The Wad-Mag Law Journal Posts

What are the Different Types of Assault Crimes in Texas?

There are many different types of assault crimes in Texas. It is important to know the difference between them in order to know the type of charge. If you’re arrested for an assaultive offense and need help, we recommend contacting a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Aggravated Assault: Aggravated assault is when an aggravated assault causes serious bodily injury, which includes “significant physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty.”

Sexual Assault: Sexual assault is any sexual contact that occurs without consent. This includes rape and other sexual assaults such as Date Rape and Acquaintance Rape.

What Are the Sexual Assault Statistics in America?

Sexual assault is an act of violence that devastates not only the victim but can also have lifelong effects on their families and communities. The majority of sexual assaults happen to people known by the perpetrator like friends, family, coworkers etc. Experts estimate that an every 98 seconds one American is sexually assaulted – which equals approximately 300,000 victims per year.

What are the Penalties for Assault Crimes in Texas?

Penalties for assault crimes in Texas vary depending on the severity of the crime. Assault crimes can be classified as Class A misdemeanor, Class B misdemeanor, or Class C misdemeanor.

Class A Misdemeanor: This is a class that is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

Class B Misdemeanor: Penalties for this class are up to 180 days of jail time and a $2,000 fine.

Class C Misdemeanor: This is the lowest level and carries with it penalties of up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

How can a lawyer help me after being arrested for assault in Texas?

A criminal lawyer can help you by providing legal assistance in court, negotiating plea agreements or representing you in trial.

Being charged with assault, the penalties are steep and if convicted, they can include loss of your right to vote, professional license suspension or revocation, and even time in prison.

The penalties for an assault conviction vary depending on the severity of the injury that resulted from the assault. The penalties also vary depending on whether the victim was a family member.

Crime Law and Criminals

Expect to have a criminal defense team in your corner when you come face to face with the Texas court judicial system. Texas judges are tough and so are Texans, so if you are needing to appear in Travis County or the surrounding area for a docket call or pre-trial hearing, call Jackson F. Gorski Law Firm. The State of Texas’ Penal Code system has criminal penalties that are strict while enforcing the law in Texas. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or federal drug related charge, the price to pay is more than money owed to the State because of fines. Jail time, probation, various anti drug or AA meetings to attend and so on,…is part of the package. You wouldn’t want to face any of them, especially jail time. Unless you can handle the punishment and pay a sentencing term with your freedom, then go right ahead. But within the laws of Texas, it’s best to get yourself a good criminal defense attorney.

Here’s a common example of what my law firm handles.

“Possession or delivery of drug paraphernalia (…18 or older and [the] person receiving the drugs or intending to receive paraphernalia *and is younger than 18, but at least three years younger than the ‘actor’) will face at least 6 months in jail.”

[Texas Health & Safety Code §481.125(c), (f)]

Drug free zones

Texas is known to have strict laws for possession of a controlled substance. One common illegal substance found in vehicles stopped for traffic violations are narcotics and alcohol. STATS When drug possession laws or drug paraphernalia possession laws are broken, a conviction is almost certain in most cases. In fact, possession of any drug, or the intent to distribute or manufacturer a controlled substance is now enhanced as the following.

With a criminal defense attorney handling your case, you’ll be informed and taught various addendum or updates to the law of Texas as you get closer for your date in court. Don’t think of it as a negative thing happening in your life, even though it is in scope, try to think of it as a ‘growth experience’ in character and in the eyes of Texas. With that said, here is one in many enhancement NOTEs on certain laws in the State of Texas.

At Drug-Free Zones (for offenses punishable as second degree felonies under §§481.112, 481.1121, 481.113, 481.114, or 481.120, Punishment has been increased to a felony charge of the first degree.

[Texas Health & Safety §481.134(b)]

You could face jail time, probation, fines, and a 6 month loss of your driver’s license when you get a drug paraphernalia possession charge, but when it’s a drug free zone, it’s far more in scope as well.

Violations of the Texas Penal Code, The Texas Controlled Substances Act, and Health and Safety Code laws do provide for the more detail points of law. They in fact, should be applied with “cases of possession of illegal drugs.”

