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THE TEXAS DEFENDER TexasCriminalDefenseGroup.com | (888) 818-7130 OCTOBER 2025
Parole, Paychecks, and a Place to Sleep Your Post-Prison Priorities
Many people go into trials thinking the truth will come out, proving their innocence beyond a reasonable doubt. Even if they knowingly committed a crime, they may believe law enforcement made mistakes that will lead to a not- guilty verdict, or their attorney will do a stellar job and get them off. However, things don’t always go as planned. The prosecution could have foolproof evidence of your actions, leading to hefty fines and incarceration. If you find yourself in this position, you may wonder what life will look like when you’ve finished serving your sentence. It’s hard to estimate what life could look like after a prison sentence because it varies greatly depending on the time served. Someone incarcerated for decades may have to adjust to technological and societal advances, whereas someone who has been in prison for three years may only have to navigate their own personal situation. Let’s explore the experiences surrounding someone in prison for 4.4 years, since that is the average sentencing length in Texas. The first thing people think about when going into prison is whether life can return to normal upon release. Unfortunately, life will look very different for most people after a prison sentence. The first thing that may change is where you live. If you’re unable to pay rent while in prison, you’ll likely get evicted. Suppose you owned a home with your spouse. If they don’t have the funds to make mortgage payments or pay other bills while you’re incarcerated, they may have to sell and move elsewhere. You may not be welcome in your previous living arrangements anymore, which means you have to find somewhere else to live. Most rental properties require a background check, which can limit your options. Most people turn to transitional housing and halfway homes to ease the process until they find something more permanent. What about work? Let’s face the harsh truth. If you were a business owner, and one of your employees went to prison for a few years, would you hold the position open for them? Probably not. They will likely terminate you when convicted.
You may not even be able to return to your industry after your release if it requires a clean record. Most businesses run background checks on new employees and will be very cautious about hiring former felons, as they don’t want to risk their public image or make clients uncomfortable. You may have to take a low-paying job in a new field to make ends meet. Additionally, most people are placed on parole upon finishing their sentence. This can put additional limitations on your options because you may have to stay within the state or county. You have to maintain employment, allow your parole officer to search your property and person, and avoid drinking alcohol. Parole is your opportunity to prove you can reenter society, so it comes with some tricky stipulations. While it might feel like you’re sometimes fighting an uphill battle, some organizations can help. Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative, Project RIO, 2nd Chances 4 Felons, and Exoffenders.net are great resources to help recently released inmates find employment, housing, and more. If you face criminal
charges with the potential for prison time, do not leave anything to chance. Call us today to obtain representation and see how we can help! —Stephen Hamilton
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Kid-Approved Halloween Movies for Cozy Nights FRIGHT LITE
It’s that boo-tiful time of year when jack-o’-lanterns line every porch, costumes come out of hiding, and the witching hour is for scary movie nights! Whether you’re in the mood to giggle over ghouls or spot some not- so-spooky specters, your Halloween film fests don’t have to scare your little ones to deliver family-friendly chills this season. We’ve conjured up the best kid-approved holiday horror movies that are more treat than trick — perfect for popcorn, blankets, and fun-filled evenings with your little monsters! ‘Hocus Pocus’ If you like your witchy watches to be the perfect potion of comedy and nostalgia, 1993’s “Hocus Pocus” will leave your kids spellbound. This Halloween classic follows a group of local kids who accidentally awaken the Sanderson Sisters, a trio of witches out
to steal children’s souls so they can stay beautiful forever. Filled with fun characters, a spooky atmosphere that’s more silly than scary, and even a catchy musical number, this movie remains a favorite for goblins of all ages.
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ “Nightmare Before Christmas” combines creepy charm with the warmth of Christmas as two very different worlds collide. Using impressive stop motion, the story follows Jack Skellington of Halloween Town as he tries to bring Santa and Christmas traditions to his community. Though it has plenty of spookiness, it has enough humor and whimsy to keep it lighthearted. The character design, infectious songs, and overall theme of staying true to yourself make this an excellent watch for either holiday.
‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’
For generations, families have watched alongside the Peanuts gang as they carefully waited for the Great Pumpkin to arrive. The Charlie Brown Halloween special is a cute, scare-free option that’s sweet and full of heart. Appropriate for even the youngest ghouls, this short movie captures the festive spirit of fall without giving anyone nightmares (unless you have bad dreams about Lucy pulling the football away just as Charlie Brown is about to kick it). This is the perfect option for little ones who might not be ready for scary stuff.
