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2020 Criminal Case Outcome Trends in Houston

2020 Criminal Case Outcome Trends in Houston

It’s not a secret that the city of Houston, Texas, has one of the strictest approaches towards crime. This perspective isn’t limited to felony cases, but also primarily applies to misdemeanors. The notion of actions having consequences is perhaps most relevant when it comes to criminal justice cases in the Space City. 

But the times are now changing. With a call for more effective handling of criminal cases, the tide is turning towards leniency in criminal justice. If you or your loved one is about to face a criminal case, then knowing about these trends can help. You need to learn how they might relate to your specific situation and how your legal representation may use them in your favor. 

Are you interested to learn more about this topic? Think it can help you in the near future? Without further ado, here are the top criminal case outcome trends in Houston for 2020.

Misdemeanor Arrests Aren’t Dependent on Cash Bail

One of the biggest trends in criminal justice is the change in handling misdemeanor bails. After a lengthy legal battle, a landmark decision in November 2019 finally declared that Harris County misdemeanor arrests would not have to be subject to cash bails

This means that in 2020, you will see more progressive handling towards misdemeanor cases in Houston. Gone are the days when misdemeanor defendants had to spend time behind bars just due to being short on cash. Now, they can get a chance to rebuild their lives and be productive members of society.

If you or a loved one is currently going through the case of a misdemeanor, then discussing this trend with your attorney will be a beneficial decision.  

Criminal Justice Reform Will Take Center Stage

The above decision is part of a recently stirred movement for criminal justice reform. The latest trends in Houston of not shackling juveniles and fining prosecutors for withholding evidence stem from this approach. But while those are significant changes, they are just starting steps to modifying Houston’s overall outlook towards penalization. 

In 2020, criminal cases are likely to see more arguments that speak for more substantial reform. This means that case defenses may depend on a big picture approach rather than exclusively zeroing down on your specific issue. 

If your criminal defense attorney thinks that taking this route may help, then they may most likely take this approach to improve your chances at defense. This doesn’t mean that it will throw the facts regarding your case out of court entirely. Further, this approach can still help by pointing out issues in the systemic handling of your case.

Focus on Improvement Than Penalization

It is also an increasing trend in criminal case outcomes to look at the social background of a defendant instead of reducing them to their most recent crime. This way, lawmakers and judges make decisions that are helping the defendant rather than throwing them behind bars for the sake of it.

With this in mind, 2020 may be full of cases where a criminal case defense is based upon the defendant’s social background or circumstances. While this may not grant everyone immunity, it is more likely to open up a broader perspective to judgment and a better chance at a lenient sentence.

If you or a loved one got involved in a criminal case due to issues such as poverty, then your criminal defense attorney may take this route to defend and present your case. 

Learn More About How These Trends Can Help

Criminal defense is a vast subject where legal advice needs to be highly specific and exclusively personalized. This is why we make sure that we can provide you with the counsel you need to present your case effectively. 

To learn how our team of experienced defense attorneys at the Martinez Law Firm can help your case, don’t hesitate to give us a call today. We specialize in DWI defense cases and can help you with an ALR hearing, court probation, and more. We will be happy to discuss your cases’ details and help you in any way we can. In the meantime, learn more about DWI cases in Houston

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What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston

Facing a criminal charge is not a pleasant situation. Fortunately, you are one step ahead of the crowd. You fully realize that you should retain the services of a criminal defense attorney in Houston. Still, you may find yourself with a couple of questions about the process. 

The first and foremost issue is how to find the best criminal defense attorney. It is an important decision because the better the lawyer, the better the case result. Check out our guide to help you understand how to screen and select a criminal defense attorney in Houston that is right for you. 

Service Is Essential

A criminal case is something that may be a new experience in your life. That’s why you want a defense attorney specializes in your type of incident. 

The right criminal defense attorney in Houston will understand that this is an anxiety-inducing situation and will pay close attention to your case. They will strive to conduct a thorough initial analysis, and be there to answer any questions you may have after you form a relationship. 

Learn more about your attorney, how much time they have, the number of cases they are working on, and if they have the bandwidth to work on your case correctly. 

Also, remember to take note of if they respond to your calls or emails as quickly as possible. The initial engagement process should not take long. Usually, you should be able to meet with a representative within 24 hours. 

Finally, you want a criminal defense attorney that understands the gravity of the situation and will move swiftly to get you past this moment in your life. Responsiveness and a sense of urgency is a must.

