Austin Criminal Defense Law Blog

What types of offenses constitute white collar crime?

On behalf of Granger and Mueller PC posted in Criminal Law on Thursday, May 17, 2018.

When Texas police officers or other legal officials mention white-collar crime, they're typically referring to non-violent offenses committed for financial gain. If a police officer pulls you over in a traffic stop, you may get a speeding ticket or some other citation, stating that you failed to adhere to a particular traffic regulation. Such situations are usually instantaneous, meaning an officer claims to witness you committing an infraction and conducts an immediate stop.

On the other hand, if authorities think you've committed a white-collar crime, you may have been the subject of an investigation for weeks or even months without knowing it. As in all criminal cases, the court presumes your innocence unless prosecutors prove otherwise. Your right to present as strong a defense as possible to try to avoid conviction is a guarantee. Understanding more about how the law categories white-collar crimes and where you can turn for support may help you preserve your freedom if a problem arises.

Understanding the charges you face

On behalf of Granger and Mueller PC on Friday, May 11, 2018.

An arrest for any offense can have a profound effect on your future. However, as you begin to prepare your defense, it is important to understand what is at risk for you. Different crimes carry different weight in the criminal justice system. They also carry the potential for greater or lesser penalties.

Just like every state, Texas has its own way of categorizing crimes at both the state and local levels. If you are facing charges of a criminal offense, your rights are on the line. Having the help of a local attorney who is familiar and experienced with the statutes and courts in the community and beyond could provide you with a better opportunity for a favorable outcome.

Were you told these things when you were arrested?

On behalf of Granger and Mueller PC posted in blog on Tuesday, April 24, 2018.

Getting pulled over by a Texas police officer after a nice evening on the town with friends can definitely ruin your memory of the occasion. If what you thought was going to be a minor traffic stop, perhaps with a warning to slow down a bit but no further repercussions, winds up including handcuffs and a trip to jail, you may face a number of serious legal challenges before you can get your life back on track.

Whether the officer accuses you of drunk driving or arrests you on possession charges because he or she allegedly found marijuana in the back seat (of the car you borrowed from someone for your night out), how well you understand your rights may impact the ultimate outcome of your situation.

Who was Miranda and what does she have to do with you?

On behalf of Granger and Mueller PC posted in Criminal Law on Monday, April 23, 2018.

Depending on your current age, you may or may not have been born when the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision in a case involving a person with the surname, Miranda. It was 1966 when the high court ruled on a topic that may impact your life today should a law enforcement officer ever arrest you and take you into custody for questioning. This historic court case led to a system of civil rights protection collectively known as Miranda Rights.

It has to do with what police officers may say and do, more specifically, must say and do prior to questioning you in any type of criminal investigation. The more you know about Miranda ahead of time, the better. This way, if you wind up facing legal trouble and a police officer fails to act according to Miranda regulations, you may recognize the violation and be able to access support to protect your rights in court.

Drug charges don't always lead to conviction

On behalf of Granger and Mueller PC posted in blog on Thursday, March 22, 2018.

If you were to survey Texas residents to find out approximately how many have, at some point in their lives, faced some type of legal problems, the results (if participants were to be completely honest) would likely be high for those who answer affirmatively. Some would probably say they'd had a traffic ticket or two; others perhaps have dealt with more serious matters.

You yourself might currently be facing criminal charges of some kind, maybe drug-related or a DUI, and are feeling a bit overwhelmed or alone as you prepare for what lies ahead. It's always good to remember that you are definitely not the first, and most probably will not be the last, person in this or any other state to face charges in court. However, understanding that it's no small matter, you'll be doing yourself a favor if you seek clarification of your rights and possible defense strategies ahead of time.

Preliminary alcohol screening versus Breathalyzer

On behalf of Granger and Mueller PC posted in blog on Thursday, March 8, 2018.

Like all motorists in Texas and beyond, you're obligated to adhere to all traffic regulations and state laws that impact your privilege of operating a motor vehicle. For instance, if you drive around without a license plate on your car, it's like an invitation to police officers to pull you over. That's because you understand from the get go that your vehicle must have visible tag numbers showing while you drive.

As a licensed driver, you aren't allowed to drive if you're intoxicated. Problems can arise, however, concerning the legal definition of the word. In most states, if your blood alcohol content level is .08 or higher, the law prohibits you from getting behind the wheel to drive. If a police officer pulls you over because of a DWI suspicion, he or she may ask you to take a test from a mobile device. It's important to understand the difference between this test and a chemical Breathalyzer test.

Several factors could impact your BAC level

On behalf of Granger and Mueller PC posted in DUI on Monday, February 19, 2018.

Over the years and through your various outings with friends, you likely noticed that alcohol affects people differently. You may have seen a friend consume only a small amount of alcohol and act very unlike his or her usual self while also watching another individual consume drink after drink without showing the slightest sign of impairment. This type of scenario happens quite often as many different factors can impact how alcohol affects a person.

You may have found your alcohol-drinking limit early on as far as when to stop before you feel impaired. However, even if you do not feel as if the alcohol has affected you, your blood-alcohol concentration level could tell a different story. As a result, if you get behind the wheel and an officer pulls you over, you could still end up facing DUI charges.

Should you just let the police into your home?

On behalf of Granger and Mueller PC posted in blog on Monday, February 5, 2018.

If you are like many other Texans, you may not think twice about letting police officers into your home when they come knocking without you having called them for an emergency first. However, as you wonder why they are even at your door, you may want to take a moment to consider whether you should let them in at all.

Asking a couple of polite questions may help ascertain why they are there. In some cases, officers may be asking questions regarding a possible crime they believe someone committed in your area. If they think that you are the one who may have committed a crime, you have rights.

Understanding criminal charges involving forgery

On behalf of Granger and Mueller PC posted in blog on Friday, January 19, 2018.

Facing criminal charges is frightening, and it can be a threat to the personal well-being of Texas readers for years to come. If you are dealing with accusations of a white-collar crime, such as forgery, you would be wise not to underestimate the serious nature of your situation. Forgery charges can result in consequences that can change the direction of your life, and it is beneficial to build a strong criminal defense to protect your future.

Federal crimes merit the support and guidance of an experienced legal ally. Navigating the criminal justice system is complex, and when there is much at stake, you have no time to lose in taking the appropriate steps to defend your interests. Forgery typically involves making a fake document or forging signatures to sign or modify important documents.

Think twice before refusing a Breathalyzer test in Texas

On behalf of Granger and Mueller PC posted in blog on Thursday, January 4, 2018.

You never know when a police officer is going to pull you over in a traffic stop. Well, if you are flying down a highway at speeds that far exceed the posted limits in the area, chances are you might wind up seeing some flashing red and blue lights in your rear view mirror at some point. However, there may also be a time when you have no clue why a Texas police officer has signaled you to pull off the road.

Of course, the officer who makes the stop is obligated to inform you of the reason. This is definitely something to keep in mind if you wind up facing charges for DWI or some other criminal offense. You do not relinquish your rights even if the officer suspects you of a crime. In fact, you do not have to submit to requests to answer questions (without legal representation present) or to take field sobriety tests, etc. You should know though, that your refusal in certain circumstances may result in penalty.