zealousadvocate.com

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    "@type": "FAQPage",
    "mainEntity": [
        
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What counties can Michael \u0026 Associates help in?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\u003Cp\u003EMichael and Associates provides defense services in major counties around Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EMichael \u0026amp\u003B Associates also provides defense services in the Nashville, Tennessee area.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E"
            }
        },
        
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What sets Michael \u0026 Associates apart?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\u003Cp\u003ESimply put, Michael \u0026amp\u003B Associates gives you two things: the white glove treatment, and the best outcome possible.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EThere are dozens of lawyers out there that will charge you less and promise you the world. But when you have questions, are they there for you? Are they going to really give each case the best effort? More likely, they are going to take the easiest path forward.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EWith Michael \u0026amp\u003B Associates, we take on a limited number of cases so that we can treat each one as if it were our own.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EYou get Ben Michael\u0026rsquo\u003Bs personal cell phone, and are encouraged to text him anytime, day or night. Other firms? You get stuck with a secretary, and maybe you\u0026#39\u003Bll get a callback three days later, if you\u0026rsquo\u003Bre lucky.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EBen will walk you through every step and detail, and make sure that you feel comfortable the whole way through. We get that this is a stressful time, and it\u0026rsquo\u003Bs our goal not only to get you the best possible outcome, but to also make this as painless as possible.\u003C/p\u003E"
            }
        },
        
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What types of cases can Michael \u0026 Associates help with?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\u003Cp\u003EMichael \u0026amp\u003B Associates takes on pretty much all types of felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, including the following:\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EDUI / DWI\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000APossession of a Controlled Substance\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000AAssault \u0026amp\u003B Battery\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000AFamily Violence\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000ADomestic Abuse\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u003Cstrong\u003EWe do not do:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003ETraffic Law\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000AFamily Law\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000AImmigration Law\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000ACivil Law\u003C/p\u003E"
            }
        },
        
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What are the types of criminal assault charges in Texas?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\u003Cp\u003ETexas law states that a person commits assault if they:\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Col\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003Eintentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another, including the person\u0026rsquo\u003Bs spouse\u003B\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003Eintentionally or knowingly threatens another with imminent bodily injury, including the person\u0026rsquo\u003Bs spouse\u003B or\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003Eintentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative.\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u003C/ol\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, there is a difference between simple and aggravated assault.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cul\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESimple Assault \u003C/strong\u003Eis when someone intentionally, knowingly or recklessly threatens bodily injury to a person.\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAggravated Assault \u003C/strong\u003Eis when someone causes serious bodily injury or uses a deadly weapon during the assault.\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u003C/ul\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, if the victim is a certain type of person \u0026ndash\u003B such as a child, a disabled person or an elderly person \u0026ndash\u003B the charge can vary.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EAssault cases are not one\u002Dsize\u002Dfits\u002Dall, so we recommend you get a free case review in order for us to better advise you.\u003C/p\u003E"
            }
        },
        
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "When can someone be charged with domestic assault in Austin?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\u003Cp\u003EDomestic assault, as defined by Texas Penal Code 22.01, is the same definition of assault but directed to a family member, household member, or someone with whom the person is in a dating relationship.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E"
            }
        },
        
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What is the legal limit for drunk driving in Austin?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\u003Cp\u003EIn Austin, Travis County, and the rest of Texas, any driver caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can be charged with driving while intoxicated.\u0026nbsp\u003B BAC is a measure of the percentage of your blood that is made up of alcohol.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EThe number of drinks that will put you at a BAC of 0.08% depends on a number of factors, including the strength of the drinks, the time passed since consuming, your gender, your weight, and your tolerance.\u003C/p\u003E"
            }
        },
        
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What are the penalties for a DWI in Austin?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\u003Cp\u003EIn Austin, the penalties vary based on how many offenses you have had.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFirst Offense\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cul\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003EUp to a $2,000 fine\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003EUp to 180 jails upon conviction, with three mandatory days in jail\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003ELoss of driver\u0026rsquo\u003Bs license for up to a year\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u003C/ul\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESecond Offense\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cul\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003EUp to a $4,000 fine\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003EOne month to a year in jail\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003ELoss of driver\u0026rsquo\u003Bs license for up to two years\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u003C/ul\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThird Offense\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cul\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003EA $10,000 fine\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003ETwo to ten years in prison\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003ELoss of driver\u0026rsquo\u003Bs license for up to two years\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u003C/ul\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EAdditional penalties apply if driving with a child passenger, which include:\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cul\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003EAdditional fines up to $10,000\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003EUp to two years in jail\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003EAn additional 180 days of driver\u0026rsquo\u003Bs license suspension\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u003C/ul\u003E"
            }
        },
        
