San Antonio Sex Crimes Attorney

The state legislature has expressed concerns over sex crimes, and in a recent year the total number of sexual assault incidents in Texas exceeded 18,000. The laws in Texas are tough on sex crimes. When there are allegations of this type, it can be devastating to the person named as the defendant. Cases of this nature can become a public matter. Possible penalties can be rather onerous and can include jail time, fines, to being listed on a sex offender registry, etc. Should you find yourself faced with a charge of a sex crime, you should not wait to contact an experienced San Antonio sex crimes attorney right away. Our sex abuse lawyers are compassionate to the situation you have found yourself in. Also, our attorneys have the necessary experience defending against allegations of sexual abuse. You do have your constitutional rights. Our firm is prepared to defend those rights.

Sexual Offense Allegations

Certainly, there are plenty of legitimate allegations made that someone committed a sex crime. Even so, all too often someone is falsely accused of a sex crime. In Texas, there are a number of types of charges of sexual offenses, including the following:

• Sexual Assault and Battery
• Date Rape
• Statutory Rape
• Indecent Exposure
• Failure to File as a Sex Offender
• Spousal and Marital Rape
• Lewd Acts Involving Children
• Child Pornography
• Incest
• Internet Sex Crimes
• Molestation
• Human Trafficking
• Solicitation and prostitution
• Online Solicitation of a Minor
• Sexual Abuse, both Familial and Institutional

Burden of Proof

If you are have been charged with a sex crime, there is one critical thing that you should bear in mind. A criminal case has to be proven against you, beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden of proof weighs squarely upon the prosecution. It is the job of your attorney to meticulously examine all evidence, including the actions or inactions of the law enforcement officers involved.

San Antonio Sex Crimes Attorney

Have you or a family member been charged with a sex crime? When you are charged with a sex crime, there is a tremendous amount at stake. Our sex crimes attorney in San Antonio offer our clients aggressive, yet compassionate, representation. Our experienced sex crime lawyers are well positioned to zealously represent individuals and their families. Please feel free to call us today for a free initial consultation.

San Antonio Robbery Lawyer

The reported robbery crime rate in San Antonio is significantly higher than the robbery crime rate for the entire state of Texas, and is still even higher than the U.S. robbery crime rate. Anyone charged with a crime instantly has a lot at stake. When anyone receives a criminal conviction of any sort, there will be a life-long impact upon the defendant. If you or your loved one has been charged with a robbery crime, swiftly contact an experienced San Antonio robbery lawyer as soon as possible. Our seasoned robbery lawyers can assist you or your loved one with all legal issues. Call our experienced and compassionate attorneys today.

Robbery Compared with Burglary

Robbery occurs when someone uses force or the threat of force to take personal property from another person. Common types of robbery include purse snatching, mugging, bank robberies, and carjacking. By comparison, burglary happens when someone breaks into a building or automobile and steals property inside. For someone to be convicted of robbery in Texas, it is the prosecutors that have the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that while stealing another person’s personal property; the wrongdoer intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused bodily harm to another person. Instead, the prosecutor can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the wrongdoer intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly threatened another person or caused the other person to fear bodily harm or even death.

Aggravated Robbery

Aggravated robbery is different from an ordinary robbery in that it may involve the use of a deadly weapon to steal the personal property of another person. A deadly weapon can be a knife, a gun, or any other weapon that could be used to potentially kill someone.

San Antonio Robbery Lawyer

In the state of Texas, the penalties for robbery are quite stiff and a conviction can have a lifelong impact upon a defendant. Should you or a loved one happen to find yourselves in the very trying situation of being charged with robbery, our experienced San Antonio robbery lawyers are prepared to help and present your defense against all criminal charges. To protect your rights and interests contact our attorneys today.

What Can Happen When Someone Violates a Protective Order?

It is common knowledge that most, but not all, domestic violence occurs where the female is the victim. Studies conducted in Texas have shown that 23% of women in the state claimed to have experienced physical abuse, and 13% of the women had claimed to have experienced both physical abuse and sexual abuse. During couple break-ups especially, family disputes can become heated and emotionally charged. If you and/or your children have become a victim of physical violence, or you and/or your children are under a threat of physical violence, you should take immediate steps to protect yourselves. The very first step you should take is to contact law enforcement. Thereafter, you should contact an experienced San Antonio protective orders lawyer. The experienced attorneys at our firm are ready to battle to protect your interests and your health. Do not hesitate and wait too long during such a crises.

