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How Common Are Car Accidents in Texas?

Generally speaking, if you haven’t experienced a car accident at some point in your life, you may be in the minority. With a car accident happening almost every minute in the state of Texas, with an accident-related death occurring nearly every two hours, and injuries happening practically every two minutes in recent stats, accidents happen constantly. So how can we avoid them?

Not only can an accident lead to hassles such as being late for work or other destinations, but injuries quickly add up, as well as expenses and time away from work, which can lead to unforeseen bills. Aside from the inconvenience, injuries can change your life or lead to the death of you or a loved one.

Limit Distractions

As it has been intensively scrutinized for years, we have all heard of texting and driving and how it can easily lead to accidents. Most states have laws to curb this habit, which can come with stiff penalties. Using your phone at all while operating a vehicle may come with fines as states impose strict penalties further to help the safety of those on the road.

If you need to use your cell phone while driving, pull over to the side of the road, or exit the highway and pull into a safe place to return a text, make a call, or do any other tasks.

Other common distractions may be eating while driving, adjusting the radio or temperature in the vehicle, or trying to input information on the car’s navigation system. If you can’t handle these tasks before you strike out on your commute, you should pull over or wait until you reach your destination to complete them safely.

Avoid Rear End Collisions

Keeping a safe distance between you and other vehicles on the road is essential, especially if inclement weather is present.

The National Safety Council has created an easy way to ensure that you are traveling at a safe distance from other drivers. It is called the three-second rule. The way it works is to find a stationary object and count how many seconds it is from when the car ahead of you passes the object, and you pass it. If it is less than three seconds, back off and try again until it takes three seconds to pass the same object as the car in front of you.

Defensive Driving and Intersections

Distractions or confusion at intersections is another standard reason for car accidents. If you are at an intersection, use an additional second after the light has turned green to ensure others are not running the red light going the other direction which can lead to an accident. You can also scan other drivers at the stoplight to see who may be distracted and make a mental note to give them more room at the light change.

It is always better to be late to your destination and arrive safely. Give yourself extra time when navigating city streets or county roads, especially at intersections.

Avoid Windshield Damage

Limiting windshield damage is another critical way to avoid accidents or damage to your vehicle. How do you do this? Keep extra distance when following semi trucks or other large trucks that may kick up rocks or other debris in the roadway.

If a snowplow or other maintenance vehicle is on the roadway, give them extra room and slow down or switch to another lane.

Not only can this help avoid damage to your windshield, but reacting to a crack or chip in your windshield can cause you to go off the road or veer into oncoming traffic. By avoiding damage to your windshield, you could potentially prevent serious accidents.

Other Tips to Help Avoid Car Accidents

It boils down to slowing down, paying attention, and adhering to laws while on the road. Wear your seatbelt, don’t speed or use your phone while driving, obey all traffic signals and signs, and remain vigilant.

For some, having multiple passengers or children present in the car can be enough of a distraction that they may want to limit these actions. For others, driving at night can pose more difficulty than driving during the day, and if so, they can restrict night driving.

Adjusting your mirrors to see more of your vehicle’s blind spots and other drivers can also be crucial to safe driving. Practice in parking lots and driveways to adjust your mirrors and see what position is best.

Regular inspections and maintenance of your vehicle are also necessary. Ensure that your brakes and turn signals are all working properly so you aren’t inadvertently placing yourself or others in danger while driving.

Also, being familiar with your vehicle, the space it takes up, and its limitations can help keep you safe. For example, if you recently changed from a compact car to an SUV, you may not be able to navigate in and out of tight spaces like you once did, or you may not be able to speed up to pass a vehicle the way you once did with a different car.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident, contact our office at (713) 999-6549 for a free consultation. We have over 40 years of combined experience as a husband and wife team, and we are ready to become a strong and capable advocate for you and your loved ones.

School Bus Accidents Can Create Devastating Losses

Most of us may think of precious cargo when a school bus drives by. There are likely several children on board on their way to or from school, and safely arriving at their destination is essential to the driver, the parents of each of those children, any vehicles or pedestrians the bus may come in contact with, and all loved ones involved.

Car accidents happen every hour across the country. School bus accidents are a little less common, but not as much as one would hope.

According to the National Safety Council, a small percentage of school bus accidents result in the death of a passenger or bus driver, and an average of 70% of school bus-related deaths occur in other drivers that collide with the bus.

