Contact The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. For a Free Consultation. When you need assistance from an experienced attorney or if you need to better understand you legal options, contact The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C., at (903) 753-7499. All initial consultations are free. Phone calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Which Licenses Are at Stake When Arrested for DWI

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Protecting Your Professional License in Texas: Understanding Which Licenses Are at Stake When Arrested for DWI

Facing a charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas can have serious consequences, not only for your personal life but also for your professional career. Many professions in Texas require individuals to hold professional licenses, and a DWI arrest can put these licenses at risk. Whether you are a healthcare professional, educator, attorney, or hold any other licensed profession, it is crucial to understand which licenses may be affected by a DWI arrest and how to protect your livelihood. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various types of professional licenses that may be at stake when arrested for DWI in Texas, cite relevant Texas statutes, define legal terms, discuss the DWI case and defense process in Texas, and underscore the importance of retaining an attorney to safeguard your professional license at each step of the process.

Relevant Texas Statutes

Professional licensing in Texas is governed by a variety of statutes and regulations, depending on the specific profession. While there are no specific statutes that address the impact of a DWI arrest on professional licenses, certain provisions in the Texas Occupations Code and other relevant statutes may be applicable. Some key statutes include:

  1. Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53: This chapter outlines the Texas Occupations Code, which governs the regulation and licensing of various professions in the state, including healthcare professionals, attorneys, educators, and more.
  2. Texas Penal Code, Chapter 49: This chapter of the Texas Penal Code defines offenses related to intoxication and impaired driving, including driving while intoxicated (DWI).
  3. Texas Administrative Code, Title 22: This title of the Texas Administrative Code contains rules and regulations specific to certain professions, including licensing requirements and disciplinary actions.

Legal Definitions

Understanding key legal terms related to DWI charges and professional licensing is essential:

  1. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): In Texas, DWI is defined as operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated due to the consumption of alcohol or drugs, or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
  2. Professional License: A government-issued authorization that allows individuals to practice a specific profession or occupation, subject to regulatory oversight and requirements.
  3. Disciplinary Action: Administrative actions taken by licensing boards or agencies against a licensed professional for violations of state laws or regulations, including DWI convictions.

Professional Licenses at Stake

Several types of professional licenses in Texas may be at stake when an individual is arrested for DWI, including but not limited to:

  1. Medical Licenses: Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals are licensed by the Texas Medical Board or other relevant licensing boards. A DWI arrest can trigger disciplinary action by these boards, potentially resulting in license suspension or revocation.
  2. Legal Licenses: Attorneys licensed to practice law in Texas are regulated by the State Bar of Texas. A DWI arrest can lead to disciplinary proceedings by the State Bar, which may result in sanctions such as suspension or disbarment.
  3. Education Licenses: Teachers, administrators, and other education professionals are licensed by the Texas Education Agency. A DWI arrest can impact their ability to obtain or renew their education licenses, particularly if the offense reflects negatively on their character or fitness to work with students.
  4. Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL): Individuals who hold a CDL in Texas for driving commercial vehicles are subject to stricter DWI regulations. A DWI arrest while operating a commercial vehicle can result in the suspension or revocation of their CDL.

DWI Case and Defense Process in Texas

The DWI case and defense process in Texas typically involves the following steps:

  1. Arrest and Booking: Following a DWI arrest, the individual is typically taken into custody, booked at the local police station, and may be subjected to chemical testing to determine blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
  2. Arraignment and Plea: The individual is formally charged with DWI and appears in court for arraignment, where they enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
  3. Pretrial Motions and Discovery: The defense attorney may file pretrial motions to challenge the legality of the arrest or suppress evidence. Both the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through a process known as discovery.
  4. Negotiation and Plea Bargaining: The defense attorney may negotiate with the prosecution to reach a plea bargain, which may involve reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea.
  5. Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where the prosecution presents evidence and witnesses to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense has the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses in support of the defendant’s innocence.
  6. Sentencing: If the defendant is convicted of DWI, the judge imposes a sentence, which may include fines, probation, community service, alcohol education programs, license suspension, or jail time.