Understanding the common applied Texas laws and penalties given in the Texas courtrooms isn’t always interpreted by the average person nor understand every one single law after another.

http://www.drugpossessionlaws.com/texas/

Texas Drug Possession Defense Strategies

The state of Texas has diversion programs for first time offenders. Only if they are eligible to have their charges dropped after completing the program.

Drug free treatments and educational programs for offenders are part of the defense strategy which, some, have strict program requirements. The treatment and programs, community alternative sentencing can be determined by a judge. Your criminal record can be cleared too when you complete the Diversion Programs in the State of Texas. This basically keeps your criminal record clean! Nevertheless, there are always opportunities to fight for your rights or basically defend your case in court and on your behalf.

Winning a drug case can be bitter-sweet at times, especially when you want to start your day with a phone call to our law firm. For free consultation and in order to discuss the case such as charges for drug paraphernalia, you must call. We can evaluate your case and work some out something in your defense. It’s the only chance for you to begin structuring your life once again and on the right track.

Penalties, Fines and Jail Times

  • For first time offense: “a person … knowingly or intentionally uses or possesses with intent to sale drug paraphernalia” is a Class C Misdemeanor. “A conviction will involve fines of up to $500 with conviction of a drug offense will result in a loss of your drivers’ license. Your license can be suspended for a year depending on your age.
  • For first time offense: Sale or delivery or possession with intent to deliver, or manufacturing with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia. This is a Class A misdemeanor. “A conviction may result to a minimum of 1 year in jail. Fines can be up to $4,000.”
  • For second offense: “Sale or delivery is NOW a felony and punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 90 days in jail up to a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison with a maximum fine of $4,000.”
  • Selling or delivering drug paraphernalia to underage (17 yrs. or younger) is NOW a felony punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 180 days in jail up to a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison with maximum fine of up to $10,000.

On another level, the last count of general population in Travis County this year was a little more than 1 million.

Those who violate Code of Criminal Procedure, 42.12, §3g(a)(1), for the department of Texas Health Safety Code §481.140 or 481.134 (c), (d), (e), (f), Drug-Free Zones is one of those laws that truly enforce drug free locations or places, such as schools, churches, malls, skate parks,…etc.

According to Chapter 481 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, the definition of drug paraphernalia is defined as the following.

“Drug paraphernalia means equipment, a product, or material that is used or intended for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, or concealing a controlled substance in violation of this chapter or in injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance in violation of this chapter (Source: TexasPenalCode.com/)”

It goes further on to list the equipment used or material used for illegal drugs.

“(i) a metal, wooden, acrylic, glass, stone, plastic, or ceramic pipe with or without a screen, permanent screen, hashish head, or punctured metal bowl; (ii) a water pipe; (iii) a carburetion tube or device; (iv) a smoking or carburetion mask; (v) a chamber pipe; (vi) a carburetor pipe; (vii) an electric pipe; (viii) an air-driven pipe; (ix) a chillum; (x) a bong; or…Source: TexasPenalCode.com/)”

Overview of Drug Paraphernalia Possession Law

Below is the Texas laws of Drug Paraphernalia Possession example of a drug paraphernalia charge.

  • A person in college or at work happens to have “zip lock” bags in their backpack because he/she needs the bags for lunch “stuff.” Security saw the bags during a lunch break and since they’ve seen them, and the spoons you brought as well, they question you, you have now gained a “drug paraphernalia possession” charge because of the probable cause rule.
  • A person with syringes in the backseat of their car (because it’s their diabetic parent’s medical necessities) has now caused you to be questioned about drug paraphernalia in your possession.
  • A person with smoke pipes and bongs scattered around the dining area when the police arrive to your apartment because they were called because the music was too loud has now caused you a night in jail for drug paraphernalia in your possession.

Drug Paraphernalia Possession Laws in Texas and the basis of understanding

Each drug crime case is unique, and depending on the specifics of the case you are facing, your penalties may vary; however, there are some specifications outlined in the Texas State Penal Code which could give you an idea of what you may be up against. With a criminal defense attorney from Austin, Texas on your side, fighting for you while keeping you informed of all legal matters during the course of your case proceedings, you may get a reduction or even better, a dismissal, depending on the degree of the drug related charge.

