Category Archives: Defenses

TPWD Is Collecting Anonymous Tips of Wildlife Crimes

Criminal Attorney, Criminal Defense, Defense attorney, Defenses, Fishing violation, Wildlife crimes, Wildlife crimes attorney, Wildlife violations

Earlier this year, Texas Parks and Wildlife proudly announced that a new tipline was in place, making it easier to report suspicious activity or violations. It’s now easier than ever to anonymously accuse someone of wildlife crime. But is that progress?

TPWD Is Collecting Tips and Reports of Illegal Activity

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is encouraging people to report suspicious activity by texting TIP411. People can also use the free Operation Game Thief App to make reports and submit photos or videos. The State even offers a bounty: Rewards of up to $1,000 are available for tips that result in a conviction.

Harsh Penalties for Wildlife Crimes

While tipline callers are offered a bounty, the accused—even if innocent—may face financial ruin. Common wildlife crimes cover several sporting areas:

Depending on the circumstances, such violations can lead to jail time as well as fines or restitution to the state. If you’re convicted, it may also mean the suspension of or loss of your license and sometimes forfeiture of equipment.

It’s Easier Than Ever To Accuse Someone of a Crime

Being fined, arrested or charged with a crime is stressful at best and life-ruining at worst. Civil or criminal charges are a serious matter requiring time, attention and resources to address properly.

It’s important to consider the implications of soliciting anonymous tips and evidence from the public at large. This may be particularly true when fake images are far more accessible than they once were.

Can Anonymous Tips Be Used in Court?

Luckily, in general, it’s not possible to use an anonymous accusation in a criminal trial. That said, a tip that leads to an independent investigation finding the accusation to be true gets around the problem.

After an anonymous tip, TPWD law enforcement officials can run an independent investigation that corroborates the information in the tip. That evidence would likely be admissible in court.

Anonymous tips, as well as any other evidence presented, must be dealt with carefully and correctly by your defense team.

Countering the prosecution’s evidence and presenting your own is the heart of an effective defense. We know how to present your side of the story in court. That can make a tremendous difference in penalties, such as fines and restitution, as well as help you keep your right to hunt and fish in the future.

Contact a Federal Wildlife Violations Lawyer for a Strong Defense

At Lee & Wood, GP, you get the benefit of an experienced wildlife violations defense attorney who is also an avid hunter. You get to talk to an attorney who understands the law and the real-life circumstances hunters face. Call 817-678-6771 or contact us online to discuss your situation.

Defending Yourself Against Assault Charges in Texas

Assault, Criminal Attorney, Criminal Defense, Defense attorney, Defenses, Self defense

Assault charges can feel overwhelming and confusing. The actions usually arise in the heat of the moment, often involving alcohol and adrenaline. But, it is possible to overcome assault charges, especially if you were acting to protect yourself or someone else.

Self-Defense As Your Defense

Acting in self-defense is the most common way to beat assault charges in Texas. Under Texas law, a person isn’t guilty of assault when he or she acted in self-protection that was reasonable at the time.

To prove to the court that you were acting in self-defense, you must show several things:

  • There was a threat of harm
  • You had a real fear of harm
  • You did not harm or provoke anyone before the threat occurred
  • There was no chance of avoiding the situation

To use self-defense as your defense, your lawyer must also show the court that the amount of force used was “reasonable.” That means that you used the minimum amount of force necessary to fend off the attack—not more.

Protecting Another Person or Property

Protecting another person or property is also a defense to assault charges in Texas. Just like the court understands why you would resort to violence to protect yourself, the court allows a defense for protecting someone you care about.

Further, Texas’s Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law says that a person may use “reasonable force” when protecting their home or vehicle. The law gives you the right to stand your ground against a home invader instead of having to retreat.

Consent to the Assault

In certain situations, consent can also be used as a defense to assault charges. This is especially true in sexual assault cases where the court tries to discern he-said, she-said situations. The alleged victim may have consented or appeared to consent to the encounter, only to decide later that it was actually an assault. 

Can Assault Charges Be Dropped?

Assault charges can also be dropped if the prosecutor does not have enough evidence to pursue them. That’s one of the reasons that it’s important to hire a lawyer as quickly as possible, even before charges are formally filed. 

Your attorney can start advocating for you from day one. By acting early, they may even be able to get charges dropped or help the prosecutor see why charges should never be filed at all.

Get a Strong Defense to Assault Charges

If you have been accused of assault, call 817-678-6771  or send us a message for a confidential consultation with the Fort Worth lawyers at LEE AND WOOD, GP. It’s important to get legal help as soon as possible after an arrest so that your attorneys can take immediate action to protect your rights, reputation and freedom.