Why You Need an Attorney

Retaining an experienced Texas DWI defense attorney is crucial for protecting your professional license for several reasons:

  • Legal Expertise: An attorney specializing in DWI defense understands the complexities of Texas DWI laws and can develop effective defense strategies tailored to your case.
  • Negotiation Skills: An attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to seek reduced charges or penalties, minimizing the impact on your professional license and career.
  • Evidence Analysis: An attorney can review the evidence against you, including police reports, witness statements, and chemical test results, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
  • License Defense: An attorney can represent you in administrative hearings before licensing boards or agencies to defend your professional license and mitigate disciplinary actions.

In conclusion, facing a DWI charge in Texas can have severe consequences for your professional license and career. By understanding the potential impact on your license, the DWI case and defense process in Texas, and the importance of retaining an attorney, you can take proactive steps to protect your livelihood and future opportunities.

If you or a loved one has been charged with DWI in Texas, understanding the vast landscape of potential consequences is essential. Navigate these turbulent waters with expert guidance. 

Your future deserves more than just a legal defense; it demands a holistic approach to protection and representation. We are ready to stand up for you in this crucial situation.

Contact The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C.

The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C.
211 E. Tyler Street #521
Longview, TX 75601
Phone: (903) 753-7499

Which Licenses Are at Stake When Arrested for DWI

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Protecting Your Professional License in Texas: Understanding Which Licenses Are at Stake When Arrested for DWI

Facing a charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas can have serious consequences, not only for your personal life but also for your professional career. Many professions in Texas require individuals to hold professional licenses, and a DWI arrest can put these licenses at risk. Whether you are a healthcare professional, educator, attorney, or hold any other licensed profession, it is crucial to understand which licenses may be affected by a DWI arrest and how to protect your livelihood. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various types of professional licenses that may be at stake when arrested for DWI in Texas, cite relevant Texas statutes, define legal terms, discuss the DWI case and defense process in Texas, and underscore the importance of retaining an attorney to safeguard your professional license at each step of the process.

Relevant Texas Statutes

Professional licensing in Texas is governed by a variety of statutes and regulations, depending on the specific profession. While there are no specific statutes that address the impact of a DWI arrest on professional licenses, certain provisions in the Texas Occupations Code and other relevant statutes may be applicable. Some key statutes include:

  1. Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53: This chapter outlines the Texas Occupations Code, which governs the regulation and licensing of various professions in the state, including healthcare professionals, attorneys, educators, and more.
  2. Texas Penal Code, Chapter 49: This chapter of the Texas Penal Code defines offenses related to intoxication and impaired driving, including driving while intoxicated (DWI).
  3. Texas Administrative Code, Title 22: This title of the Texas Administrative Code contains rules and regulations specific to certain professions, including licensing requirements and disciplinary actions.

Legal Definitions

Understanding key legal terms related to DWI charges and professional licensing is essential:

  1. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): In Texas, DWI is defined as operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated due to the consumption of alcohol or drugs, or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
  2. Professional License: A government-issued authorization that allows individuals to practice a specific profession or occupation, subject to regulatory oversight and requirements.
  3. Disciplinary Action: Administrative actions taken by licensing boards or agencies against a licensed professional for violations of state laws or regulations, including DWI convictions.

Professional Licenses at Stake

Several types of professional licenses in Texas may be at stake when an individual is arrested for DWI, including but not limited to:

  1. Medical Licenses: Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals are licensed by the Texas Medical Board or other relevant licensing boards. A DWI arrest can trigger disciplinary action by these boards, potentially resulting in license suspension or revocation.
  2. Legal Licenses: Attorneys licensed to practice law in Texas are regulated by the State Bar of Texas. A DWI arrest can lead to disciplinary proceedings by the State Bar, which may result in sanctions such as suspension or disbarment.
  3. Education Licenses: Teachers, administrators, and other education professionals are licensed by the Texas Education Agency. A DWI arrest can impact their ability to obtain or renew their education licenses, particularly if the offense reflects negatively on their character or fitness to work with students.
  4. Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL): Individuals who hold a CDL in Texas for driving commercial vehicles are subject to stricter DWI regulations. A DWI arrest while operating a commercial vehicle can result in the suspension or revocation of their CDL.

