Being accused of criminal wrongdoing, let alone convicted of such, can be an ordeal. It's hard to fully understand, however, just how much even a single criminal charge can affect your life. Let's take a look at a hypothetical scenario involving a person we’ll call “Todd,” who has been charged with a crime. Charged, but not convicted First, let's be clear that this is the less … [Read more...]
Can You Be Arrested Because of a Snapchat Post?
You want to know one of the easiest ways to get yourself in trouble these days and possibly arrested? Post something on social media that you know, deep down, you shouldn’t be posting. What’s illegal to post on social media? Snapchat posts, which have both multimedia photo and messaging capabilities, have taken down individuals in all types of positions: teachers, law … [Read more...]
Facing Conviction? Learn About Deferred Adjudication
When you’re facing a possible conviction, you may feel like you don’t have any options. But you do. One of those options is deferred adjudication. What is deferred adjudication? Deferred adjudication is a type of plea deal where you essentially avoid a trial and may also avoid conviction. Even if you enter a guilty plea or plead “no contest” to a charge, the judge “defers” … [Read more...]
Should Criminal Defendants Take a Plea Deal?
You’ve seen and heard it many times on those courtroom-centered TV shows: “We’ll take the plea deal.” “We’re NOT taking the plea deal!” It’s a common term, but you may not know what it is. What’s a plea deal? (Or plea bargain or plea agreement...) Either way, it involves a defendant pleading “guilty” to a lesser charge instead of going to trial and possibly getting a … [Read more...]
Common Types of Fraud in Texas
The term “fraud” is a large umbrella term that dozens of crimes can fit under. Some of the most common types include the following: Bank (or accounting) fraud: The process of illegally gaining bank-owned money or property. Bribery: Instances where money and/or gifts are given as a means of motivation for a favorable outcome or treatment of a group. Conspiracy: A plot … [Read more...]
More Than Stealing: What Constitutes a Theft Charge?
When you think of the word “theft,” someone swiping a candy bar or wallet may come to mind; however, did you know that “theft” is actually a broad term when it comes to criminal offenses? Legally, theft can encapsulate more than the most common, general definition. Theft is defined legally as the taking of someone else’s property with the purpose of never returning it. This … [Read more...]
