#texas lawyers

[hufflpuffin]

As the police escalate violence, beat and attack students and professors, and conduct mass arrests, student protesters should know their rights.

Here is the link to the National Lawyer's Guild booklet for protesters.

If you plan on going out to support the protests, please take some time to read through this and know your rights.

[thequeenofsastiel]

It was honestly so hard to watch Kant dismissively say that once he and Style were done getting info on the brothers, they'd both go to jail. Especially given how horrific prison conditions in Thailand are(I do think you should look it up because it's important info to have, particularly if you ever plan on visiting Thailand, and also so you'll have context for what exactly it means for characters in these shows to be threatened with imprisonment, but be warned, it's not an easy thing to learn about). Just the fact that Bison has been nothing but very sweet with Kant, that they've had such fun times together, and Bison is giving Kant his heart, the way that Kant can just casually say that he's helping send Bison to jail, without any indication that he'd fight for him at all, is breaking my heart. I can understand him not caring about Fadel, but Bison? Truthfully, I have no idea how Kant actually feels about Bison, or the experiences they've had together, past enjoying sex with him. Was he actually into the BDSM play they did together? Does he like Bison at all yet? I mean, I know he eventually will, but it's unclear to me at this point if he truly likes Bison.

I think he does. I think he's genuinely enjoyed his times with Bison. But honestly, that just makes the whole thing worse. The fact that he can actually like this man, yet be willing to send him to prison? To Thai prison?

Then there's Fadel. Fadel, whom I expected to hold out longer. It was so hard to watch him finally give into his feelings and reach out to Style, only to get the cold shoulder. I'm also not sure if Style actually liked Fadel in the first place. I think there was attraction. But genuine like? I just don't know. I don't even know if Style truly wanted Fadel to be his boyfriend before he found out he was a hit man. He sure as shit doesn't want Fadel now. So we're going to have to watch him pretend even harder that he wants to be with Fadel, and I think Fadel will see through that.

I do think this'll have a happy ending. I think the brothers will avoid prison by helping take their "mom" down. But it's gonna be rough going.

If you want a quick rundown of Thai prisons:

[worrygutz]

Your honor my client was overstimulated. He’s a found object sculpture artist who doesn’t have access to the medications he needs to function at a socially acceptable and comfortable level. His effigies of grave robbed corpses were an elaborate, symbolic art piece meant to discuss the unimportance of background, class and identity showcasing that in the end, we are all flesh clinging to bone... it was all a social experiment. He never killed nobody.

[starkholme]

"Lifestyle of superhero whose whole life is saving the world, work in a mundane job and you?"

Kacy but make it Supergirl AU

This is specially for my friend who insisted me to watch NCIS: Hawai'i because she was in love with Kacy and she's also a big Supercorp stan 🫶

[just-antithings]

elon musk got deposed by MARK BANKSTON?!?!?

[deandragrantfortworth]

How to Defend Yourself Against Texas Drug Trafficking Charge

Facing drug trafficking charges in Texas can be daunting and life-altering. Understanding your rights and the legal process is crucial for mounting an effective defense.

This article outlines essential steps to take after an arrest, common defenses against drug trafficking charges, and the importance of legal representation in navigating this complex landscape.

Arrested for Drug Trafficking in Texas: Your Immediate Steps

Being arrested for drug trafficking in Texas can feel really overwhelming. It’s super important to know your rights and what to do right after your arrest. A strong Texas drug trafficking defense is key, as it can greatly affect your case’s outcome.

What to Do Immediately After Arrest

If you find yourself facing drug charges, the first thing you should do is get legal representation. It's vital to contact a criminal defense attorney who knows about drug trafficking cases. They’ll help you understand Texas law and make sure your rights are protected.

Here’s a quick rundown of what happens during an arrest and what rights you have:

Right to Remain Silent: You don’t have to talk to police without a lawyer.

Right to Legal Representation: You can ask for a lawyer any time during questioning.

Protection Against Unreasonable Searches: Police must follow the law when searching or taking evidence.

Knowing these rights helps protect against constitutional violations or police misconduct, which could hurt your case.