DWI Case and Defense Process in Texas

The DWI case and defense process in Texas typically involves the following steps:

  1. Arrest and Booking: Following a DWI arrest, the individual is typically taken into custody, booked at the local police station, and may be subjected to chemical testing to determine blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
  2. Arraignment and Plea: The individual is formally charged with DWI and appears in court for arraignment, where they enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
  3. Pretrial Motions and Discovery: The defense attorney may file pretrial motions to challenge the legality of the arrest or suppress evidence. Both the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through a process known as discovery.
  4. Negotiation and Plea Bargaining: The defense attorney may negotiate with the prosecution to reach a plea bargain, which may involve reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea.
  5. Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where the prosecution presents evidence and witnesses to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense has the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses in support of the defendant’s innocence.
  6. Sentencing: If the defendant is convicted of DWI, the judge imposes a sentence, which may include fines, probation, community service, alcohol education programs, license suspension, or jail time.

Why You Need an Attorney

Retaining an experienced Texas DWI defense attorney is crucial for protecting your professional license for several reasons:

  • Legal Expertise: An attorney specializing in DWI defense understands the complexities of Texas DWI laws and can develop effective defense strategies tailored to your case.
  • Negotiation Skills: An attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to seek reduced charges or penalties, minimizing the impact on your professional license and career.
  • Evidence Analysis: An attorney can review the evidence against you, including police reports, witness statements, and chemical test results, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
  • License Defense: An attorney can represent you in administrative hearings before licensing boards or agencies to defend your professional license and mitigate disciplinary actions.

In conclusion, facing a DWI charge in Texas can have severe consequences for your professional license and career. By understanding the potential impact on your license, the DWI case and defense process in Texas, and the importance of retaining an attorney, you can take proactive steps to protect your livelihood and future opportunities.

If you or a loved one has been charged with DWI in Texas, understanding the vast landscape of potential consequences is essential. Navigate these turbulent waters with expert guidance. 

Your future deserves more than just a legal defense; it demands a holistic approach to protection and representation. We are ready to stand up for you in this crucial situation.

Contact The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C.

The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C.
211 E. Tyler Street #521
Longview, TX 75601
Phone: (903) 753-7499

Why DWI Defendants in Texas Need an DWI Defense Attorney

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Once a driver has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in Texas, they will likely wonder if they need a Texas DWI Defense Attorney. DWI charges have very serious consequences, and a DWI Defense Attorney in Texas will give you the best chance of beating or reducing your criminal charges or punishments. The following are a few ways in which your Texas DWI Defense Attorney can help you in your DWI criminal case.

DWI criminal trials require a lot of paperwork and if unrepresented by an attorney, you are on your own to understand the paperwork, completing it, and filing it with the court within the time deadlines. Making mistakes in the paperwork or returning it in a timely manner can damage your DWI defense case.

A DWI case also goes through a several stages. When you retain a Texas DWI Defense Attorney, he or she will help you to understand the process and prepare you.

The crime of driving under the influence involves several elements which must be proven to convict you of DWI. Your DWI Defense Attorney understands these elements and will identify areas the state cannot meet its burden of proof against you. An experienced DWI attorney has represented many clients in these situations, and that experience helps your attorney build a solid defense on your behalf.

As a DWI defendant, you have some options that could possibly help you avoid conviction, and the harsh punishments. Your DWI attorney will explain options like plea bargaining, diversion, or dismissal if those options are available in your case. Your DWI defense attorney will also help you to decide which options available to you is a good choice for you.

DWI convictions have a devastating impact on your life. It is essential that you work to reduce or eliminate the impact of your DWI charges on your life. To learn more, contact our Texas DWI Defense Attorney Alex Tyra at (903) 753-7499 for an initial consultation.

