Gale Law Group
525 Clifford Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78404
361.808.4444
  1. How to Protect Your Rights During a Police Investigation

    In Texas, knowing your rights during a police investigation can mean the difference between protecting yourself and inadvertently giving up that protection. Police officers have authority, but it has its limits. This is something that many Texans don’t completely understand. They also don’t understand their rights during traffic stops, home searches, or street encounters with the police. If you’re under investigation or are being interrogated by law enforcement, you need to understand your rights. They’re meant to protect you from self-incrimination and will make sure you’re treated fairly under the law.

    police investigation

    Your Rights During a Police Investigation

    Whether you have been stopped on the street, pulled over in your car, or approached on private property, you need to know your constitutional rights. Not only do they make sure you’re not unlawfully detained or searched, but they also protect you from self-incrimination. Your basic rights during a police investigation include the following:

    • The right to remain silent — The Fifth Amendment of the U. S. Constitution guarantees this right during a police investigation. In Texas, you’re not required to answer questions by the police that could incriminate you. It also includes the right to not provide information during traffic stops, police questioning, or street encounters (unless you’re legally required to provide identification).
    • The right to legal counsel — If you’re being detained or questioned by law enforcement, you have the right to legal counsel. According to Texas Law, there can be no police questioning until your lawyer is present (if you have requested one).
    • Protection against an unlawful search and seizure — The Fourth Amendment protects you from unlawful searches and seizures. The police need to have a valid search warrant or have probable cause to search your vehicle, home, or personal belongings. Otherwise, any evidence that was gathered may be inadmissible in court.

    Be sure to speak to an attorney for more information.

    The Texas Stop and Identify Law

    Many people ask if Texas is a “stop and identify” state, and the answer is “no.” You’re generally not required to provide identification to police unless you’re driving or lawfully detained. The police can ask for your name during an encounter. But unless they have reasonable suspicion or probable cause for criminal activity, you’re not legally obligated to provide it.

    If you’re not being arrested or detained, you can respectfully decline to provide identification and ask them if you’re free to leave. If you’re driving, Texas Law requires you to give them your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance if you have been asked by a law enforcement officer. Refusing to provide this information can lead to fines and other legal penalties.

    Your Rights When Being Pulled Over

    Traffic stops are one of the most common types of police encounters in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), more than 8.5 million traffic stops occur every year. It’s also important to understand your rights in these situations. Texas Law doesn’t list a maximum time for a traffic stop, but officers can only detain you for a “reasonable amount of time” needed to resolve the situation that led to the traffic stop.

    Police officers can also run your license plates for no specific reason. It allows them to check for expired registrations, warrants, or stolen vehicles. According to the Texas Municipal Police Association, it’s helpful in maintaining public safety by flagging stolen cars or people with outstanding warrants.

    If you have been pulled over, you need to be calm, polite, and cooperative. You also have the right to ask why you were stopped. If the officer asks to search your vehicle, you can legally refuse if they don’t have probable cause or a warrant. According to the Fourth Amendment, the police can’t perform a search without probable cause or your permission. Some exceptions (such as exigent circumstances) may apply. But if they don’t have a valid reason, any evidence they have gathered can be challenged in court.

    What to Do if Your Rights Have Been Violated

    If you believe your rights have been violated during a police investigation or traffic stop, you need to know how to respond. Be sure to document everything during the encounter (including the names and badge numbers of the officers involved). You can also file a formal complaint with the Texas Department of Public Safety or the local police department, which would be internally investigated. Many of them have resulted in disciplinary actions against officers.

    If you believe your rights have been violated, you should speak to an attorney because he or she can advise you on specific legal options. So if you’re looking for a criminal attorney in Corpus Christi that can help you in these situations, be sure to reach out to Gale Law Group.


  2. When is it Time to Talk to an Employment Attorney?

    Part of knowing when to contact an employment attorney is recognizing the complications that can occur in the relationship between an employer and an employee, which can include the following:

    • Wage disagreements.
    • Workplace safety issues.
    • Discrimination claims.
    • Incidents related to wrongful termination.