So, grab your candy corn, dim the lights, and let these not-too-scary classics bring frightful fun to your family! Custody After a Criminal Charge
What Texas Parents Need to Know
When charged with a crime, your mind will likely focus on the future. You may worry about high fines or potential jail time. You may grow concerned about how the punishments could hinder other areas of life, such as your employment, driving ability, and even your family situation. If you have children, you may wonder how they will be affected. Could you lose custody if convicted? It depends on the specific circumstances surrounding your case. Parents get arrested and charged with crimes every day in Texas, but the arrest does not mean you automatically lose custody or visitation rights with your children. Crimes like shoplifting and disorderly conduct can lead to punishments, but they don’t necessarily mean an individual is unsuited to raise
children. However, more serious crimes, such as domestic violence, child endangerment, or sexual assault, can cause a judge to consider whether you’re the best guardian for your children. The court does not have to wait until you’re convicted to order supervised visitation, suspend parenting time, or require psychological evaluations if they worry for your children’s safety. If convicted, things can become messy very quickly. Judges rarely make long- term decisions regarding children when a case is still pending, but after a conviction, they may remove your custody rights entirely, depending on the situation. If convicted of a felony involving drugs, violence, or abuse, you could lose or limit custody. Every case is different, and the judge
will consider every element of the situation to determine whether it’s in the child’s best interest to remain in their current situation. What about those who have already been convicted and face a divorce? Could past convictions play a role in custody determinations? The court still uses the “best interest” standard to determine custody. Recent offenses, specifically those involving violence or drugs, could make things more difficult for you. Even in these situations, the court may still grant supervised visitation to ensure the parent can see their child. You should never take a criminal charge lightly, especially if children are involved. Call us today if you have questions or need representation.
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Reading a book is one of the best ways to pass the time, learn new ideas, or lose yourself in a mystical world. It doesn’t matter if you want to improve your self-esteem, discover new information related to your interests, or improve upon some of your own skills — books can help. October is National Book Month, so there’s no better time to pick up one of your comfort reads or try something new. For those seeking more information, one of our best recommendations is “Exposing the Truth” by our very own Stephen Hamilton and Shane Byrd. This book provides a deep dive into your rights and the Texas Criminal Justice System. Most Americans assume prosecutors and law enforcement officers act as protectors of the law. They think these individuals are just trying to do their job and find the guilty person responsible for the crime. In other words, you have nothing to worry about if you’re not guilty. As criminal defense attorneys, we know this couldn’t be further from the truth. Your Guide to the Justice System Exposing the Truth
“Great team of people who really care and do their absolute best to give you the best possibility in your case.” - Jalan T. HAPPY TCDG CLIENTS
Apple Upside- Down Cake
You have to remember that both police officers and prosecutors are not impartial players in the court system. They both work for the state, and if they brought charges against you, they plan to do everything they can to convict you. At this point, they are no longer trying to reveal “the truth” or “protect the innocent.”
Inspired by IHeartEating.com
Ingredients Topping
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp salt • 3/4 cup milk • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter • 1/2 cup light brown sugar • 3 Honeycrisp apples Cake
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a 9-inch round cake pan, add butter for topping. Place in oven for a few minutes until melted. 3. Sprinkle brown sugar over melted butter. 4. Cut apples into half circles about 1/4-inch thick (no need to peel) and arrange them in circles, overlapping slightly until they fill the entire pan. Set aside. 5. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. 6. Add milk, melted butter, vanilla, and egg. Whisk until combined. 7. Pour batter over apple slices, smoothing as needed. 8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 9. Let cool to room temperature, invert on a plate, and serve.
“Exposing the Truth” gives you insight into how the court system operates, your rights,
and how to protect yourself better. This book answers questions you may have always wondered about, such as what to do after an arrest, what to expect at court, how to know whether a police search was legal, why you should hire a criminal defense attorney, and so much more. We fully believe in the message and information in “Exposing the Truth,” which is why we offer a free copy to anyone interested. Visit our website, TexasCriminalDefenseGroup.com/library, to snag your copy. While there, check out our other helpful reads, which are also free to anyone in need!
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE 1 What Does Life Look Like After Prison? 2 Spooky Movie Magic Without the Scares Will a Criminal Charge Cost You Custody? 3 The Free Book That Could Change the Way You See the Legal System
Apple Upside-Down Cake 4 Hygge Morning Rituals to Nourish Your Spirit Start Your Day the Danish Way
Create Hygge in Every Comforting Morning Step
As the coffee brews or tea steeps, light a candle. Watch it flicker and think of
There’s a quiet magic in the early morning. It’s a time made for gentleness, nourishing both body and spirit. That’s the beauty of hygge , a Danish philosophy rooted in comfort, mindfulness, and savoring life’s small pleasures.
someone who has touched your life. Offer a quiet thank-you and wish them well. This small blessing is a gift to them and you.
Pronounced “ hoo-gah, ” this gentle lifestyle encourages you to slow down and enjoy the present moment. And what better time to begin than first thing in the morning? Begin right where you wake, still nestled beneath the covers. Before your feet ever touch the floor, take a moment to stretch — not the kind that feels like a chore but one that softly awakens your muscles and soothes your joints. This small act stirs your blood and eases your body into the day with kindness.
Slip on your walking shoes and greet the world outside. Even a short stroll can awaken a sense of calm. Listen to the autumn leaves rustle, feel the sun on your cheeks. Let nature’s rhythm soften your own.
These hygge-inspired rituals help you reclaim mornings with grace, presence, and joy. You’ve earned mornings like these. Let them
Let your shower become a sanctuary. Choose a soap that smells like the season — apple, cinnamon, or something crisp and woodsy. Let the warm water remind you that you’re not in a rush, that this moment is yours.
carry you forward.
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