Posted on December 12, 2022 in Announcements

The Dameron Law Firm is pleased to announce that attorney, Craig Dameron, has been named a Top Attorney in the field of criminal defense for 2022 by Fort Worth Magazine. The magazine works to create a comprehensive list of the best attorneys in the area each year, receiving nominations from people in the legal field and reviewing these nominations to ensure that the attorneys recognized meet high standards and can provide quality legal services to clients. This is the seventh year in a row that Mr. Dameron has been recognized as a Top Attorney, demonstrating that he can provide excellent legal representation in criminal defense matters.

Why Craig Dameron Is a Top Attorney in the Field of Criminal Defense

Attorney Dameron understands the problems faced by those who have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses. People in this position are often forced into a frightening, unfamiliar situation. They may worry that if they say or do the wrong thing during their case, they could face serious consequences such as fines, the loss of a driver's license, restrictions on where they can go and what they can do, or even jail time. People in this situation need a compassionate advocate who can guide them through the legal process, help them understand what to expect, and fight to protect their rights.

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 Posted on November 21, 2022 in Theft

People who have been arrested for property crimes in Texas may be confused about the differences between theft, robbery, and burglary. Although these crimes are similar, they are actually quite different and can carry different penalties. If you have been charged with a property crime in Texas, it is important to understand the nuances of these crimes so that you can know what to expect and how to defend yourself.

What Is Theft?

Theft is defined as taking something that does not belong to you without the owner's consent and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the thing taken. Additionally, theft can also occur when someone obtains services without paying or by deception. For example, if you go into a store and take an item off the shelf without paying for it, you have committed theft. If you order a meal at a restaurant and then leave without paying, you have committed theft. If you lie about your identity in order to obtain services that you would not otherwise be entitled to, you have committed theft. 

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 Posted on November 11, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Domestic disputes can occur in a variety of situations, and they can sometimes escalate to the point where a person may be arrested and charged with domestic assault or other offenses involving family violence. Many people believe that domestic assault only occurs when there is a physical altercation between spouses, family members, or people who are in a romantic relationship. However, domestic assault charges can be filed in other situations as well, even in cases where there was no physical contact between the alleged victim and the accused (Terroristic Threat). It is important to understand the specific charges that may apply in these situations and the consequences you may face if you are convicted. With the help of a criminal defense attorney, you can determine your best options for defending against domestic assault or family violence charges.

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 Posted on October 27, 2022 in Criminal Defense

In Texas, it is illegal to drive while intoxicated. However, DWI charges do not just apply in situations where a person drank alcohol before driving. Intoxication may also occur in situations involving the use of drugs, including illegal controlled substances, prescription drugs, and marijuana. If you have been pulled over by a police officer, questioned about your use of marijuana or other drugs, and arrested on DWI charges, you will need to understand the specific criminal charges that may apply. By working with an experienced lawyer, you can determine your best options for defense.

Texas DWI Laws Regarding Drugs

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a criminal offense in Texas. When it comes to alcohol use, intoxication is defined as having a blood alcohol content of at least .08 percent. However, the Texas Penal Code also states that a person may be considered to be intoxicated if they do not have the normal use of their physical or mental faculties due to the use of alcohol, marijuana, or other controlled substances. The combination of different types of substances, such as alcohol and prescription drugs, may also cause a person to become intoxicated.

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 Posted on October 13, 2022 in Drug Crimes

After you are arrested for a crime, there is a record of that arrest that can follow you around for the rest of your life. A criminal history can make it difficult, if not impossible, to get a job, rent an apartment, be accepted into college, or take out a loan. This can be especially problematic if you have been arrested on charges related to marijuana. Even though marijuana is considered by most people to be a non-harmful drug, and it has been legalized in some states, it is still an illegal substance in Texas. Arrests, charges, or convictions for marijuana possession or distribution can create a permanent black mark on your record.

Fortunately, in some cases, you may be able to have your record "expunged," which means that an arrest or a criminal charge will be erased from your criminal history. If you are concerned about how a marijuana arrest may affect your future, you will want to understand whether expunction will be a solution that will allow you to clear your record.

