If you’re facing a DWI or any other alcohol-related charge, you might be wondering what sort of penalties you could face. And you be wondering what you can do to defend yourself. Texas officially uses the term “driving while intoxicated” (DWI) to refer to the act of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but it’s often used interchangeably with “driving under the influence” (DUI). The State of Texas prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle if you have a blood-alcohol level of .08% or more. It also prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle if you’re under the influence of drugs.

You’re considered to be intoxicated if you “lack the normal use of mental or physical faculties” because you have consumed alcohol, narcotics, or any other substance. And the same applies to the operation of a boat. The State of Texas also has a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to underage drivers (those who are under the age of 21) who get behind the wheel while they’re intoxicated or have a blood-alcohol level that’s above the legal limit. The penalties for a DWI will vary based on the circumstances of the case, but it will largely depend on how many convictions you have had.

Even if you’re guilty, we can get the system to work with you instead of against you. Call us today.

Other Alcohol-Related Charges in the State of Texas

Aside from getting a DWI, there are other alcohol-related charges in the State of Texas. These include:

• Public Intoxication (PI) — Classified as a misdemeanor charge, you’re guilt of public intoxication if you’re in a public place and are intoxicated to the point where you could put you and other people in danger. If you’re found guilty of public intoxication, you could face a fine of up to $500, and it could go on your permanent criminal record.
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) — If you’re under 21, you can be charged with Minor in Possession (MIP), even if you weren’t consuming any alcohol. You could be found guilty by simply holding an empty beer can or a cup that had an alcoholic drink. An MIP charge could result in serious penalties and could affect your ability to find employment. It could even affect your ability to graduate from school, be accepted into a university, or get approved for any type of government assistance.
• Open Container — If you’re found with an open container that’s within reach while you were driving in the State of Texas, you could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor (which could result in a fine of up to $500). You could also be charged with a DWI if you have a blood-alcohol level of .08% or more. There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. If you’re a passenger in a limo or RV, you won’t get charged with “open container.”
• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor — If you’re an adult and help a minor commit an act of delinquency, you could be charged with “Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor” (CDM). A minor is considered to be anyone who is under the age of eighteen. And because the consumption of alcohol is considered to be an act of delinquency, giving it to a minor would be classified as a CDM. The penalties for this charge will vary, and it will largely depend on the area in which the offense had been committed.

Be sure to speak to a qualified attorney for more information about these types of charges and which penalties you may face if you’re found guilty.

How You Can Defend Yourself Against an Alcohol-Related Charge

If you’re facing a DWI or any or alcohol-related charge, you’ll need the help of a criminal defense attorney. Not only will this person be able to defend you in court, but he or she can also help you to come up with a defense strategy that will minimize your risk of a conviction — especially if you have been accused of a crime that you didn’t commit. If you want to find the best criminal defense attorney in Corpus Christi, Gale Law Groups is here to help you. We have a qualified staff that can help you throughout the entire process, and we’ll make sure that your rights are protected.

If you want to work with a qualified criminal defense lawyer in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to us. We would be happy to speak with you about how we can help you with your case!

Check out our criminal defense page for more.

According to an FBI report, Corpus Christi has been listed as one of the most dangerous metropolitan areas in the United States. This study took a group of cities with populations of 300,000 or more with the highest crime rates per 100,000 people, and the Corpus Christi area (which includes Nueces, San Patricio, and Aransas counties) has been ranked number 12 in a list of 28 areas in the United States. According to the FBI, the Coastal Bend has a violent crime rate of 632 for every 100,000 people. This include 30 murders, 289 reported rapes, and 1,590 aggravated assaults. Other cities on that list also included Houston and Beaumont, which are both located on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Number of Reported Crimes in Corpus Christi

There have been over 14,000 reported incidents in Corpus Christi during the year 2017, which included the following crimes:

• Murder
• Rape
• Robbery
• Assault
• Burglary
• Theft
• Vehicle Theft
• Property crimes

This puts Corpus Christi at 42% above the average crime rate in the State of Texas and 55% higher than the entire nation. For violent offenses, the Coastal Bend has a rate that’s 60% higher than the Texas average and 83% higher than the national average. For crimes involving personal property, the city is 39% higher than the Texas average and 51% higher than the national average.

In 2016, the number of criminal cases in Corpus Christi included:

• 1,621 cases of aggravated assault.
• 53 cases of arson.
• 2,296 cases of burglary.
• 9,246 cases of larceny and theft.
• 656 cases of motor vehicle theft.
• 24 cases of murder and manslaughter.
• 259 cases of rape.
• 424 cases of robbery.
• 12,198 crimes involving personal property.
• 2,328 violent crimes.

