Plano TX Criminal Defense Lawyer | Texas Federal Criminal Trial Attorney

Can You Be Charged With Injury to a Child for Failing to Act in Texas?

2026-11-04 00:00:00

When a child is hurt, investigators might question the adults responsible for their care. Even someone who never physically harmed the child could face accusations that they failed to prevent an injury.

Texas allows injury to a child charges based on a failure to act, called an omission. However, prosecutors must prove more than your presence when something went wrong. If you face an injury to a child investigation in 2026, our Plano, TX criminal defense attorneys will explain the allegations and help you respond.

What Does Injury to a Child by Omission Mean in Texas?

Injury to a child by omission means causing harm by failing to provide care or protection you were responsible for giving. The accusation focuses on something you did not do, rather than a physical act such as striking the child.

Can Minors Face Criminal Charges for "Sexting" in Texas?

2026-10-20 00:00:00

A teenager might think sending a private photo to someone they are dating will stay between them. If the image reaches classmates or comes to a school’s attention, parents could find themselves facing questions from the police.

In Texas, minors can face criminal charges for certain conduct involving sexually explicit images, including possible child pornography allegations. If your child is accused of sexting in 2026, our Plano, TX sex crimes defense attorneys will explain the allegations and help protect their rights.

When Is Sexting a Criminal Offense for a Minor in Texas?

Under Texas Penal Code Section 43.261, a person younger than 18 commits an offense by knowingly or intentionally sending another minor certain images depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct. The sender must have created the material or know that another minor created it. Possessing electronic images of another minor under those conditions is also prohibited.

Can People on the Texas Sex Offenders List Get Their Names Removed?

2026-10-07 00:00:00

Once someone is convicted of a sex crime and is required to register as a sex offender in Texas, it is very hard to get it removed. The consequences associated with being a sex offender can affect many aspects of daily life and continue for years after completing a criminal sentence.

However, it is possible for some people to deregister as a sex offender. Texas has an early termination process, but it is limited to certain registrants. If you are looking to get removed from the sex offender registry in 2026, a Plano, TX sex crimes attorney can look at your case and explain the steps involved.

Who Qualifies for Early Termination From the Texas Sex Offender Registry?

Not everyone on the Texas sex offender registry can seek early termination. Under Article 62.402 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, this option is available for certain offenses when Texas requires a longer registration period than federal law.

Can a Relative Be Charged With Kidnapping a Child in Texas?

2026-09-29 00:00:00

Most people think of kidnapping as a crime committed by a stranger, but a family member can also face kidnapping charges involving a child. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children recently reported that family abductions accounted for 4.1 percent of the 28,886 missing-child cases reported to the organization.

Texas law does provide a defense for some relatives. If you are facing kidnapping allegations in 2026, a Plano, TX criminal defense attorney can review the circumstances and explain your options.

What Counts as Kidnapping a Child in Texas?

Texas Penal Code § 20.03 states that a person commits kidnapping by intentionally or knowingly abducting another person. Abduction can involve hiding someone in a place where they are unlikely to be found. It can also involve using or threatening deadly force to prevent the person's release.

When Can an Age Difference Lead to Sex Crime Charges in Texas?

2026-09-12 00:00:00

Age affects whether a sexual relationship is legal in Texas.However, Texas law also provides a limited defense for some people who are close in age. If you are accused of a sex crime involving someone younger than 17 in 2026, the ages of both people affect the charges and available defenses. Our Plano, TX criminal defense attorney can review the allegations and explain your legal options.

What Is the Age of Consent in Texas?

The age of consent in Texas is 17. Under Texas Penal Code § 22.011, sexual activity with someone younger than 17 can result in sexual assault charges, even if the younger person agreed to it.

For example, a 20-year-old who has sex with a 16-year-old could face a sexual assault charge, even if the 16-year-old claims it was consensual. However, Texas has an exception that can apply when the two people are closer in age.

What Happens If You Are Accused of Online Solicitation of a Minor in Texas?

2026-08-23 00:00:00

Messages sent through social media or other online platforms may become evidence if police believe someone was communicating with a minor for sexual purposes. These online conversations can turn into criminal charges faster than many people realize.

An accusation of online solicitation of a minor in Texas can lead to felony charges, even when no in-person meeting takes place. If you or someone you know is under investigation for sex crimes in 2026, a Plano, TX criminal defense attorney can help you understand what may happen next.

What Is Online Solicitation of a Minor in Texas?

Online solicitation of a minor involves certain sexual communications with a minor through electronic messages. It can also involve asking a minor to meet for sexual activity.

What Makes a Child Pornography Charge a Federal Case?

2026-07-31 00:47:07

Because of the mass proliferation of child pornography available online, Texas and federal authorities are implementing a widespread crackdown to try to catch and punish as many people involved in making, distributing, or viewing child pornography as possible. The negative view that most people have regarding sex crimes against children means that the public has very little sympathy for people who may be wrongfully accused of child pornography possession, and that authorities are highly motivated to secure convictions, regardless of the quality of evidence.

This makes it very important for you to take any charges or investigations for child pornography seriously; if you are facing any involvement whatsoever with sex crimes against children, hire a Plano,Texas criminal defense attorney right away.

When Can a Person Face Federal Weapons Trafficking Charges?

2026-05-07 00:00:00

Buying, selling, or transporting a firearm must be done in accordance with Texas law. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges. Not only that, but certain violations can also raise charges from the state to the federal level. These include things like dealing without a license and forging federal ownership forms.

Federal weapons trafficking charges carry severe consequences. They go well beyond what Texas state courts typically impose. If you or someone you know is under investigation or has been charged in 2026, a Texas criminal defense attorney can explain exactly what you're up against.

What Moves a Weapons Charge from the Texas State to the Federal Level?

Federal charges apply when a case crosses state lines, involves federally regulated firearms or dealers, or violates specific federal laws. Note that not all border crossing charges have to involve actually leaving one state and entering another. Federal jurisdiction often applies because of how and where a gun was made, sold, or transferred.

What Are the Penalties for a Sexual Teacher-Student Relationship in Texas?

2026-04-22 00:00:00

Texas has severe penalties for convictions related to teachers accused of sexual relationships with students. Additionally, the charges alone will impact every aspect of your life, from personal relationships to your career.

If you or someone you know is facing these charges in 2026, the first step is getting the strongest defense you can. Our Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer can review the specifics of your case and help you understand your options for fighting the allegations.

What is the Law About Sexual Teacher-Student Relationships in Texas?

Texas has a specific statute that addresses sexual relationships between educators and students, regardless of the student's age. Under Texas Penal Code §21.12, it is illegal for a person who works for a public or private primary or secondary school to engage in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with a student enrolled at that school.

Common Mistakes After a DWI Arrest

2026-04-07 00:00:00

A DWI arrest turns your life upside down fast. You may have just wanted to spend an evening having a good time, and the next thing you know, you’ve been pulled over and are facing criminal charges that could follow you for years.

If you or someone you care about has been arrested for driving while intoxicated in Texas, don’t wait to get help. A Plano, TX criminal defense attorney can advise you on what to do – and not do – after your 2026 arrest.

What Happens Immediately After a DWI Arrest in Texas?

After your arrest, you will be booked at a police station or jail. The minimum term of confinement after conviction for DWI in Texas is 72 hours under Texas Penal Code § 49, though many first-time offenders may be eligible for probation. Shortly after your arrest, you'll receive a court date. Your driver's license will face a suspension through the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process.