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…
In a typical criminal case, the burden of proof rests entirely on the prosecution to prove every element of a crime “beyond a reasonable doubt.” However, there is a unique legal strategy known as an Affirmative Defense. At Beltz Law Group, we believe our clients should understand every tool available for their defense. While a…
When you are facing criminal charges in Texas, the legal system can feel overwhelming and tilted against you. However, the cornerstone of the American justice system—and specifically the Texas legal system—is a powerful protection for the accused: the presumption of innocence. At Beltz Law Group, we believe that understanding your rights is the first step…
In the Texas legal system, committing a crime typically requires more than just a physical act (the actus reus); it requires a specific state of mind, known as a culpable mental state (the mens rea). At Beltz Law Group, we know that the difference between a conviction and an acquittal often hinges on what the…
When you are facing criminal charges in North Texas, the legal system can feel like an overwhelming maze of rules and consequences. At Beltz Law Group, we believe that the first step in a strong defense is understanding the rules of the game. The bedrock of the Texas criminal justice system isn’t found in a…
Texas’s Crime of Failure to Identify: Understanding Penal Code Section 38.02 The Texas Penal Code outlines various obligations citizens have when interacting with law enforcement, one of which is the duty to provide identification under certain circumstances. The crime of Failure to Identify is codified in Texas Penal Code section 38.02 and establishes a clear…
Beltz Law Group Legal Alert A recent opinion from the Texas Attorney General’s Office, Opinion No. KP-0501, has provided critical clarification regarding the rights of licensed district attorneys and assistant district attorneys to carry concealed firearms in Texas courtrooms, even in the face of local rules or judicial policies seeking to ban them. The opinion,…
Retaining Your Driving Privileges: Legal Assistance is Available The determination by the Medical Advisory Board can lead to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) moving to revoke a person’s driver’s license. If you or a loved one receives notice of a proposed revocation based on an MAB recommendation, you have the right to object…
For Texans with medical conditions, the ability to drive safely is a critical concern. At Beltz Law Group, we recognize the importance of understanding the processes that govern driver licensing, especially when a medical condition is involved. This article outlines the general purpose and function of the Texas Medical Advisory Board (MAB) for Driver Licensing…