Understanding Your Rights During Arrest and Interrogation

When you’re being arrested or questioned, it’s crucial to stay calm and protect your rights in drug cases. If you talk without a lawyer present, what you say might be used against you later.

Constitutional Rights Violations: If police break rules—like conducting illegal searches or forcing confessions—you may challenge the evidence they present.

Understanding drug-related offenses is also important. Knowing how different charges work in Texas can help you prepare better with your attorney about possible defenses based on factors like how much was involved or the intent behind possession.

Types of Drug Trafficking Charges in Texas

In Texas, drug trafficking charges vary based on things like the type of substance involved (like marijuana vs. cocaine) and the amount you have at the time of the offense.

These categories lead directly into potential penalties if convicted under state laws for felony or misdemeanor charges.

Felony Drug Charges

Usually linked to larger amounts or more dangerous drugs (like heroin). Convictions can mean serious consequences, including long prison sentences.

Misdemeanor Drug Charges

Typically involve smaller amounts but still carry significant penalties depending on circumstances (like previous convictions).

Defining Drug Trafficking Under Texas Law

In Texas law, "drug trafficking" means selling, distributing, delivering, or possessing controlled substances with intent to sell—not just for personal use. This includes everything from big operations to sharing drugs with friends if it crosses legal limits set by state laws.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Texas (Felony vs. Misdemeanor)

Penalties for drug trafficking in Texas differ quite a bit between felonies and misdemeanors:

Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Felony convictions often come with required minimum sentences that can range from several years up to decades based on how serious the crime was.

If you're arrested for drug trafficking, acting fast is essential. Get qualified legal help right away so they can defend your rights and guide you through this tough time while aiming for the best possible outcome for your case!

Common Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges

Facing drug trafficking charges can be stressful. Knowing the common defenses can help you deal with this tough situation. A skilled criminal defense attorney is key to building strong strategies to defend your rights and freedom.

Lack of Knowledge or Intent

One strong defense against drug trafficking charges is showing a lack of knowledge or intent. This means proving that the person didn't know about the illegal substances or didn't mean to traffic them.

In Texas, this defense often needs evidence that the accused was unaware they were carrying drugs or had no plan to sell them. For instance, if someone accidentally got a package with illegal drugs inside, that could help their case.

Entrapment

Entrapment happens when law enforcement pushes someone to commit a crime they wouldn’t have done otherwise.

If you feel that police misconduct led to your drug trafficking charge, an entrapment defense might fit your case. This defense shows that officers crossed legal lines by forcing individuals into committing crimes through tricks or pressure.

To win on this claim, clear proof of such actions and violations of constitutional rights is necessary.

Illegal Search and Seizure

The Fourth Amendment guards against unlawful searches and seizures. So, any evidence collected through illegal means may not be used in court.

In drug trafficking cases, proving that law enforcement conducted an illegal search can change your case's result significantly.

If officers lacked probable cause—meaning they didn’t have enough reason to suspect wrongdoing—or didn’t follow the right procedures for search warrants, it could lead to vital evidence being thrown out.

Mistaken Identity

Mistaken identity is another possible defense strategy. Here, defendants argue they were wrongly identified as criminals due to mistakes by witnesses or police during investigations.

An alibi can back up this approach; showing proof that you were somewhere else when the crime occurred strengthens your argument against false accusations related to drug trafficking.

The Importance of Evidence in Your Case

Gathering solid evidence is super important when defending against drug trafficking charges. Good evidence helps shape effective strategies for each unique situation in Texas' criminal justice system.

Collecting reliable evidence

Challenging weak evidence

Negotiating with prosecutors based on gathered data

Challenging Evidence Admissibility

When dealing with drug charges, questioning the admissibility of crucial evidence presented by prosecutors is vital for many successful legal defenses.

Highlighting problems with how evidence was collected during arrests (like not following set rules) lets attorneys fight hard for clients looking for dismissals rather than just reductions in penalties from guilty pleas made under pressure.

Understanding Chain of Custody

Knowing how chain-of-custody works is key when checking if certain items submitted as proof meet the necessary standards for keeping their integrity during trials!

