There are a variety of offenses that can result in criminal charges in Texas, and some of the most common cases involve accusations of theft. While some cases, such as those in which a person is accused of shoplifting, may seem to be minor, any criminal charge should be taken seriously, since a person may face severe fines, imprisonment, and a tarnished record. As a person accused of theft, your future, your career, and your personal life could all be at stake. Depending on the value of the goods or services that were allegedly stolen, Texas law may classify theft and shoplifting charges as felonies.

Felony Theft Charges

In Texas, criminal offenses may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies. A misdemeanor is considered to be a less serious crime that is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment, while a felony is a serious crime that is typically punishable by more than two years in prison. Texas law defines theft as the appropriation of someone else’s money or property without their consent and with the intent of depriving the owner of the ability to possess and use property that is rightfully theirs.

The degree of a theft offense is determined based on the value of the property that was allegedly stolen. In general, theft of property worth less than $2,500 is a misdemeanor. Theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000 is a state jail felony, and a person who is convicted may be sentenced to between 180 days and two years in state prison. State jail felony charges will also apply if a person is accused of stealing a firearm or taking property from a grave or a person's dead body.

While each case is different, most DWI arrests follow a predictable pattern: The driver sees red and blue flashing lights in his or her rearview mirror and pulls to the side of the road. Police request his or her license and insurance and ask a series of questions. Usually, one of these questions is, "Have you been drinking?"

If the driver answers affirmatively or the police officer suspects that the driver has consumed alcohol, the officer conducts a Driving While Intoxicated investigation.   If the driver is arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) the driver will be asked to provide a sample of breath or blood.  

Many people who have failed a breath test have questions about what happens next. They wonder whether they will automatically be convicted of DWI or if there is any way to fight the charge.

Many states have legalized or decriminalized the use of marijuana or cannabis. However, possession, sale, and cultivation of marijuana remain illegal in Texas - save for specific medical exceptions. It is also strictly against Texas law to drive while under the influence of cannabis.

Driving after smoking or otherwise consuming a marijuana product can lead to charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI). If an individual has cannabis inside the vehicle, he or she can face additional charges for drug possession.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with DWI involving marijuana or another marijuana-related offense, do not make the mistake of underestimating the seriousness of the situation. These offenses can lead to jail time, steep fees, and irreparable damage to your personal and professional reputation. Contact a criminal defense lawyer for help defending yourself against the charges.

When people think of criminal offenses related to drug possession, they often only consider one type of possession: active possession. But there is another type of drug possession that you should be aware of called constructive possession. Understanding the differences between active and constructive drug possession can help you understand your legal rights in the event that you are charged with a drug crime. In this blog, we will take a closer look at active and constructive drug possession in the context of a drug possession case.

What Is Active Drug Possession?

Active drug possession means that an individual has physical control over or immediate access to a drug or controlled substance. It is considered the most common form of drug possession. For example, if the police search your backpack and find drugs in the side pocket, you would likely be charged with active possession because you had physical control over those drugs.

What Is Constructive Drug Possession?

Constructive drug possession occurs when someone knowingly has ownership, dominion, or control over a controlled substance but does not have it on their person. In other words, even though an individual may not physically possess the drug themselves, they can still be charged with constructive drug possession if they allegedly had knowledge about the presence of drugs and intended to exercise some form of control over them.

In recent years, there has been a great deal of public debate about the power and authority given to police officers in various situations. Among these concerns is the issue of conducting a search for controlled substances and illicit drugs.

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution promises American citizens the right to be free from “unreasonable searches and seizures” of their homes, papers, effects, and persons. The same amendment also specifies that all warrants must be based on probable cause, and they must describe in detail “the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.” If you are facing charges based on evidence found during an illegal or unreasonable search, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to get the case against you dismissed.

Consent Supersedes Everything Else

Most people will never have the police come to their house wanting to conduct a search. It is much more common, however, for such a situation to develop during a traffic stop. If you have been stopped by the police, and the officer wants to search your vehicle, they will almost certainly start by asking for your permission. If the officer obtains your clear consent, the search becomes lawful, and you will no longer have the option of challenging the evidence on the basis of an unlawful search.