Posted by admin on 04.03.2012
In response to a growing number of DWI repeat offenders, Texas lawmakers recently passed stricter laws for individuals who have multiple DWI convictions. Most individuals who are convicted of a second DWI offense must install a breathalyzer interlock device in his or her car for a probationary period, for example. However, because this law was enacted less than a year ago, hundreds of repeat offenders continue to drive under the influence.
Julie Jones, the widow of Brent Jones, knows this better than most people. She and her husband were hit by Jack Strickland, a four-time DWI offender. Brent died almost immediately.
By some estimates, DWI offenders drive drunk about 80 times before they are convicted of drunk driving. Additionally, in America, there are about two million three-time DWI offenders on the roads who are not in jail. Unfortunately, Julie and Brent Jones’s story is not unique: almost 1,500 Texans die in alcohol-related crashes each year. If you have been involved in a
car accident involving alcohol, you deserve a fair trial.
Contact the McMinn Law Firm today.
Posted by admin on 03.30.2012
Two years ago, Megan Helal’s parents would never have imagined themselves in the position they’re in today: pursuing a wrongful death case after their 19-year-old child died in March 2010. However, due to negligence and over-serving of alcohol by both Baylor University’s Sigma Chi fraternity and nearby Mynar’s Bar, they recently filed a lawsuit to help recoup medical and burial expenses.
Two years ago, Helal was attending Navarro College and visiting her boyfriend, a member of Baylor’s Sigma Chi fraternity. At a party hosted by Mynar’s Bar, she consumed between 10 and 17 drinks in two hours before losing consciousness. When she was found after the party, she was taken to the hospital, where she died.
Megan Helal’s parents hope to recover $50,000 from the Baylor chapter of Sigma Chi and the bar where Megan drank. Because she was over-served and underage, both parties are liable. Baylor’s Sigma Chi fraternity has already been suspended and barred due to several rule violations aside from Helal’s death.
Dealing with the wrongful death of a family member can be an incredibly painful ordeal. At the McMinn Law Firm, we will dedicate ourselves to pursuing justice on your behalf. For more information, contact us today.
Posted by admin on 03.28.2012
The Texas Department of Public Safety is promoting a new law enforcement project: a Texas 10 Most Wanted Facebook page where visitors can submit tips. The page, created in 2010, recently received a boost in popularity after adding a tab for individuals to report the whereabouts of suspects.
The link takes users to a page on which visitors can submit the fugitive’s name, possible location, and details like clothing, tattoos, and possible gang affiliations. The page keeps a list of Texas’s top 10 most wanted criminals, but individuals can submit tips for any wanted criminal.
This is not the first time the DPS has used the Internet for public safety measures. See this post for details regarding online citation searches, registration e-Reminders, and used car title checks. For more information regarding traffic-related criminal cases, contact the McMinn Law Firm today.
Posted by admin on 03.14.2012
APD’s HALO project has been in full swing since late 2011, when dozens of cameras were installed on Sixth Street and Rundberg Lane. HALO employs several full-time officers to watch the cameras in order to more efficiently direct officers. Recently, APD announced plans to install two more cameras downtown on Fourth Street.
The new cameras will be at the intersections of 4th St. and Trinity and 4th St. and Sabine. According to a statement released by an APD lieutenant, the police department hopes to eventually acquire access to cameras at almost every intersection in Austin. Currently, the HALO project, which costs almost $1,000,000 annually, is being funded from outside grants; APD only provides the officers.
The cameras have already been used to identify suspects and in court proceedings. If you need effective representation, contact The McMinn Law Firm today.
