Harker Heights Legal Issues Blog

The First Step Act is of particular interest to people dealing with criminal sentencing in Texas, especially if they are in the federal court system. The bill has been backed by an unusual coalition of supporters ranging from President Donald Trump to longtime advocates of criminal justice reform. Widely understood as a compromise bill, the legislation has been criticized both for being soft on crime and for avoiding serious reforms that could change the inequalities built into the system. However, it is important for people to understand what changes may take place if the bill becomes law.

The bill could make a significant change for almost 2,600 federal prisoners who were convicted of crack cocaine offenses before 2010. In that year, Congress passed the Fair Sentencing Act to equalize sentencing for defendants convicted of powder cocaine or crack offenses. Before that time, crack offenses were much more harshly penalized, resulting in sharply disproportionate effects in African American communities. While sentencing changed for people moving forward, those convicted before the law was passed were not affected. The First Step Act would enable these people to petition a judge for release.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are roughly 100,000 annual reported crashes that involve tired drivers. Furthermore, the National Safety Council says that 13 percent of all deadly truck accidents are caused by fatigue. Distracted driving also causes an increased risk of being involved in a serious accident. However, there are steps that can be taken to help drivers in Texas and elsewhere stay safe on the road.

For instance, technology can be used to analyze a driver's hours of service record. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be determined if an individual is at risk of causing a negative event because of fatigue. In addition to driving overnight hours, drivers can be at risk for fatigue when their shifts change. This is because their eating and sleeping schedules are also altered.

Caring for aging loved ones -- such as your parents -- is a difficult but rewarding task. You can help them fulfill certain obligations that they cannot handle anymore, such as major house repairs and deep cleaning. You can repay some of the kindness you experienced when they helped you grow up and become an adult.

However, you likely have a limit to what you are capable of doing for your loved one. You may have a full-time job, as well as children of your own that require care. Depending on your age, you may have limits to your own physical abilities and mobility.

It's not unusual for younger, single, or unmarried individuals in Texas to not fully understand the importance of being proactive with estate planning. In fact, more than 75 percent of millennials say they do not have a will, according to results from one survey on the subject. Some people find the topic too unpleasant to think about while others fail to see the importance of planning ahead.

Regardless of the reasons why a person may avoid estate planning, not taking this step can complicate matters for loved ones left behind. Without a will, the state determines how funds and property will be distributed (unless certain accounts designate a beneficiary or are held jointly). The basic estate planning document is a will, which spells out who gets what and names an executor to oversee this process.