Common Causes For School Bus Accidents

Over the years and with continued safety measure efforts, school buses remain one of the safest forms of transportation for children getting to and from school. Nevertheless, accidents happen very often. Why?

Below are some of the most common examples of school bus accidents:

Weather conditions – school buses may be hard to navigate even in the best of weather due to the size of the vehicle, the way the weight shifts with children getting on and off, and the, at times, chaotic atmosphere that buses can be.

Driver Errors – unfortunately, one of the most common reasons for school bus accidents is driver error. Humans make mistakes, and just as when a driver of a standard vehicle can get distracted or make poor decisions behind the wheel, so can school bus drivers. Fatigue and improperly or under-trained employees can also lead quickly to accidents occurring.

Blind Spots – due to the larger size of school buses, it can be challenging to adequately check a blind spot and navigate safely along with traffic.

Negligent Drivers or Negligent Company Owners

Negligence can be present when the company hires the drivers or the drivers themselves. Hiring companies may attempt to cut budget corners by avoiding regular training or drug/alcohol testing for their drivers, which can lead to accidents.

Improper or non-existent bus maintenance can also play a significant role in accidents. Considerable damage can occur if the brakes on a standard vehicle go out. If the brakes on a giant school bus aren’t properly maintained and they give out, the results can be catastrophic. Similarly, tires, adequate lights/flashers, and more must be checked often and maintained to ensure the bus can safely transport children to and from school.

What Safety Measures Can I Teach My Children to Prevent Bus Accidents?

Safety can start in the home with some easy steps to ensure your child understands the risk if they aren’t acting appropriately on the school bus. They can learn to wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before attempting to climb on or off the bus, they can check multiple times before crossing the street to get on the bus, refrain from roughhousing on the bus so as not to distract the driver, and more. Children can also be reminded to keep all limbs inside the vehicle to help the driver see clearly.

What Other Safety Measures Can Help Avoid Accidents?

The general public can be more vigilant when they are around school buses. Driving past a school bus with its stop sign out is illegal. They use this to help facilitate children safely crossing the street, and if drivers ignore this alert, they can easily cause an accident.

Drivers can also pay close attention to school zones to follow the speed limits during school hours and be vigilant of crosswalks, as children often run or walk across the street to get to the bus or off of it.

Communities and school districts can employ police officers or flag people to come to the school and assist the children crossing the street during busy school times.

Were You or a Loved One Involved in a School Bus Accident?

As with any accident, the circumstances can be frustrating at best and catastrophic at worst. With school buses’ sheer size, accidents can quickly create severe damage and death. Other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists won’t have the advantage of the extensive framework around them, and if they collide with a bus, there can be severe consequences.

Avoiding accidents entirely may not seem realistic, but the risks can be mitigated by talking to your children about the safety concerns and how they can play their part in ensuring they and their schoolmates arrive safely to school.

Being an observant driver can also help boost safety precautions when on the road. Allow for more room when a school bus is present, especially in inclement weather conditions. Obey traffic signs and flashing lights or stop signs from the bus.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a school bus accident, don’t hesitate to call our office and speak with one of our team. We will help you establish the facts that led to the accident and how we can best formulate a winning strategy for you. Our clients have consistently said that we provide a warm and professional environment and are an extremely capable team they can be relied on.

We treat our clients with the respect and urgency they deserve and look forward to serving you too. Call us today at (713) 999-6549 to get started.

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s poor judgment is a devastating experience. It’s unfair that you’ve lost someone dear to you and may be stuck with lost income, medical expenses, burial costs, and other expenses.

The Texas law allows victims’ family members to seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit in such cases. Understanding how the legal process of a wrongful death claim works is essential to act before it’s too late.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations is the time period when a person can still pursue a claim against someone who committed an act that wronged them. A suffering victim or mourning family usually has a lot on their plate, and the last thing they want to do is start a complicated legal process. However, by better understanding this crucial aspect of Texas wrongful death claims, individuals can make informed decisions and take appropriate actions within the prescribed time frame of pursuing legal action.

Why Does Texas Have a Statute of Limitations?

It may seem odd that the court can’t prosecute someone whose actions or gross negligence killed someone because it happened too long ago. However, there are some excellent reasons for this requirement. A statute of limitations on pursuing legal action for harm helps ensure timely claims resolution, that evidence is preserved and available, and fair legal treatment of defendants.

