We've all heard the term "search and seizure", but what does it mean? A search is defined by U.S. v. Jacobsen as occurring when an expectation of privacy that society is prepared to consider reasonable is infringed. A "seizure" of property occurs when there is some meaningful interference with an
If someone you care about has been arrested, you might be wondering what you can do to get them out of jail. This is not always possible. But, in most cases it is. In order to get your loved one out of jail, you are generally going to have to
We all know about the dangers and criminal penalties associated with driving while intoxicated, but do you realize the consequences for operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol? In Texas, if you're caught operating a water vessel under the influence of mind-altering substances, you are liable to
Sexual assault is a very serious criminal offense throughout the United States. In the state of Texas, it’s also considered a serious criminal violation of the law. Sexual assault, more commonly known as rape, occurs when a person knowingly and intentionally forcibly commits a number of sexual activities that are
The Miranda rights are designed to protect people in police custody from being forced to make statements that would later be used against them in trial. These warnings are rooted in the constitutional rights protected by the Fifth and Sixth Amendment—they inform individuals of their privilege against self-incrimination and their
A fundamental doctrine of American law is the right of an individual to live without fear of arbitrary arrest or the confiscation of his or her private property for use as evidence in a criminal court case. This doctrine, aka the “Search and Seizure Law,” was enacted into law as
It is a fundamental principle of American criminal law that anyone accused of a crime has the right to confront and challenge any witness who has given testimony against the accused. In fact, the right of the accused to confront witnesses during a criminal trial is considered so important to
Every year, there are more than three-quarters of a million arrests made throughout Texas. While this includes violent and serious charges like human trafficking and manslaughter, most arrests are for non-violent crimes. The following are the five most common reasons people get arrested in Texas:
Learning that you are being investigated for a crime, whether you actually committed the crime or not, is at least unsettling and at worst terrifying. There are several ways you may find out you are under investigation. The police may come by your house or place of business to request
Are you wondering if your license is suspended? There are many reasons you might be dealing with this situation, such as driving while intoxicated or driving while license invalid. You might also have your license suspended for reckless driving or other drug offenses. And while you might understand that your
