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Recent Blog Posts
How Do I Get a Murder Charge Dropped to Manslaughter in Texas?
A murder charge can be reduced to manslaughter in Texas under certain circumstances. The two charges are not the same thing under Texas law, and the difference between them often comes down to what the prosecution can prove about your state of mind at the time of the incident.
Whether a reduction happens through a negotiated plea deal or through the outcome of a trial, the path forward depends on the specific facts of your case and the strength of your defense. If you or someone you love is facing a murder charge in 2026, the Collin County, TX criminal defense attorneys at The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. are here to help you understand what options are available to you.
What Is the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter in Texas?
Under Texas Penal Code § 19.02, murder happens when someone intentionally or knowingly causes the death of another person. It is a first-degree felony in Texas, which means a conviction can result in anywhere from five to 99 years in prison, or even a life sentence, plus a fine of up to $10,000.
What Happens to Someone Charged With Child Trafficking in Texas?
Few criminal charges carry consequences as severe as child trafficking in Texas. If you're facing this charge, you're probably overwhelmed and unsure of where to even begin. These cases move quickly, and the accusation alone can turn your life upside down before any facts have been examined in court.
However, being charged does not guarantee a conviction. The State still has to prove its case. The right defense attorney can make a real difference. If you are facing this in 2026, a Plano, TX child trafficking defense lawyer can help you build a defense strategy and fight the allegations.
How Does Texas Define Child Trafficking?
Under Texas Penal Code § 20A.02, child trafficking means knowingly trafficking a child and causing that child to engage in sexual conduct or labor. When the victim is a minor, the state doesn't have to prove force or threats were used. The fact that a child was involved is enough to make the charge more serious.
How Is Drug Conspiracy Prosecuted in Texas?
Drug conspiracy convictions have life-changing consequences. The scariest thing about these charges is that a drug conspiracy charge can be made when two or more people simply agree to commit a drug-related crime – which means you can be charged with drug conspiracy even if you did not actually commit the crime itself.
If you are facing these charges in 2026, our Plano, TX criminal defense attorney can help you figure out your best legal options before things go any further.
What Is Drug Conspiracy Under Texas Law?
"Drug conspiracy" is a charge the government can use when two or more people agree to commit a drug-related offense. This includes manufacturing, distributing, or possessing illegal substances. Under Texas Penal Code Section 15.02, someone commits criminal conspiracy when they agree with one or more other people to commit a felony, and at least one member of the group actually does something to carry out that agreement.
When Can a Person Face Embezzlement Charges in Texas?
Embezzlement is a serious crime that involves taking money or other property entrusted to someone's care. In Texas, embezzlement is a white collar crime that is a form of theft. It may be treated as a misdemeanor or felony offense depending on the circumstances of the case. If you are convicted of embezzlement, you face severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
Have you been accused of embezzlement in 2026? Are you under investigation? You need to understand the elements of embezzlement and get a Plano, TX criminal defense attorney on your side immediately.
What Is Embezzlement?
While embezzlement is not a formal offense that is defined in Texas law, it is a form of theft under Sec. 31.01 that results in criminal charges. Embezzlement occurs when someone who has been entrusted with someone else's property or money uses them for personal reasons.
Minimum Sentence for a Felon in Possession of a Firearm in Texas
In Texas, gun laws are strict, and penalties are severe. This is especially true for convicted felons caught in possession of a firearm. Federal and state laws prohibit anyone convicted of a felony from owning or possessing a gun, and violations can result in serious prison time.
If you are a felon facing a firearm charge in 2026, it is important to understand the minimum sentences and what Texas law says about cases like yours. More importantly, you need an experienced Plano, TX criminal defense attorney who knows local judges and prosecutors to fight for your rights.
Texas Law on Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Under Texas Penal Code Section 46.04, it is illegal for someone convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. This law applies to anyone convicted of a crime that carries a potential prison sentence of one year or more.