Imagine someone accuses you the wrongful death of their family member. You believe you are innocent and have evidence to demonstrate it, but no legal action has been taken against you yet. If no statute of limitations existed, you might feel that unresolved accusation hanging over your head for years.

The court could find that your recollection of the events and the evidence proving your innocence is outdated or dubious because it is being reviewed years after. After much time has passed, finding additional corroborating evidence and witnesses is far more challenging.

By setting a deadline for legal action, the statute of limitations allows potential defendants a sense of security that the matter will be either addressed and resolved fairly and promptly or those involved cannot pursue legal action.

Understanding Texas Laws Around Wrongful Death

Wrongful death occurs when another person’s negligent, reckless, or even intentional actions cause a person’s death. In Texas, the law takes these cases very seriously. There is a legal path for surviving family members of those who died wrongfully to seek compensation and hold the responsible party accountable. Wrongful death claims can arise from various incidents, including car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and more.

Texas Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

In Texas, the general statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is two years from the date of the individual’s death. Victims, such as the surviving spouse, must file a lawsuit for their claim within two years to preserve the right to seek compensation. It is important to note that this two-year period starts from the date of death and not from the date of the incident that caused it.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

While the general statute of limitations is two years, certain exceptions and special circumstances may affect the time limit for filing a wrongful death claim in Texas. It is best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible if there are any unique circumstances like those below involved in your case.

Discovery Rule

In cases where the cause of death was not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may begin from the day a person was found deceased or reasonably would have been found deceased in normal circumstances.

Governmental Entities

If the responsible party is a governmental entity or employee, additional notice requirements and shorter timeframes for filing a claim could exist.

Minors or Persons with Disabilities

If the deceased person was a minor or had a disability, the court may extend the statute of limitations to allow additional time for the victim to file a lawsuit. In these cases, it can be common for families not to know the death of their family member occurred wrongfully until other evidence comes to light.

What Happens If I Fail to File Within the Texas Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations?

Failing to file a wrongful death lawsuit within the statute of limitations can have significant consequences, like being ineligible to file wrongful death claims at all. If the deadline passes, the court may dismiss the case, barring the family from pursuing legal action. This loss of opportunity can result in the loss of potential compensation and closure for the family. Understanding and abiding by the applicable statute of limitations is crucial to protect the legal rights of you and your family.

Contact the Kahn Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation

While the general limit is two years from the date of death, exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances. Understanding the statute of limitations is vital as it ensures timely action, preserves evidence, and safeguards the family’s legal rights.

Wrongful death lawsuits can get complicated. If you find yourself in such a situation, consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney is highly recommended. A legal expert will help you navigate the complexities of wrongful death claims and ensure you don’t miss important deadlines of legal proceedings.

The Kahn Law Firm legal team has years of experience ensuring our clients get the compensation owed to them. Call us at (713) 999-6549 to schedule a free no-obligation consultation with our team today. We will fight for your rights and ensure negligent parties are held accountable.

What Does it Mean to Have a Crime Expunged?

According to Cornell Law, to expunge means “to destroy, obliterate, or strike out records of information in files, computers, and other depositories.” If one wishes to have their crimes expunged, it can mean that they are removed from their history, opening that person’s opportunities for jobs, housing, and more.

Several crimes, charges, or arrest records can be expunged in Texas. It is vital to understand which ones, so you can request expungement, get the information essentially erased from your background, and move forward with your life. By successfully completing this process, you can alter several aspects of your life moving forward and open yourself to more opportunities than you may have had with a criminal record.

What if I Was Charged With a Crime But Found Not Guilty?

Any crime in Texas you are charged with but found not guilty of or acquitted of can generally be expunged from your record. The specific offense referenced can usually be expunged, whether you are not guilty by a judge or a jury.

What if I’m Convicted, But Then My Appeals Were Successful?

If you were charged with a crime and found guilty, but then a court of appeals successfully overturned your conviction, you can get these charges expunged from your record. Pursuing a request for appeal allows the convicted to raise questions or specific errors that they or their legal team has found that may cause the conviction to be overturned.

In some cases, a successful appeal may require altering the original sentence rather than overturning the conviction. If this is true, the charges may not be erased from your records.

What Other Charges Can Be Expunged?

Generally speaking, charges such as misdemeanor juvenile offenses, conviction of a minor for alcohol-related crimes, and more can be expunged.

If you were convicted of a crime and the governor later pardoned you for the offense, you can have that charge expunged, in most cases, from your records.