Repeat DWI Offenders in Texas Face Harsher Penalties

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Three recent DWI cases in Texas should serve as reminders a criminal conviction of two or more DWIs lead to more severe penalties with each subsequent conviction. When drivers continue to drink and driving, they not only racking up more DWI arrests and convictions., they could kill someone or kill themselves. At our firm, we rigorously defend drivers accused of driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

In Upshur County, a grand jury indicted a driver on his fifth 1st-degree Driving While Intoxicated criminal charge. He faced a life in jail sentenced to his DUI/Habitual offender charge. He served five years for his previous DWIs. Subsequent DWI convictions lead to additional time in prison.

A driver from Arkansas who had five prior DWI convictions was indicted two counts of murder after causing a fatal DWI accident in Texas. Two people tragically passed away in the collision. The man collided with a tree tragically killing his two passengers. He was arrested at the accident scene and was charged with murder.

One Texas driver with five prior DWI convictions was arrested after critically injuring a woman who fell out of his motor vehicle while he was running from the police. His DWI charge was enhanced to a third-degree felony.

Texas DWI Defense Attorney Alex Tyra – Trusted Support for Texas DWI Defendants

Whether you are accused of having committed your first DWI, a repeat offense DWI, a felony DWI, or something even more severe, you are likely very concerned about the penalties you are facing. A Texas DWI defense attorney is equipped to help you protect the people and things that matter most to you. Your attorney knows your rights and can help you understand them. They can also help you develop a strategy for resolving your Texas criminal law matter. Call Texas DWI Defense Attorney Alex Tyra, at (903) 753-7499, or fill out a contact form on our website.

Hit-and-run Criminal Charges in Longview, Texas

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The Criminal Penalties for a Hit & Run Criminal Charge in Texas

Motor vehicle accidents are usually a civil matter. However, if a driver causes or is involved in a car wreck and then flees the accident scene, that driver has committed a serious error and will be criminally charged when found and arrested.

The crime of “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” occurs when a driver hits another motor vehicle, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or someone else’s property, then flees the scene by vehicle or by foot. In Texas, drivers who are involved in an accident must provide contact information, exchange insurance details, and check for injuries. Moreover, all drivers involved in a Texas motor vehicle accident legally obligated to stay at the accident scene unless severely injured.

In Texas, a hit-and-run with property or vehicle damage that is under $200 is a Class C Misdemeanor criminal charge. The defendant, if found guilty, will be fined $500.

For hit-and-run accidents causing more than $200 in damage to another’s vehicle or property, the at-fault driver will charged with a Class B Misdemeanor. Class B Misdemeanors are punished with no more than six months in jail and/or fine of up to $2,000.

If the hit-and-run accident involves non-life-threatening injuries, the crime is charged as a felony offense and carries up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. If a hit-and-run accident involves a severe injuries or death, the crime is charged as a third-degree felony. Third-degree felonies in Texas are punished with up to ten years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

A Few Potential Legal Defenses to Hit-and-run Criminal Charges in Texas, include:

Medical Emergency – The driver was responding to a medical emergency and was heading to the emergency room.

Unaware of the Crash – The hit-and-run driver did not know they were involved in the accident.

Involuntary Intoxication – The hit-and-run driver was drugged without their knowledge and was involuntarily intoxicated while driving.

If you or a member of your family have been charged with “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” with our without injuries or death in Texas, contact The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. at (903) 753-7499 for your free case review with our legal team.

The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C.
211 E. Tyler Street #521
Longview, TX 75601
(903) 753-7499

Defending Against DWI Criminal Charges in Texas

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When someone has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Texas, the defendant is presumed innocent, and Texas prosecutors have the burden of proving the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant will be acquitted of the DWI criminal charge if the State’s Attorneys fail to meet its burden of proof in the DWI criminal case. An effective DWI defense in Texas protects the defendant’s presumption of innocence while preventing State Attorneys from fulfilling its burden of proof.