    An employment attorney can play an important role in helping both parties navigate the legal environment, so they can come up with a fair and balanced solution. They can provide legal counsel to employers and employees who are dealing with workplace-related issues, which can include a variety of services. Employment attorneys will usually focus on one side or the other (whether it’s an employer or an employee), but some will take clients on either side.

    employment law attorney

    What a Texas Employment Lawyer Does

    An employment law attorney in Texas can help employers and employees come up with an equitable solution if there’s a problem. This person will also make sure employers follow employment laws and their employees are treated fairly. Here are some of the specific things that an employment lawyer can do:

    • Give legal advice — Employment lawyers can offer legal counsel about the rights and responsibilities outlined in federal and state employment legislation. This includes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). They can also help employees determine if their rights have been violated and decide if they want to take legal action.
    • Create employee handbooks and agreements — Because of their experience in dealing with legal issues related to employment, they can write or review employee handbooks and workplace safety policies to make sure they comply with labor laws and regulations.
    • Negotiate and review employment contracts — These attorneys can negotiate, write, and review employment contracts and independent contractor agreements to make sure all the terms are legal and fair. They can look at the terms and conditions related to severance contracts, as well as non-compete and non-disclosure agreements. They can even look at executive compensation packages.
    • Advise independent contractors — Employment attorneys can help independent contractors understand how they’re being classified and how their rights might differ from an employee’s.
    • Monitor regulatory compliance — These attorneys can help businesses stay in compliance with labor and employment regulations as well as state and federal employment law. They can also help prevent any non-compliance issues that can otherwise lead to litigation.
    • Help with litigation and administrative proceedings — Employment lawyers can represent parties on both sides during an employment litigation as well as in front of employment-related boards and agencies (such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, and the National Labor Relations Board).
    • Provide representation in disputes — These lawyers can represent their clients during court proceedings. They can resolve disputes involving a number of employment-related issues (such as discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, breaches of contract, as well as wage and hour issues).

    Sometimes, employers need to speak with an employment attorney about their business and employees, but there may also be a specific employment-related issue.

    How a Texas Employment Lawyer Can Help Employees

    Here are some of the ways that an employment law attorney in Texas can be beneficial to employees:

    • In cases of wrongful termination — A number of laws have been put in place to make sure your rights as an employee are protected. But when those rights have been violated, a good employment attorney can help you use these laws as a foundation for a lawsuit.
    • When you believe you have been treated unfairly — You can be mistreated at work in a number of ways. You may feel like your boss “has it out for you” or is treating you differently from other employees. An employment lawyer can help you build a case, which can involve collecting data related to specific incidents.
    • When you get hurt or sick on the job — Workers’ compensation cases are some of the most common issues that employment attorneys must address. So if you get hurt or sick at work, they can help you file a claim so you can get paid over the long term.

    Employment attorneys can also be helpful in other areas related to the following:

    • Investigations into a toxic work environment — This issue is more than just a matter of law. It’s also a serious health problem and the fifth leading cause of death in the workplace. Having a lawyer to help you in these cases can not only prove that a workplace is toxic but can also make sure you’re fairly compensated in the process.
    • Claims related to sexual harassment and racial discrimination — These types of cases need to be handled with vigilance, and you can only do it if you have an employment lawyer by your side.

    If you’re looking for an attorney in Corpus Christi to help you with a case related to Texas employment law, be sure to reach out to Gale Law Group.


  3. How Mental Health Issues Can Affect a Criminal Defense Case

    The state of our mental health can have an impact on choices and the things we do. So if you’re dealing with different mental health issues, it could be a factor if you have been charged with a crime. Some mental conditions can make people more likely to break the law, especially if they’re struggling with long-term substance abuse.  Even if they’re showing signs of improvement, their risk is still higher. In Texas, mental health is a significant factor in criminal defense cases. Your mental state can not only affect how you understand the charges, but it can also affect your ability to help in your defense and make informed choices.

    mental health issues in a criminal case

    Understanding Mental Health and the Texas Criminal Justice System

    Our knowledge of mental health has grown quite a bit. We know that it can have a substantial impact on how someone behaves. If you’re feeling depressed, struggling with addiction, or dealing with bipolar disorder, it can be harder to make good decisions because you can’t get a clear perspective. More serious mental disorders (such as schizophrenia) can also make it hard for someone to control his or her actions.