Even in some cases of murder, domestic violence, and other serious offenses, you may have the option to expunge the charges after a waiting period of three or more years, depending on the charges. The exceptions to this are if the charges included the necessity to be labeled as a sex offender or involved risks to children. In most cases, these charges can’t be expunged as they would allow the offender to be free of the records set up to warn the community, potential employers, lenders, or housing authorities of the risks associated with the individual.

Why is Expunging a Charge Important?

Criminal charges on your record can make pursuing housing, loans, and employment opportunities more difficult. You may also be prohibited from volunteering for specific causes based on your criminal history or prohibited from attending a college or university that you’d like to attend based on your past charges.

By expunging criminal charges, they are no longer present on your records or most background checks, making your opportunities more abundant, realistic, and without obstacles. It is important to note how often you are asked for a criminal background check. Whether you are applying for a loan, a career opportunity, or entering a lease, you are typically asked for a background check. Suppose your charges no longer show up when this process occurs. In that case, you are likely to have more opportunities than if the information was still present on your records without a lengthy and awkward explanation of why the charges are listed.

How We Can Help

We are well-versed in criminal defense with a combined 42 years of experience in our husband and wife team. We understand that humans make mistakes, and having those mistakes present on records for the rest of your life isn’t ideal.

We are a Christian-based law firm with determination, justice, and integrity as the priorities, along with justice for our clients. We take a team approach to help our clients and ensure that we create a realistic and winning strategy, no matter how significant or insignificant the case may be.

Trusting the team you hire is vital, and also understanding that they will have your best interest at heart when it doesn’t always seem evident that others do. We have decades of experience in helping our Pearland clients with criminal defense matters and the emotions that can surround them. Let us be your tireless advocate and fierce ally to help you get the results you need.

Contact our office at (713) 999-6549 to get your questions answered and learn how we can best assist you in moving forward in a new chapter of your life without your criminal history affecting you every step of the way.

Many people these days are scared when they see red and blue lights behind them. Whether or not you’ve done anything wrong, the fact is that being pulled over and interacting with law enforcement makes you more likely to be criminalized by the police.

The balance between individual rights and public safety is challenging, and police are in a position of power, which can often cause tension when interacting with the public. This tension often becomes apparent when people are pulled over and the police want to search their car. Understanding the legal framework surrounding this issue is crucial to ensure individuals know their rights and how to protect them.

What Does the Constitution Allow Police to Search?

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures. It states that people have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects unless a warrant is issued upon probable cause. However, there are exceptions to this general rule, and vehicle searches fall within one of those exceptions.

If You’re Arrested

The “search incident to arrest” is one exception to the warrant requirement. When a person is lawfully arrested, police officers have the authority to search the arrestee and the area within their immediate control to ensure officer safety and prevent the destruction of evidence. This includes the passenger compartment of a vehicle if the arrestee is within reaching distance of the vehicle during the arrest or if there is reason to believe that evidence of the offense for which the arrest was made may be found inside the vehicle.

If They Find Probable Cause

Another exception to the warrant requirement is the presence of probable cause. Probable cause is a reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances, that a crime has been committed or is about to be committed.

It is important to note that the probable cause standard requires more than mere suspicion; sufficient facts and circumstances must support it. If you are convicted of a crime because of a warrantless search, contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is vital.

If You Consent to the Search

Police officers can search a vehicle without a warrant if the driver voluntarily consents. The consent must be given freely and voluntarily, without coercion or duress. Individuals must understand that they have the right to refuse consent to a search, and doing so does not imply guilt or provide grounds for a search.

If There Are Emergency Circumstances

Situations that require immediate action to prevent imminent danger or the destruction of evidence are called exigent circumstances. Examples include a weapon in plain view inside the vehicle, broken glass suggesting the car may have been stolen, or the smell of illegal substances. In such situations, police officers may search a vehicle without a warrant to address the immediate threat or prevent the loss of evidence.

If Your Car Is Impounded

Law enforcement agencies can conduct inventory searches of impounded vehicles to create a record of the vehicle’s contents, protect the owner’s property, and guard against false claims of theft or damage. Inventory searches must be conducted in good faith and not used as a pretext for a general exploratory search.

What Do I Do If Police Want To Search My Vehicle?

If you are in a situation where law enforcement wants to search your vehicle, follow these essential steps:

Understand the Circumstances

Familiarize yourself with the exceptions to the warrant requirement today to ensure you’re prepared for this situation. Once you’ve been pulled over, ask the officers questions if you need help understanding the reason for the stop so you may remain in control of the situation.

