Recent Blog Posts
Can I Stop My Ex From Gaining Custody in Texas?
Child custody arrangements in Texas are made with the best interests of your shared child in mind. This means that your final child custody arrangement depends on your ex’s behavior and the situation where your child will be the best cared for. In some cases, it may be possible to stop your ex from gaining custody, though many factors can influence this.
An experienced Texas child custody lawyer can help you pursue your child custody case and advocate for a favorable arrangement for you and your child.
Texas Child Custody Laws
In Texas, child custody is referred to as a ‘conservatorship.’ Depending on your specific situation, you may be eligible for a joint conservatorship, which involves both parents, or a sole conservatorship, in which one parent takes on all or the majority of the custody and parenting responsibilities. Even in a sole conservatorship, your ex may be able to visit with your child.
What Are the Penalties for Marijuana Possession?
While marijuana is not charged as harshly as other drugs, you can still end up with a jail sentence and fines if you are found to possess marijuana in the state of Texas. Possession charges in the state vary based on how much marijuana you are found to have, and these charges can impact your future if they end up on your criminal record.
A skilled Texas drug defense lawyer is necessary to help you navigate any marijuana charges you face and minimize their impact on your life.
Understanding Texas Marijuana Possession Charges
Texas is one of many states that still prosecute marijuana possession and use, and these charges vary in severity depending on how much is in your possession. In general, the penalties associated with marijuana possession include the following:
What Do I Do When CPS Wants to Speak to Me in Texas?
Being contacted by Child Protective Services (CPS) in Texas is one of the most stressful things that a parent can deal with, especially if CPS is attempting to contact an investigation due to reports of child abuse or endangerment. As soon as you learn that CPS wishes to speak with you, it is important to contact a Texas attorney knowledgeable in CPS matters to help you navigate your next steps.
What to Expect From CPS
CPS is an organization under the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. When abuse, neglect, or child endangerment is suspected, CPS is typically contacted by a concerned individual or a mandated reporter. Once a report is received, CPS starts an investigation that may involve interviewing children and their parents, conducting home visits, or working with law enforcement.
How Do I Make My Ex Pay Child Support in Texas?
Dealing with an ex-partner who refuses to pay or neglects his child support payments in Texas can be stressful, and you may require financial assistance to properly provide for your child. It may be possible to make your ex pay his child support, though you will need the assistance of an experienced Texas child support attorney to navigate the enforcement process.
Consequences of Not Paying Child Support in Texas
In Texas, child support payments are taken seriously, and there can be strict penalties enforced when your ex decides to stop paying child support. The consequences of not paying child support in Texas include any of the following:
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License suspension (applies to driver’s licenses, professional licenses, or recreational licenses, such as fishing or hunting licenses)
Can a Lawyer Help With Drug Crimes Defense in Texas?
Drug possession can carry hefty fines and extended jail time, depending on the type of drug possession charge received. It can be difficult to know what to do in Texas after being arrested for the possession of any kind of controlled substance, but a Texas drug crimes defense attorney can help you navigate your options.
What Are Texas Drug Possession Penalties?
The Texas Health and Safety Code classifies certain types of drugs into penalty groups, with varying fines and incarceration times that depend on the severity and amount of the drug. Generally speaking, the more of the drug that is possessed, the greater the penalty.
Texas drug possession penalties are as follows:
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Penalty Group 1 includes heroin, cocaine, meth, ketamine, opium, and oxycodone; possession of these drugs is considered a felony. Penalties include a maximum fine of $10,000 and jail time that ranges between 6 months and 99 years.
Can Estate Planning Be Included in a Prenuptial Agreement?
When couples in Texas decide to enter into a prenuptial agreement, they often focus on financial matters. However, considering the importance of estate planning, it is worth exploring whether estate planning provisions can be included in a Texas premarital agreement. To ensure you understand what can and cannot be included in an estate planning agreement, hire a lawyer and discuss your options.
Understanding Prenuptial Agreements in Texas
In Texas, prenuptial agreements can discuss a whole array of concerns, often including money and property. At its foundation, a prenuptial agreement outlines the division of assets between a couple, financial responsibilities during the message, and spousal support if the couple decided to dissolve their marriage. While prenups primarily address financial matters, they can also include provisions related to estate planning.
Can You Get a DWI in Texas After Only One Drink?
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a grave offense in Texas that poses serious risks to the driver and others on the road. Like in most other states, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers is 0.08 percent. However, many people wonder if it is possible to be charged with a DWI even if you are below that legal threshold, such as after having only one drink. If you were arrested for DWI under unusual circumstances, such as if your BAC was below the legal limit, you may be perplexed about what is happening. In such cases, contact an attorney to begin building your defense against these serious charges.
Understanding the Law
In Texas, the law prohibits people from driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that their normal functions are affected. This means that even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still be charged with DWI if your ability to drive is impaired due to alcohol consumption.
Three Strategies for Negotiating Child Support
Negotiating child support in Texas can be a sensitive and complex process. As a parent getting a divorce, you are likely concerned with the financial consequences of divorce and what it may mean financially for your children. By hiring a qualified lawyer, you can ensure that your child receives the financial support they need to grow up and have a normal life as possible.
Understanding Texas Child Support Laws
Before entering into negotiations, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the child support laws in Texas. Texas follows guidelines that consider the net resources of the parent's income and the number of children they have. These guidelines will provide a starting point for negotiations, but they can be deviated from if certain circumstances warrant it. Understanding the factors influencing child support calculations, such as income, healthcare expenses, and childcare costs, will enable you to advocate for a fair arrangement.
Can I Be Charged with Statutory Rape if There Was Consent?
The issue of consent in sex crimes cases involving statutory rape is a complex and sensitive issue. In Texas, the age of consent is 17, meaning that someone older than 17 engaging in sexual activity with someone under this age can lead to statutory rape charges. However, it is important to understand that consent by both parties does not absolve an individual from potential legal consequences. If you are facing statutory rape charges, you must strongly consider contacting an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Texas. A sex crime conviction can have devastating results on someone’s life, which is why calling a lawyer is so important for anyone charged.
Protecting Minors from Exploitation
The laws in Texas regarding statutory rape are in place to safeguard minors from the dangers of exploitation. As a result, even if both parties consent to sexual activity, if one of the parties is older than 17 and one younger, you may find yourself facing charges.
How Should I Act in the Courtroom During My Divorce?
When going through a divorce in Texas, it is crucial to understand the proper courtroom etiquette to ensure as smooth a process as possible. Suppose you are approaching a divorce in Texas, and you are wondering how to conduct yourself through the process, especially when it comes to how you should act in the courtroom. In that case, your lawyer can assist you in understanding what to do and how to behave during courtroom proceedings.
Always Dress Professionally and Respectfully
When appearing in a Texas divorce courtroom, it is crucial to dress professionally and respectfully. Choose attire that is appropriate for a formal setting, like business attire or conservative clothing. Avoid wearing revealing or casual clothing that may be deemed inappropriate for the courtroom. By dressing appropriately, you show respect for the court and present yourself as a responsible and serious person.