In that same year, they projected the following numbers for 2019:

• 1,392 cases of aggravated assault.
• 44 cases of arson.
• 1,674 cases of burglary.
• 7,481 cases of larceny and theft.
• 441 cases of motor vehicle theft.
• 24 cases of murder and manslaughter.
• 264 cases of rape
• 338 cases of robbery.
• 9,565 crimes involving personal property.
• 2,018 violent crimes.

In 2016, the Coastal Bend has a violent crime rate that was higher than the national average by over 70%, and the property crime rate was at over 50% above the national average. It also had the highest murder rate out of the three Texas cities that made the top ten list, which was at 5.4 per 100,000 people. These statistics proved that Corpus Christi was considered to be one of the most dangerous cities to live in for the entire state of Texas and for the nation, which hasn’t changed much in subsequent years. Corpus Christi was also ranked number seven in the most dangerous cities in the United States, with San Antonio and Houston also being in the top ten.

Why You May Need a Criminal Defense Attorney

Because the Coastal Bend is experiencing a higher level of crime than both the national and state averages, the need for criminal defense lawyers is much higher. While everyone should be punished for breaking the law, everyone deserves a fair chance to prove their innocence if they have done nothing wrong. The amount of reported crimes in South Texas has most likely put the local police departments on high alert, and there’s a chance that you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time. You could be accused of a crime that you didn’t commit. If you don’t have a criminal defense attorney who will fight for your rights, you might be faced with a conviction. Not only will it result in jail or prison time, but it could also affect your life long after you have served your time.

You don’t want to be found guilty of a crime you didn’t commit. But without the help of a criminal defense lawyer, you increase your chances of being convicted. Not only will this person come up with a strategy that will help in your defense, but he or she could also use certain aspects of the law that may work to your advantage. The Gale Law Group has a team of qualified criminal defense attorneys who can help you with your case, which is why we’re one of the best choices in the Coastal Bend.

If you want to work with a qualified criminal defense lawyer in Corpus Christi, feel free get in touch with us. We would be happy to talk about the details of your case!

Check out our criminal defense page for more.

A Corpus Christi municipal court judge decided Wednesday the public intoxication case against a former state district judge should move forward.

Click Here To Read The Full Story

On Thursday, attorneys for Williams and a city prosecutor filed an agreed motion to dismiss the case. It would leave open the possibility the case could be refiled.

Read The Full Story Here

How to Find a Criminal Defense Lawyer That Can Help You Win Your Case

If you’re facing criminal charges, getting them dismissed or cleared in a trial is your main priority. The best way to improve your chances of a favorable outcome is to have a criminal defense attorney on your side. There are a lot of things that can help or even hurt your case — from your initial interaction with the police to the day that the jury issues a verdict. But not all criminal defense lawyers are the same. So, you need to find one who is qualified to handle your case. Taking the time to find the best criminal defense lawyer will make sure that you’re being represented in the best possible manner when your case goes to trial. While it may seem like a daunting task (especially if you’re facing the possibility of a criminal charge), it’s one of the most important steps in the entire process.

What You Should Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer can be a big decision, but you need to find the right one if you want the best chance of getting your charges cleared. Here are some things that you should look for in a criminal defense lawyer:

• Is able to meet your needs — Finding a lawyer isn’t just about finding the most qualified. It’s also about finding one who will meet your needs. You want to work with a lawyer that you can understand — someone who speaks your language and takes the time to explain all the available options. Find a lawyer who will act as an advisor and with whom you feel comfortable.
• Has the right experience — Not all lawyers are created equal. Some specialize in personal injury, while others focus on criminal law. If your case involves a violent crime, you shouldn’t hire a lawyer who specializes in DWI cases. Look at their website, and find out which areas they specialize in.
• Has the right team — Preparing for a case is never a one-person job. Even the best criminal defense attorneys need to have a team behind them. You need to find out who is part of their organization (such as their administrative team, paralegals, and other criminal defense lawyers), and you should check their qualifications. If you have a good lawyer and this person gets sick, will someone else be ready step in when you go to trial?
• Has good references — Any good criminal defense lawyer will have the reputation to back it up. Ask your friends and associates for any recommendations, and ask anyone that you’re considering for any references. Talk to any previous clients, so you can see what their experience was like. Any good lawyer will also have a reputation with other people in that industry, so ask other reputable lawyers for any recommendations. They don’t have to be a criminal defense lawyer to know who has a good reputation in their industry.
• Is confident without making guarantees — You should find a criminal defense attorney who is confident in his or her ability to build the strongest possible case, which is a healthy trait for any lawyer. But, you should be wary of anyone who can guarantee you a specific result. The law is full of uncertainty, and even the best attorneys can’t know exactly what will happen. Even if you lose your case, you can always hire an appeals attorney. You should never fall for someone who promises you any kind of favorable outcome.