Obtaining a Protective Order in San Antonio

Are you in fear for your safety and/or the safety of your children? If so, you can file for a restraining order with the court. You only need your testimony as evidence. If the court issues the restraining order, there will be a hearing scheduled for the court to determine if the protective order should be extended. At the hearing the defendant will be entitled to present evidence and testimony in defense against the order.

Violations of a Protective Order

Authorities do not take protective order violations lightly. It becomes a very serious matter. If an abuser decides to violate any of the terms of an issued protective order, you are able to call upon authorities to enforce the order. It is possible that the abuser could be arrested. It is also possible that the abuser could be held in contempt of court. If there are multiple violations of a protective order it can lead to felony charges against the abuser.

San Antonio Protective Orders Lawyer

Fears of potential physical violence are very real, and can be overwhelming. Should you or your children become victims of physical violence or are on the receiving end of threats of physical violence, you must take swift action to protect yourselves. After calling upon authorities for assistance, you should place a call to an experienced San Antonio protective orders attorney. The seasoned protective order attorneys at our firm will take your safety very seriously, and we will help to put into place the legal protections that you require for peace of mind.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence Crimes?

Pursuant to Texas law, family violence and domestic abuse typically refers to violent acts between spouses. Although, at times domestic abuse can refer to elder abuse, child abuse, or even between partners, roommates, family members, or ex-spouses. Domestic violence is a crime, and it carries with it potential fines and significant jail time. If you are facing criminal charges of domestic violence, call one of our San Antonio family violence lawyers today, in order to protect your interests and to start building your defense.

Domestic Violence

The act of violence does not have to cause bodily injury. Threats of imminent injury are enough to constitute domestic violence. Often, prosecutors will prove that certain behaviors demonstrate a desire to physically control or dominate. If the prosecutor can satisfy this proof, then the case will end in a conviction, even if there is no evidence of there being any threats of physical harm.

Penalties for Domestic Violence Crimes

Even though the most common type of domestic violence is between spouses, all domestic violence crimes are tried as if they were a spousal abuse crime. A conviction of domestic violence can mean that the fine is as much as $10,000. A conviction will also bring with it potential jail time up to 20 years. When there is an assault against a family member, that too will be considered domestic violence. An argument that results in a minor injury which caused pain to a family member can be enough for a charge of domestic violence. All that the prosecutors have to prove in their case is that there was pain inflicted on a victim by the defendant. The prosecutor does not have to prove that there were any injuries sustained.

San Antonio Family Violence Lawyer

Arguments between family members are inevitable. However, when disputes give rise to domestic violence charges, that is where real problems occur. The seriousness of the punishments for domestic violence are truly daunting and the impact is potentially lifelong. If you have been charged with domestic violence, our experienced San Antonio family violence lawyers are prepared to help defend you against all criminal charges. Contact our family violence attorneys as soon as possible.

San Antonio DWI Lawyer

Being arrested in Texas for driving while intoxicated (“DWI”) can be one of the most stressful experiences you may ever have. To many arrested, the experience makes you feel like you are being treated like a criminal. Naturally, a defendant tends to worry and stress about what their family will think as well as what their friends and their employers will think if they were to find out that they were arrested and charged with a DWI. If you have been charged with DWI, what you need is an experienced San Antonio DWI lawyer who can diligently defend you and your case. The seasoned DWI attorneys at our firm can assist you through the complex legal process, fighting for your rights and interests.

Meeting with a San Antonio DWI Lawyer

After selecting the proper experienced San Antonio DWI attorney, you will meet with her or him to discuss the facts of the case. It is crucial to meet with your lawyer as soon as practicable. Memories tend to fade with the passage of time, and successful DWI cases are often won on the details of the case. You should openly share everything with your attorney. This includes sharing information that describes your present life situation, including such things as:

• Work-related details such as injuries, stress, or loss of a job
• Health conditions such as any injures, ailments, conditions, or medications that could affect your physical or mental well-being
• Whether you are going through a divorce, a separation, or experienced a death in the family
• Details surrounding your day and night before the arrest, and thereafter through the booking process

You should never share the facts and details of your case with anyone, except your attorney. You should note that any and all communications with your lawyer are considered privileged information.