    According to Section 571.003(14) of the Texas Health and Safety Code, a mental illness is considered to be any of the following:

    • An illness, disease, or condition (not including epilepsy, senility, or alcoholism) that can substantially impair someone’s thought, perception of reality, emotional process, or judgment.
    • A condition that grossly impairs behavior.

    In criminal defense cases, the prosecution may have to show what the mental state of the accused person was like. Finding out if someone is guilty of a crime or how much that person should be responsible for what he or she did often depends on that person’s mental state.

    How Mental Illness Can Affect Criminal Behavior

    There are times when having a mental illness can cause someone to break the law, but not everyone with a mental illness is a criminal. Also, not all crimes happen because of a mental illness. If you’re dealing with a mental illness, you should think about how it might have affected what you did. If you have a more severe disorder (such as schizophrenia) and don’t have access to treatment, the court may think it’s a good idea to order it and look at other ways to get you back on track.

    Mental Health Defenses in Criminal Cases

    In Texas, someone with a mental illness can get a lighter sentence if he or she has been charged with a crime. The court can appoint a “competency evaluator” to see if that person can participate in the trial. If that person believes the defendant to be mentally unstable, he or she may go to a mental health facility or treatment until that person is ready for trial.

    According to Section 8.01 of the Texas Penal Code, you can claim that you committed a crime because of a severe mental illness and didn’t know that what you did was wrong. But you must be able to prove it.

    Mental health issues can also be a factor in reducing your sentence, and it can be significant factor in plea bargains (which are deals where the defendant pleas guilty in exchange for a a reduced sentence). If you have a mental illness, you might be able to negotiate certain alternatives to incarceration (such as mental health treatment or community supervision).

    Texas Law outlines what’s considered to be a criminal responsibility defense, which includes the following:

    • Mental disease or defect that caused the offender to know his or her actions was a crime (often called an “insanity defense”).
    • Mistake of fact, where the offender believed his or her actions were bearable.
    • Mistake of law, where the offender thought his or her actions weren’t against the law.
    • Temporary insanity caused by alcohol, drugs, or other substances.

    If you have been accused of a crime, it’s presumed that you’re ready for trial unless it’s proven otherwise. So if you want a mental health defense to work, a professional will have to evaluate you and share his or her findings with the court. The judge or jury will then decide if you’re fit for trial.

    If you have been charged with a crime and are looking for a criminal defense attorney to help you with your case, be sure to reach out to Gale Law Group. We have a team of experienced professionals who would be happy to speak with you!


  4. 7 Criminal Defense Strategies for Drug Possession Charges

    Drug possession charges in Texas can come with heavy fines, probation, and even incarceration. But people facing these charges have legal rights and options for building a good defense. Some defenses seek to challenge the stated facts, testimony, or evidence related to the case. Others challenge the laws themselves. Some will even target procedural errors. If you understand these strategies, you’ll be better able to navigate the legal process and achieve a more favorable outcome.

    drug possession charges

    Here are some common criminal defense strategies for drug possession charges in Texas.

    #1: Fourth Amendment Violation

    One effective defense strategy for drug possession in Texas is to question the legality of the search and seizure that led to the police discovering the drugs. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement. If the police performed an illegal search or seizure, any evidence that was gathered may be considered inadmissible in court.

    #2: Chain of Custody

    The term “chain of custody” refers to the documentation and procedures that were used to track the handling of evidence from when it was collected to the time it was presented in court. Any gaps or inconsistencies in these procedures can cast doubt on the reliability of that evidence, which can weaken the prosecution’s case. A good criminal defense attorney can scrutinize the handling of the drugs by police officers, forensic analysts, and other parties that were involved so he or she can identify problems that could be used to your advantage.

    #3: Lack of Knowledge or Control

    Prosecutors must prove that you “knowingly and intentionally” had possession of the substance in question. So if you have been accused of drug possession in Texas, you can challenge the prosecution’s evidence by raising doubt about whether you had knowledge and control about the drugs in your possession. A defense attorney can argue that you weren’t aware that the drugs were present, didn’t have control over them, or had a legitimate reason for possessing them (such as a valid prescription). By casting doubt about the prosecution’s ability to prove its case, you can strengthen your defense against drug possession charges in Texas.

