When Mental Health Meets the Courtroom In our previous article, we discussed the “Insanity Defense” under Texas Penal Code Section 8.01. However, many people wonder what happens if a defendant has a mental impairment that is serious but doesn’t meet the extremely strict “right from wrong” legal standard for insanity. This brings us to the…
Understanding Texas Penal Code Section 7.24 As we discussed in the previous article, Texas Penal Code Section 7.22 allows for the criminal prosecution of corporations and business entities. This can feel like an overwhelming threat to business owners—after all, how can you control every action of every employee at all times? Fortunately, Texas law provides…
A Guide to Texas Penal Code Section 7.22 We often think of “criminals” as individuals, but in the eyes of Texas law, a corporation can be just as liable as a person. Whether it is a multi-national corporation, a local LLC, or a small association, business entities can face criminal prosecution, heavy fines, and permanent…
Navigating Texas Penal Code Section 7.02 In the Texas legal system, “keeping the wrong company” can have devastating legal consequences. While Section 7.01 establishes the general principle that anyone involved in a crime is a “party,” Section 7.02 of the Texas Penal Code goes deeper. It outlines the specific circumstances under which you can be…
When Your Future Depends on the Conduct of Others In our previous article, we explored how Texas Penal Code Section 7.01 (The Law of Parties) allows the state to hold you responsible for a crime even if you weren’t the “main actor.” Because this law is so broad, it is often used to sweep up…
A Guide to Texas Penal Code Section 7.01 In many states, the legal system draws a hard line between the person who physically commits a crime (the “principal”) and those who helped them (the “accomplices”). However, in Texas, that line has been intentionally erased. Under Section 7.01 of the Texas Penal Code, everyone involved in…
Understanding Texas Law: The Stand Against Racial Profiling A Guide to Article 2B.0053 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure At Beltz Law Group, we believe that transparency and legal literacy are the foundations of justice. In Texas, the commitment to fair policing isn’t just an ideal—it is a statutory mandate. Central to this commitment…
In the eyes of the law, not every harmful action is a crime. One of the most fundamental principles of the Texas legal system is that a person cannot be held criminally responsible for an accident or an unconscious movement. To be convicted, the State must prove that you committed a voluntary act. At Beltz…
When an individual is accused of multiple crimes, the way those charges are structured can significantly impact the outcome of the trial and the length of a potential sentence. In Texas, the concept of a “criminal episode” is the legal framework used to determine if multiple offenses can be tried together in a single proceeding.…
In a criminal courtroom, “presumptions” act as logical bridges. They allow a jury to conclude that if Fact A is true, Fact B is also likely true. However, to protect the rights of the accused, the Texas legal system strictly regulates how these bridges are built and crossed. At Beltz Law Group, we believe that…