In Texas, the criminal offense of theft is generally defined as taking someone else’s property without their consent and with the intent to deprive them of their property. The specific laws related to theft or larceny in Texas are described in the Texas Penal Code, Title 7, Chapter 31. Under Texas law, theft is classified […]
Criminal Sentencing Laws
In the United States, sentencing laws vary from state to state. However, all sentences in the US must conform to the US Constitution, which sets basic foundations, and then each state passes its own policies. For example, take the death penalty into account. Capital punishment is permissible by federal law in the United States. Although that […]
Warrants & Subpoenas: What They Mean
You may have attended a court case, have been involved in a court case or maybe a fan of police shows. In the process of the hearing, you heard terms like subpoena and warrant. These two terms are similar because they are issued by a court and the Lawyer Service of Central Texas can help you determine […]
What are Expunctions and Non-Disclosures?
A criminal record, either from a conviction or a warrant, can have lasting effects on your ability to obtain a job, secure a loan, or even rent an apartment. Today, most employers, financial institutions, and landlords conduct background checks on people they intend to hire, approve loans, or approve applications. The silver lining, however, is […]
DUI or DWI? Know the Difference
DUI stands for “driving under the influence,” while DWI stands for “driving while intoxicated” or “driving while impaired”. Even though both a DUI and DWI can refer to the same offense, they can have different meanings depending on the state where the offense occurs. In the end, DUI and DWI both mean that you’re facing […]
What to Do if Your Child Commits a Crime
A child committing a crime can be a parent’s worst nightmare. Your first reactions are likely to be strong, ranging from angry to disappointed to worried. In all cases, a fine line has to be walked – how to protect them from unfair punishment while also not wanting to condone their crime or say that […]
Seeking Legal Help in a Criminal Case
A criminal record can impact many aspects of a your life. It is not just the stress and cost of going through the legal system, the consequences of being charged with a crime or being convicted of a crime has long term effects. Even something you might think as simple as pleading guilty to a […]
