The Medlin Law Firm - Gary Medlin
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 [...]
What Happens At Your First Court Date In A Texas Criminal Case
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, [...]
What To Say When Police Knock On Your Door
Key Takeaways: What to say when police knock on your door in Dallas is simple: you usually do not have to open it, invite officers inside, or answer investigative questions. Ask whether they have a warrant, state that you do not consent to entry or any search, and say you will not answer questions without a lawyer. A valid warrant or a genuine emergency can change what officers may do. Stay calm, keep your hands visible, do not destroy anything, and never physically interfere with an entry, search, or arrest. Police at the door create pressure because the encounter can [...]
When Do Words Become Assault In Texas?
Key takeaways: Words can support an assault charge in Texas even without physical contact, but the State must prove an intentional or knowing threat of imminent bodily injury. Angry remarks, insults, or vague threats of future harm do not automatically meet that standard. Police may review 911 calls, bodycam, witnesses, texts, video, gestures, distance, and the sequence of events. If an argument leads to an accusation, preserve the full context and be cautious about making statements or contacting the complainant. An argument can turn into a police investigation even if no one was hit, pushed, or touched. Texas law allows [...]
Deferred Adjudication Records In Fort Worth: Your Options
Key Takeaways: Completing deferred adjudication in Texas usually prevents a final conviction, but it does not automatically clear the arrest, charge, plea, supervision, or dismissal from your record. Expunction is generally unavailable after court ordered deferred adjudication except in limited situations, while nondisclosure is often the record sealing remedy to examine. Eligibility and waiting periods depend on the exact offense, disposition, criminal history, and statutory section. Even after nondisclosure, law enforcement and certain government or licensing agencies may still access the sealed information. You completed deferred adjudication in Fort Worth. The judge discharged you, the case was dismissed, and there [...]
Should You Talk To Police Before You’re Charged In Texas?
A call from a police officer or detective can catch you completely off guard. You may be told they just want to get your side of the story, clear up a misunderstanding, return property, or ask a few questions before closing a file. It can sound informal and harmless. But if law enforcement wants to speak with you before charges are filed in Texas, it usually means you should slow down, protect your rights, and avoid trying to explain the situation on your own. What you say during an early conversation can become evidence, fill gaps in an [...]