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 Posted on September 27, 2022 in Drug Crimes

In most cases, criminal charges related to illegal drugs will involve accusations that a person was in possession of controlled substances. However, there are other items that may also be related to drugs, including manufacturing equipment, packaging materials, or devices used to consume drugs, and possession of these items may also lead to criminal charges. For those who are involved in criminal cases related to drugs, it is important to understand how the laws in Texas address the possession of drug paraphernalia.

What Is Drug Paraphernalia?

Under Texas law, drug paraphernalia may include any equipment, products, or materials of any kind that are used, intended for use, or designed for use in planting, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, processing, packing, injecting, ingesting, or inhaling controlled substances. In general, anything that can be used to cultivate, package, or consume illegal drugs can be considered drug paraphernalia. Common examples include bongs and pipes used for smoking marijuana or methamphetamine pipes. Other examples include syringes and needles used for injecting drugs like heroin. Devices used to package and distribute drugs may also be considered paraphernalia, such as scales and other measuring devices used to weigh drugs or baggies used to package and distribute substances. 

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 Posted on September 09, 2022 in Criminal Defense

There are multiple reasons why Texas courts may issue a protective order (commonly known as a restraining order). These orders are often put in place in cases involving allegations of family violence, although they may also be used in situations where a person is accused of offenses such as sexual assault or harassment. In cases where a protective order has been issued, a person will be required to follow its terms, even if they believe that it was based on false accusations. Violating a protective order can result in serious criminal penalties, and anyone who is subject to this type of order will need to work with a criminal defense lawyer to determine their legal options.

Consequences for Violating the Restrictions Put in Place by a Protective Order

A protective order will generally prohibit a person from taking any illegal actions against their alleged victims, such as committing family violence or engaging in behavior that could be considered harassment. Numerous other restrictions may be put in place, and a person could be charged with violating a protective order if they:

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 Posted on August 18, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Being arrested on suspicion of drunk driving is a serious matter. Criminal charges for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) can result in a number of penalties, but even if you are not charged with or convicted of DWI, you could face the suspension of your driver’s license. By understanding when a license suspension will apply, when you can request an administrative hearing, and how you can regain your driving privileges, you can determine your best options in these situations.

Administrative License Revocation (ALR)

When a police officer has probable cause to believe that a person was driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substances that impaired their ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, they may perform an arrest. After taking the person to a police station, the officer will request a sample of their breath or blood, which will be used to determine whether they were legally intoxicated while they were driving. When requesting a breath or blood sample, the officer will provide a warning detailing the consequences the person will face if they refuse to give a sample or if they are over the legal blood alcohol limit.

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 Posted on August 05, 2022 in DWI

An arrest for drunk or intoxicated driving can lead to multiple serious consequences. A person convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) may be sentenced to time in prison, be required to pay thousands of dollars in fines, and their driver’s license may be suspended. Fortunately, options may be available that will allow a person to avoid a conviction, including deferred adjudication. A person who is facing DWI charges can work with a criminal defense attorney to find solutions that will allow them to move forward successfully after a DWI arrest.

What Is Deferred Adjudication?

To avoid being convicted of a DWI offense, deferred adjudication may allow a person to resolve their case and serve a sentence of probation. In these cases, a person will appear before a judge and admit guilt, but they will not be formally convicted of the charges. Instead, they will serve a sentence of community supervision. If they successfully complete the term of probation without being arrested or charged with another offense, their case will be closed without applying punishments such as fines or jail time.

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 Posted on July 26, 2022 in Criminal Defense

There are multiple different types of offenses that may be considered theft, and they generally involve the misappropriation of someone else’s property with the intent to deprive that person of ownership of money or physical items. Retail theft, which is commonly known as shoplifting, is one of the most common offenses that fall under this category. Those who have been accused of retail theft will need to understand the exact nature of the charges and the potential penalties they may face if they are convicted.

Misdemeanor or Felony Retail Theft

The Texas Penal Code generally does not distinguish retail theft from other forms of theft, and the charges a person may face will depend on the value of the items that were allegedly stolen. These charges may include:

• Class C misdemeanor - This charge will apply if the value of property stolen is less than $100. A conviction will result in a fine of up to $500.

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