Many companies are incorporating non-compete provisions into their employment agreements. It is almost second nature to just ignore these provisions when reviewing the employment agreement. New hires are more interested in pay and benefits and don’t anticipate they will be fired or need to leave their new place of employment. Texas courts generally disfavor non-compete agreements. However, a non-compete agreement may be determined to be enforceable by a court if it is executed for valid consideration, contains reasonable restrictions on the time period, activity restriction and protects the employer’s legitimate business interests

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Understanding the Texas Castle Doctrine: Texas law allows citizens to use force (including the use of deadly force) to protect themselves, their property, other people in danger, or to stop the commission of a felony. These laws are known as the Texas Castle Doctrine. Under certain circumstances there is no duty to retreat and the use of force is justified. However, even the justified use of force for purposes of self defense does not guarantee that an individual will not be arrested and/or charged with a crime.

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Child custody disputes are emotionally taxing on the parties involved. Sadly, child abductions across state and international borders happen far too often during child custody matters. If a parent takes a child and crosses state or international boundaries during custody situations, it can pose unforeseen challenges.

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Hate crimes are still a problem in Texas. Hate crimes may be crimes committed against individuals due to extreme intolerance regarding a victim's race, sexual orientation or religion (to name a few examples). A recent case in Texas put hate crimes back in the spotlight. In this case, a man was targeted, beaten, and placed in the trunk of a vehicle--due to his sexual orientation.

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Sundry of Distracted Drivers A recent photo gallery piece in the Houston Chronicle highlighted readers' accounts of distracted drivers in Houston. This short article discusses some of the dangers of distracted driving and how we can help you if you become the unfortunate victim of such an accident.

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On today's date in 1865, the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history occurred--the steamboat Sultana exploded on the Mississippi River near Memphis killing approximately 1700 people, mostly Union veterans. Maritime accidents still occur and the recent calamity on the South Korea's Yellow Sea is yet another tragic example. As the daughter of a Longshoreman, I am particularly sensitive to Maritime related issues. If you, or someone you love, is injured in a maritime accident, call us for assistance.

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Later-in-life Divorces on the Rise: An increasing number of divorces occur for those aged 50 and over in the United States. The cause for the growing number of older, married couples severing ties varies. This brief posting explores these issues and offers some "what to do" tips should you or someone you love be facing these issues.

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Court Sides with Father: Texas Man Remains on Life Support Earlier this month, Terry Mace, 43, suffered a heart attack and collapsed at his home in Killeen, Texas. As reported by ABC News, soon after the cardiac arrest he was hospitalized and unresponsive and ultimately placed on life support. ...

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While nationally there is a shortage of drugs used to carry out death sentences throughout the United States, Texas has no shortage of drugs and there will be no disruption of lethal injections on Texas Death Row.

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Even if an individual is guilty of a crime there are often mitigating factors that should be considered. As a society, we have an obligation to temper justice with mercy.

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This blog article addresses some common mistakes made during the course of a divorce and how to avoid them.

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Premarital agreements (also known as prenuptial agreements) provide a predictable mechanism for couples contemplating marriage to contract around Texas community property law.

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If you are under investigation or face prosecution for criminal charges in Houston, Galveston or anywhere in Texas, you should be acutely aware that information posted on social networks is increasingly finding its way into criminal and civil courtrooms.

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Many people that submit an application for a job, student financial aid, rental property, college application, home loan or similar opportunity find their request denied with no justification provided by the decision-maker.

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The collision of criminal law with immigration law in the U.S can create situations that are untenable for those accused of criminal offenses that are legal residents or undocumented immigrants.

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The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program has been implemented by the US government and now is accepting applications. While this program may offer temporary relief from removal or deportation for many undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, the program has strict qualifying requirements.

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Many people make mistakes during a routine traffic stop that can result in facing criminal charges when they were completely avoidable. It is not surprising that motorists make strategic errors when stopped by a police officer because many drivers are unaware of their rights.

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Property division is an important part of the divorce process. The division of assets and debts following a divorce may have a substantial impact on one’s long-term financial wellbeing.

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With the almost daily changes in consumer information technology, such as web surfing smartphones and tablet computers, it is predictable that law enforcement technology has also made radical advances.

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If you are considering a Texas divorce, spousal maintenance (alimony) may be a significant issue in your divorce proceeding. Historically, Texas law imposed substantial limits on a court’s ability to make spousal maintenance orders, which were far more restrictive than many other states.

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DWI and DUI arrests seem to be on the increase in Houston, Galveston and the surrounding areas of Texas. The police utilize a number of increased enforcement procedures including saturation patrols and DWI sobriety checkpoints.

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When you face an arrest by a law enforcement officer, it can be an intimidating and inherently oppressive experience. The pressure of being questioned by an officer equipped with a firearm who is empowered to arrest you can create enormous anxiety and fear.

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It is always easier on all parties if a child custody dispute can be settled amicably but I know that that is sometimes an unrealistic goal. Child custody disputes in Texas can be bitter and contentious after all, you are litigating over one of the most important things in your life—your children.

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There are few experiences that will raise your blood pressure more quickly than seeing flashing red and blue lights in your rear view mirror. Many motorists pulled over by the police in Houston or Galveston counties have had little if any prior contact with law enforcement.

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Family violence allegations can have a significant outcome on child custody disputes. Individuals charged with domestic violence may be denied custody rights or receive limited, supervised visitation with their children.

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