Criminal Attorney not Civil Attorney

There are many different areas of law, and you want to make sure that you select an attorney that specializes in your particular situation. 

If you find yourself in a criminal case, you may immediately call an attorney that you know. While that is a step in the right direction, remember that they may not have the right expertise and could better serve as a referral source.

Remember that a lawyer who may have helped you with your business is not the same one that may be best for your criminal case. Lawyers who help you with your taxes, will, or land deeds will likely not be the best lawyer to handle your criminal situation. It would be best if you chose a lawyer that will have the skills to defend you in this highly relevant manner with a proven track record. 

Yes, it is a simple and obvious distinction, but it is one to be aware of in your search. A professional defense representative will have a deeper understanding of the local criminal courts and will know exactly how to navigate your case for the best possible result.

Local Expertise Matters

Each courthouse has its own culture and patterns of behavior, and the right legal representative will understand the nuances, quirks, and vagaries in the local courts. That gives you an upper hand and an edge in moving past your case. 

While the law of the land may be the same across the region, the practices and implementations may vary and can have a remarkable impact on how the verdict ends. You would be wise to seek out an attorney that specializes in the Texas state law.

Simple Targeted Expertise Tames Legal Complexity

Defendants know that the modern legal system is quite complex, but a proper criminal defense attorney will be able to handle your case for you. These segments range from white-collar-crime to common drunk driving cases.

Defendants such as yourself will want to ensure that the attorney you choose will have substantial experience in your type of offense. Of course, it doesn’t have to be strictly the same as your specific offense, but the more targeted and similar to your case, the better it is for you.

Remember to ask your potential representative about their knowledge in your type of offense, time dealing with such cases, and other pertinent information.

Cost Structure

Make sure that you understand all aspects of the cost structure before initiating the professional relationship with your defense attorney in Houston. You value superior service and will pay for it, but you need to know all aspects of the service. 

Does the lawyer charge a flat fee, or do they charge by the hour? What counsel and effort will come with their services? The best firms give clients transparent prices for their services.

Remember that these are just a few of the main points that you should pay attention to as you proceed to find a criminal defense lawyer that has your best interests at heart. If you find yourself in criminal legal trouble in Houston, reach out to us today during a free DWI case review

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How to Find the Best DWI Attorney in Houston

Have you been arrested for or charged with a DWI in Houston, Texas? Are you helping friends or family members that are currently facing such a situation? Don’t worry. We know that it is a frightening situation. Remember to reach out for assistance from a legal professional who can advise you and walk you through the process today. 

Your search for a legal representative in Houston will be worth the effort. A DWI attorney in Houston, Texas, can help you to fight the case and let you move on with your life. Review our guide on how to find the best DWI lawyer in Houston.

Government-Appointed or Private DWI Attorney?

While you will have the option to go with a court-appointed attorney, it will likely be in your best interest to go with a private DWI attorney. The consensus is that the private DWI attorney will have the right incentives to pursue the case with more enthusiasm. It is in your best interest to go with someone who is aligned with the best outcome in your DWI case.

Always Choose Experience

One critical part of this process is to ensure that you’re looking to hire the best professionals to guide you through this speed bump. Remember that an experienced DWI attorney is essential when seeking the best results for your case.

You will understand that the DWI lawyer has experience because he will be able to converse with you on various parts of the process and cover the basics without any trouble. You can further investigate expertise by asking the potential representative of the last time they took on a DWI case. 

You can also delve further and inquire as to their in-depth understanding of the local courthouses. Do they know of the judges and the processes of the local court system that you can use to your advantage?

It is essential to realize that you need a lawyer that has full knowledge of aspects such as plea bargains and knows how to stay calm under pressure and perform well.

That is also one of the main reasons why you would want to shy away from representing yourself in court. You would not know about the different details, processes, and nuances that could help you resolve your DWI issue.

Finding a DWI Attorney In Houston

Now that you know about the key attributes to look for when starting your search, here are some of the tried and true methods of finding a DWI attorney near you.

Do Your Due Diligence

The best DWI attorneys understand the client and their needs are a high priority. Remember to find someone that will not only listen to you but will make sure to move in urgently. They will take the time to understand what you have to say and go over your case with you. 

Conduct an Online Search

You can find competent lawyers in Houston near you by searching on Google or Bing. Look at their track record, cases handled, years of experience, percentage of happy clients, and their overall level of success in court.

Inquire with Family and Friends

You may also get reliable recommendations from family friends that you can cross-reference by searching on the web.

