Edinburg Law Blog

A look at distracted driving in Texas

On behalf of The Sanchez Law Firm posted in Car Accidents on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

Distracted driving remains a dangerous problem in Texas. Over a three-year period in Texas, one in five car accidents was attributed to distracted driving. Texas has initiated a campaign to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage drivers throughout Texas to put down their cell phones while driving.

During 2017, there were a total of 537,475 car accidents and 100,687 of them, or 19 percent, involved some type of distracted driving such as driver distraction, inattention or cell phone use. Of those distracted driving-related car accidents, victims suffered 2,889 serious injuries and 444 fatalities. As of last fall, a statewide law in Texas made it illegal for drivers to read, write or send a text while driving.

Texas police officer arrested on domestic charges

On behalf of The Sanchez Law Firm posted in criminal defense on Friday, November 9, 2018.

Domestic violence charges are always serious. A police officer in a Texas community north of the Edinburg area was recently charged with domestic assault. The assault allegedly occurred when the police officer was off duty. The 37-year old police officer is facing charges including assault causing bodily injury and family violence. The police officer has been with the police department for 4 years and was placed on administration leave following the alleged incident.

According to authorities, both criminal and administrative investigations will be conducted related to the allegations of family violence. Authorities reported that they interviewed the person alleging the assault. Domestic assault charges can result in significant penalties for the accused individual. It is without question that domestic violence can have a broad impact on those involved, families and communities which is why a variety of resources are available to help, including to those accused of domestic violence.

Facing drug charges? Consider a pretrial diversion program

On behalf of The Sanchez Law Firm on Saturday, November 3, 2018.

Being charged with a crime for the first time can be devastating. Luckily, Texas recently passed a law that might allow residents to get their drug charges dismissed.

Legal protections for catastrophic injuries after a car accident

On behalf of The Sanchez Law Firm posted in Car Accidents on Thursday, November 1, 2018.

Car accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that have devastating consequences for victims. The victim's life may be changed forever which is why personal injury legal protections are available to help with the physical, financial and emotional fallout of an unexpected car accident.

Catastrophic injuries victims may suffer can include brain injuries which can include life-altering traumatic brain injuries; spinal cord injuries which can result in paralysis from injuries suffered in the back and neck; severely broken bones and amputations; burn injuries; and other types of injuries including scarring and soft tissue injuries which can worsen over time or may be worse than immediately understood following a car accident. Victims may also suffer disability as a result of a car accident.

The different types of plea negotiations

On behalf of The Sanchez Law Firm posted in criminal defense on Friday, October 26, 2018.

Because plea bargains are a common part of the criminal justice process, it is important to understand what the different types of plea bargains are. It is essential that accused individuals understand their criminal defense options but also understand the plea bargaining process because many criminal cases are resolved through the plea bargaining process.

Plea negotiations fall into different categories. One type of plea negotiation is charge bargaining. In circumstances of charge bargaining, the accused individual will provide a guilty plea in exchange for the charges being reduced or certain charges being eliminated. Sentence bargaining is another type of plea bargaining that involves the accused individual providing a guilty plea in exchange for a reduced sentence or a recommendation for a reduced sentence.

What is the difference between a felony and misdemeanor charge?

On behalf of The Sanchez Law Firm posted in criminal defense on Thursday, October 18, 2018.

All criminal charges are serious and can result in serious potential penalties and consequences. That said, felony charges can result in more serious potential penalties and consequences which is why it is helpful to understand the difference between a felony charge and a misdemeanor charge.

In most states, crimes are divided into categories depending on their seriousness. How the charges against the accused individual will be treated, and what potential penalties and consequences they may face, depend on how they are charged so it is helpful to understand the different types of charges and what they mean. A misdemeanor charge is considered more serious than an infraction and can be punished by up to a year in jail.

What happens during a criminal trial?

On behalf of The Sanchez Law Firm posted in criminal defense on Friday, October 12, 2018.

A criminal trial can be overwhelming and may even seem frightening which is why it is important for accused individuals to understand what is involved in a criminal trial. There are many questions an accused individual likely has if they are facing a criminal trial.

The standard of proof in a criminal trial is that guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The first phase of a trial is choosing a jury. After the jury is selected and empaneled, the next phase of the trial is that each side, the prosecution and defense, will provide opening statements. Witness testimony can then be put on and witnesses may be cross examined by the opposing side. At the conclusion of the trial each side has the opportunity to provide closing statements.

Protections for victims after a fatal car accident

On behalf of The Sanchez Law Firm posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, October 3, 2018.

This blog recently discussed the importance of knowing the time limits associated with a personal injury claim for damages. This is also true when a victim has been killed in a fatal car accident and their family pursues the legal remedies available to them when a loved one has been wrongfully killed.

When another party, such as a negligent driver, has caused a car accident that results in injuries or death, they can turn the lives of innocent victims and their families upside down in an instant. Family members may be able to seek damages for the harm they have suffered through a wrongful death claim for damages. A wrongful death claim for damages is brought on behalf of the lost loved one's estate for the benefit of surviving family members.

Knowing time limits on personal injury claims is important

On behalf of The Sanchez Law Firm posted in Car Accidents on Friday, September 28, 2018.

Following an unexpected car accident, victims may be left feeling vulnerable and wondering what to do. It is important for them to understand that there are important time limits associated with making a personal injury claim for damages which can help victims recover compensation for the physical, financial and emotional damages they have suffered in a car accident.

Because each state has its own statute of limitation for filing a personal injury claim following a car accident, which range from one year to six years to do so, it is important for victims of car accidents to be familiar with what the legal requirements for filing a claim are in their state so they can preserve their ability to bring a claim for damages following a car accident if that is what they decide to do.

A closer look at domestic assault charges

On behalf of The Sanchez Law Firm posted in criminal defense on Friday, September 21, 2018.

This blog recently discussed what assault charges refer to. It can also be helpful to also understand what domestic assault charges refer to because they refer to a variety of different behaviors that may result in criminal charges and the potential penalties and consequences that go along with them.

Domestic abuse can refer to abuse that is physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial. Domestic abuse can impact families and communities and is a serious concern for both families and communities. There are a variety of resources available to help families involved in domestic abuse. As is true of any criminal charges, accused individuals always have criminal defense options and resources available to them. Physical violence is typically what most people think of when they think of domestic abuse. Physical violence includes the use of force such as punching, kicking, slapping, choking and other actions.

Aggressively
Defending Your Rights