Know Your Rights

You have the right to refuse consent to a search if you do not wish to grant permission. However, clearly and calmly communicating your refusal is essential to protect yourself and avoid escalating a tense situation.

Stay Calm

It is crucial to remain calm and respectful when interacting with law enforcement officers. Cooperate with their lawful commands as much as possible while asserting your rights. Remember that you may need to show respect even if it is not shown to you, which won’t feel natural or fair.

Document Everything

Document the details of the incident, especially if you feel your rights were violated. Collect information such as the time, location, officers involved, and contact information of any witnesses present. This information may be vital in proving what happened if you need to challenge the legality of the search later.

Seek Legal Advice

If you believe your rights were violated, consult a qualified attorney specializing in criminal law. They can provide guidance based on the specific facts of your case and fight for your side of the story to be represented fairly in court.

Know Your Rights, We Have Your Back

Police officers can search a car without a warrant, but it is vital that everyone understands their rights and is aware of the limits imposed on these exceptions. Being informed empowers individuals to exercise their rights effectively and ensures that law enforcement actions remain within the boundaries of the law.

Remember, laws regarding vehicle searches may vary depending on where they happen and the specific circumstances. Each situation is unique, so seeking professional legal advice is always advisable when dealing with complex legal matters. If you have doubts about the legality of your interaction with police, contact The Kahn Law Firm today at (713) 999-6549 for a free consultation.

What is Comparative Negligence?

Comparative negligence is essential in injury cases, as it allows each party to share a percentage of fault in each case and, therefore, some of the damages awarded. According to Cornell Law, comparative negligence is “a tort principle used by the court to reduce the amount of charges that a plaintiff can recover in a negligence-based claim according to the degree of negligence each party contributed to the incident.”

How Does Comparative Negligence Work?

Once the damages are calculated, a total sum is assigned based on the incident. For an easy example, let’s say that $100,000 in total damages were allocated or awarded in a case based on the facts.

As the facts are reviewed, a percentage of fault will be placed on each party involved in the incident. If the plaintiff is found to be 40% at fault for the damages, and the defendant was found to be 60% at fault, in our example, the plaintiff would only be able to recover $60,000 rather than the full $100,000, as their share is reduced proportionately to the percentage of fault that they were found to have contributed.

Pure Comparative Negligence vs. Modified Comparative Negligence

Each state will have standards for handling fault in and whether or not they follow comparative negligence. Within the comparative negligence category are both pure comparative and modified comparative negligence.

Pure comparative negligence means that even if the party was found to be 99% at fault for the incident occurring, they could still choose to seek 1% of the total damages. Several states follow this rule.

Modified Comparative Negligence is what Texas follows, and they follow the 51% rule. This means that if either party is found to be more than 51% at fault for the incident, they cannot seek damages from the incident. If they are found to be less than 51% responsible, they can seek damages in the case, reduced by the percentage of fault they were found to have had.

In our example above, the plaintiff could be awarded 40% of the damages, as they were found to be less than 51% at fault for the incident.

Steps to Take After an Incident

As you can see, determining fault after an incident can help or hurt your case tremendously should you choose to pursue damages. You may be responsible for the total damages if you inadvertently admit fault for an incident.

How can you avoid this? One of the reasons you may have heard people say not to share too much information regarding accidents is because of the fault aspect of damages or personal injury suits. If you speak with your insurance provider and share details that prove you were completely or more than 51% at fault for the accident, they may use this to convince you to settle the case and reduce the chances of you recovering any of the damages.

You may not know the whole story. For instance, let’s say you were driving on the highway and attempting to pass a car. You followed laws but still felt you were the sole cause of the accident occurring because you maybe missed your blind spot or were caught up in the stress of the accident. You leave the scene to tend to injuries and find out much later that the other driver was under the influence or texting and driving. This evidence makes them share some of the fault for the incident, and therefore, you may be able to recover some of the damages still even though you were partially at fault.

How is Fault Established?

Several aspects of evidence can be provided to prove fault after an accident. Were there security or traffic cameras that may have caught the incident on video? Did you get pictures or videos immediately following the accident?

Eyewitness statements, police reports, inspections of the damages to the vehicles, or accident recreations are also ways that fault can be established after an incident.

