Criminal Justice Blog

In the U.S., there are two main reasons that the police can take action against someone. They are the standards known as reasonable suspicion and probable cause. While they are similar in their application and definitions, there are several key differences between the two. To make sure that your rights are protected, it is important…

Spousal support, also known as spousal maintenance or alimony, is paid by one ex-spouse to the other to help support the recipient. It has nothing to do with child support, and it may be paid regardless of whether there are children and what arrangements are made for them. Spousal support is largely a relic of…

Technically, if you are arrested and charged with a DWI (driving while intoxicated) in Texas, you are within your rights to refuse a breathalyzer or blood alcohol test. However, due to Texas’ implied consent laws, you will face administrative penalties for your refusal. Here is what you need to know. What Is Implied Consent? In…

You don’t have to be Sam Harris or Eckhart Tolle to know about the controversial but common type of law in the United States, “stop and frisk”, is legal in Texas if and only if law enforcement has reasonable suspicion that a person possesses a dangerous weapon and may be a threat. If reasonable suspicion…

If you are out on the streets minding your own business, and a police officer begins to question you, you might wonder if you are being detained or arrested. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have specific legal definitions that are very different. If you are charged with a crime based on…

In Texas, probable cause is the standard of proof that must be applied for an arrest, warrant, search and seizure, or other such legal action to be undertaken. It can be loosely understood as meaning that a particular circumstance is more likely to have occurred than not to have occurred. Note that while probable cause…

Texas is one of the toughest states to battle in court. According to recent data, Texas has the dubious title of 7th highest rate of incarceration per 100,000 people. For anyone arrested and charged in Texas, this is a sobering statistic to keep in mind as you prepare to go to court. It certainly makes…

Divorce in Texas – Know the Law Divorce is never fun, but a thorough understanding of the law is vital to protecting your rights. Texas divorce law is highly complicated, and it is important to hire an attorney to represent you. The more you know, though, the more you can act as your own advocate.…