The show must go on By Pat Monks, Attorney at Law in Huston, Texas I had the privilege of attending my 5th Congress of the Legal Protection International aisbl (Formally known at RIAD). I first came across the organization RIAD in 2014, when someone in Canada made the connection that our organization, the Group Legal…
Well, are you tired of hearing what is the new normal going to be when the courts open? As the weeks progress, I really have learned the meaning of the FDR quote “The only thing to fear is fear itself”. We all have our own feelings about the pandemic. The feelings range from impending doom…
Some believe daylight savings time is not a necessary change in American lives. Well, a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol could be used to support the idea of stopping the change. Originally reported by WIBW 13, KHC says sleep deprivation can significantly impact drivers. Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper, Ben Gardner, stated, “Now in the…
Here at Monks Law Firm, we take pride in helping motorists get out of traffic they felt were wrongfully issued. Law enforcement can easily make mistakes, which is why we are here to help drivers. However, there are times when drivers deserve traffic due to reckless driving. In the state of California, speeding traffic are…
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has waived the renewal date for a commercial driver’s license (CDLs) and medical cards. Typically, these documents would expire on March 1, but the organization has moved the date to June 30. This change in the renewal dates comes in the light of COVID-19. This change also applies…
COVID-19 has affected people all over the planet. Truckers and the movement of freight is more important now than ever before. Essential resources such as food, water, and medical supplies need to reach their destinations faster than ever. With that said, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has postponed the annual International Roadcheck inspection blitz. The…
We recently sent out and displayed a notice about a change in the courts due to the Covid-19 restrictions at the moment. Since then Harris County did take more precautions for the general public. Schools had closed and restaurants had gone to only providing drive-thru and curbside pickup. All governments had advised and asked us…
By now, everyone understands the widespread impact the corona epidemic will have on our lives for the time. As of March 17th, Houston Independent School District and over 30 others have extended their closures through April 21st. At the same time, restaurants’ dining-in and all bars and clubs have been shut down for at least…
Monks Law Firm knows that ignition interlock devices can be challenging to handle with the court. Without the proper understanding or support, the process seems overwhelming. Fortunately, Monks Law Firm is here to help you through the entire ordeal. As soon as you are arrested, make sure you call the right law firm to advise…
If you have ever been arrested for a DUI or DWI, then an ignition interlock device has likely been installed in your vehicle. In these cases, it’s essential to know the process of how you receive one, why, and how to have it removed. With Monks Law Firm, you get the help you need obtaining…
Under some state laws, the judge has the authority to terminate probation early when specific qualifications are met. However, a defendant doesn’t have the right to have their probation terminated early. Depending on the situation, a defendant may be required to serve the entire period, even if the defendant qualifies for early termination. A judge…
When you’re arrested, it can be extremely stressful. You’re worried about bonds, your court case, and to top it all, confiscated property. If this happens, you are probably wondering how to get your property back. The best answer is to find a lawyer to help you. Here at Monks Law Firm, we are here for…
Removing arrests and convictions from your public record is the process of expunction. If you don’t have an expunction, your history can be viewed by schools, employers, and others. Monks Law Firm can assist you in keeping such information set aside. Having a criminal record can affect you in getting job interviews. Can you imagine…
If you served probation for a misdemeanor or criminal case, Monks Law Firm has got your back. We’re able to do traffic traffic, probate, civil lawsuits, and criminal defense. Mike and Pat Monks have over 70 years of combined experience fighting for clients. Therefore, whether you are facing a DWI/ DUI or traffic defense, you…
The legal limit for intoxication in Texas is 0.08 breath or blood alcohol concentration (or BAC). If you get pulled over while drunk driving, you’re more than likely to have your license suspended until the specified date of return. Monks Law Firm fights to reduce or annul your suspension. When you get your suspension, don’t…
Say you’re driving from Texas to Florida, and you’re speeding through the states in-between. When passing Mississippi, you get pulled over, and the officer consults with his database to learn you have unpaid citations in another state. Your license is then confiscated, a fine is written, and now you have no driver’s license. Monks Law…
License suspensions can happen in many ways. For whatever reason you face license suspension, it’s essential to contest it to the best of your abilities. To do that, Monks Law Firm is here to provide you with the best legal consulting in the greater Houston area. Challenging violations and suspensions alone can be especially tricky…
When you’re involved in an accident, you can come out of it feeling dizzy and disoriented. While the experience can be harrowing, the worst may be yet to come. If the accident is severe enough, or you’re frequently in them, your license can be under threat of suspension. Monks Law Firm is here to help…
With the repeal of the Driving Responsibility Program (DRP) comes relief along with new issues. For instance, Texans who were unable to receive their license when the law was in effect fall in certain categories. According to legislation, drivers whose fees solely stem from DRP are immediately eligible to be reinstated. However, Texans who faced…