    #4: Entrapment

    Police officers are free to set up their own sting operations, but entrapment occurs when they and their informants induce a suspect to commit a crime that he or she wouldn’t have done otherwise. If an undercover cop scores or sells drugs from a suspect, that action would not be considered entrapment. But if the authorities decide to threaten or harass someone into committing a drug crime, that person can use entrapment as a possible defense. It’s a complicated situation that a criminal defense lawyer will be able to navigate.

    #5: Not Enough Evidence

    The prosecution must prove its case “beyond a reasonable doubt” by presenting enough evidence. Otherwise, it doesn’t have a case.  To be guilty of an alleged offense, certain elements must be satisfied before the jury can find you guilty. The same is true for a drug possession charge.

    #6: Prescription Drug Defense

    If your charges involved prescription drugs, you might be able to use this as a defense. But having a prescription for the drug doesn’t give you immunity from criminal charges. There is a specific set of circumstances where you can still be charged (such as having a quantity that exceeds the prescribed amount or using it in a way that isn’t consistent with the prescription).

    The actions that surround your possession of prescription drugs will become a focal point during the legal process. The prosecution, judge, and jury will look at different factors related to the case so it can determine the validity of your argument. The prosecutor will also look at the evidence that was gathered during the investigation and determine if your possession of the drugs aligns with what’s listed in the prescription.

    #7: The Drugs Belong to Someone Else

    You can claim that the drugs belonged to someone else. You might be at a home with other people when the officers found them. Unless they forward and admit that the drugs belonged to them, you could be charged with possession. If the police have a warrant for your arrest and the other person has a history of being in trouble with the law, he or she isn’t likely to admit to being in possession of the drugs (which can lead to you getting charged even though they aren’t yours).

    If you’re facing drug possession charges and are looking for a criminal defense attorney in Corpus Christi to help you with your case, be sure to reach out to Gale Law Group.


  5. 4 Corpus Christi cases included in Associated Press investigation of police in-custody deaths

    “The solution is: Get them down, get them handcuffed as quickly as possible, and get them up into a position where you are not going to have a problem with asphyxiation,” said Corpus Christi defense attorney Chris Gale.

    kiii logo

    Read the full story:

    https://www.kiiitv.com/article/news/local/4-corpus-christi-cases-included-in-associated-press-investigation-of-police-in-custody-deaths/503-68a58da8-484f-4551-891c-d4a626ba94c5


  6. When is Self-Defense Justified in a Criminal Case?

    According to Section 9.31 of the Texas Penal Code, you’re legally allowed to use force against someone else if you reasonably believe it’s needed to protect yourself from the other person’s use of force or if he or she attempts to use illegal force. Proving self-defense can come with its set of challenges, and it can be claimed in certain circumstances. If a burglar breaks into your home and is holding a gun, you could be justified in shooting that person because he or she poses a serious threat to your well-being. While you technically killed someone, you would not go to jail if the killing was justified (which is often called a “criminal justification defense”).

    self defense

    What is Self-Defense?

    Self-defense is defined as the use of force or violence to protect yourself or someone else from immediate harm. You must reasonably believe that you’re in immediate danger of death, bodily injury, or serious harm. While this definition may seem simple enough, it raises a lot of questions when it’s used in real life.

    It’s a widely accepted belief that someone has the legal right to self-defense and the defense of others. It’s also true when the act of self-defense would normally be considered a crime. Every state allows you to make this claim as a legal defense if you’re accused of a violent crime (such as a murder charge), and the same is true for Federal criminal law.

    In Texas, it’s listed as one of several “criminal justification defenses,” which also include the following:

    • Deadly force in defense of a person.
    • Defense of a third person.
    • Protection of life and health.
    • Defense of own property.
    • Deadly force to protect property.
    • Use of a device to protect property.
    • Necessity.
    • Acting out of public duty.