San Antonio DWI Lawyer

Being charged with driving while intoxicated is a very serious matter. The stress surrounding a possible conviction are intense. It can affect you financially, increase insurance costs, damage relationships, and impact potential job opportunities. If you are charged with a DWI, it is critical that you immediately speak with an experienced San Antonio DWI lawyer. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to diligently defending you, battling for the best possible result for you and your case. Call us today to arrange a free initial consultation.

What are Some Types of Drug Charges Possible in San Antonio?

For certain, the state of Texas takes its drug laws and crimes very seriously. Crime rates remain high in the state, and still the prison population continues to escalate. Many of Texas’s politicians chant for a “zero tolerance” position to be taken towards drug offenses. The American Civil Liberties Union reported that there are 116 Texas prisoners serving life in prison for drug possession. Should you or a loved one find yourself arrested and charged with a drug offense, do not hesitate to contact an experienced San Antonio drug crimes lawyer in order to defend you against such onerous criminal penalties.

What Drugs Amount to a Crime?

In Texas, there are five different schedules for drugs.

• Schedule One Drugs. Schedule one drugs include ecstasy, powder cocaine, crack, LSD, and marijuana.
• Schedule Two Drugs. This schedule lists drugs that are narcotics.
• Schedule Three Drugs. Schedule three drugs can cause psychological dependency. An example is Vicodin.
• Schedule Four Drugs. Schedule four drugs may possibly be abused, however, there is less risk of dependency. Valium is an example of a schedule four drug.
• Schedule Five Drugs. An example of a lower risk schedule five drug includes a cough suppressant with low amounts of codeine.

Sample of Types of Drug Charges

There are many potential types of drug charges. Set forth below is a partial listing of some common types of drug charges:

• Delivery of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Manufacturing Drugs
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Marijuana Possession
• Maintaining a Meth Lab
• Prescription Fraud

San Antonio Drug Crimes Lawyer

As previously mentioned, the penalties for drug crimes in Texas are very serious indeed and they can have a lifelong impact. There is a lot at risk once someone has been charged with a drug crime. Should you or a loved find yourselves in this very difficult situation, our experienced San Antonio drug crimes lawyers are ready to assist you or your loved one with your defense against all drug charges. Be sure to make a call to our drug crime attorneys as soon as possible.

What Are the Issues to Negotiate in a San Antonio Divorce?

Divorce is often a painful process for all involved. As we are aware, divorce in America occurs quite often. Statistically, approximately 50% of all marriages end in divorce. Generally, in the United States more than 80,000 couples get divorced every year. When you go through the process of divorce, the stress and tensions can run very high. Disputes between the couple can arise involving any number of issues, such as with the children, possible allegations of infidelity, property division, among many other potential issues. If you are from the San Antonio area and are going through or about to go through a divorce, you should call an experienced San Antonio divorce attorney as soon as possible. Our seasoned divorce lawyers are prepared to fight for your interests and to protect your legal rights.

Contentious Divorces

Of course, a divorce will be quicker and smoother if the parties agree to all terms and settle the divorce without having to try the matter in court. That is easier said than done. Where there are differences of agreement on important issues, then this is where an experienced divorce attorney can assist you in the negotiation process. After a petition for divorce is filed, the respondent spouse has the opportunity to file a counter-petition, suggesting different terms from those specified in the initial divorce filing. The parties will need to gather all relevant documents relating to finances and marital property. Some of the typical terms that will have to be addressed and negotiated include the following:

• Property Division
• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Child Visitation
• Spousal Support

San Antonio Divorce Attorney

Generally, divorce is a painful period. Often there are financial worries and concerns over the children. Typically, the process can be emotionally draining as well. Are you currently faced with or are approaching a divorce in the San Antonio, Texas area? If this is the case, our experienced divorce lawyers are prepared to assist you, and zealously fight for your interests and your rights. Call our empathetic lawyers today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

What is the Potential Jail Time for an Alleged Crime?