Any breaks noticed in the connections from seized items back to their original sources raise doubts about the validity of findings derived from them, potentially opening doors for favorable resolutions through teamwork between defenders aiming for justice and dedicated prosecution teams upholding laws governing society overall!

The Role of a Texas Drug Trafficking Attorney

A good Texas drug trafficking attorney is key for handling drug-related legal issues. They know the laws and rules in Texas, which helps you get the best defense. They will represent you well during your case.

Experience and Expertise Matter

When picking an attorney, their experience can make a big difference in your case.

An experienced criminal defense attorney in Texas knows local court rules and has good ties with prosecutors. This can help in getting better plea deals or outcomes at trial. They also understand both state and federal drug trafficking laws.

Building a Strong Defense Strategy With Your Lawyer

Working closely with your lawyer is important to create a strong defense strategy for your situation.

A good attorney will look into various defenses that might fit your case. These could include arguing that you did not know about the drugs or that the evidence was obtained wrongly through illegal searches.

By teaming up, you can make a solid plan to lessen the penalties linked to drug crimes.

Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer

Picking the right criminal defense lawyer needs careful thought. You should ask potential lawyers specific questions about their experience with cases like yours.

Find out how they build defenses and what steps they would take for your case. Looking at their past successes in similar cases will help you understand how they might defend against drug charges.

Questions to Ask Potential Lawyers

When talking to lawyers, ask questions that reveal their ability to handle drug charge cases:

What is your success rate in defending clients against similar charges?

How do you usually prepare for trials involving drug trafficking?

Can you share examples of past cases where you got positive results?

These questions help you see if an attorney meets your needs.

Evaluating Attorney Experience and Case Results

Checking an attorney’s past results can give insight into how well they defend clients facing serious drug allegations.

Look for documented successes, such as reducing charges or getting dismissals, which show their skill and reliability when handling cases under Texas law.

Deandra Grant Law: Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyers

Deandra Grant Law - Fort Worth DWI and Criminal Defense Lawyers focuses on helping those charged with drug-related offenses across Texas, including Tarrant County and Dallas.

Their expertise means that clients receive knowledgeable support while dealing with complex legal issues related to drugs and DWI defenses during tough times.

Court Procedures in Texas Drug Trafficking Cases

Going through the court procedures for drug trafficking cases in Texas can be tough. It's important to know what happens at each stage. The process starts with an arraignment, moves to pre-trial motions, then goes to trial and possibly sentencing.

1. Arraignment and Pre-Trial Motions

The arraignment is where it all begins. Defendants hear the charges against them and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Having a good lawyer for legal representation at this stage can help a lot. They can help you deal with challenges that come up during the arraignment.

After the arraignment, pre-trial motions happen. These are requests made to the court before the trial starts. Defendants may want to suppress evidence that was collected illegally or challenge parts of their case.

Good legal counsel is key here, as they can spot valid motions based on your case details.

2. Trial and Sentencing

If your case goes to trial after pre-trial matters, knowing the trial procedures for drug trafficking charges is crucial.

The prosecution needs to show beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. This involves bringing in evidence, witness testimonies, and expert opinions.

Sentencing guidelines for felony drug charges depend on many factors like previous convictions or if you were part of a bigger operation.

A conviction could mean serious consequences like long prison sentences or big fines. It’s important to understand how different factors can affect sentencing outcomes.

Plea Bargaining in Drug Trafficking Cases

Plea bargaining strategies offer options other than going to trial for those accused of drug offenses in Texas. By negotiating plea agreements, defendants might get reduced sentences or lesser charges if they cooperate with prosecutors.

Understanding Your Options

During plea negotiations, you have several options to think about with your attorney's advice. Evaluating plea offers from prosecutors means looking at both immediate effects and long-term impacts on your record if accepted.

Taking a plea deal may seem easier because it could mean lighter penalties than going through a trial. However, it can also lead to significant consequences like having a criminal record, which might affect job opportunities later.

Negotiating a Favorable Plea Agreement

Using effective negotiation tactics is important when seeking favorable pleas in drug cases.

A skilled criminal defense attorney will use their knowledge of local laws and past experiences during these discussions. This ensures clients are treated fairly while protecting their rights throughout negotiations.