    If your actions qualify as one of the justifications that makes you exempt from criminal responsibility, you may use it as an affirmative defense that will justify your actions. You’re not legally required to retreat before you’re justified in using force against another person if you have the right to be at that location, aren’t engaged in any criminal activity, and haven’t provoked the use of force. It can, however, be used to determine if the use of force was reasonably necessary.

    Texas Law justifies the use of force if you’re using it to protect other people if you believe they are at risk of being harmed, especially if they’re not able to defend themselves or if their interference is critical in a life-or-death situation. The use of deadly force is justified if it’s being used to protect someone else, but your actions must be reasonable. Your use of force must also be proportionate and appropriate.

    Texas considers the protection of property to be a legal extension of self-defense. So, you can use force (including deadly force) to protect your home, workplace, office, or vehicle. But Texas Law does require you to use “reasonable force” in these types of situations, so you must believe it to be a necessary response to someone else’s actions.

    When is Self-Defense Not Justified?

    You can’t justify the use of force by saying you did it in self-defense, and you can’t attack people who say they’re going to beat you up but keep walking. Punching someone because he or she made a verbal threat would not be considered self-defense, and the same is true for resisting arrest (unless the officer used more force than necessary).

    Self-defense may not be an option if you consented to the exact force that was used or attempted. If someone volunteers to demonstrate a judo flip, he or she can’t punch the instructor after he or she has consented to the exact use of force. If you “provoke the use of force,” you can’t claim self-defense. But if someone else provoked the use of force before abandoning the encounter, you might be able to use self-defense to justify any continued attack.

    What is the Burden of Proof for Self-Defense in Texas?

    You must be able to back up any self-defense claims with evidence because the prosecutor will persuade the court that the opposite is true, but he or she must be able to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. It’s an accepted standard of proof that means the evidence in the case and their supporting arguments establish the guilt of a particular person.

    If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in Corpus Christi to help you with your case, be sure to reach out to Gale Law Group.


  7. 5 Common Criminal Defense Tactics

    Being charged with a crime can have a number of consequences (such as jail time, community service, and a permanent criminal record). While every case is different, many common defenses can be used in criminal cases. There may be holes in the prosecution’s case, which you can use to argue your case. Evidence may have been gathered that violated your constitutional rights, someone else may have committed the crime, or you may have had a justifiable reason. You could even argue that you had no intention of committing a crime or had some type of mental incapacity that caused you to commit the crime.

    criminal defense tactics

    While some defenses are meant to show that the prosecution has failed to make its case, others are considered “affirmative defenses” (which must be independently proven). Here are some of the common criminal defense tactics that are used in court.

    #1: Innocence

    This is one of the simplest defenses in a criminal case, which is raised when you didn’t commit the crime. The prosecution has to prove every piece of the crime with which you have been charged, and it has to do so “beyond a reasonable doubt.” You don’t have to prove anything to be considered innocent, but you have the option to offer testimony, documents, and other types of evidence to support your innocence.

    #2: Constitutional Violations

    This defense is used in criminal cases where the evidence was collected by the police and other law enforcement agencies. You don’t want to overlook this defense, because it could result in your case being dismissed. Some constitutional violations can include but may not be limited to:

    • An illegal search and seizure of your home, car, clothing, or person.
    • Failing to obtain a warrant for entry.
    • Obtaining an improper confession.
    • Failing to read your “Miranda Rights” at the time of your arrest.

    Police officers often make mistakes in how they do their jobs, which may require some evidence to be suppressed and could lead to your case being dismissed.

    #3: Alibi

    This is considered an “affirmative defense,” so you will be required to prove it. To use the alibi defense, you must be able to show that you were somewhere else when the crime was being committed. You might be able to get testimony from someone you were with. You can also submit surveillance footage as well as receipts from a restaurant, store, movie theater, or sporting event. You can even show them phone records that prove you were at some place other than where the crime was being committed.

    #4: Insanity

    You have most likely heard about this defense in TV courtroom dramas, but it isn’t used as often as you may think. The insanity defense must be proven, and you must show that you were suffering from a severe mental disease or defect when the crime was committed. You must also prove that you weren’t able to know the difference between right and wrong when you committed the crime or that you had an “irresistible impulse” to commit the crime (which means that you knew that what you were doing was wrong but couldn’t stop doing it).