What Does Solicitation of Prostitution Mean in Texas?
About five years ago, Texas took a hard stance against the solicitation of prostitution. What used to be a misdemeanor is now a felony that can land you in state jail and permanently damage your reputation. Many people do not realize how serious these charges have become or how easily someone can be accused of solicitation based on a misunderstood conversation or text message.
Every year, over a thousand people are arrested for prostitution-related crimes in Texas. Many of these cases involve undercover sting operations where officers posed as sex workers. If you have been charged with hiring a prostitute or any other sex crime in 2026, call a Plano criminal defense attorney now.
What Does Solicitation of Prostitution Mean Under Texas Law?
Texas Penal Code Section 43.021 defines solicitation of prostitution as when someone knowingly offers or agrees to pay a fee to another person for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with that person or another. The key word here is "knowingly." This means the prosecutor must prove you understood what you were doing.
Are Police Allowed To Arrest You for Public Sex in Texas if No One Saw?
You are facing a potential public lewdness charge, but you are certain no one witnessed anything. So how can law enforcement move forward with an arrest? The reality is more complex than most expect. Texas prosecutors do not always need an eyewitness to pursue public lewdness charges. The first step in building your defense is to find a Collin County, TX sex crimes defense lawyer. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we can help you understand how the court may view the circumstances of your case so you can make informed decisions.
How Texas Law Defines Public Lewdness
Texas law does not use the term "public sex" as a formal charge. Instead, these cases are typically handled as public lewdness. Under Texas Penal Code § 21.07, public lewdness can involve engaging in certain sexual conduct in a public place. It can also apply in a private place if there is a risk that someone else could see it and be offended.
How Do I Fight a Child Endangerment Charge in Texas?
If you are facing a child endangerment charge, the first thing you need to do is seek legal guidance. Understanding your rights is how you make good choices about your defense.
Our Plano, TX child endangerment defense lawyer has the experience necessary to analyze the details of your case and help you challenge the allegations against you.
What Is Considered Child Endangerment Under Texas Law?
Child endangerment is usually charged under Texas Penal Code § 22.041. This law applies when someone is accused of placing a child in a situation that could expose the child to harm. The law allows charges based on different levels of behavior, including careless actions. This means the state does not have to prove that you meant to cause harm. Investigators often review supervision, environment, and access to unsafe items when deciding whether to move forward with a case.
How Federal Law Intersects With Texas Revenge Porn Law
Intentionally sharing private photos or videos of someone without their consent can lead to criminal charges. Depending on how and where the images were shared, the case may involve both state and federal law. When you are dealing with digital evidence or interstate communication, it can get much more complicated.
You need an experienced Collin County, TX revenge porn defense lawyer on your side. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we handle state and federal sex crimes cases. We can help you fight the allegations against you with a strong defense strategy.
What Does Texas Law Say About Revenge Porn?
Under Texas Penal Code § 21.16, a person can face charges for intentionally disclosing or showing photos or videos that include another person who is nude or engaged in sexual activity when the disclosure is made without that person’s effective consent.
Can You Go to Prison for Being a Minor Attracted Person if You Never Act On It?
Everyone knows that sexual activity between adults and minors is almost always against the law; however, some people wonder whether their attraction to minors is illegal in and of itself. If this is a question you have, it is important to know the truth. In Texas, you cannot go to prison for a thought alone. You can only face criminal charges if you take a step that breaks a specific law.
That being said, Texas has some of the strictest laws in the country when it comes to crimes against children. Understanding where the legal line is can help you avoid a charge that changes your life forever. If you are being investigated for or charged with crimes against children in 2025, call our Plano, TX criminal defense attorney right away.
When Does Texas Actually Criminalize Minor Attracted Adults?
Texas does not punish someone simply for having an attraction. Texas punishes conduct. This includes actions that involve a child or actions taken toward committing a crime against a child. Some examples include:
