Recent Blog Posts
When A Drug Possession Charge Becomes A Federal Crime
If you are arrested with drugs in Galveston, it does not mean you will automatically face federal charges. Most possession cases start under Texas law, but some situations draw the attention of federal agencies and prosecutors. When that happens, the case can become much more serious. Federal drug cases can involve different charges, mandatory… Read More »
What Evidence Do Prosecutors Need To Prove Intent To Deliver Drugs?
Just being near illegal drugs does not mean someone planned to sell them. In Texas, though, prosecutors can bring more serious charges if they think the evidence points to drugs being held for distribution, not just personal use. They do not have to see a drug sale, find a buyer, or uncover a written… Read More »
How Federal Sentencing Guidelines Affect Criminal Cases
Sentencing can dramatically change the course of a federal criminal case. The sentence is not just based on the maximum punishment listed in federal law. Instead, federal judges follow a detailed framework that looks at the offense, the defendant’s actions, criminal history, role in the crime, acceptance of responsibility, and other factors. In Galveston… Read More »
What Do I Do When Federal Search Warrant Is Executed At Your House?
When federal agents execute a search warrant at your home or business, your life can change quickly. Agents might arrive early, secure the area, separate people, take phones and computers, photograph rooms, and collect business records. They may leave with evidence that could be used in a criminal case in Galveston. Just because agents… Read More »
Refusing A Breath Test In Galveston: Does It Help Or Hurt Your Defense?
If you are asked to take a breath test during a DWI investigation, it can be a tough decision. You might worry that giving a sample will help the police build a case against you, but refusing can also bring its own legal issues. In Texas, saying no to a breath or blood test… Read More »
Can A Texas DWI Charge Be Dismissed Because Of An Illegal Traffic Stop?
A DWI investigation usually starts before an officer asks a driver to get out of the car. It begins when the officer turns on the emergency lights and pulls the car over. This step is important because police cannot stop someone just to check if they have been drinking. The Fourth Amendment of the… Read More »
What Should I Do If I Used A Gun In Self-Defense And Police Want A Statement?
If you use a gun to protect yourself or someone else, your day can quickly become the focus of a serious police investigation. Even if you believe the shooting was justified, officers may still treat the situation as a possible crime and ask you for a detailed statement. What you say in those first… Read More »
Texas Castle Doctrine: When Can You Use Self-Defense In Your Home, Car, Or Business?
Texas law gives you important rights to protect yourself if you believe you are facing an immediate threat, but these rights have limits. This is especially true if a confrontation happens in your home, car, workplace, or business. People often call these situations “Castle Doctrine” cases, but Texas does not have a single law… Read More »
What Happens If The DEA Is Investigating Me For Drug Trafficking In Texas?
Finding out that the DEA may be investigating you for drug trafficking is very different from being stopped by local police with a small amount of drugs. DEA investigations often take place quietly over weeks or months before you even realize federal agents are involved. By that time, agents may have already gathered phone… Read More »
Can A DWI Be Dismissed If Police Had No Reason To Stop Me?
A police officer cannot lawfully stop your vehicle simply because it is late at night, you are leaving an area where alcohol is served, or the officer has a feeling that you may have been drinking. A traffic stop is a seizure under the Fourth Amendment, and law enforcement generally must have an objective… Read More »
