RIC Judge Brock Thomas 6th floor Call 713-225-1900 or fill out our contact form if you need help from a criminal defense lawyer in Harris County. Updated 07/07/2020 Harris County Court Coronavirus COVID-19 Updates: Updated: 07/07/2020 We have a list of the latest updates: The Texas Supreme Court has suspended jury trials until September …
Should you refuse a breathalyzer during the holidays?
One of our most frequently asked questions is, what should I do if I am pulled over during the holidays? Everyone knows lawyers can’t give a straight answer so here is what you’re expecting: it depends! Our recommendation — refuse the field sobriety tests and take a breath test. Wonder why? Keep reading. During the …
Can you get a DWI in Texas on an electric scooter?
With bird and lime scooters being thrown all over cities in Texas, the lawyers at Blass Law are being asked, Can I get a DWI on a scooter?. There is not a specific law that defines riding electric scooters while intoxicated so we look to the general DWI statute. In Texas, the elements of DWI …
Keep Honest Kids Honest: Cell Phone Safety for Kids
If you’ve seen our other newsletters and videos you know we appreciate our rights and privacy. This month we are talking about kids, and we all know kids don’t remain silent unless they have a cell phone 📱 in their hands. Here are some ways to keep your kids safe while online. No photos without clothes! …
Blood alcohol tube recall bigger than anticipated
BD issued a recall because of an error that could change the results of blood alcohol analysis. The Houston Police Department has confirmed they have tubes from the lot that was recalled, approximately 2,600. BD also manufactures blood tubes for other companies like Sirchie and TriTech. Many agencies in Harris County and other counties in …
5 ways to secure your cell phone from the police
Set a password. You can use a numeric password, Face ID, Touch ID, or whatever your phone supports. Keep nosey acquaintances from seeing your private items. Set up an iCloud or Google account and KNOW your password. If your phone is confiscated or lost you can locate it or remotely wipe it. We’ve had cases …
How Much Does a Texas DWI or DUI Cost?
How much does a DWI lawyer cost? It’s a common question for people accused of DWI in Texas. With court fees and fines adding up, it may seem pointless to spend money on an attorney. But investing in an experienced Texas DWI defense attorney can save you money, time, and hassle in the long-run. The …
New Year’s is no-refusal and “you’re probably going to jail”
Thanks to the Harris County District Attorney’s office for putting it out there. If you’ve had anything to drink over the New Year’s weekend, you’re probably going to jail. The encounter with police will go something like this: You get pulled over for a traffic offense (speeding, swerving, going too slow, etc.). Don’t admit to …
Should you refuse a breath test during the holidays?
Driving after you’ve been drinking during the holidays is risky. Cops are out more than ever this time of year. Typically, you get pulled over for some traffic offense. Don’t argue with the cop. You have nothing to gain. Don’t admit to anything (i.e. drinking, driving, riding a reindeer, stealing all of the presents from Whoville). Next, you’re going to be …
Don’t get charged with assault during the holidays
We are all getting ready for Thanksgiving, and that usually means a lot of family time, turkey and alcohol. Every year we represent many people charged with assaulting family members (and we get great results). Here are a few tips to help you stay out of trouble during the holidays, and how to react if you find yourself in a situation. …
What to do (and not do) when you’re stopped by the police
You have to give your name and date of birth. You can hand them your ID or tell them. This one isn’t negotiable. You can be arrested for not providing your name and date of birth. Don’t admit to anything. If you have a kilo in the car, they aren’t going to be more lenient if you confess. …
Five things police screw up that are GREAT for you!
No probable cause for a traffic stop. Search without consent You’re standing on the side of the road, blinded by flashing police lights, with a police officer requesting consent to search your vehicle. Do you mumble a response or clearly answer? Responding with some mumbo-jumbo, a question, or something other than consent is not consent …
10 easy ways to avoid getting pulled over
What Not to Do to Avoid Getting Detained August is here! As summer winds down and a new school year begins, police will continue to be out in full force. We all know things go down hill quickly after getting pulled over—a cop thinks they smell weed or alcohol and/or sees a gun, and before …
New Apple iOS feature can block government phone dumps (if it works)
Good news for Apple device owners! A new feature blocks the USB accessories from connecting to the phone after it has been locked for an hour. It is common for law enforcement to take a person’s cell phone and perform a phone dump. A phone dump is when all of the call logs, messages, photos, …
Cops must have a warrant to access cellular location information
Today, the Supreme Court released the opinion in Carpenter v. United States. The Court held the Government’s acquisition of Carpenter’s cell-site records was a Fourth Amendment search. The Court found Carpenter had a reasonable expectation of privacy in his location information, even though it was shared with his wireless carriers. What does this mean for …
DWI 2nd, Evidence of One Prior Conviction is not Admissible During Guilt Innocence
On May 23, 2018, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reversed the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston, and held that evidence of a single prior DWI conviction must be delayed until the punishment stage of trial if a person is found guilty. A DWI second is a misdemeanor offense and any evidence of a …