Ensuring that you tend to your medical needs following an incident and that the other parties are OK is essential. Still, once this is handled, it is important to start gathering information to help you establish fault after an accident. It could be the difference in several thousands of dollars if you can provide sufficient evidence that your percentage of fault was less than 51%.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me?

Most of us aren’t in situations every day where we need to negotiate with insurance companies or other attorneys or gather evidence. Personal injury attorneys are well-versed in this area and have years of consistent experience helping clients with their cases.

They can handle communication with insurance companies or other parties for you, help gather further evidence to establish fault, and can represent you with solid evidence in court to ensure the best outcome possible.

By choosing a capable and determined team of attorneys who speak the language and have the foresight and experience you may not have in legal situations, you can bolster your chances at the outcome you deserve rather than settling for less.

Contact our office today at (713) 999-6549 for a free consultation to discuss your questions and concerns with skilled and compassionate attorneys ready to become fierce advocates for you and your family.

What Are Delta 8 and Delta 9?

Hemp and marijuana belong to the same species; Cannabis sativa. Delta 8 is a chemical from hemp plants that has been gaining popularity in Texas and other states. Delta 8 is a “cannabis compound” which occurs naturally in small amounts in cannabis plants and is used recreationally by some consumers.

Delta 8 is similar in structure to the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, called Delta 9. However, Delta 8 is less potent and has a milder psychoactive effect. Delta 9 is often found in trace amounts with Delta 8, as both compounds come from the same plant species. However, Delta 9 in concentration amounts higher than .03% is illegal in Texas.

If you’re curious about trying Delta 8, you should speak to an attorney to stay up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations regarding Delta 8 in Texas. There are potential risks associated with Delta 8 use, and it is essential to do your research and consult with medical and legal professionals before using it.

Delta 8 Products

Delta 8 THC is available in various forms, including gummies, tinctures, and vape cartridges. If you are considering using Delta 8, it is essential to start slow, do your research, and purchase products from reputable manufacturers that have been third-party tested.

Is Delta 8 Legal in Texas?

While the chemical Delta 8 THC derived from hemp is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, factors like lack of regulation and inconsistent dosage mean you could end up with higher amounts of Delta 9 than you thought. You could even be charged with a crime if your products contain too much Delta 9.

Whether a Delta 8 product is legal currently depends on the circumstances and how the court interprets the law. An criminal defense attorney can help keep you up-to-date on your state’s most recent legal guidance regarding controlled substances.

The legality of products containing Delta 8 depends on several factors:

Source of THC

Delta 8 occurs naturally in both hemp and marijuana. Texas law classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance, meaning possessing, selling, or distributing it is illegal.

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 made hemp and hemp-derived products containing Delta 8 legal. Delta 8 also occurs in marijuana, but hemp cannot have more than 0.03% of Delta 9, so the act’s outcome is that only hemp-derived Delta 9 is legal to possess and sell.

Concentration

Products containing more than 0.3% Delta 9 remain illegal. The percentage is a ratio of the product’s total weight, so the total amount of Delta 9 THC cannot exceed 0.3% of the other ingredients’ weight, like sugar and flavorings.

Drug Testing

You may need to pass a drug test to get a job or even be subject to periodic testing to maintain employment. THC remains federally illegal, and your employer may require you to show a negative test result for THC if subjected to a drug test. Delta 8 THC can cause a positive result on a drug test for THC, which could lead to employment or legal issues.

Lack of Regulation

Facilities that manufacture goods are subject to regulations and inspections, and it is currently illegal to manufacture hemp and hemp-derived products in Texas. Because Delta 8 and the cannabis industry are relatively new and unregulated, the testing and oversight to produce and sell goods containing Delta 8 and Delta 9 are not yet comprehensive. Knowing precisely what you are getting and how it may affect you can be challenging.

Inconsistent manufacturing practices could lead to incorrect concentrations of Delta 8 and Delta 9, which is a crucial factor in whether the THC product is legal. You could take a higher dose than expected and suffer unwanted side effects. There could also be legal consequences for possessing an illegal amount of Delta 9. If you decide to use Delta 8 THC, purchase products from reputable sources and consult an attorney to ensure you understand how the current interpretation of Texas law affects you.

The Future of THC Laws In Texas

It is crucial to remember that Delta 9 remains federally illegal. Therefore, it is difficult to identify whether an officer of the law would find Delta 8 products containing Delta 9 legal or prohibited in Texas.