    It requires you to admit that you committed the crime, which is another reason why it isn’t used that often. If the jury doesn’t believe you’re insane, you have already admitted to too many of the facts presented against you (which is likely to give the prosecution an easy win). The third and last reason why this defense isn’t used very often is because it usually results in institutionalization.

    #5: Mistake of Law/Mistake of Fact

    There are times when defendants aren’t aware of a fundamental part of a crime that the prosecution has charged them with. You could be charged with stealing a car, but you believed a family member or friend wanted to give it to you. This is where a mistake defense would apply. You might have been in a position of authority or responsibility over someone else’s property, kept or used it without the owner’s permission, used it for your benefit, and intended to deprive the owner of the property (which would be considered “embezzlement”). But if you believed you were given the authority to use the property from the owner, you would have a valid mistake defense.

    If you have been charged with a crime and are looking for a criminal defense attorney in Corpus Christi to help you come up with a solid defense, be sure to reach out to Gale Law Group.


  8. What are the Most Common Crimes Committed in Corpus Christi?

    Also referred to as “The Sparkling City by the Sea,” Corpus Christi is both a thriving metropolis and a beachside haven. But historically, the city has experienced a number of crime-related issues (though efforts have been made to improve safety and reduce local crime rates). Corpus Christi has a mix of urban and suburban areas, so these numbers can vary significantly. But in recent years, there have been concerns about the property crime rates. That’s why organizations and the local police have initiated community programs that are meant to enhance security.

    The downtown area has experienced periods of elevated crime rates, which has led to an increased police presence and a number of revitalization efforts. Infrastructure upgrades and community policing have helped to make the area more secure. Like most cities in the US, it sees occasional protests and demonstrations. But, they’re usually peaceful and regulated by local authorities. It is, however, a good idea to stay updated on the Corpus Christi crime rate through local news outlets. They should also be aware of how public events can affect safety and accessibility.

    Most Common Crimes in Corpus Christi

    Common Crimes Being Committed in Corpus Christi

    There’s a broad range of criminal arrests in Corpus Christi — from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. But here are some of the more common crimes being committed in the city:

    • DUI/DWI — According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 19,065 DUI/DWI crashes in Texas in 2020 (which resulted in 2,487 serious injuries and 1,073 fatalities). The local police are very strict about DUI/DWI incidents. Even first-time offenders can face serious penalties (such as fines, license suspensions, and even jail time).
    • Drug Possession — This is another common criminal arrest in Corpus Christi. Texas has some of the harshest drug possession laws in the country, with penalties that can include fines and even years in prison (depending on the type and amount of drugs involved). The most commonly abused drugs in Corpus Christi include marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs.
    • Assault — This is a serious offense that can come with severe penalties, and it’s commonly committed in Corpus Christi. If you have been charged with an assault in Corpus Christi, the severity of the incident will determine whether it will be classified as a misdemeanor or felony. And the penalties for this crime can include fines along with time in jail or prison.
    • Theft — This is another crime that’s commonly committed in Corpus Christi, and it’s defined as the taking of someone else’s property without his or her consent while intending to deprive that person of it. The value of the property will determine if it will be classified as a misdemeanor or felony.
    • Domestic Violence — This is a serious offense that can result in severe penalties (including fines along with time in jail or prison). Domestic violence can include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse against a family member or other member of your household. The State of Texas takes this crime very seriously. Even a first-time offense can lead to a protective order, fines, and even jail time.
    • Robbery — This is another serious crime that can come with severe penalties (such as fines along with time in jail or prison). Robbery is defined as the taking of someone else’s property through the use of force or the threat of force. This crime is considered a felony that comes with a prison sentence of up to 20 years. If a deadly weapon was used when the crime was committed, the penalty can be enhanced to life imprisonment.
    • Criminal Trespass — This is a common crime being committed in Corpus Christi, and it occurs when someone enters or remains on someone else’s property without his or her consent. In Texas, it can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony. The severity of the charge will depend on the circumstances of the situation.

    If you’re in trouble with the law in Corpus Christi, it’s important to get the help of an experienced attorney.

