Recent Blog Posts
What is the Process for License Reinstatement After a DWI?
If you have a DWI conviction, then it is likely you faced a driver’s license suspension or revocation. Once the suspension period is over, you can have your license reinstated, provided you have complied with all court mandates. The ability to drive is incredibly important in our busy society. We drive to and from work, to and from school, run errands, go on vacations, and visit friends and family. All those things require a driver’s license.
It can take a significant toll on your freedom when you must depend on others to get where you need to be without relying on public transportation. To ensure you have the best chance possible of having your license reinstated, it is essential that you follow the correct process. Having an experienced Fort Worth, TX DWI attorney from The Dameron Law Firm assisting you will help ensure that you regain your driving privileges.
Why Is Fort Worth Cracking Down on Drunk Driving?
The Fort Worth Chief of Police stated in a recent press conference that law enforcement agencies throughout the area will increase patrols targeting drunk drivers. This comes after three drunk driving accidents occurred between Aug. 12th and Aug. 19th. One of the victims was an officer who was helping clear another crash when an inebriated woman driving the wrong way on the exit ramp hit and killed him.
Another police car was hit by a drunk driver a few days later; thankfully, no officers were inside or around the car at the time. Five other people were killed in a single drunk-driving collision during the same week. At the press conference, the Sheriff of Tarrant County said his department had seen a significant increase in DWIs, with 63 people being arrested during the first two weeks of August. While nobody is in favor of drunk drivers having accidents that injure or kill others, in many cases, a prosecutor can be overzealous in leveling DWI charges.
Did the Police Have Probable Cause to Stop You for DWI?
Most of us have heard of "probable cause" but may not be entirely sure of the rights afforded to U.S. Citizens under the Fourth Amendment. This Amendment provides protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The definitions of probable cause and reasonable suspicion can be fairly subjective. If you have been charged with a Texas DWI and you believe there was no reasonable suspicion or probable cause to arrest you, it is time to contact an experienced Fort Worth DWI attorney from The Dameron Law Firm. Attorney Craig Dameron has more than two decades of experience and will aggressively fight DWI criminal charges on your behalf.
Reasonable Suspicion vs. Probable Cause in DWI Cases
The lack of reasonable suspicion or probable cause in a DWI case could potentially render all evidence collected by the officer invalid. In turn, if there is no valid evidence for the prosecutor to present, your attorney may be able to get your DWI charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Law Enforcement Stops Massive Texas Bail Bond Fraud Scheme
The FBI's two-year investigation into a Texas bail bond fraud scheme recently culminated in 50 arrests. Bail bonds are the backbone of the criminal justice system, allowing those arrested to enter into an agreement with the court. This agreement consists of a payment and an agreement to appear in court at a later date in exchange for being released from jail.
How Do Bail Bonds Work in Texas?
Most people are largely unaware of how bail bonds work until they or a loved one ends up in jail, and they must quickly learn about the bail bond process. A bail bond is essentially an agreement with the court stating you will appear for your hearings, along with a payment to secure the agreement.
Could You Face Felony Charges for Tampering with an Ankle Monitor?
A law passed in Texas in 2023 has significantly reduced the number of ankle monitor violations by changing the offense from an administrative violation to a criminal act. After SB 1004 was passed last September, the number of ankle monitor violations dropped by almost 50 percent.
Violation of this new law requires a vigorous criminal defense to avoid further jail or prison time. Speaking to a highly experienced lawyer who can launch a strong legal defense against these—or any other—criminal charges is an essential first step.
When Are Court-Ordered Ankle Monitors Used in Texas?
Ankle monitors are electronic devices used by courts to monitor offenders and ensure they do not travel outside a specified boundary. There are three types of ankle monitoring devices:
Craig Dameron Selected as a Top Attorney by 360 West Magazine 2024
Fort Worth criminal defense attorney Craig Dameron has been honored with the prestigious title of "Top Attorney 2024" by 360West Magazine. This recognition highlights Mr. Dameron's exceptional dedication and success in the field of criminal defense law.