Consequences of a Drug Trafficking Conviction

Facing drug trafficking charges can lead to serious penalties that can change your life. It's important to know these consequences, especially in Texas, where drug crime penalties are tough.

Jail Time and Fines

A drug trafficking conviction often brings heavy jail time and large fines. In Texas, how long you go to jail depends on the type and amount of drugs involved. Here's a quick breakdown:

Felony Charges: These usually mean longer sentences, ranging from 2 years to life in prison, based on how serious the crime is.

Misdemeanor Charges: Though less severe than felonies, they can still result in up to one year in jail.

Besides serving time, you might also face steep fines. Fines for drug offenses can be thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some cases come with mandatory minimum sentences, which judges have to enforce no matter the situation.

Impact on Your Future

The effects of a drug conviction go beyond the legal issues; they can affect many parts of your life.

Employment Consequences: Having a criminal record from drug trafficking may limit job options. Many companies check backgrounds and see a felony charge as a red flag.

Immigration Issues: If you're not a citizen, getting convicted for drug crimes could lead to serious immigration problems like deportation or being banned from re-entering the U.S.

Long-Term Effects: The challenges can extend to getting housing or loans because of your criminal history.

Knowing these potential impacts highlights why it's crucial to have good legal help if you're facing such charges.

Mitigating Factors That Can Help Your Case

While drug trafficking charges are tough, some factors could help make your case better.

First-Time Offender Status

If this is your first offense, there might be special programs for first-time offenders:

These programs often focus on rehabilitation instead of punishment.

Completing such programs may lead to lighter penalties or even dropping charges entirely.

Being seen as a first-time offender shows you regret what happened and want to improve—judges often look at this favorably when deciding on penalties.

Cooperation With Law Enforcement

Working with law enforcement can also influence how your case turns out:

If you provide info about bigger operations or other people involved, you might get leniency in sentencing.

Plea deals are another way cooperation helps; those who work with prosecutors may receive lesser charges or lighter sentences compared to those who don’t cooperate with law enforcement officials.

By understanding both the consequences linked with drug trafficking convictions and the mitigating factors that might lessen penalties, individuals facing these charges can better manage their situations within Texas's legal system.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you're facing drug charges, it’s really important to know your legal options.

At Deandra Grant Law - Fort Worth DWI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, we provide a free case evaluation to understand your situation better. This meeting helps us look at the details of your case and offer legal advice for drug charges.

During this evaluation, our skilled attorneys will talk about your defense against a drug trafficking charge. We'll explain how various factors can affect your case, like the evidence against you and possible defenses available under Texas law.

Protecting your rights in drug cases is what we prioritize; all information you share with us is confidential.

Each case is different, so we create personalized strategies aimed at getting the best outcome for you.

Contact Deandra Grant Law - Fort Worth DWI and Criminal Defense Lawyers for Legal Assistance

Handling criminal charges in Texas needs skilled legal help. If you’re facing drug-related accusations or need support from an experienced drug defense lawyer, reach out to us at Deandra Grant Law today.

We specialize in providing legal assistance for serious allegations like drug trafficking or possession-related crimes. Our team focuses on building strong defenses that match each client's unique needs while making sure they are treated fairly throughout the judicial process.

Choosing our firm for legal representation on any type of drug charge in Fort Worth means you get dedicated advocacy from professionals who know local laws and court processes well. Let us help you through these tough times with our experience in handling similar cases successfully.

FAQs

What Should I Do If I’m Charged With Drug Trafficking in Texas?

If charged with drug trafficking, seek legal representation immediately. A skilled attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the process.

What Are Some Common Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges?

Common defenses include lack of knowledge or intent, illegal search and seizure, mistaken identity, and police misconduct. Each defense needs careful evaluation by your lawyer.

How Does the Law Differentiate Between Drug Possession and Trafficking?

Drug possession refers to having controlled substances for personal use. Drug trafficking involves selling, distributing, or possessing drugs with intent to sell.

What Factors Influence Drug Crime Sentencing in Texas?

Factors include the type of drug, amount involved, prior convictions, and specific circumstances of the case. Penalties vary significantly between felonies and misdemeanors.

