1.      I have not been arrested, but I received word that the police want to talk to me about something that happened. I want to know what to tell them.
Unfortunately, no two situations are identical. Thus, you should contact a lawyer immediately to discuss in confidence the facts of your particular difficulty. Studies show that people who get to a lawyer very early in the process generally come out best in the legal system.

2.      My child is being accused of a crime, and now the police want to talk to me. Do I have a right to silence for my child's sake?
No. Our law does not recognize a parent / child communication privilege. In fact, failing to cooperate could lead to serious legal problems for a parent. Therefore, a parent faced with such a situation is well advised to get their child to a lawyer at the earliest opportunity as the child may only consult with a lawyer in confidence.

3.      What is the proper role of a parent, a spouse, a family member or close friend when their loved one is being accused of a crime?
The proper role is one of unconditional love and support. The accusation, what happens in the legal process, and even what is said between the attorney and client, should be strictly 'off limits' in any discussions or communications.

4.      If I'm accused of a crime in Texas, will I be jailed before I've gone to court?
Yes. Officers have the ability to arrest and jail suspects when there is probable cause to believe the suspect may have engaged in crime.

5.      What is bail?
'Bail' is a means of release from jail pending the outcome of a case. Under the bail system, 'bail' refers to the security given by the accused assuring the accused will appear and answer before the proper court.

6.      What is a 'bail bond'
A 'bail bond' is a written undertaking by an accused and his sureties for the release of the accused from jail. This release is only pending the appearance of the accused before some court to appear and answer because it may take months or even years for a case to come to trial or for an appeal to be decided A bail bond may be posted with the authorities in cash, by a bondsman, or in some cases, by a lawyer.

7.      What is a 'Pre-Trial Bond', a 'Personal Bond'?
These are public bail bonds available to certain low risk offenders and generally come at a real savings to what bail bondsman or bonding company might charge.