Formulate a Comprehensive List of Potential Candidates

Make a simple list of the candidates that resonate with you. Take notes of their hourly rate or cost and jot down questions to ask during a consultation. Please pay attention to details such as their qualifications and standing with the state. 

Visit Your Prime Candidates

Once you have a shortlist of attornies, you can move forward and schedule visits with the best candidates. Take a moment and notice if you feel comfortable with your candidate. Does everything make sense? If so, then you are ready to hire your candidate.

Receive a Free DWI Case Review

We know that finding a great candidate to resolve your DWI situation in Houston can be difficult. We are here to help you navigate through this process. 

Reach out to us today, and we can start your free DWI case review to discuss the best possible options for your case. You can also reach out to us for a free DWI phone consultation so that we can learn more about your case. 

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Drunk Driving vs. Texting while Driving: Does the Penalty Match The Crime?

Studies continually show that distracted driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. While most of us wouldn’t even consider getting behind the wheel after a drink or two, many Americans (both teens and adults) admit to texting while operating a vehicle.

Motor vehicle accidents are responsible for more than 30,000 deaths every year. With numbers this high, it’s imperative for governing bodies to implement laws that help reduce risky driving behaviors.

The National Highway Safety Administration released a study that revealed that in 2012, an estimated 421,000 people were injured in car crashes involving a distracted driver. This should serve as more than enough motivation to start cracking down on texting drivers.

Current legislature dictates that texting while driving is illegal in most states, but in Texas, Oklahoma, Montana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Arizona, it’s still permitted under the law.

 

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The good news is that texting while operating a school bus is illegal everywhere but Montana, Missouri, and Arizona. Lawmakers overwhelmingly agree that school bus drivers should not be allowed to use their mobile devices while driving the kiddies around. For those parents in Montana, Missouri, and Arizona – seems like it might be time to rally for restricted phone usage policies while their children are on board.

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Beyond a behavior being “legal” or not, there is a significant variation in the penalties for breaking these laws. In Florida for example, the fine for texting while driving is just $30, whereas a DUI ticket is $1000. It is completely illogical that texting drivers should get off so easy compared with those who are inebriated. It’s just as dangerous – so why should the fine be 3% of the cost?

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In 42 states, you can go to jail for driving while intoxicated, but in only 2 states will you end up behind bars for texting while driving. Utah and Alaska clearly have stricter distracted driving laws than the other 48 states.

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In Alaska, interestingly enough, the fine for drunk driving is $1500 – which seems like a lot – until you see the penalty for drivers who are caught texting: $10,000! This is a state that recognizes the dangers of distracted driving and has subsequently imposed a fine to fit the offense.

California is just the opposite. In this west coast state, the penalty for texting and driving is a mere $20 ticket, whereas a DUI translates to a $1000 fee, a 4-month license suspension, and up to 6 months in jail. Why does California take drunk driving so seriously, but not distracted driving?

It’s not just California, though. In nearly every state, texting is viewed as a far less serious indiscretion than driving under the influence. Only Utah and Alaska recognize the seriousness of the crime and assign fines accordingly.

With distracted driving on the rise, it’s important to consider the ramifications of the activity. Today, most of us know not to get behind the wheel after over imbibing, but drivers take a much more carefree approach to “no texting” laws.

The facts and figures make it clear that texting is as likely to cause an accident as drinking when it comes to operating a vehicle, so it’s astounding to see states with such discrepancies in their penalties.

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Pickup Hits Motorist And Houston Police Officer, Driver Accused Of DWI

On Saturday, October 5, a Houston police officer and a motorist were slightly injured after they were struck by an allegedly intoxicated driver.

KHOU Houston reports that the motorist got a flat tire along Tidwell Street near Wayside Road around 4 a.m. The officer stopped to assist and turned on his lights to alert other drivers that the two vehicles were there on the side of the road.

Shortly after the officer pulled over, a pickup truck rear-ended the squad car, which in turn sent the squad car into the vehicle with the flat tire. All three vehicles involved sustained minor damage, it seems.

The officer and the driver of the car with the flat tire were both taken to nearby hospitals to be treated for minor injuries. The driver of the pickup was not injured, but he was arrested on suspicion of DWI.

Stories like this illustrate why law enforcement agencies take DWI so seriously. The situation grows more dire when it’s a second or third offense, rather than a first, with the potential punishment growing more severe with every previous conviction.

