Video Cameras in Rentals! OMG.
“What is my tenant up to?” 1. Don’t sign a contract allowing it. If you sign a contract with it, they are putting you on notice and there really is no expectation of privacy. The images could still be illegal. See below. 2. Does the law allow it? Texas law prevents licensed security professionals from […]
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You must invoke your rights.
1. You do not have a right to have your Miranda Rights read to you. The police have a consequence if they don’t but the reading is not a right.2. If you choose to ignore the warning, your statements will be used against you. Even if the police know you have a lawyer they will […]
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Can my stepmom really steal my house?
The Texas Constitution and estates code provide that even if the children take ownership of the home that they cannot take the homestead occupancy rights from her. This right to stay is not absolute. She can abandon it or be compelled to move if she allows the property to be wasted. They must pay for […]
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Landlords must mitigate damages (unless…)
Mitigate Damages. 8/10/2021 In Austin Hill Country Realty, Inc. v. Palisades Plaza, Inc., 948 S.W.2d 293, 299 (Tex.1997), the Supreme Court of Texas recognized that a commercial landlord has a duty to make reasonable efforts to mitigate damages when the tenant breaches the lease and abandons the property. The rule in Palisades Plaza has since […]
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GET OUT OF PROBATION FREE! ALMOST FREE. Well get off early.
As of 6/16/21, Texas law says you can get time off your state jail or third degree felony probation for any of these things: (1) court costs: 15 days;(2) fines: 30 days;(3) attorney’s fees: 30 days; and(4) restitution: 60 days.(5) parenting class or parental responsibility program: 30 days;(6) anger management program: 30 days;(7) life skills […]
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Buyer Beware! Collect withholding for foreign persons.
Withholding of Tax on Dispositions of United States Real Property Interests For distributions before February 17, 2016, the corporation generally must withhold 10% of the amount realized by a foreign person. For distributions after February 16, 2016, the rate increases to 15%. There are exceptions which are covered below. Thankfully the IRS will deem a […]
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Expunctions
Expunction. Expunction of criminal cases are a valuable tool. Criminal records are not like credit reports and do NOT roll off after 7 years. Prompt Action. You need to get any accusation off your record as soon as possible or you could lose the right. A conviction for certain offenses such as family violence will […]
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Ice Storms!
Ice and snow hit Texas hard last week in the middle of February 2021. Numerous clients called regarding problems with apartment management and insurance companies. An apartment complex refused to come see a client’s apartment and wanted to treat it like just a repair job. After they saw the damage, of thousands of gallons of […]
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Planning for the year.
Now that the holidays are over it is a good time to take stock and plan your year. You never know when something is going to happen. Reduce stress with the right documents at your fingertips. A power of attorney, or childcare authorizaton to help someone get your children to family if something happens to […]
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Welcome to our new website!
Welcome to our new website! This site has been professionally designed to be responsive and mobile friendly, so it looks great and is accessible no matter what type or size of device you are using. Our new website also has an integrated Client Portal, meaning you are able access your case documents, correspondence and calendars […]