Blog | The Dameron Law Firm | Fort Worth, TX

Understanding the New Texas THC Ban and Criminal Penalties

2026-08-15 00:00:00

Texas has some of the toughest marijuana laws in the country, and recent legal changes have made many hemp-derived THC products illegal. If you’ve bought Delta-8 gummies, THCA flower, or other hemp products in the past, it’s important to understand what has changed and what the law now says.

At The Dameron Law Firm, our Tarrant County drug crimes defense attorney, Craig Dameron, helps Texans protect their rights when facing criminal charges. Here’s what you need to know in plain English.

What Is THC?

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical in cannabis that causes the "high" associated with marijuana. There are several different forms of THC, some naturally occurring and others created from hemp-derived CBD.

Can You Drive to Work If Your License Is Suspended in Texas? Your Guide to an Occupational Driver's License

2026-08-01 00:00:00

Many Texans whose driver's license has been suspended or revoked may qualify for an Occupational Driver's License (ODL). An ODL is a restricted driver's license that allows eligible drivers to legally operate a non-commercial vehicle for work, school, essential household duties, and other court-approved purposes while they wait to be eligible for driver’s license reinstatement.

If you lose your driver’s license in 2026 for a criminal offense like a DWI, talk to our Tarrant County criminal defense attorney about getting back on the road.

What Is an Occupational Driver's License?

An Occupational Driver's License (ODL) is a court-ordered restricted driver's license issued through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It allows eligible drivers to operate a non-commercial motor vehicle even though their regular driver's license has been suspended, revoked, or denied.

What You Need to Know After a Fort Worth Weed Arrest

2026-07-15 00:00:00

Being arrested for marijuana possession in Tarrant County in 2026 can have serious consequences. Although many states have legalized recreational marijuana, Texas continues to criminalize marijuana possession. Law enforcement agencies throughout Tarrant County still make arrests for marijuana-related offenses.

If you were arrested in Fort Worth, Arlington, Grapevine, Keller, Southlake, Mansfield, Bedford, Euless, Hurst, or anywhere in Tarrant County, understanding the potential penalties and your legal options is critical. Our Tarrant County drug crimes defense attorney is here to help you protect your rights and make smart decisions moving forward.

Is Marijuana Legal in Texas?

Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Texas. Under Texas law, a person commits an offense if they knowingly or intentionally possess a usable quantity of marijuana. Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.121 establishes criminal penalties based on the amount allegedly possessed.

Texas DWI Risks This Fourth of July

2026-07-01 00:00:00

The Fourth of July is one of America’s favorite holidays. Families gather for cookouts, parades, lake trips, and fireworks displays. Unfortunately, Independence Day is also one of the most dangerous times of the year for drunk driving accidents and DWI arrests.

If you are arrested for a DWI over the Fourth of July weekend, contact our Dallas-Fort Worth area DWI defense lawyer at The Dameron Law Firm right away. We represent clients accused of first-time DWIs and subsequent DWIs, as well as clients charged with intoxication manslaughter.

The sooner we can intervene in your case, the better your odds of getting the charges reduced or dropped altogether. 817-222-0624.

Why Are There So Many DWI Arrests on July 4th?

Law enforcement agencies across Texas increase patrols during holiday weekends. Officers actively look for signs of impaired driving, including:

Can Police Search Your Phone During a Traffic Stop in Texas?

2026-06-15 00:00:00

If a Texas police officer pulls you over in 2026 and asks to see your phone, do you have to hand it over?

In most cases, the answer is no.

Many drivers are surprised to learn that the law treats smartphones differently than vehicles, purses, or other personal property. Because modern phones contain years of personal information, courts have recognized that they deserve stronger privacy protections. Our Tarrant County criminal defense attorney explains.

Can Police Search Your Phone During a Traffic Stop?

Generally, police cannot search the contents of your phone during a routine traffic stop without your consent or a valid search warrant.