    What to Do if You Have Been Charged with a Crime

    If you have been arrested for an alleged crime in Corpus Christi, it’s important to stay calm. Getting angry or aggressive can make the situation worse and can lead to more charges being filed against you. You need to exercise your right to remain silent, which is guaranteed under the Fifth Amendment. You always have the right to speak to an attorney. If you have been arrested, it’s important to understand your charges and to cooperate with the police. You will also need to provide basic information (such as your name, date of birth, and address).

    If you have been arrested and are looking for a criminal defense attorney in Corpus Christi to help you with your case, be sure to get in touch with Gale Law Group.


  9. How Does the Corpus Christi Crime Rate Compare to the National Crime Rate?

    Corpus Christi has a higher rate of violent and property crime than the national average. Violent crime in the city is 35% (compared to the national average of 22.7%), while the property crime rate is 56% (compared to the national average of 35.4%). This makes Corpus Christi one of the most dangerous cities in Texas, which highlights the need for more public safety initiatives from local law enforcement and the city government to bring these numbers down.

    Corpus Christi Downtown

    Historical Crime Statistics in Corpus Christi

    In 2022, there were 2,512 violent crimes committed in Corpus Christi (791 per 100,000 people), which is 113.8% higher than the national average for that year. There were also 9,915 property crimes committed in 2022 (3,121 per 100,000 people), which is 59.7% higher than the national average for that year. The odds of falling victim to a violent crime in this area is 1 in every 127 residents, which has made Corpus Christi one of the most perilous cities in the United States.

    While there has been a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, there has been an unfortunate uptick in recent years.  Corpus Christi stands out as having one of the highest murder rates in the country. It even surpassed other cities that reported the same crime. In 2022, Corpus Christi had 41 murders, which translates to 13 for every 100,000 people. This statistic emphasizes the need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to reduce the number of violent crimes being committed in this area.

    Recent Crime Statistics in Corpus Christi

    According to statistics from the FBI released in October 2023, the total crime rate in Corpus Christi is 3,911.6 per 100,000 people. This is 68.3% higher than the national rate of 2,324.2 per 100,000 people and 45.33% higher than the Texas total crime rate of 2,691.5 per 100,000 people. Individual crime rates for Corpus Christi were as follows:

    • A murder rate of 12.9 per 100,000 (compared to 6.6 per 100,000 in Texas and 6.3 per 100,000 in the entire US).
    • A robbery rate of 111.7 per 100,000 (compared to 91.4 per 100,000 in Texas and 66.1 per 100,000 in the entire US).
    • The rate for aggravated assault was 590.7 per 100,000 (compared to 302.5 per 100,000 in Texas and 268.2 per 100,000 in the entire US).
    • A violent crime rate of 790.7 per 100,000 (compared to 446.5 per 100,000 in Texas and 369.8 in the entire US).
    • A burglary rate of 501.4 per 100,000 (compared to 370.4 per 100,000 in Texas and 269.8 per 100,000 in the entire US).
    • A larceny rate of 2,358.8 per 100,000 (compared to 1,587.3 per 100,000 in Texas and 1,401.9 per 100,000 in the entire US).
    • A car theft rate of 265.7 per 100,000 (compared to 287 per 100,000 in Texas and 282.7 per 100,000 in the entire US).
    • A property crime rate 3,120.9 per 100,000 (compared to 2,245 per 100,000 in Texas and 1,954.4 in the entire US).

    Corpus Christi reported 2,512 violent crimes (790.7 per 100,000 people), which was 113.82% higher than the national average. You also have a 1 in 126.5 chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime each year (compared to a 1 in 224 chance for the entire state). Corpus Christi reported 9,915 property crimes (3,120.9 per 100,000 people), which is 59.69% above the national average. You also have a 1 in 32 chance of becoming the victim of a property crime in this city each year, which is 39.01 higher than the Texas property crime rate of 2,245 per 100,000 people.

    How Residents Feel About the Corpus Christi Crime Rate

    According to a survey, 29% of Corpus Christi residents don’t believe there’s a great deal of crime in the area and that they feel safe walking alone at night. However, 71% of them believe it wasn’t a safe place to live and didn’t feel safe walking alone at night. The amount of crime in Corpus Christi also depends on the neighborhood, because each one has its own unique crime rate that’s influenced by a number of factors (such as location and socioeconomic conditions).

