Entering into a plea agreement with the prosecution can seem like an appealing way to resolve a criminal case. Defendants may view it as an opportunity to receive a lighter sentence or close an unpleasant chapter. However, plea deals do carry risks that every defendant should carefully weigh before accepting. 1. Failing to meet the conditions Most plea agreements come with certain stipulations, whether completing a rehab program, paying fines or providing testimony. If the defendant does not fully satisfy these contingencies, the deal could become void. A breach like this after already pleadin ..read more

Prescription drugs play a vital role in modern healthcare. Unfortunately, drug charges related to prescription medications can happen for many reasons, often unintentionally. These charges can seriously impact your life and future, making it important to understand the different ways they can occur. Unauthorized possession Perhaps the most common is possessing prescription drugs not prescribed to you. Whether you borrowed medication from a friend or family member or obtained it through other means, having prescription drugs without a valid prescription is illegal in Texas and Arkansas. Forged ..read more

A divorce is never an easy process, especially when dealing with a hostile ex-spouse. Dealings with your ex can heighten stress and extend the duration of the divorce proceedings. However, understanding certain strategies can help mitigate these challenges and facilitate a smoother process. In the state of Texas, certain methods can aid in dealing with a combative ex-spouse during a divorce. It is crucial to understand these strategies to maintain your peace of mind and work towards a resolution that suits your needs. Establish boundaries Establishing clear boundaries is a practical step when ..read more

A white-collar crime is generally one that is non-violent and motivated by financial gain. These crimes typically occur in a place of employment and can include offenses such as corporate fraud, money laundering and theft of intellectual property. People may consider many white-collar crimes to be less serious than violent crimes since nobody is physically harmed; however, these crimes can still have some serious repercussions. How can a white-collar crime conviction affect your career in Texas? It can make you unemployable Having a white-collar conviction on your record can make you unemploya ..read more

Accusations of theft take many forms depending on how the defendant supposedly committed the act. Two types of illegal property seizure are larceny and embezzlement. If a person faces theft charges, the individual should consider the consequences of the specific accusation. Larceny Larceny involves taking another person’s property with the intention of depriving the individual of it. Such theft includes knowingly purchasing stolen items. In Texas, larceny can range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, which is standard for theft charges. Prosecutors make the determination based ..read more

The law in Texas and Arkansas specifies many different types of drug crimes. Some drug crimes have more severe punishments associated with them. Drug trafficking is one of the more severe types of drug infractions. You may think that only drug dealers get charged with trafficking. However, the prosecutor can charge anyone with trafficking who meets the statutory definitions. Requirements for drug trafficking Under Texas law, you can get charged for transporting or delivering any substances listed in the Texas Controlled Substances Act. This also includes the delivery of prescription medication ..read more

Getting a divorce is a traumatic event. When you have an abusive spouse, things can be even more stressful. You worry that your soon-to-be-ex will harm your children. Is it possible to get full custody? Domestic violence is a frightening reality in Texas. It increased by 23% during the pandemic. If you are getting a divorce to escape a dangerous environment, it is natural to want to protect your kids as well. Be aware, however, that courts prefer to award joint custody in a divorce proceeding for the sake of the children. Courts look at several factors before determining custody arra ..read more

Whether you are soon-to-be-divorced or you never married, going through child custody court proceedings is stressful and unnerving. Reduce your anxieties by gaining an understanding of the Texas child custody process. How do courts view custody in Texas? Courts in Texas view child custody in two lights: conservatorship and possession and access. Conservatorship is the rights and responsibilities of the parents. This includes making school and medical decisions. Courts may grant either sole managing conservatorship or joint managing conservatorship. Possession and access indicate which parent o ..read more

A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on asset division or child custody. Divorce is hard enough, and the very nature of breaking up leads to emotionally-driven decisions and spiteful behavior. However, it is in your best interest to work with your spouse to end a divorce amicably. This article details a few guidelines for working through a contested divorce, so both you and your spouse can move on with your lives. Hire a mediator Couples with minimal assets are less likely to experience disagreements during the divorce process. Issues usually arise when there are large amounts ..read more

Whether you intend to go to college in Texas, Arkansas or somewhere else, you undoubtedly know how expensive tuition and fees can be. According to the U.S. Department of Education, for in-state tuition, you may get a bargain at only around $10,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition may have to fork over more than $25,000 annually. Fortunately, for many Texans and Arkansans, government-backed financial aid and private scholarships help defray the costs of higher education. If you have a conviction for a drug-related offense on your record, though, you may not qualify for these. FAFSA-linked s ..read more