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What should I do if I\u0027m pulled over and accused of drunk driving?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\u003Cp\u003EFor starters, pull over immediately and safely.\u0026nbsp\u003B Do not attempt to evade the police as you will likely fail to outrun them and will face further charges.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EOnce the officer approaches your vehicle, be extremely polite and obedient.\u0026nbsp\u003B The officer will first ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance.\u0026nbsp\u003B Tell the officer where these are located, and slowly move to retrieve these items.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EOfficers will typically ask if you know why they pulled you over.\u0026nbsp\u003B Simply say \u0026ldquo\u003BNo Sir\u0026rdquo\u003B or \u0026ldquo\u003BNo Ma\u0026rsquo\u003Bam\u0026rdquo\u003B.\u0026nbsp\u003B Because in court, an officer must have a reason to justify pulling you over.\u0026nbsp\u003B So you don\u0026rsquo\u003Bt want to admit to the officer that he or she had a good reason.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EYou have the right to refuse both a field sobriety test and a preliminary breathalyzer test.\u0026nbsp\u003B If you believe you will fail, it is a good idea to refuse these.\u0026nbsp\u003B Simply state that you are not comfortable doing these\u0026nbsp\u003Band would like to speak with your attorney before doing so. Always assume you are on video, so be as polite and even\u002Dkeeled as possible.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EYou may still be arrested on the grounds of slurred speech, alcohol smell, or bloodshot eyes.\u0026nbsp\u003B Once arrested, you will likely be asked to take a blood or breath test to establish BAC.\u0026nbsp\u003B If you do refuse, you are subject to a license suspension.\u0026nbsp\u003B However, if you fail the test, you are also subject to a license suspension.\u0026nbsp\u003B In either case, a lawyer can help you fight this.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EThe officer may obtain a warrant to compel you to take the test, but this takes time.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EAlways remain silent during questioning, and contact an attorney at the first chance you get.\u003C/p\u003E"
            }
        },
        
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Should I fight my DWI?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\u003Cp\u003EYes, you should never plead guilty or give up when charged with a DWI.\u0026nbsp\u003B Whether it\u0026rsquo\u003Bs your first or third DWI, fighting it will almost always yield a better outcome for you.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E"
            }
        },
        
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What should I do if I\u0027m arrested and put in jail?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\u003Cp\u003EOnce someone has been arrested, placed into custody, and charged with a criminal offense, they typically will have to post bail by paying the full amount or by paying a bondsman to get them out.\u0026nbsp\u003B In some cases, you may be able to be released without a bond or with an unsecured bond.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EThe best thing to do if arrested is to contact a lawyer at the first opportunity possible. Do not give any details of what occurred, as these can be used against you later. Tell your lawyer what you were charged with, and follow their instructions.\u003C/p\u003E"
            }
        },
        
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What rights do I have when police question me?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\u003Cp\u003EFirst off, you should never resist arrest. Resisting arrest can lead to more charges. You should comply with their orders and provide identification if asked.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EWhen questioned about anything related to a crime, simply state that you are not comfortable discussing it until you have an attorney present.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EMany police officers will attempt to make you seem guilty or try\u0026nbsp\u003Bto convince you to speak before consulting an attorney. Remember that anything you say can be used against you later on, so it\u0026rsquo\u003Bs best to wait until you have an attorney present.\u003C/p\u003E"
            }
        },
        
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Do police have to read me my Miranda rights? What if they did not?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\u003Cp\u003EPolice do not have to read you your Miranda rights\u0026nbsp\u003Bto detain you, arrest you, or charge you with a crime.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EHowever, police are required to read you your Miranda rights before questioning you.\u0026nbsp\u003B These rights include:\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Col\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003EThe right to remain silent\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003EThe right to have an attorney present during questioning, and if you can\u0026rsquo\u003Bt afford one, to have a court\u002Dappointed defense attorney\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u0009\u003Cli\u003EAnything you say can be used against you in a court of law\u003C/li\u003E\u000D\u000A\u003C/ol\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp\u003B\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EWhether you were read your rights or not, it is best to speak with a lawyer who is knowledgeable about your rights, and to always have a lawyer present during any questioning to ensure that your rights are protected.\u003C/p\u003E"
            }
        },
        
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What jurisdictions does Michael \u0026 Associates practice in?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0026rsquo\u003Bre licensed to practice throughout Texas and take cases in most counties in the Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston Areas.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, we are licensed to practice in Tennessee and accept cases in the greater Nashville area, including Davidson and Williamson counties.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003EBelow is the comprehensive list of Texas counties where we are currently accepting cases.\u003C/p\u003E\u000D\u000A\u000D\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u002DAtascosa\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DBandera\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DBastrop\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DBell\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DBexar\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DBlanco\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DBrazoria\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DCaldwell\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DCollin\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DComal\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DCoryell\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DDallas\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DDenton\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DEllis\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DFort Bend\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DGalveston\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DGillespie\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DGuadalupe\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DHays\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DKendall\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DLampasas\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DLlano\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DMedina\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DMilam\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DRockwall\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DTarrant\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DTravis\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DWilliamson\u003Cbr /\u003E\u000D\u000A\u002DWilson\u003C/p\u003E"
            }
        }
        
    ]
}