If you are ever accused of driving while intoxicated, especially if it is not for the first time, it is absolutely vital that you take proactive steps to arrange for a vigorous defense. If you do not take charge of your situation, perhaps with the assistance of an experience Houston criminal defense counselor, you are very much at risk for losing the best opportunity you have to make your case.

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16-Year-Old Accused Of Killing 4, Injuring 9 In Drunk Driving Accident

A 16-year-old Texas boy has been charged with four counts of intoxication manslaughter after he was involved in a car accident back in June that left four people dead and nine others injured.

At a hearing this month, he was allowed to stay with his parents, rather than in a juvenile facility, until his trial begins. He must wear an ankle monitoring bracelet, however.

According to KHOU Houston, the boy was driving through Tarrant County when he struck a church vehicle that had stopped to help a woman who had gotten a flat tire. The resulting collision killed a youth pastor, a mother and daughter who attended the pastor’s church and the 24-year-old woman who had gotten the flat tire. Nine other people who were also on the scene were badly hurt.

Authorities say the boy was driving between 68 and 70 mph in a 40 mph zone and had a BAC of 0.24 at the time of the accident. In Texas, the legal limit is 0.08.

If the boy is convicted on all counts, he could spend as many as 20 years in prison.

In a situation like this, the objective of the boy’s defense team is likely not to prove him innocent (presuming he did, of course, cause the deadly collision, and we do not yet know that he did). Rather, the defense counsel’s job will likely entail carefully reviewing the facts and circumstances of this incident, making sure the charges fit what actually happened, and then working to ensure a just and fair sentence (again, assuming that one is merited). This way, the defense counsel will be carrying out our justice system’s belief that everyone deserves a zealous advocate and the full and fair benefit of one’s day in court.

If you are ever accused of drunk driving, you may want to speak with an attorney to ensure that your rights are respected. You are free to contact us at any time.

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Questions Raised by Alice Walton’s Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Case

Alice Walton, the Walmart heiress estimated to be worth about 27 billion dollars, was arrested for driving while intoxicated back in 2011.  In September of this year, she made the news again when it turns out the DWI charge won’t be formally filed.

She was arrested for a DWI in Texas on her 62nd birthday after being pulled over for speeding, allegedly going 71 mph in a construction zone with a speed limit of 55 mph.  She was determined to be intoxicated after a field sobriety test, but she refused to take a breath test.  She wound up getting booked, and was released on $1000 bail.  In the two years that followed, what delayed her prosecution? Why have the charges now been dropped?

Here are some things to consider about her case.

Unsurprisingly, many people are suspicious that she never had formal charges filed against her by prosecutors because of her status and wealth.  Without a doubt, she had a strong legal defense team working for her and negotiating with prosecutors behind the scenes.  Obtaining the best legal representation is important for anyone, regardless of how wealthy or well-known they are.

The case shows that it can take time to formally file charges for a DWI arrest; there’s a two-year window in which to do so, where the police officers need to fully investigate the case and present their evidence to prosecutors, and prosecutors need to do their own review and investigative work to determine what charges to formally file.  Your defense attorney would be on the lookout for improper evidence gathering and whether charges are being filed with insufficient evidence.

The reason prosecutors gave for dropping the charges was the absence of the key witness: the state trooper who pulled over Walton.  He’s currently on paid leave, suspended since February for misconduct allegedly uncovered during an internal investigation.  He would’ve needed to provide testimony about the field sobriety test, which was the basis for Walton’s arrest.  Because there was no blood or breath test administered, there was no way of knowing what her blood-alcohol content actually was that night; the case would have strongly depended on witness testimony.  One would also have to raise questions about how the field sobriety test was conducted by the trooper and what it actually revealed about Walton’s driving.

When an individual suspected of DWI refuses to take a breath test or agree to a blood sample, law enforcement may try to obtain a warrant in order to collect a blood sample.  Why wasn’t a warrant obtained in this case? It may be because the DWI in this case wasn’t a felony offense involving damage to property, injury, or death.  Police will also run a background check to look for previous DWIs, and in Walton’s case nothing turned up, even though in 1998 in Arkansas she was indeed convicted of a DWI.

The extent to which Walton’s wealth and connections played a role in this recent case isn’t known for sure, and wouldn’t be relevant to the vast majority of people who are pulled over for a DWI.  However, what it does show is the uniqueness and complexity of each DWI case; other cases also crumble due to lack of witness testimony or other evidence, or the ways in which they’re investigated.  No matter what circumstances surround your DWI case, you’ll always need the help of a good lawyer to obtain the best possible outcome for you.