Can Plea Negotiations Reduce My Penalties for Drug Charges?

Yes, plea negotiations can lead to reduced charges or lighter sentences. An experienced attorney will negotiate on your behalf to achieve the best outcome.

Key Points

Understanding Drug Charges: Familiarize yourself with differences between state vs. federal drug charges.

Evidence Issues: Insufficient evidence can weaken prosecution claims; challenge weak evidence.

Defense Strategies: Explore various defense options like drug possession defense and negotiating drug trafficking charges.

Legal Consequences: Know the long-term effects of a drug trafficking conviction on employment and immigration status.

Case Evaluation: Seek a professional drug crime case evaluation to assess strengths and weaknesses in your situation.

Plea Deals Insight: Understand how plea deals work for drug crimes; they can provide alternatives to trial.

Role of Police Misconduct: Recognize how police misconduct during arrest can impact your case's outcome.

Mitigating Factors: First-time offender status can help mitigate penalties significantly.

[thingsifoundongeoguessr]

INJURED IN A BANG?

CALL DANG!

[attorney-anon]

On Recalcitrant Judges and Disappointed Clients

TL;DR: An AJ decides to make the lives of my same-sex clients harder, so I spend my day telling her all the ways in which she's wrong. If you can vote in your judicial elections, do so!

Storytime under the cut for the sake of your dashboard.

I had a prove-up scheduled this morning for one of my favorite types of cases, a second-parent adoption (2PA).

In case that term is unfamiliar to you, in short, a 2PA is essentially a form of litigation-as-prophylaxis for same-sex parents to ensure that both parents have full parental rights to children born during their marriage, by having whichever parent isn't already an undisputed legal parent under Texas law adopt the child. I won't get into the reasons that it's considered necessary amongst attorneys who handle LGBTQIA+ family law cases, but suffice to say that it's the best form of protection that same-sex parents can have.

It is, absolutely, infuriating that it's a thing that we need to do 2PAs under Texas's legal scheme, but they're also a little fun to do because everyone is consistently happy about the litigation. Procedurally, they resemble step-parent adoptions, as 2PAs don't actually exist as a separate cause of action, but most judges in my usual county of practice are happy to work with us once they understand what's going on, since I live and work in a blue county. I actually file most of my 2PAs in this county by choice, because the judges are, by and large, either LGBTQIA+ themselves or allies.

Here's how my day went:

When I get up and get ready in the morning, I'm already a little nervous because I haven't done a 2PA in this particular court before, and because my usual preparation process was disrupted by me having to go depose an opposing party yesterday, so I had to condense my usual prep into less time. It's via Zoom, though, so I'm at least going to be sitting comfortably in my office about it.

When I get to my office, I sign on, and my first disappointment of the day is that, apparently, the District Judge isn't even the one handling the docket - it's her associate judge (AJ), who is well-known in this area for her irritability and temper. To explain, an associate judge is not elected - they are, essentially, assistant judges hired to help the elected judges (District Judges) manage their dockets. Associate judges don't have court reporters in their courts, so I won't have a record of anything that happens today.

So anyway, I wait, and my case gets called. I greet AJ while my clients get their Zoom camera set up and all that jazz. AJ is already upset because her prove-up docket is running later than she expected. That's great, but I'm still optimistic. She asks the procedural posture of the case; I explain we're here on a 2PA. AJ asks, "Where's your ad litem?" I am immediately flabbergasted, and concerned.

See, in most cases involving kids in Texas, the court has the authority to, on motion of a party or sua sponte (on its own), appoint an attorney whose sole job is to argue in hearings and trials about the best interest of the child (an attorney ad litem). I have never once been asked to hire an ad litem for a 2PA.

I explain we didn't request one. AJ asks where my waiver order is. I explain that I have never been asked for a separate waiver order for an ad litem, and AJ says, "Well, I don't waive the ad litem anyway unless I can see that the parent can represent the best interest of the child, so let me assign you Jane Doe as an ad litem and I'll reset you." I am flabbergasted at this point. Not only have I never been asked for an ad litem on a 2PA, but I have absolutely never had a judge outright tell me that my clients could not act in the best interest of their child without me so much as introducing my clients to the judge.