    Neighborhoods that are near the downtown area tend to have higher crime rates because of their high population density, while neighborhoods located on the outskirts will often have lower population density as well as unemployment and poverty rates (which makes them safer environments). The city also has exemplars (such as Mustang-Padre Island, Callallen, and Bay Area) that tend to be safer, while other areas (such as Central City, Northwest, and Flour Bluff) deal with above-average crime rates.

    If you’re facing charges and are looking for a criminal defense attorney in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Gale Law Group.


  10. How Long Does a Criminal Record Last in Texas?

    You can feel the consequences of a criminal record long after your legal troubles are over. It can affect your ability to find employment and housing — all while affecting other parts of your life. So unless it has been sealed or expunged, you will face these consequences for the rest of your life. A criminal record is a comprehensive historical document that’s maintained by the state or federal government. It has detailed information about criminal law violations, arrests, and convictions (which are listed in chronological order).

    criminal background check

    How Long Does a Criminal Record Last in Texas?

    Criminal information will stay on your record forever, and it can be accessed by anyone with the proper authorization. Some states offer a process that’s referred to as “expungement,” which may involve sealing or erasing records. This process can involve removing them from the state database and destroying any physical copies. There is no federal equivalent to record expungement, so the only recourse you can have for these types of crimes is to get a presidential pardon.

    In Texas, someone who has completed a deferred adjudication community supervision can petition the court that put that person on probation for an order of nondisclosure for any records related to the crime. This procedure is listed under Texas Government Code §411.071. An order of nondisclosure prohibits criminal justice agencies from disclosing any criminal records related to a specific offense. This is different from an expungement, because the records don’t “go away.” It’s simply kept from being accessed by the public.

    How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Texas?

    Arrests will stay on your record until they have been expunged. You can ask for an order of nondisclosure, but only in certain circumstances. It won’t erase the arrest from your record because law enforcement agencies can still access it, but it does keep it from being accessed by the public. A qualified attorney will be able to guide you through the nondisclosure process.

    How Long Do Convictions Stay on Your Criminal Record?

    Convictions can stay on your criminal record until they’re expunged. You can ask the courts to issue an order of nondisclosure. But like arrest records, it can only be done in certain circumstances. It won’t completely erase the conviction from your record because law enforcement agencies can still access it, but it does keep it from being accessed by the public. Be sure to speak to an attorney for more details about the nondisclosure process.

    How Long Do Juvenile Criminal Records Last in Texas?

    In Texas, juvenile criminal records aren’t automatically confidential and don’t become sealed until that person is 18 years old. Unsealed records can be accessed by different parties, which can include the following:

    • Law enforcement agencies.
    • Probation officers.
    • Juvenile justice officers.
    • Potential employers.
    • Educational institutions.

    According to Family Code §58.25, Texas gives you the option to seal some convictions after a waiting period. A new “automatic sealing” process eliminates the need for applications or petitions and requires the juvenile court to seal them based on specific criteria. Another law allows certain juvenile criminal records to be expunged (such as minor alcohol violations that are handled in municipal or justice courts).

    How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record in Texas?

    While it isn’t as serious as a felony charge, a misdemeanor is still a criminal offense and will stay on your record unless it has been expunged. Except for a few offenses, there’s no predefined expiration date for the presence of a misdemeanor on your record. While they will legally stay on record for life, there may be some limitations with regard to background checks (such as the “seven-year rule”).

    What are the Qualifications for Expungement in Texas?

    If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony, your criminal record may qualify for Texas expungement in the following circumstances:

    • You were acquitted of the crime for which you were charged.
    • You were convicted but were later found to be innocent.
    • You were convicted but were pardoned by the governor or president.
    • You were formally charged by indictment or information, the case against you was later dismissed, and the statute of limitations has expired.
    • You were arrested but not formally charged, and you have satisfied a proscribed waiting period.

    If you would like more information about expungement in Texas and are looking for a criminal defense attorney in Corpus Christi to help you, be sure to reach out to Gale Law Group.