Getting arrested can be one of the most stressful moments in your life. The situation unfolds quickly, and even small mistakes can have lasting legal consequences. Understanding your rights and what steps to take immediately after an arrest can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. This [...]
Labor Day weekend is a time for relaxation, celebration, and enjoying the last days of summer. However, it’s also a time when the risk of legal issues can increase due to heightened travel, social gatherings, and festivities. As you plan your holiday weekend, here are some legal tips to [...]
We are proud to announce that John Hunter Smith has been included in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in the areas of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. John Hunter is a lifetime member of the 82nd Airborne Association as well as the U.S [...]
We are proud to share that John Hunter Smith has secured multiple successful verdicts for our clients in the first half of 2024. His dedication, expertise, and relentless pursuit of justice have led to several notable outcomes in complex and high-stakes cases. We thank our clients for their trust and [...]
Navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system can be daunting. Knowing your rights is crucial to ensuring a fair process and the best possible outcome for your case. Let’s break down key rights and legal principles that every defendant should understand. 1. The Right to Remain Silent One of [...]
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses are relatively common criminal charges in Texas. Not only do police officers tend to arrest anyone who shows signs of intoxication while driving or fails of breath test, but they usually also test anyone involved in a crash for chemical impairment. A DWI conviction can [...]
Texas police officers readily arrest anyone who they find in possession of a controlled substance. Prescription drugs that people possess without a valid recommendation from their doctor could lead to legal prosecution. So could possession of an assortment of drugs currently prohibited by Texas and federal laws. Many people assume [...]
There are different rules that apply to different kinds of searches in Texas. For the police to legally search someone\’s vehicle or home, for example, an officer will usually need to have a warrant, get permission from the owner or have probable cause to believe that there is criminal activity [...]
Thanks to the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, police can’t just appear at your home or office, push their way in and start looking around and taking things without your permission or a valid search warrant – with some limited exceptions. A warrant should list the specific areas police [...]
In a criminal investigation, police officers are often eager to secure any evidence they can connecting an individual to certain crimes. Officers will search people and get warrants to go through their homes and vehicles. They may also want to search an individual\’s mobile device. Some people, confident that they [...]