It takes me a second to regain my composure, but I proceed to confirm just how problematic this court is going to be moving forward. "Judge, we also requested a waiver of the home study under the new statute; would the Court prefer to sign a standalone order to waive that?"

For context: In Texas, adoptions typically involve an adoption evaluation/home study conducted by a mental health professional. Due to recent legislative changes, this requirement can be waived when the parties are married, subject to the court's discretion. Since that statute passed, I've had no problems with most courts agreeing to waive the adoption evaluation for 2PAs. Waiving the adoption evaluation saves my clients about $2,000, because adoption evaluations are expensive.

The AJ shakes her head, and tells me that she's utterly shocked that I would ever ask her to waive a home study on any adoption, ever, no matter what the legislature has said, because what if this step-parent has problems with the child?

At this point, I realize, the judge may not understand what a 2PA is. It's not a formal cause of action, I recall, and she may simply not understand the lingo. She may be thinking this is just a regular step-parent adoption, and perhaps she's had problems before and is being overly cautious. I begin to explain that, actually, the adopting parent is already a presumed parent of the child under the Texas Family Code, and that this is only to formalize that relationship due to the current political climate and whatnot.

I get about a sentence in before the AJ quips that she's not sure why I'm arguing with her and then tells me to shut up. I shut up.

AJ proceeds to ignore me and continue writing. It's clear she's looking at the pleadings so she can get the parties' names right, and then she pauses and asks me: "Hold on, where's the child's father? He should be a party."

I explain that the child was conceived through an anonymous sperm donor, so there is no legal father. "Okay, well, do you have proof from the sperm bank that it's an anonymous donor?" I'm asked, in a tone that implies that AJ thinks I'm actively lying to the court. I explain that I have a letter from the sperm bank about the issue and am prepared to admit as an exhibit right now.

AJ finally relents: "Well, I guess, get that on file with the Court, then submit your waiver orders to me and I'll look at them. Don't contact Jane yet, I'm going to have to research this." She dismisses us.

When I first sign off of Zoom, I am embarrassed for getting my prove-up shot down (and for getting chastised by the judge for 'arguing,' as if arguing isn't my actual job for which I receive money) for a couple minutes, and then I am angry.

I am angry because my clients shouldn't have to do this in the first place just to get the same respect from the judicial system that opposite-sex couples get by default.

I am angry because AJ said that my clients couldn't look out for the best interest of the child they have raised since birth, together, as if she has any understanding of who my clients are or what their family is like.

I am angry because AJ cut off my attempt to tell her the information that did, in fact, change her mind once that information was explained.

I am angry because my clients will now have to spend even more money for me to protect their interests.

I am angry because the judge is letting her lack of understanding of queer families get in the way of what should be, and what typically is, a quick, easy process to provide same-sex parents with a little peace of mind while the Great State of Texas continues to assault common decency.

So, bristling with anger, I talk to the Partner to confirm that the plan that is forming in my brain will work, then I talk to the clients.

My clients express that they are are humiliated, blindsided, and convinced that AJ hates them, though they have no idea why AJ would. Once of them is initially convinced that this is somehow my fault because I must have spoken to the judge beforehand and said something amiss (I assure them that I was, similarly, gobstopped by AJ's behavior, and that I had never spoken one-on-one with this particular judge).

Once I get the clients calmed down, and explain the plan, they are on board.

Then, I draft a twenty-page bespoke motion in under 4 hours, because I am angry.

The motion cites 8 different provisions of the Texas Family Code, and contains an 11-item appendix, as well as a detailed timeline of the parties' marriage, their reproductive journey, and the procedural history of the case up to the current date, including a detailed account of the hearing. The motion also points out that, despite the judge's demand that I ask her to "waive" the ad litem attorney, no such waiver is needed for the ad litem attorney, because the Court isn't required to appoint one and no one asked the Court to do so.

Is most of my day now gone? Yes. Did I have other things to do today? Yes. Am I still pissed off at AJ? Absolutely I am, and I'm considering no-billing everything from this point forward just so my clients can afford for me to go to court and teach AJ how to read the laws she's supposed to be applying.

