Faqs

Potentially, yes. This situation is known as “constructive possession,” which means a person knows about the object and has the ability to control it. Often, the law considers you in constructive possession of the objects in your car or home. Similarly, if you are exposed to an illegal substance, or if you are a minor and come into contact with alcohol, you may be charged with possession.

Some sex crimes, such as indecent exposure to a child, require the convicted individual to register as a sex offender for 10 years, at which point the individual can deregister. Despite this, many convictions require sex offenders to register for the rest of their lives.

In many cases, the information on a criminal record is permanent. However, if a judge defers a determination of guilt and allows you to serve a probation period, you may apply for non-disclosure of the crime once the probation is completed. This essentially removes the crime from your record.

Additionally, if no charges were filed against you, the charges were dismissed, or you were acquitted or otherwise forgiven due to actual innocence, you may expunge the offense from your criminal record.

In most criminal cases, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the act with criminal intent. The standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt” is the highest standard of proof in the law, and such a standard requires that the jurors or judge have little if any doubt that the defendant is guilty. “Criminal intent,” also known as “mens rea,” indicates that an individual was aware of his or her criminal actions.

Dallas criminal defense attorneys Keith and Kevin Harris know how to provide you with a strong defense against criminal charges. Having worked as both prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys, they have unique insight into the Texas justice system. Keith and Kevin can use this experience to help you effectively fight fines, prison time, and other penalties that can come with a criminal conviction.