The Medlin Law Firm - Gary Medlin
Charged For Flying A Drone In Texas? What To Do Next
Key Takeaways: Drone charges in Texas can come from state law, federal law, or both, and the FAA can add civil fines. State offenses for flying over stadiums, critical infrastructure, airports, or jails are usually Class B misdemeanors. Federal restricted-airspace charges can carry one to three years in prison. Stay silent, keep your flight records, and get legal advice before talking to police, the FBI, or the FAA. A drone case can start with a knock on the door, a seized controller outside a stadium, or a citation weeks after a flight. The first thing you need to know [...]
Federal Drone Charges In Texas: What Happens After Arrest
Overview: Federal drone charges in Texas usually come from flights into restricted airspace near stadiums, airports, or military sites. After arrest, you see a federal magistrate judge, the court decides release, and felony cases need a grand jury indictment within 30 days. Common charges carry up to one or three years in prison, and some airport counts carry more. Stay silent, keep your flight records, and get a defense lawyer before the first hearing. A federal drone arrest moves faster than most state cases. Within days, you can face a magistrate judge, a detention decision, and a prosecutor deciding [...]
Drone Charges At Texas Stadiums & Major Sporting Events
Summary: Drone charges at Texas stadiums can come from federal law, state law, or both. A standing FAA restriction bars drones within 3 nautical miles and below 3,000 feet of large stadiums during NFL, MLB, NCAA Division I football, and major motor speedway events. Federal airspace charges carry up to one to three years in prison, and Texas adds a Class B misdemeanor for flying over sports venues. Stay silent, preserve your flight logs, and get legal advice before answering questions. A few minutes of game-day footage can lead to a seized drone, an FBI interview, and a federal [...]
Clearing Criminal Records In Texas: Expunctions & Non-Disclosures
Key Takeaways A dismissal, not-guilty verdict, or completed deferred adjudication does not automatically clear a Texas criminal record. Expunction removes covered records; nondisclosure seals records from public view but allows certain government access. Your case outcome and applicable waiting periods determine when you may seek relief. An expunction is a court proceeding that can take several months, so it pays to assess eligibility early. A criminal case can end in your favor and still follow you. You may have been found not guilty. The prosecutor may have dismissed the charge. You may have completed deferred adjudication and heard [...]
Your First 24 Hours After A Dallas Arrest Explained
Key Takeaways: The first 24 hours after arrest in Dallas usually involve transportation, booking, a warrant check, magistration, bond review, and possible release processing. Texas law requires magistration without unnecessary delay and generally no later than 48 hours, so bond may not be available during the first day. Release can take longer because of jail processing, bond conditions, another warrant, or a legal hold. Family members should confirm custody information, avoid discussing the accusation, preserve evidence, and get counsel involved early. When someone is arrested, the family usually has three immediate questions: Where are they?, When will the bond be [...]
First Court Date in a Texas Criminal Case: What Happens
Key Takeaways A first Texas criminal court date may occur within weeks of release on bond, but filing delays can push it back for months. The first setting is usually not a trial and may primarily address attendance, legal representation, and future scheduling. Arriving late, violating bond conditions, or failing a court-ordered drug test can put your bond and freedom at risk. Hiring counsel early can help you prepare for court, evaluate evidence, and identify opportunities for dismissal or resolution. When Is The First Court Date After Release On Bond? After an arrest and release on bond, your [...]
Texas Sex Offender Registration: How Long Does It Last?
Key Takeaways: Texas sex offender registration does not have one universal end date. For many adult reportable convictions or deferred adjudications, the duty ends 10 years after the latest applicable release, discharge, or court-discharge date, while certain offenses require lifetime registration. Community supervision can extend the total registration period beyond 10 years. Early termination may be available in qualifying cases, depending on the offense, record, federal minimum period, and statutory process. If you are facing a sex-related charge in Fort Worth, registration should be addressed before you make a major decision. It can affect where you live, employment, family decisions, [...]
Expunction Vs Nondisclosure In Texas: Key Differences
Key Takeaways: In Texas, expunction removes covered arrest and court records, while nondisclosure seals eligible records from ordinary public access. Eligibility depends on the case outcome, offense, criminal history, and waiting period. A dismissal or acquittal may support expunction, while deferred adjudication often points toward nondisclosure. Some first DWI cases may qualify for sealing, but prior history, collisions, or disqualifying offenses can block relief. A criminal case can affect employment, housing, licensing, education, and reputation long after court ends. Texas offers two different record-clearing remedies, expunction and nondisclosure. They are not interchangeable. The right remedy depends on the final disposition. [...]
How Long Does A First Felony In Texas Stay On Your Record?
Key takeaways: In Texas, a first felony stays on your record forever depending on the case outcome, not on if it was your first arrest. A felony conviction generally remains public, while a qualifying dismissal or acquittal may support expunction. Successful deferred adjudication avoids a final conviction, but the case does not disappear and may require a nondisclosure order. The plea or trial decision can affect employment, housing, licensing, immigration, firearm rights, and future record clearing options. A first felony charge can put years of your future into one court file. Jail or probation is only part of the risk. [...]
Restitution After A Texas Theft Case: What To Expect
Key takeaways: Texas theft restitution can require you to return property or repay financial loss tied to the offense. Paying restitution does not automatically dismiss a theft charge. The amount can be challenged if the State’s loss calculation, property value, or credit for returned property is unsupported. Before agreeing to a plea or payment plan, you need to understand the claimed loss, what has already been returned, and how restitution may affect sentencing or community supervision. If you are facing a theft charge in Fort Worth, the financial consequences can be significant. Prosecutors may seek restitution in a plea agreement, [...]
