Out of State Arrests
The state of Texas can seem like a completely different country for many visiting the state. Add a criminal offense allegation to the visit and you can truly feel out of your element. Although a vacation or tourist visit is meant as a time to enjoy yourself, state laws and regulations still apply. Many out of state residents are accused of criminal offenses on a daily basis in Texas. Much of these charges relate to drugs or alcohol but can include the entire spectrum of criminal activity.
Many people do not understand the process involved in an out of state arrest, which can definitely increase the stress and worry felt when facing such allegations. This could even lead to them dismissing the charges and leaving the state without resolving their legal issues. Needless to say, this is a very risky action to take that will likely result in worse problems down the road.
If you are an out of state or international resident, the best course of action is to find quality legal representation who can resolve your legal problems in the most convenient manner available, so you can move on with your life without the worry of a criminal charge following you.
Houston Out of State Arrest Attorney
An out of state arrest is a complicated situation that could be made very simple and straightforward by working with a qualified criminal defense attorney. With this legal representation, you will likely be able to go back home without having to make constant visits to Texas in order to make court appearances.
Matt Horak is a Houston criminal defense attorney that has a great deal of experience working with out of state arrests and will draw on this casework in order to produce a defense strategy will be able to efficiently handle the situation in a productive and professional manner. His proactive approach will allow you to contribute the bare minimum to this process so that you can focus on issues that are more important in your life.
He is an attorney who is committed to protecting your rights, which is particularly important when it comes to laws that you are likely not familiar with. Texas does operate differently than most states when it comes to criminal justice, so having a strong legal resource at your side could make all the difference in finding a favorable solution.
Matt proudly represents individuals arrested throughout Southeast Texas, including Harris County, Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, Waller County, Liberty County, Brazoria County. Along with these counties, Matt also works with individuals who have been arrested at airports, including Bush International Airport and Hobby International Airport.
To schedule a consultation with Horak Law to figure out your legal options, please call (713) 225-8000 or send an online message today. Offering a quick response, Matt Horak will immediately begin working on your case.
Common Reasons for an Out of State Arrest
There are a few charges that are common for people visiting or vacationing in the state of Texas. Some notable offenses are as follows:
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – This offense is committed when a person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. This offense is considered a Class B misdemeanor, which comes with a presumptive sentence of up to 6 months in jail and / or fines of up to $2,000.
- Public Intoxication – A person commits this offense if they appear in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that the person may endanger himself or herself or another. Public intoxication is considered a Class C misdemeanor (fine not to exceed $500).
- Possession of Marijuana – A person commits this offense if they are knowingly and intentionally in possession of marijuana. The charge for this offense depends on the amount found. You will be charged with a Class B misdemeanor for possessing two ounces or less (up to 180 days in jail and / or fines up to $2,000). This goes all the way up to a first-degree felony for amounts exceeding 2,000 pounds. A conviction will lead to a sentence of 5 to 99 years in prison and / or fines up to $10,000.
- Possession of a Controlled Substance – This offense is committed if an individual is found in possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, as defined in the Texas Controlled Substances Act. This can include cocaine, heroin, LSD, Vicodin, Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Xanax, Adderall and many others. Most arrests will be considered felonies (starting with a state jail felony and moving up to first-degree) and is dependent on the amount found.
- Disorderly Conduct – A person commits the offense of disorderly conduct if he or she intentionally uses abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place, and the language, by its very utterance, tends to incite an immediate breach of peace. This includes making an offensive gesture, creating a noxious odor, threatening a person in an obviously offensive manner, making unreasonable noise, fighting another individuals or discharging a firearm in public. This is considered a Class C misdemeanor (a fine up to $500).
- Resisting Arrest – This offense is committed if a persona intentionally prevents or obstructs a person he or she knows is a peace officer from effecting an arrest, search or transportation of the individuals or another by using force. This is considered a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $2,000).
- Shoplifting – A person commits this offense by depriving an owner of property without his or her effective consent. The charge depends on the value of the goods stolen. For $50 or less, it is considered a Class C Misdemeanor ($500 fine). For $50 to $500, it is considered a Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,000). For $500 to $1,500 it is a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,000). If the value is above $1,500 but less than $20,000, it is considered a state jail felony (up to 2 years in jail and fines up to $10,000).
- Airport Arrests – This can include being found in possession of a firearm, drugs or other contraband while in a Houston airport. The two major airports in Houston are Bush International Airport (IAH) and Hobby International Airport.
Horak Law | Texas Tourist Arrest Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense while traveling in the state of Texas, you can make this situation much easier by working with a local attorney who has the experience and legal knowledge necessary to effectively navigate you through the complicated process.
Matt Horak is a Houston criminal defense attorney well versed in the out of state arrest procedure and can professionally handle every aspect of your case so that you can go back home and focus on moving forward with your life. Many of these offenses can be taken care of without you having to appear in person at court. Matt will produce all of the relevant documentation and make sure that you are up to date and informed on the process.
To discuss your out of state arrest with Horak Law in the form of a confidential consultation, please call (713) 225-8000 or send an online message today. Not taking immediate action will lead to bigger issues down the line so speak with Matt Horak right away.