There are four types of drug related charges in Texas with strict criminal penalties.

  1. Drug possession: Having illegal substances on you, in your home or in your vehicle can warrant an arrest and charge of drug possession.
  2. Drug distribution: Also known as drug trafficking, this crime involves the physical passing of an illegal substance from one person to another or from one place to another.
  3. Drug sales: The sale of illegal substances for profit of any type is a common and serious crime that holds immense penalties.
  4. Drug use: Operating a vehicle under the influence of an illegal substance, or being under the influence when arrested can result in a drug crime charge. Additional Paragraph Related to Drug Paraphernalia Possession Statistics

Potential Defenses & Your Rights

In Texas, the rights of a person who gets arrested are broken down to the minimal. With little rights, if convicted, it can interfere with his/her lifestyle, especially without a defense team that knows the “possession” laws in Texas. In other words, you don’t have to say “goodbye to your rights,” when you call Gorski for your defense lawyer.

Facing charges for drug paraphernalia in the municipal, state, or federal level is nothing to be proud of. Unless you are innocent, the charges can stick to your criminal record for years. In fact, in the state of Texas, it stays. Whatever level of the judicial system you have to face to prove your plea for “not guilty” will depend on your aggressiveness of your innocence.

For example, in Travis county and other surrounding counties have diversion programs where first time offenders get charges dropped in exchange for completing this particular program. The requirements include drug treatment and education programs, community service, or other alternative sentencing as determined by a judge.

If you have been arrested, contact an Austin criminal defense attorney like Jackson F. Gorski. When you immediately find out you have to appear in a docket call or if you are arrested, in jail, or know someone who is call Gorski immediately. If you have a “motion to revoke” charge now because of a drug paraphernalia charge, call The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski .

TDC, three meals and a cot daily

It’s packed in the state and county jails as we speak, but the Texas Department of Correction’s will find a way to make room for you! If you like “3 meals and a cot” daily with no sunshine, then by all means, you can face your charges alone without getting representation. Although you may want to study up on all statutes and laws line by line because the least charge of possession for the first offense carries minimum of 6 months. Otherwise, if you face criminal charges such as Drug paraphernalia in Texas, especially in Travis County and the surrounding Austin area, call Gorski Law in Austin, Texas.

Understanding both sides of the court system, such as the prosecution’s best case scenario can allow me and my specialists to plan a rightful solution according to the case and the penalties against you in the Texas courts of Travis County or the surrounding area of Texas.

The solution for your case is unique as are most cases in general. Why?

Everyone is different. Everyone has a story. Personally, obtaining an understanding of what happened on the day of arrest of your drug paraphernalia charge is the beginning of a winning solution when facing your court date, if at all.

We will attempt to create a defense team that is customized with your case and with the best interests always in mind. Professional law firms don’t use a template-like approach. We take things such as criminal charges and attempt to defend because of your Constitution rights plus your plea being solved in court without having to take it to trial.

Everyone makes mistakes or gets into some type of trouble unknowingly, or accidentally, or even by chance such as hanging around ‘with the wrong crowd’. Facing various challenges in life that causes us to turn from our good ways happens to the best of us. If you’ve been arrested, or know someone who has for drug paraphernalia, don’t face it alone. Don’t face your criminal charges alone in the courts of Travis county or the surrounding area. If you live in Texas and you broke the law, know you’re innocent until proven guilty.

Call a professional criminal defense lawyer in Travis County or the surrounding area to help with your defense in court. Your Constitutional Rights in court will be processed in every bit of detail. It’s important to hire an experienced and knowledgeable Texas criminal defense lawyer with the skills needed to defend your freedom when you are charged with a drug-related crime. In order to defend those needing representation in the Texas court system, you need an aggressive lawyer and criminal defense team on your side of the ring.

Crime Law and Criminals

Many people have an appreciation for motorcycles. This is because of their flexibility and their ability to maneuver any terrain, especially where vehicles may not. They are also great when escaping traffic jam. Although they help people reach their destination faster, they are highly prone to accidents.