What State Attorneys Must Prove in a DWI Criminal Trial

Effective DWI defense strategies involve attacking the prosecution’s case while maintaining the defendant’s presumption of innocence. An individual can be convicted when the prosecution submits admissible evidence that refutes the defendant’s presumption of innocence. For someone in Texas to be found guilty of comitting DWI, the prosecution must persuade a jury that

(1) the defendant operated a vehicle,

(2) in public while either

(3) under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or greater.

The accused will be acquitted of DWI if the prosecution is unable to prove the defendant is guilty of those three elements of a Texas DWI. In Texas, a person cannot be tried for the same crime after they have been acquitted of a crime. 

Top Texas DWI Trial Defenses 

Challenging the Lawfulness of the Traffic Stop 

During the DWI pre-trial stage, your criminal defense lawyer might find evidence that makes contesting the police’s traffic stop in your case. This action is called a Motion to Suppress Evidence. The prosecution has to prove that the law enforcement officer didn’t violate the defendant’s constitutional rights to protect against “unreasonable searches and seizures.” State Attorneys are required to prove the police officer had a specific reason to stop the defendant. The prosecution must also prove that statements made by the did not violate their Miranda warnings, and any of their statements were made voluntarily without coercion. The criminal justice judge will order all evidence, including the video recording of the traffic stop, police observations, booking video, field sobriety test video, portable breath test results, driver statements, breathalyzer tests, or test refusal to rule if law enforcement officers violated the defendant’s constitutional rights. If any or all of the evidence is suppressed, the prosecution may not use suppressed evidence at the DWI criminal trial. This could result in a dismissal of the DWI charges.

Challenging All of the DWI Tests

Another strong defense could include attacking the prosecution’s evidence such as chemical testing, field sobriety tests, the officer’s Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. Your DWI defense attorney might attack the prosecution’s evidence on the grounds that the testing is not scientifically reliable and shouldn’t be entered into evidence at the DWI trial. The defense may also attack the State’s expert by arguing the State’s expert lacks the training, experience, and knowledge to present a dependable scientific opinion at trial. These attacks will be made a trial. However, it is advantageous to attack the expert at pre-trial. Winning a pre-trial contest concerning scientific evidence helps the defense understand the evidence before trial.

A winning DWI defense strategy explores all potential defenses. Since every DWI criminal case is unique, our experienced DWI defense attorney explores all possible avenues to defend a DWI criminal case.

If you or a member of your family have been charged with DWI in Texas, contact The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. at (903) 753-7499 for your free case review with our legal team.

The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C.
211 E. Tyler Street #521
Longview, TX 75601
(903) 753-7499

Texas Family Law Attorney Shares Three Wise Money Moves for Your Texas Divorce

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Family law attorneys aren’t financial advisors, but they have certainly seen their fair share of information about the financial lives of their divorcing clients. Divorce often takes a financial toll on both of the divorcing spouses. However, you can make choices that could ensure that your divorce does the least possible amount of damage to your finances.

Sometimes, spending money wisely now can help you enjoy greater financial security later. That is one of the reasons why it’s essential to work through your Texas divorce with a Texas family law attorney. It is also the reason why many divorcing individuals would be wise to work with a financial planner during their divorce. Many of the decisions that you’ll be making in your divorce affect your current financial situation as well as your financial future. With the aid of your attorney and your financial planner, you’ll be able to consider all of the angles and learn how each decision you face with will impact you financially. Your financial planner can help you create a strategy for protecting your finances throughout your divorce, and they can also help you make a financial plan that will keep you on track towards accomplishing your financial goals as you move forward.

A second decision that you can make during your divorce that will serve you well financially is to avoid cashing in your investments to pay your bills. Those investment accounts seem like a handy solution to the presently pressing piles of bills on the kitchen counter, but it’s crucial that you maintain a long-term focus while you navigate the short-term financial shortfall that happens in almost every divorce. Cashing in investments usually involves penalties or taxes, and it also takes you off of the path that you had been moving along towards your financial goals. Your financial advisor may be able to help you think creatively and find ways to meet your current financial needs without sacrificing your financial future.