Your smartphone contains text messages, emails, photos, videos, banking information, internet history, social media accounts, health records, and location data. Because of the vast amount of private information stored on modern devices, courts have determined that cell phones require special Fourth Amendment protections.

Will a Dismissed Criminal Case Still Show Up on a Texas Background Check?

2026-06-01 00:00:00

Many people assume that if a criminal case was dismissed, it automatically disappears from their record. Unfortunately, that is not always true. In Texas, a dismissed case can still appear on background checks unless additional legal action is taken. Remember, dismiss does not mean disappear.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains criminal history records, and arrest information can remain on a person's record indefinitely unless it is removed through a legal process such as an expunction. Even if prosecutors dismiss the charges, the arrest itself may still be visible in criminal history databases.

If you are interested in getting an expunction for your criminal record in 2026, you should talk to our Fort Worth criminal defense attorney Craig Dameron.

Is it Legal if a Cop Pulls You Over in a Ticket Trap?

2026-05-15 00:00:00

When a police officer pulls over a driver for a minor traffic violation, such as failing to signal, a broken taillight, or briefly speeding — but is actually looking for evidence of a different crime — this is called a "pretextual stop." Many people call these "fishing expeditions" or "ticket traps," and see them as an excuse for police to pull citizens over without an honest reason. Many people wonder if they are legal.

Pretextual traffic stops are a common law enforcement practice in Tarrant County. They continue to be a critical issue in 2026 criminal defense, long after the Supreme Court’s decision in Whren v. United States (1996). For drivers in areas like Fort Worth and surrounding communities, understanding how these stops work is essential when facing criminal charges that begin with a routine traffic pull-over. Our Tarrant County criminal defense attorney, Craig Dameron, explains.

Can Police Officers Tell You to Get Out of Your Car? Attorney Craig Dameron Explains in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

2026-05-01 00:00:00

A recent article by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which featured commentary from Fort Worth criminal defense attorney Craig Dameron, has brought renewed attention to a question many drivers ask during a traffic stop.

The issue gained traction after a viral traffic stop involving King Harris, the son of rapper T.I. In that incident, Harris refused to exit his vehicle after being ordered to do so by police. Officers cited legal authority to justify their command, raising an important legal question for drivers in Texas and beyond.

Do you have to get out of your car if police tell you to in Texas? Yes, you do – or face serious consequences. According to Fort Worth criminal defense attorney Craig Dameron, police officers in Texas have the legal authority to order you out of your car during a traffic stop.

Can I Get Out of Jail on Bond in Texas?

2026-04-15 00:00:00

Bond conditions in Tarrant County play a critical role in the criminal justice process, determining how and when someone can be released from jail while their case is pending. Under Texas law, bond conditions are set by a judge, magistrate, or court in accordance with Articles 17.20, 17.21, and 17.22 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. These rules are guided by constitutional principles and are designed to ensure fairness while protecting the community.

The law requires that bail and any attached conditions provide reasonable assurance that the defendant will follow the court’s rules. At the same time, bail cannot be used to oppress people who may very well be innocent.

If you are arrested and charged with a crime in 2026, you should have a Fort Worth criminal defense attorney who can argue on your behalf for your release.

What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Tarrant County?

2026-04-01 00:00:00

A DWI arrest in Tarrant County can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first experience with the criminal justice system. You’re probably wondering what penalties you face and whether there’s anything you can do to avoid jail time.

Understanding what happens next can help you protect your rights and make informed decisions. Our top-rated Tarrant County, TX criminal defense attorney has helped many clients fight DWI charges.

Here’s what to expect after a DWI arrest.

What Happens After You Get Arrested for a DWI in Texas?

Step 1: Arrest and Booking

After a DWI stop, law enforcement may arrest you if there is probable cause to believe you were intoxicated. You will be taken to a local jail for booking, where fingerprints and photographs are recorded. After your arrest, you will be asked to provide a breath or blood test.