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Recent Blog Posts
Avoiding Designation as a Habitual or Repeat Offender
Under Texas law, being designated as a habitual or repeat offender can significantly impact sentencing. If you meet this definition, you will face much higher penalties than you would if you had no prior offenses; therefore, you need a strong criminal defense. In some cases, even those with multiple DWI convictions can be designated as habitual or repeat offenders.
The use of habitual and repeat offender enhancements requires that the court ensures the offender meets very specific criteria. On the face of it, a defendant with at least two prior felony convictions who commits a third felony offense could be considered a habitual offender. A repeat offender is one who has one prior felony conviction and commits a second felony. Different scenarios will apply depending on the circumstances surrounding your offenses.
If you are facing designation as a habitual or repeat offender, you should take this very seriously as it could land you in prison for a very long time. Speaking to a knowledgeable Fort Worth, TX criminal defense attorney from The Dameron Law Firm can be extremely beneficial.
Could I Be Charged with a Felony for Drug Possession?
Across the United States, there are 244,000 Americans sent to prison each year for a drug-related crime, and 26 percent of all arrests in the nation are for drug-related offenses. Texas is well-known for its harsh penalties, even for possession of relatively small amounts of a controlled substance. The specific charges and penalties related to drug possession in Texas will depend on the specific drug and what penalty group the drug falls under.
In some cases, you could be charged with a felony offense for possession of less than one gram of a controlled substance. Drugs are categorized into Penalty 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 3, and 4. Marijuana is in its own separate category. If you are facing felony drug possession charges, it is essential that you contact a Fort Worth, TX drug possession lawyer from The Dameron Law Firm.
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.
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