A third wise financial decision that you can make in your divorce is to consider the costs associated with pursuing any assets that you are trying to acquire as part of the divorce settlement. The biggest mistake many divorcing individuals make is fighting hard to get the house as part of their divorce settlement, only to find out rather quickly that they cannot afford to own it, or that it’s worth less than what they owe on it. Home ownership can be expensive when you consider all of the home-related expenses you’ll need to pay for in addition to your mortgage. The same principle applies to vehicles, and to other assets that are part of the property division portion of your divorce. It’s essential to think carefully about how each the assets you wish to pursue right now will work for you or against you once your divorce is final and you are on your own in paying for them and maintaining them.

A Texas family law attorney is an indispensable ally during your Texas divorce. Your attorney can help you understand the choices you face in your divorce, and they can offer valuable guidance that can help you make wise decisions now that you’ll be grateful for in the future. Call Texas Family Law Attorney Alex Tyra today, at (903) 753-7499 to schedule an initial consultation. You can also plan your meeting online by using our online contact form.

 

 

 

 

 

Texas Family Law Attorney Discusses Counseling

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Divorce clients often wonder whether they need counseling. If they have kids, they are also likely to wonder whether their children need therapy. If you’re asking one or both of these questions, that’s good because looking after your mental health and the mental health of your children is essential to your overall well-being.

In this article, we’re not talking about marriage counseling. If you’re thinking about divorce and you’re curious about marriage counseling, visit our page next month for an article about “discernment counseling”, a process that can help couples decide whether to pursue marriage counseling. This article is about determining whether to seek individual therapy for yourself and your children.

Adults who are going through divorce need emotional support. Counseling is one available form of emotional support. Only you can decide whether it is right for you. The intense emotions that divorce brings about can take you by surprise, even if you expected to face emotional challenges. Think about what works for you when you need to make big decisions or find solutions to problems in your daily life. Do you have a friend or family member who listens well and talks with you in a way that is helpful and uplifting? Conversations with people like that can be helpful and healing. Some people that you talk to may have even been through a divorce themselves, which can help you feel heard, understood, supported and accepted. If you are a person of faith, your congregational leader may be a trustworthy source of support. Sometimes, a professional counselor is the best emotional support, especially if you are wrestling with depression, anxiety, or substance use. Ask people for references or call around to see who might be a good fit for you. Finding the right emotional support makes a huge difference in your ability to recover from your divorce and move forward with your life.

Sometimes, kids whose parents are divorcing benefit from therapy. Every child’s needs are unique, so it is good to evaluate whether counseling could benefit your child. That said, it is imperative that you understand how important of a role you, the parent, play in meeting your child’s mental health needs. Children who receive consistent emotional support from parents during and after divorce often come through the experience having acquired good coping and problem-solving skills and increased resiliency. Support your kids by keeping discussions about your divorce away from their eyes and ears, maintaining consistency in their daily routines as much as possible, and not only refraining from negative talk about their other parent but also encouraging a healthy and positive relationship with them. Even children of the most supportive and encouraging parents might need help processing the emotions that go along with divorce. Kids do not often recognize on their own that they need emotional support, but parents can look for signs that their kids need help. If you see changes in your child’s behavior or personality such as increased anger, aggression, acting out more or differently than usual, or appearing depressed and isolating themselves from things they usually enjoy, then counseling might benefit your child. Talk with other parents or your child’s health care providers to get some ideas about who you might approach about counseling for your child.

If you have questions about your Texas divorce, call (903) 753-7499 today to schedule a consultation with Texas Family Law Attorney Alex Tyra. You can also visit our web page anytime to submit an online contact form.

Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Explains the Crime of Human Trafficking

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Texas has recently dedicated a team of ten professionals to the task of investigating and prosecuting human trafficking. It has been said that Texas has the second biggest human trafficking problem in the United States. Only California is reputed to have more incidents of human trafficking per year. The crime of human trafficking gets a lot of attention as it relates to sex crimes, but forced labor is also part of the problem. Some industries, such as mining, construction, agriculture, and seafood, are implicated in many incidents of human trafficking each year.