Craig Dameron, a Tarrant County defense attorney, has consistently demonstrated his commitment to providing unparalleled legal representation. With a focus on delivering justice for his clients, Mr. Dameron has built a reputation as a leading Fort Worth DWI lawyer. His extensive experience, combined with his deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law, has made him a trusted advocate for those facing criminal charges.
360West Magazine's "Top Attorney" accolade is awarded to legal professionals who exhibit outstanding skills, integrity, and dedication to their clients. Craig Dameron's inclusion in this distinguished list underscores his significant contributions to the legal community and his unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal practice.
Machinegun Conversion Devices Addressed Through "Operation Texas Kill Switch"
In early June 2024, U.S. Attorneys across the state of Texas announced an initiative that targets conversion devices known as "switches." The name of the initiative is "Operation Texas Kill Switch," as it concerns switches which are an inch or less in size, fit into the butt of a gun, and are fabricated out of plastic or metal. The device is manufactured by using 3D printers.
Switches can turn readily available firearms into fully automatic weapons that can fire faster than military-grade weapons. One pull of the trigger releases dozens of rounds of ammunition in contrast to a semi-automatic weapon that requires the user to pull the trigger each time a round is fired. Switches are often used in mass shootings and are illegal except in very narrowly defined circumstances.
If you have been charged with possession of a switch, you may be facing federal or state penalties and could benefit from having an experienced Fort Worth weapons violation lawyer by your side. An experienced lawyer from The Dameron Law Firm will make sure your defense affords you the best chance for a positive outcome.
How is Intent to Distribute Proven in Texas?
In May 2024, a Colorado man was arrested in Alpine, TX by Homeland Security agents for allegedly possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. The indictment stated that the man allegedly conspired with others to distribute a controlled substance and that the fentanyl distribution allegedly resulted in the death of an Alpine man. The case is being heard in a federal Denver court.
Many people are confused about what distinguishes possession of a controlled substance from possession with intent to distribute. Under Section 481.112, the offense of intent to distribute can be charged when the amount of the drug possessed is too large for only personal use. Other indications of intent to deliver include the presence of packaging materials, weapons, scales, large amounts of cash, texts or phone calls from customers, and drug paraphernalia.
Is “Do Not Blow” Outdated Advice in Texas?
Since a DWI conviction can have far-reaching effects on your future, you must know what to do if pulled over. Virtually anyone who has been to a bar or nightclub in Texas has seen the phrase “Do Not Blow!” prominently displayed. You may not have thought much about it until you are asked to perform a breathalyzer test.
It is true that many attorneys once advised their clients not to submit to a breathalyzer test. After all, why provide evidence against yourself? Now, if you refuse to provide a sample in Tarrant County, the police will most likely obtain a search warrant and take your blood. In fact, some police departments no longer ask for a breath test, they ask only for blood. Whether you agree to a breathalyzer test or not, if you have been charged with a Texas DWI you need a highly skilled lawyer advocating on your behalf.
How to Prove You Are Innocent After an Assault Charge in Texas
Being charged with assault, especially in a family violence situation, can be a life-altering experience. Even if you are innocent, the accusation alone can have severe consequences on your personal and professional life. In Texas, a misdemeanor assault conviction can result in fines, jail time, and a criminal record that may haunt you for years to come. If you find yourself facing an assault charge, you should take proactive steps with a Texas lawyer to prove you are innocent.
Make Sure You Understand the Elements of Assault in Texas
To effectively defend yourself against an assault charge, you must first understand what constitutes assault under Texas law. In general, assault occurs when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another, threatens another with imminent bodily injury, or causes physical contact with another in an offensive or provocative manner. In family violence cases, the alleged victim is a family member, household member, or someone with whom you have a dating relationship. Familiarizing yourself with these legal definitions will help you identify the specific elements the prosecution must prove to secure a conviction.