Happy Pride, y'all.

If you're a registered voter in a state with elected judges, remember to vote in judicial elections!

A steady push for statutory change in the legislative branch, or a steady push for policy changes in the executive branch are both good, but the only way to fix the judiciary branch is to vote out biased judges and vote in fair ones.

Fixing the judiciary can get queer families in red states the relief they need from oppression and discrimination now. Same-sex couples get divorced, just the same as opposite-sex couples. They have kids and argue over custody, just the same as opposite-sex couples. And they should be able to do that without facing a judge who assumes that two women or two men can't both be parents.

[thebirdpro]

This idea popped into my head and I had to doodle it. Johnny Lawyer, Johnny Sawyer but he’s a lawyer

[miawashere]

texas & the new laws

on september 1st of this year, 774 laws have gone into effect in the state of texas. one of the most important ones is house bill number 3, which requires an armed police officer at every single school in the state. with the rise of school shootings across america and the devastating Uvalde elementary last year, i’m glad the state of texas is starting to protect students and not have to make parents worry about their children’s safety at a place of learning. i hope with this law, school shooting numbers will drastically decrease and more steps will be taken in the future to protect those trying to better themselves by gaining an education.

[femmeleatherface]

fully convinced that the only reason the opening lawyer's office scene in big trouble in little china exists is to establish that the film is secretly part of the x files universe

[coochiequeens]

No one in the article is saying it but he sounds pissed that his plan to baby trap her failed so he's using legal means to keep a connection with her.

A Texas man is seeking a court order so he can depose a woman he was dating who traveled to Colorado to get an abortion, in a case that may have ramifications in the ongoing legal battles over abortion rights.

Collin Davis, a resident of Brazos County, filed a legal petition in March stating that on February 20 — the day after he learned the woman intended to obtain the abortion — he retained an attorney, who sent the woman a letter requesting that she preserve all records related to her plans to terminate the pregnancy.

According to the petition, the letter warned that he “would pursue wrongful-death claims against anyone involved in the killing of his unborn child.”

Davis argues that the deposition is necessary to determine whether there was a violation of the Texas wrongful-death statute, which the petition references alongside a Texas civil code that includes among those defined as individuals “an unborn child at every stage of gestation from fertilization until birth.” His petition additionally points to Texas’ civil enforcement six-week abortion ban, known as SB 8.

The woman filed a petition for court records to be sealed so her identity would remain anonymous, her attorney told CNN. She began dating Davis in November 2023 and found out that she was pregnant in January, according to the petition.

The case, which was reported on by The Washington Post on Friday, is being cited by abortion rights supporters who fear that anti-abortion advocates will use — or at least threaten to use — strict abortion laws to target abortions obtained even in states where the procedure is legal. Texas’ law, passed in 2021, targets doctors and those involved in facilitating abortions, not the women who undergo the procedure themselves, but opponents say that legal uncertainty about restrictions in a post-Roe America has the intended consequence of intimidating women.

Davis is seeking the deposition to obtain information about those involved in the abortion, including the identity of the doctor who performed the procedure in Colorado, and he considers filing a lawsuit against all of them, according to the court filings.

Davis is being represented by Jonathan Mitchell, a well-known lawyer and abortion rights opponent who also represented former President Donald Trump in his Colorado ballot case.

Mitchell helped craft SB 8, also known as the Texas Heartbeat Act, which uses a novel civil enforcement mechanism to prohibit abortions after fetal cardiac activity is detected, a point usually around six weeks into a pregnancy. Davis cited the law in his petition for the deposition.

CNN has reached out to Davis for comment.

Mitchell said in a statement, “Fathers of aborted fetuses can sue for wrongful death in states with abortion bans, even if the abortion occurs out-of-state. They can sue anyone who paid for the abortion, anyone who aided or abetted the travel, and anyone involved in the manufacture or distribution of abortion drugs.”

Critics decry legal maneuvers

The case is seen by some abortion rights advocates as an example of the new legal landscape facing women who wish to obtain an abortion, even by legal means.