If you aren’t aware of the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP), here is a quick briefing. This program prevented more than one million Texans from reclaiming or keeping their driver’s license. If a citizen committed a driving offense, they’d not only have to pay traffic but annual fees. These annual fees ranged from one-hundred dollars to…
In a landmark agreement between Houston’s Harris County Commissioners, a new bail system is finally ready to implement. In a settlement in which a federal judge deemed the current Texas bail system to be unconstitutional, there has been a new design that has brought new revolutionary standards to the Texas legal system. We will elaborate…
There have been a lot of changes in the legislation regarding marijuana over the years. Perception towards the plant has been dramatically shifted and for some states, that means making it legal. For others, they remain in adamant dissent. For Texas, there’s not as much certainty. In fact, after a new law was formally passed,…
A recent House Bill eliminated the surcharges that kept over half a million Texas drivers off the road (or at least, without a license). But, as if to say, “I’ve got some good news and some bad news,” court costs will also increase dramatically. The cost for traffic court cases is going up by $50…
In recent news, we have learned that more than 10,000 DWI cases are now in question, due to a recall of the testing devices used to collect and preserve blood evidence in these cases. This is a hugely unfortunate incident, but the discovery seems to come right on time. Just last month, we discussed the…
There have been a lot of alterations to the legislation for traffic laws recently. Keeping track of them may be difficult. Especially if you are busy all day and not constantly checking the new revisions and amendments. In order to keep your protected, information is highly valuable. That’s why we want to provide our readers…
On the afternoon of the first day in June, there were changes made to legislation on a controversial topic. Red light cameras have been an intriguing topic for lawmakers since their origin. They have been brought onto the streets, ridiculed, lauded. Overall, they have caused huge changes to driving in Texas. Not all of them…
Assault might seem like a self-explanatory charge, but as in the case with other charges, there are levels to each offense. Assault can be considered either a misdemeanor or an assault, depending on the context in which the assault occurred. Furthermore, a person can be charged with one of three classes (for misdemeanors) or degrees…
When you are driving, it can be easy to overlook your speed. This is one of the most popular incidents on the road. People are always being pulled over for these sorts of citations and it’s always a tedious experience. You will have to go through all of the banal procedures that can take tons…
Mythbusting: Traffic There are quite a few myths surrounding traffic. Believing these false rumors can put you in an even worse legal situation. Below we tackle a few of these myths so you can have the right information. From there, you can make wise legal decisions and save yourself a lot of time and money.…
Who inherits your property and wealth when you pass away? If you don’t have a will, you can’t be sure. A conversation with your family, a signed letter, nor a recording will guarantee that your final wishes will be granted. A valid will ensures that your valuables go exactly where you want them to. But…
Have you been stuck with drug possession charges? This charge can have serious consequences. However, your circumstances, like those of many people, may be complicated. Cases involving drug possession are rarely clear-cut. This is because drug use and its effects on the community are a hot-button topic for our society. Unfortunately, drug addiction is a…
Have you been slammed with misdemeanor assault charges? You may be frightened of the repercussions and worried about how this will affect your criminal record. If you are convicted, you will have a legal history of violence, and therefore can be easily turned away from new work opportunities. This stain on your record can be…
Are traffic convictions? There are more and more reasons why police officers can pull you over for a moving violation. Are traffic convictions? Each year there are laws that are added meaning. Because of this, you might not even be aware of these new moving violation laws. Seat belts were not always mandatory like they are…
What is a DWI What is a DWI? DWI stands for driving while intoxicated. And means that if you are facing a DWI this can be a very serious offense. This also means not having the normal use of mental and physical faculties by recognition of the introduction of alcohol or a drug. Under Texas…
When Should I Create a Will The process of planning for your death and organizing your estate is a difficult subject for many to tackle. As a result, creating a will often falls to the bottom of many people’s priority list. But it is essential to provide a will for the well being of your…
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer When Being Charged with a DUI Have you found yourself being charged with a DUI? And asking yourself the question, Why Should I Hire a Lawyer When Being Charged with a DUI? In this post, we a region to highlight what a DUI is. Why being charged with a…
What are Traffic Warrants Often many drivers do not know what traffic warrants are. And are not sure of them until they are faced with a traffic warrant. And then they are asking themselves the question, What are Traffic Warrants? In this post, we will highlight what traffic warrants are. And how criminal lawyers are…
What is the CSA Point System There are many drivers on the road that do not know or understand all the rules and regulations on the roads. Which is understandable. It is hard to have a constant knowledge of all the different rules. And actually, understand all the permitters. Probably many drivers do not know…
What is a CDL Traffic Many drivers in today’s world do not understand or even know all the different traffic laws. And violations one can receive. And when you receive a traffic. Everyone knows what that is. But what about a CDL traffic? If you do not know what a CDL traffic is. You are…