The Texas Department of State Health Services also moved to ban Delta 8 in 2021. A district court judge blocked the move based on the argument that the swift action didn’t follow the guidelines of Texas law. Critics of the ban argue that the DSHS failed to provide sufficient notice to retailers. An ongoing lawsuit keeps Delta 8 legal for now.

Legality Can Change Fast, Stay Informed

If you choose to partake in THC, keeping yourself informed on the current law is vital.

As it currently stands, the legality of Delta 8 in Texas is unclear and could change at any time. It is crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations regarding Delta 8 THC in Texas and consult an attorney if you have any questions or concerns.

Getting representation fast is essential if you’re found guilty of possessing, selling, or distributing an illegal substance. At Kahn Law Firm, P.C., we’re here to help clarify the law for you and advise on your unique circumstances. Give us a call today for a free consultation.

Claims for dog bites are typically compensated through homeowners and renters insurance policies. However, since it can be difficult to get insurance companies to pay after a tragedy such as an animal attack, you may benefit by acquiring the guidance of a Texas dog bite lawyer.

Do you need a lawyer? It Depends on Your Circumstances
If the dog bites you are dealing with barely broke your skin and there is no sign of infection (redness, inflammation, pus), you might not need a lawyer. However, you probably do need a lawyer if you or a loved one has sustained serious injuries such as: 

• damaged nerves or tissue resulting from crush injuries;
• avulsion injuries;
• deep lacerations;
• infection;
• broken bones; or
• disfiguring scars requiring cosmetic surgery.

Dog owners can be held liable when their pets attack. After all, it is usually the owner who teaches the pet how to behave around people or trains it to be aggressive. Aside from homeowners and renters insurance, general liability policies held by public entities and businesses also pay for dog bite claims.

However, it has been estimated that only about 16,000 victims receive compensation annually, although millions of people are bitten. To increase your chances of being fairly compensated after a dog attack, do not hesitate to hire a lawyer who can handle negotiations with insurers to help you receive adequate compensation for your injuries to address cosmetic surgery, if necessary, and any other future expenses you or your child may incur.

Contact a Texas Dog Bite Lawyer
Do you need a lawyer? Our firm can help. When you have experienced legal representation on your side after you have been injured by dog bites, you can rest assured that your attorney will fight for all compensation to which you may be entitled, including past, current and future medical expenses; pain and suffering; lost earnings or earning potential; or wrongful death benefits.

While you focus on your recovery and emotional wellbeing, you should have a Houston lawyer at The Kahn Law Firm advocating for your rights. Contact us today – 713-999-6549 or toll-free at 1-844-301-KAHN.

A frequent question asked by drivers arrested for a Texas DWI or DUI is, “Do I really need a Houston DWI attorney to handle my drunk driving case?” Almost always, the answer is yes, no matter the circumstances. Texas DWI laws are severe, and you should rely on the experience and knowledge of a trained professional to help mitigate the potential fallout from your charges.

A DWI attorney will analyze all of the possible ramifications of the crimes with which you have been accused and will evaluate how to best defend you and minimize any penalties or consequences you could potentially be facing.  Additionally, it is important that you contact a Houston DWI lawyer as soon as possible so that they can assist you in requesting and defending you at the ALR hearing with DPS.  You (or your lawyer) must request a hearing within 15 days of your arrest.

This assessment is an invaluable component of your case because it grants you the luxury of having an attorney with experience in Texas DWI laws to not only get a firm grasp of what your case entails, but also helps educate you.

Whether you are a repeat offender or a first-time offender, you should retain the services of a law firm in Houston that can help you combat your charges. Your attorney will strive to ensure that you understand the full extent of your charges and what your options are.

You can schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with the Houston DWI attorneys at The Kahn Law Firm who have handled countless DUI and DWI cases like yours. At that consultation, John and Jennifer Kahn will evaluate your case and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about your case, the laws governing it, the court and trial procedure, and the attorney’s experience, so it’s advisable that you make a list of questions before you meet with the lawyer so that you can be sure that you are able to have all of them answered.

Hiring a Houston DWI Attorney from a Law Firm

In Houston, a Texas DWI or DUI violation is taken seriously. Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a Houston DWI lawyer and receive a free evaluation of your case. The sooner that you involve an attorney in your case, the better your chances are in having your charges minimized or outright dismissed. Contact the Texas DWI laws team at the Kahn Law Firm today at 713-999-6549 or toll-free at 1-844-301-KAHN.