“We don’t think there is a basis (for a lawsuit),” Marc Hearron, an attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is representing the woman, told CNN. “It is perfectly legal to leave Texas or any state and go get an abortion in a state where it is legal. And it is perfectly legal to help someone or be involved in someone going out of state and obtaining an abortion where it is allowed by law.”

Nancy Northup, president & CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization to overturn Roe v. Wade “opened the door to this kind of frightening and unacceptable fearmongering and harassment by one citizen against another.”

Mitchell has spearheaded other legal efforts in the wake of Texas’ abortion law. Last June, he represented a man who filed a wrongful death lawsuit against three friends of his ex-wife who allegedly assisted her in terminating her pregnancy with abortion medication, in an early legal test of the reach of wrongful death statutes in the wake of Roe’s reversal. That case has not yet been resolved.

It’s unclear whether Davis’ petition could lead to a lawsuit against the woman, said Drexel University Law Professor David Cohen.

“I definitely don’t think there is a basis for this,” he said. “But we have no confidence to know exactly what the Texas courts will say anymore, at any level.”

Other Republican-led states have sought to pressure women against seeking abortions in other states, particularly minors. Idaho’s legislature last year passed a bill — later blocked by a judge over constitutionality concerns — that would prohibit adults from helping minors cross state lines to get an abortion without parental permission. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s legislature is advancing a law that would similarly criminalize so-called “abortion trafficking” for minors in the state.

“This is all part of a scare campaign to make people afraid that if they go out of state and get an abortion, that they or their loved ones might be sued,” Hearron said. “We really want to emphasize that people should not be intimidated.”

Temple University Beasley School of Law Dean Rachel Rebouché called Davis’ legal maneuver “bizarre and concerning” but said it was not “surprising.”

“I think that we’ll see much more of this in the years to come, so long as Dobbs is in the books. And, frankly, this is exactly the type of example we should point to when we talk about when the Supreme Court should overturn Dobbs,” Rebouché told CNN.

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[shareyourideas]

Understanding When You Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Texas

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Car Accident Lawyer in Houston, Texas | Injured? Get Paid, Not Played!

Don't let a severe car accident burden you with injuries and financial strain. Reach out to Roxell Richards Injury Law Firm, home to skilled Houston Car Accident Lawyers. We're committed to securing the maximum compensation you deserve while advocating fiercely for your recovery. You may contact us 24/7 at (713) 974-0388.

[smithpatrick]

How to get back my suspended license

Driving on a suspended license, you could face jail time, a fine, or both jail and a fine. Check if your license has been suspended under these circumstances and how can you get back your suspended license?

https://www.thetexasattorney.com/2018/01/26/reinstating-suspended-drivers-license-filing-bankruptcy/

[dwi-lawyer-houston]

The Basic details of DWI in Houston

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense that can lead to severe legal consequences in Texas. The state has strict laws and penalties in place to deter people from drinking and driving. If you have been charged with DWI in Houston, it is important to seek the services of an experienced DWI attorney Houston or Houston DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.

In Texas, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08%. If you are pulled over and your BAC is found to be over the legal limit, you can be charged with DWI. However, even if your BAC is lower than 0.08%, you can still be charged with DWI if the officer believes that you are too impaired to drive.

The penalties for a first-time DWI conviction in Texas can be severe. You could face a fine of up to $2,000, up to six months in jail, and a license suspension of up to one year. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car, which requires you to blow into a breathalyzer before starting the car. Subsequent DWI convictions carry even harsher penalties.

If you have been charged with DWI in Houston, it is important to hire a DWI attorney Houston or Houston DUI attorney as soon as possible. These attorneys specialize in defending people charged with DWI and have the knowledge and experience necessary to build a strong defense for you. They can challenge the validity of the traffic stop, the accuracy of the breathalyzer test, and any other evidence against you.

One common defense strategy used by DWI attorneys in Houston is to challenge the results of the breathalyzer test. Breathalyzer tests are not always accurate and can be affected by a variety of factors, such as the type of alcohol you consumed, your body weight, and even the temperature of the breathalyzer machine. If your attorney can show that the breathalyzer test results are unreliable, it could help your case.