Related Houston News: http://abc13.com/tag/motorcycle-accident/

Motorcycle accidents are fatal; since motorcyclists don’t enjoy the protection of an entire metallic body that encloses people, like for cars. Therefore, motorcyclists and passengers are more susceptible to multiple injuries in the event an accident occurs than other vehicle users. Motorcycle accidents have been on the rise in Texas, and it’s sad to note that the higher the number of purchases of motorcycles the higher the number of motorcycle fatalities.

Causes of motorcycle accidents in Texas

The major cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure to yield; by either the motorists or other road users. Also, in a bid to rush and reach their destinations faster, some of the motorcyclists overlook some traffic rules and signs. This poses danger to all motorists on the road sometimes makes accidents unavoidable. The lack of training for most motorcyclists also plays a great role in heightening the risk of accidents on any road. While over speeding also increases the chances of even much fatal accidents.

How to avoid motorcycle accidents in Texas

1. Wear a helmet

Wearing a helmet has its advantages in that it protects your head in case of an accident. It also prevents brain damage. Whether it is a requirement by the authorities or not, you should wear a helmet whenever you are on a motorcycle. Commercial motorcyclists should also have an extra helmet for their passengers.

2. Train on riding a motorcycle

Training and gaining motorcycle skills is the first step towards ensuring your safety on the road and that of other road users. There are different categories and levels of skills depending on how much knowledge you want on the motorcycle. Nonetheless, you need to heed your training to ensure safe driving all the time. For passengers on motorcycles, it’s always necessary to ensure that your cyclist is well trained before you get on their bike. You could ensure this by checking their licenses and enhance your chance of getting to your destination safely.

3. Avoid alcohol use while cycling

Alcohol use can impair one’s capability to ride appropriately. By avoiding taking alcohol when you are about to ride you are ensuring the safety of your passenger, and everyone you meet on the road. Given that motorcycles don’t offer much protection like cars; the motorcycle accident as a result of drug use could be fatal. Hence take another rider with you to take you home after you are done or better still, avoid the use of the motorcycle and call a cab.

4. Observe speed limits

Motorcyclists usually seem to have an advantage compared to other drivers on the road. For this reason, they may seem to take advantage of this and over speed to show a little superiority or even brag, but it doesn’t always end well. As they are at high speed trying to overtake a car, a lot of negative things could happen.

Many accidents occur when the motorcyclists are overtaking. Many are the times that vehicle drivers argue that they did not see the motorcycle. Most of the accidents occur as they are trying to overtake a car, and the cyclist is hit from the back and often thrown off the bike. In the case of high speed they may be thrown too far and into another lawn of oncoming cars. Hence if you decide to take up motorcycling, please be sure to observe the speed limits and all the road rules as per your training. This way a lot of risks for accidents will be avoided.

Making motorcycle injury claims

Like any other motorist on the road; a motorcyclist has a certain level of responsibility to other road users and their passengers as well. Anyone who suffers damages as a result of motorcycle accidents, therefore, could claim damages suffered.

It is thus the duty of the plaintiff to prove that duty of care was owed to them and that the motorists were negligent and forfeited their duty. Hence, causing harm, and that the damages suffered were as a result of the motorist’s negligence. They also need to quantify the damages that they incurred. To be able to have a good claim, or rather have their claims paid, there is hence need for an attorney. The State of Texas offers the best motorcyclist injury attorneys you could ever ask. Just make time to know what you want then talk to the attorney. However, you could check their expertise beforehand or even inquire about their years of experience which will give you more confidence in their services.

Although there has been a rise in the number of motorcycle accidents, the rate of accidents can be reduced. This will save the lives of all the passengers and motorists who could otherwise lose their lives on the roads, on motorcycles. A good way to do this could be by educating the public on the need for road safety, and better still safety on the motorcycle. This way they will be keen to ensure that only trained persons carry them which reduces the risk of accidents. Also, they could embrace the use of helmets that are a sure way to protect their head against damage in the event of an accident. Just like any driver on the road, it is always good to avoid the use of alcohol or any other distractions on the road; which ensures your safety and that of other passengers. The safety on the road is not enforceable by anyone but the road users. Hence take the initiative to always be on the right side. This is the first great step to road safety and avoiding motorcycle accidents, Texas.

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