Recent Blog Posts
What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Illinois?
Domestic violence can come in several forms, such as physical, emotional, or verbal abuse, and when these acts are committed by a person against a family member or someone in the same household, they are considered domestic violence. Domestic violence is taken seriously in Illinois, and domestic violence situations often involve considerable conflict and strong emotions.
If you are accused of domestic violence, it is important to understand the potential penalties associated with this charge and to contact an Illinois domestic violence defense attorney right away.
Illinois Battery Violence Penalties
One of the most severe forms of domestic violence is domestic battery, which is abuse that specifically involves causing bodily harm or making insulting or provoking physical contact. Domestic Battery can result in either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case and whether or not a person has prior offenses.
Important First Steps When Facing Manslaughter Charges
Facing manslaughter charges can be a terrifying experience. The potential consequences are severe, and the legal process is not easy to understand. However, by taking the right steps from the very beginning, you can possibly improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. A Texas lawyer can discuss the actions you should take.
Find Out the Specific Charges Against You
Manslaughter is a second-degree felony in Texas, carrying a potential prison sentence of two to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. You must understand the specific allegations against you and the circumstances that led to the charges. In Texas, manslaughter is defined as recklessly causing the death of another person. This means that the prosecution must prove that your actions were reckless and directly led to the individual’s death.
Can You Get Charges Dropped after Driving Without a License?
Driving without a valid license in Texas can lead to serious legal consequences. If you face charges for this offense, you may wonder if it is possible to get those charges dropped. A Texas lawyer can help you with potential avenues for dismissing driving without a license charges and what you can expect from the legal process.
Make Sure You Understand the Severity of the Offense
In Texas, driving without a valid license is considered a misdemeanor offense. The penalties for this crime can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Generally, a first-time offense is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. However, if you have been convicted of driving without a license in the past, the offense may be elevated to a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a potential fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail.
Can You Challenge a Restraining Order Against You?
If you have been served with a restraining order, it is helpful to understand your rights and the legal options available to you. While a restraining order can significantly impact your life, you may be able to challenge it under certain circumstances. A Texas lawyer can help you figure out if you have the potential to challenge your situation.
Grounds for Challenging a Restraining Order
To successfully challenge a restraining order in Texas, you must demonstrate that the order was issued based on false or insufficient evidence. Some grounds for challenging a restraining order include:
- Lack of evidence: If the petitioner fails to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims of abuse, harassment, or stalking, you may argue that the restraining order is unwarranted.
What to Do If Charged with Public Intoxication
Facing charges of public intoxication can lead to an overwhelming experience filled with uncertainty. Make sure you understand your legal rights and the steps you need to take to get the best outcome possible. A Texas lawyer can assist you in understanding the potential consequences and advise you on the appropriate course of action if you face such charges.
What to Know About Public Intoxication
Under Texas Penal Code Section 49.02, public intoxication is defined as appearing in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that you may endanger yourself or others. Alcohol, drugs, or any other substance can cause intoxication. It is important to note that you do not need to be driving to be charged with public intoxication; when you are intoxicated in a public space, it is enough to warrant an arrest.
What to Do When Charged with Reckless Driving in Texas
Facing a reckless driving charge in Texas can be intimidating. Understanding the potential consequences and taking the necessary steps to protect your rights is important. A Texas lawyer can help determine what constitutes reckless driving in Texas, the penalties you may face, and what actions you should take if you find yourself in this situation.
What is Considered Reckless Driving in Texas?
Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.401, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This can include behaviors such as excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, or disregarding traffic signals. It is important to note that reckless driving is a criminal offense, not just a simple traffic violation.
Defending Against Charges of Online Fraud in Texas
Whether you are accused of identity theft, hacking, phishing scams, or any other internet fraud, you must take the charges seriously from the start. A Texas lawyer is important to have on your side when your rights, freedom, and future are on the line. With the right legal strategy, you can fight back against these allegations and ensure your side of the story is told correctly.
Types of Online Fraud Charges
In Texas, several statutes can be used to prosecute online fraud cases. Common charges include:
- Fraud/Deceptive Trade Practices: This covers a wide range of deceptive online activities intended to unlawfully deprive others of money, property, or services.
- Identity Theft: Illegally obtaining and using another person’s identifying information, like name, date of birth, social security number, etc., for fraudulent purposes.
Handling False Domestic Violence Accusations in Texas
Domestic violence accusations are serious matters that should never be taken lightly. However, in some unfortunate cases, false allegations do occur, often from a vengeful ex-partner seeking leverage in a divorce or child custody dispute.
If you find yourself wrongly accused of domestic violence, it is crucial to take legal action to protect your rights and reputation. A Texas lawyer will guide you through the steps to handle false domestic violence accusations effectively.
What to Know About Texas Domestic Violence Laws
According to the Family Code in Texas, domestic violence is defined as any action taken by a family or household member to cause physical injury, bodily harm, assault, or issuing a threat that reasonably instills fear of immediate physical harm in the victim. The severity of these offenses can vary widely, from relatively minor Class C misdemeanors to serious first-degree felonies, depending on the seriousness of the act and whether a deadly weapon was involved.
What Does Texas Consider Public Intoxication?
In Texas, public intoxication refers to appearing in a public place while intoxicated to the point where you may endanger yourself or another person. The specifics of public intoxication laws and penalties are important to understand if you have been charged with this offense. A Texas lawyer can help you determine the potential outcome of your charges and what you should likely do next.
What Constitutes Public Intoxication?
Under Section 49.02 of the Texas Penal Code, a person commits an offense of public intoxication if they appear in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that they may endanger someone else or themselves. It is vital to know that Texas law does not state a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level that definitively proves intoxication. Officers rely on common signs of intoxication to determine if someone is publicly intoxicated, including:
How to Prove Your Resisting Arrest Charge Was Unlawful
Being arrested can be scary and confusing, and you feel unjustified, especially when you know you have done nothing wrong. So when police slap handcuffs on you, it is understandable to pull away or question why it is happening instinctively. However, physically resisting arrest or disobeying officers' orders could lead to additional charges that hurt your case.
If you find yourself accused of resisting arrest, do not panic. With the right evidence and legal argument, you may be able to beat the charge and even have the mistaken arrest wiped from your record. A Texas criminal defense attorney can help you to see if there is any potential to fight your charge.
Were You Unaware You Were Resisting?
Another defense your lawyer might use is that you were unaware you were resisting in the first place. Perhaps you reflexively pulled your arm back when cuffed or did not hear instructions over ambient noise.