When the police handcuff you and take you in, your life can change instantly. A criminal charge, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, can seriously impact your career, jeopardize your family, and affect a lot more in your future. It is possible your freedom will be jeopardized with jail time too. There may be some heavy fines levied against you. And, a criminal record may haunt you for the remainder of your life. You must remember, however, that simply because you or a loved one has been charged with a crime it does not mean you are guilty. If you are faced with a criminal charge, you should quickly engage an experienced San Antonio criminal defense lawyer. The stakes are far too high to do otherwise, given the harshness of the fines and other penalties. Call our seasoned criminal defense attorneys today. We are prepared to zealously defend your rights.

Categories of Crimes

There are countless crimes on the books, but some of the more common types of categories of crimes charged include the following:

• DWI/DUI
• Drug Charges
• Serious Traffic Offenses
• Weapon/Firearm Charges
• Violent Crimes
• Marijuana Defense
• Sex Crimes
• Alcohol Offenses
• Theft/Property Crime
• Domestic/Family Violence
• Probation Violations

What is the Potential Jail Time for my Alleged Crime?

In Texas the potential jail time for a criminal conviction depends upon whether the crime alleged is a felony or a misdemeanor. Clearly, a felony is a far more serious crime as compared to a misdemeanor. In the worst-case scenario of a misdemeanor conviction, a person can face a year in jail. With a first-degree felony, on the other hand, a person can be faced with life in prison, or in rare cases, death.

San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney

The state maintains annual criminal statistics, which make it clear that Texas is strongly committed to fighting crime. In Texas, the criminal penalties are truly stiff and they have a lifelong impact upon anyone receiving a conviction. Remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. Should you or a loved one be in this extremely trying situation of being charged with a crime, our experienced San Antonio criminal defense attorneys are prepared to assist you and present your defense against any and all criminal charges. Contact our assertive attorneys today.

Do You Need a Lawyer in a Child Support Case?

The State of Texas has been very aggressive when it comes to collecting child support. The child support collection efforts of the state’s Attorney General’s Office constitutes the bulk of the office’s resources and time, according to its budget. The child support division of the Attorney General’s Office employs more than 2,600 people, and it has a $274 million annual budget. When a couple goes through a divorce, the issue of child support can become a contentious issue. Has the issue of child support become an issue in your life? If the answer is yes, you should call an experienced San Antonio child support attorney right away. Our experienced child support lawyers work diligently fighting for the rights and interests of all of our family law clients.

Child Support Guidelines

In Texas the state has adopted guidelines that determine the amount of child support that must be paid. The child support guidelines take into account several factors, such as:

• Work-related child care expenses
• Health insurance expenses
• Pre-existing obligations of child support
• Each parents income
• The ability or inability of one parent to pay more or less
• Unusual health needs of the child

Do You Need a Lawyer to Assist with Child Support Matters?

Unfortunately, there are people who think that they can handle a child support matter on their own, because they believe that determining child support payments involves a simple calculation. The opposite is the case. The child support calculation can be rather complex. The information that is gathered and poured into the calculation has great significance. This process requires experienced and strategic thinking. The decisions on the issue of child support will likely affect you for years to come. You need an experienced child support lawyer.

San Antonio Child Support Lawyer

The issues surrounding child support payments can be quite complex, and the outcome will have a long-lasting impact on your life. These issues should not be handled alone. Are you facing a child support issue? If so, swiftly call an experienced child support attorney, such as the one available at our law firm, to help you with your case. Give us a call today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Establishing Custody in San Antonio, Texas

Separation and divorce are generally very trying times for couples breaking up. There are many important matters to deal with, but perhaps the most important issue at stake is determining who should have custody of the children. Are you a parent that is going through a custody battle, whether through a divorce or otherwise? If so, you should contact a San Antonio child custody lawyer to assist you with all legal issues. Contact our compassionate child custody attorneys today for your free initial consultation.

Your Financial Situation

During a custody case, the court will look at the financial circumstances for each party, to include how much each earns as well as how much each pays out on a monthly basis. These figures will be used to determine appropriate child support payments. Also, the relative financial pictures will also be considered in determining child custody. Finances are important for the child’s healthcare, education, and other necessities.

Types of Custody Arrangements

There are different categories of child custody in Texas, including sole or joint custody and conservatorship or access and possession. With joint custody, it means that both parents have equal responsibility of their child. Typically, the child’s time would be split between the parents. Sole custody would entail the court appointing one parent as the main care provider for the child. With a sole custody arrangement, one parent will be solely responsible for all decisions affecting the child’s well-being. The child would reside with the parent with sole custody. If one parent is awarded sole custody, the court may award the other parent specific visitation rights and scheduled access.