Being faced with criminal charges isn’t something that you should take lightly. You need to find the best person to help you, because it will increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome. You need to take the time to find a lawyer who is qualified and is able to work with you, so you need to research your options. That way, you can find a lawyer that’s right for you.

A Qualified Criminal Defense Attorney in Corpus Christi!

If you’ve been having a hard time finding the right criminal defense lawyer in Corpus Christi, you should consider working with Gale Law Group. Our staff has years of combined experience, and we’ll make sure that we build the best possible strategy for your case. We can work in many areas of criminal law — from DWI charges to violent crimes. So regardless of your circumstances, we have the qualifications to handle your case.

Check out our criminal defense page for more.

If you want to work with one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the Coastal Bend, get in touch with us today!

Local attorney Chris Gale has represented a number of clients who have had complaints against law enforcement agencies.

Click here to view the video

Two recently filed federal lawsuits allege that Corpus Christi police violated the civil rights of two city residents by using excessive force, KRIS 6 has reported. One person died after an incident with police while the other was severely injured.

Read The Full Story Here

Just last month, at least two federal lawsuits were filed against the City of Corpus Christi over alleged misbehavior by police officers.

Read The Full Article Here

Having a criminal record can hinder your ability to find work, apply for an apartment or home, and even to get a professional license. There are some cases in Texas Law that allow you to make a request for an expungement or sealing of your criminal history, so it won’t be visible to the general public in most circumstances. In Texas, an expungement (which can also be referred to as an “expunction”) and a record sealing have two different processes. Once both are applied, most potential employers who do background checks won’t be able to access this information. And in many cases, you won’t be obligated to disclose this information.

What Can Qualify You for an Expungement?

You might be able to expunge your criminal record if you were arrested for a misdemeanor or felony and if any of the following apply:

• You were acquitted in a Court of Law.
• You were convicted but were later pardoned or found innocent.
• You were charged but the case was dismissed or the statute of limitations had been expired.
• You weren’t formally charged with a crime and have satisfied the waiting period.

If you were arrested and was never charged for a crime, Texas Law requires you to wait for a certain period of time before you can apply for an expungement. The length of this period will depend on the seriousness of the crime. Here are the waiting periods for each of the qualified cases:

• Class C Misdemeanor — 180 days from when you were arrested.
• Class A or B Misdemeanor — One year from when you were arrested.
• Felony — Three years from when you were arrested.

If you’re a close relative of a deceased person with a criminal record that can qualify for an expungement, you can have it done on this person’s behalf. The law defines this person as any of the following:

• Parent
• Grandparent
• Spouse
• Adult brother or sister
• Child

Be sure to speak to a qualified attorney for more information.

Types of Convictions That Can be Expunged

You can expunge any arrests that didn’t lead to a conviction, as well as any Class C Misdemeanors that received a deferred adjudication and has completed a community supervision. If you were found guilty, pleaded guilty, or entered a “no contest” to any offense that hasn’t been classified as a Class C Misdemeanor, it’s not eligible for an expungement. You can, however, apply for a non-disclosure if you were granted a deferred adjudication.

You might be able to expunge any juvenile offenses if they were misdemeanors that resulted in a fine and were committed before you were seventeen, were listed under the Alcoholic Beverage Code, or fell under the “Failure to Attend School” section of the Texas Education Code. You may not be eligible if you had multiple juvenile offenses or had an insufficient age during the time of your arrest. If you have convictions that aren’t eligible for an expungement, you might be able to apply for an Order of Non-Disclosure in certain circumstances. It doesn’t eliminate your criminal record, but it does keep it away from the public eye.

The following charges aren’t eligible for an expungement or a non-disclosure:

• Aggravated and regular sexual assault.
• Indecency with a child.
• Prohibited sexual conduct.
• Aggravated kidnapping.
• Burglary or habitation with the intention of committing any of the above offenses.
• Soliciting prostitution.
• Sexual performance of a child.
• Child pornography charges.
• Unlawful restraint, kidnapping, or aggravated kidnapping of someone who was younger than 17 years old.
• Attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above offenses.
• Capital murder or any other type of murder.
• Injury to a child, elderly, or disabled person.
• Abandoning or endangering a child.
• Violation of a protective order.
• Family violence.

If you want more information about whether you qualify for an expungement, contact the Gale Law Group today!

Check out our criminal defense page for more.

A panel of judges that upheld reprimands against former Judge Guy Williams found his behavior both on and off the bench “cast public discredit on the judiciary.”

Williams on March 18 went before a special court of review to appeal two reprimands. In them, Williams stood accused of groping three women, including a sitting judge, making disparaging comments about Nueces County prosecutors and mishandling a family law case.

Click Here To Read The Full Story