witnesses.
• Referrals from state or local law enforcement agencies.
• Information gathered by federal agencies through their own intelligence efforts.
• Grand jury subpoenas or indictments.

Once a potential federal crime is identified, the appropriate federal agency will begin its investigation.

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