What the Child Wants

Of course, it matters to all what the child may actually want in terms of custody. In Texas, testimonies from children aged 12 and over are accepted in court, and the testimony can influence the custody determination.

San Antonio, Texas Child Custody Lawyer

In any separation and/or divorce process, the most important issue is the matter of child custody. Child custody matters are often rather difficult and emotional. If you are facing a child custody struggle in Texas, you should contact an experienced San Antonio child custody lawyer today. Our child custody attorneys are ready to help you to zealously battle for your rights and interests as a parent. Today, call our child custody attorneys for a free initial consultation.

San Antonio Assault Attorney

Whenever you are charged with a crime, it instantly becomes a very serious matter. There is plenty at risk when you face criminal charges. At stake are daunting punishments such as fines and possible lengthy jail time. Also, a scarred criminal record can hurt you well into the future. If you have been charged with assault, immediately plan to call an experienced San Antonio assault attorney. Our diligent and experienced assault lawyers are ready to battle in your defense, seeking to protect your rights and interests.

Differences Between Assault and Battery?

Many people often believe that assault and battery are synonymous, and that they are linked together. This happens to be the case in most states. It is not the case, however, in Texas. In Texas, assault and battery are distinct. According to the Texas Penal Code, an assault occurs when there is an intention to threaten to inflict bodily harm on someone else. In Texas, a battery occurs when someone commits a physical act of harming another person.

Simple Assault Compared with Aggravated Assault

When injuries or a threat of harm are minor, it is considered a simple assault and battery. By comparison, when the injuries inflicted tend to be serious or when a deadly weapon is used, then it is deemed to be an aggravated assault. Assaults of both types can happen virtually anywhere, but set forth below is a list of some common occurrences for assault:

• Public Disorderly Conduct
• Bar and Club Fights
• Domestic Violence
• Road Rage
• Self-defense in an Assault or Home Invasion

San Antonio Assault Attorney

All criminal charges are serious. An assault charge could end up in a criminal conviction, which could quite possibly serve as a significant obstacle in your future road to employment, education, or even joining the military. The hefty fines and serious jail time can be daunting. If you are accused of assault in San Antonio, you need to immediately speak with an experienced San Antonio assault attorney. Our lawyers will aggressively defend you, and always fight for the best possible outcome. Call us today.

What Criteria Has to Be Met to Qualify for Adoption?

During the period that you may be trying to adopt a child, it is likely to be a truly exciting time. In the United States, there are approximately 267,000 adoptions every year. However, there are many legal steps that must be followed before the adoption process is complete. The adoption process can be rather confusing and complex. Whether you are the mother of a child to be adopted, or if you are potential adoptive parents, you should engage a San Antonio adoption lawyer to help you with all legal hurdles. Contact our experienced adoption lawyers today to navigate you through the legal issues as well as to protect your rights and interests.

Adoption Options and Qualifying Criteria

In Texas, potential adoptive parents are faced with certain initial questions which determine what course that they will need to take. One is do the adopting parents seek to adopt an older child or an infant? Two, what country is the desired child from? The answers to these questions help establish where the adoption process must commence.

There is criteria that has to be met at the outset of the process. The prerequisites include the following:

• Potential adoptive parents must be responsible mature adults
• Potential adoptive parents must be no younger than 21 years of age
• Potential adoptive parents must complete a home study
• Potential adoptive parents must be financially stable

Adoption Home Study

Adopting parents must satisfy the “home study” requirement. The home study entails the review of many things, like the following:

• A background check
• The marriage (if applicable) and many other aspects of life
• A home inspection
• A criminal history check
• A neglect and abuse check
• Financial ability to raise a child
• Parenting tools or skills

San Antonio Adoption Attorney

It is truly a magical time when one expands their family, with the introduction of a new child. Still yet, the adoption process in Texas can be rather difficult to navigate. There certainly are a lot of details that require attention. If you are seeking to adopt a child, what you require is the guidance of a seasoned San Antonio adoption attorney. The adoption lawyers at our law firm are prepared to assist you and diligently represent your interests throughout the adoption process. Call our experienced adoption attorneys today to schedule a free initial consultation.