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Dina Lohan Pleads Not Guilty To DWI

Dina Lohan, the mother of troubled actress and singer Lindsay Lohan, pleaded not guilty to DWI on Sept. 24.

We are not writing about this story because we care about its tabloid elements. Rather, we think it is worth writing a post about because it contains some lessons that would be valuable to our Houston audience.

Lohan, 50, was arrested in New York on Sept. 12 after she was allegedly pulled over while driving 77 mph in a 55 mph zone. She was supposedly given a blood-alcohol content test that showed her BAC to be 0.20. In New York, Texas and all of the other 48 states, the legal BAC to drive is 0.08

Lohan will next appear in court on Oct. 23.

As you may be aware, Lindsay Lohan has struggled with substance abuse herself, having been admitted to rehabilitation programs six times. She has been candid in interviews about how both of her parents have also had their own troubles with alcohol and drugs; her estranged father, Michael, has also graduated from rehabilitation program before relapsing.

What we see when we look at this is a family that is, for some reason and in some way, predisposed to have difficulty creating healthy relationships with alcohol and other substances. This is not an excuse for any kind of illegal behavior, of course, but it might be at least something of an explanation. In our society, some people are not getting the help they need to overcome problematic relationships with dangerous substances.

If you are ever accused of driving while intoxicated, please do not react to these charges blithely. It is very important that you approach them with seriousness and gravity

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Texas Woman Gets Life In Prison For 6th DWI

A 44-year-old Texas woman was recently sentenced to life in prison after her sixth conviction for driving while intoxicated.

Yes, you read that correctly — life in prison.

The length and severity of the woman’s prison sentence has reignited discussion in our state about which crimes we punish most harshly and why. No one is saying it is okay to drive drunk; rather, some have questioned whether life in prison is an appropriate punishment for a nonviolent crime. Although endangering the health and safety of other people is not okay, that this woman has been sentenced to life in prison is stunning. She did not actually hurt anyone, and there have certainly been cases in which an individual did hurt someone and wound up spending less time in prison than this woman.

The San Marcos woman was arrested in July 2012. A Kyle police officer allegedly saw her driving erratically down Interstate 35. When he pulled her over, he found that she had an open container of beer in her car; subsequently, she failed field sobriety tests and a blood-alcohol content test.

The woman’s first DWI came in 1996. She has served prison time for her previous DWI offenses.

When you consider that five previous DWI convictions were not enough to get this woman to change her behavior, you can see that she has a severe problem and is not getting the help she needs. It is truly unfortunate any time a member of our society falls through the cracks like this.

As a criminal defense attorney, I specialize in representing clients who have been charged with DWI. You are welcome to contact me today to learn more about representation.

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Concerns about excessive force during DWI arrests

When police arrest you over suspicion of any crime, including DWI, there are certain protocols they’re required to follow; their behavior is constrained by law.  And while many arrests take place without improper conduct from police, there are unfortunately times when police officers use excessive force against an individual they’re arresting.

Recently, a man in Carrollton, Texas won a suit against an officer who had used excessive force against him during a DWI arrest, in a jail intake facility.  According to a piece from Fox-4 Dallas Fort Worth, the man (whose DWI charges wound up getting dropped) suffered a concussion and some other minor injuries as a result of getting pushed violently against a wall.

When people get arrested for DWI, they may be especially vulnerable to acts of excessive force from the police.  If they’re truly intoxicated, for instance, they may tend to be more argumentative with the cops, stagger into them accidentally, and in general move more slowly.  Police could interpret these actions as resistance to arrest or general uncooperativeness.  Even when an individual isn’t intoxicated, they might still be vulnerable; if they question the reason they’re getting pulled over or show even the slightest sign of not being fully cooperative (according to police interpretation), they might also be subjected to excessive force.

How does one determine whether the police behaved reasonably versus used excessive force? Different factors to evaluate include the following:

The suspect’s behavior.  What were they allegedly doing that seemed to call for a more severe use of force? Were they really being uncooperative, resisting arrest, or posing a threat to police officers?

The extent of the injuries.

The actions permitted a police officer in a given jurisdiction.

In these cases, it’s also important to go over evidence from witnesses and from any camera footage.

The general conduct of police during a DWI arrest could play an important role in how you defend yourself against the charge.  Every aspect of police behavior, from what they said and did to you during an arrest to how they gathered evidence, needs to be examined.  Beyond that, you should know that no matter what you’re arrested for, you deserve to be treated fairly and humanely.

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