Human trafficking is a crime in Texas, as set forth in Sec. 20A.02. and Sec. 20A.03. of the Texas Penal Code. A person can commit the offense of trafficking of persons in one of a number of ways. One way that the offense can be committed is when a person knowingly transports, entices, recruits, harbors, provides, or otherwise obtains another person with the intent that that other person engage in forced labor or services including, but not limited to, forced labor or services, child labor, or prostitution. Other ways that people engage in human trafficking are by receiving a benefit from participating in a venture that involves any sort of activity involving a person who has been trafficked, or by engaging in sexual activity with a person who is being trafficked.

The continuous trafficking of persons is a separate offense, and it is described under Section 20A.03 of the Texas Penal Code. This offense requires a person to have engaged in two or more incidents of any of the types of conduct that are described in 20A.02., against one or more victims during a period of thirty days or more.  In Texas, human trafficking is often a felony of the second degree. It can constitute a felony of the first degree if a child is involved, or if death results. The statute further provides that if conduct that is considered an offense under Sec. 20A.02. is also considered an offense under another section of the Texas Penal Code, it is possible for the person who is alleged to have committed the offense to be prosecuted under either section or even under both sections.

Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Alex Tyra – Helping Texans Resolve Criminal Matters

Accusations of human trafficking can be intimidating, but you do not have to face those accusations alone. An experienced Texas Criminal Defense Attorney can protect your rights, and they can help you sort through the details of your human trafficking case and build a strong defense on your behalf. Skilled defense attorneys know what to look for, and they can analyze every aspect of your case to find the areas that are likely to be problematic for the prosecution. Perhaps you did not have the required intent to have committed the act that you are alleged to have committed, or you have been wrongfully charged with a crime due to a mistaken identity. So many things could happen that could result in criminal charges being brought against parties who are not in fact guilty of the crimes they are alleged to have committed. If you have questions about a human trafficking case or any other Texas criminal matter, please call Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Alex Tyra today, at (903) 753-7499 or contact us online to find out whether we can help you.

 

 

 

Texas DWI Defense Attorney Talks about the True Cost of a DWI

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If you have been accused of driving while intoxicated, you are probably quite concerned about the effects that a DWI conviction could have on your life. Even if you eventually end up not being convicted, even just being accused of driving while intoxicated can affect your life in many ways. You may begin to experience hardships associated with your DWI charges as soon as you are arrested. Unfortunately, those hardships are likely to continue in the days, weeks, and months that follow your arrest as you work to get your charges dropped or reduced.

When you are charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, you may experience consequences that affect your freedom and limit your options. You are also likely to experience a variety of economic consequences after being charged with a DWI and even more additional costs if you are convicted.

The costs associated with your DWI begin to add up as soon as you are arrested. Your car might be towed from the scene of the traffic stop, so you may have to pay fees for towing and storage before you can get it back. After your arrest, you may be required to post bond in order to be released. If the amount of your bond is more than you can pay, you may also incur the expense of paying a bail bondsman to post your bond.

When you consider the costs of DWI charges, it is easy to understand why some DWI defendants believe that they can save money by representing themselves in their DWI cases. However, retaining a DWI defense attorney could save you money in the long run. Being represented by counsel increases your chances of obtaining the best possible outcome in your DWI case because DWI defense attorneys know how to look at all of the information that is available in DWI cases and use that information to defend their clients the charges.

In addition to attorneys’ fees, there are other costs that are associated with a DWI. Depending upon how your case is resolved, you may have to pay additional fees for diversion programs, classes, and counseling. There are also costs associated with license suspension and reinstatement, including reinstatement fees, higher insurance costs, and the cost of a vehicle interlock device if you are required to get one.

Other costs associated with DWI charges and convictions include court costs, the cost of taking time off of work to attend court, and the costs of alternate transportation. If you have been charged with DWI, call a Texas DWI Defense Attorney right away. Your Texas DWI Defense Attorney can help you understand the charges that have been brought against you and the costs that will likely be associated with your DWI. Texas DWI Defense Attorney Alex Tyra has helped many DWI defendants, and he may be able to help you. Please call our office today, at (903) 753-7499, or contact us online.