The Wright Firm's Weblog

Back to School Zones!

Parents across the Dallas – Ft. Worth area sent their kids back to school on Monday.  The parents and students (for very different reasons) have been counting down the days for a while now.  However, for some of us, the first alert we get that school is back in session is a flashing light on that “School Zone” sign on our morning commute.  Parent, student or otherwise, better heed those school zone signs!

Everyone (hopefully) knows that you have to obey the speed limit in a school zone when that zone is in effect.  However, there is still some confusion surrounding  the rules about using a cell phone while in a school zone.  The Texas Transportation Code says that a driver may not use a wireless communication device (cell phone) within a school zone unless the car is stopped or the communication device is being used “hands-free”.  (See Tex. Trans. Code §545.425)  The phrase “wireless communication device” most commonly refers to cell phones, but can include potentially any device that uses a wireless carrier.  So, it’s possible that your 3G/4G capable iPods, iPads and e-readers are included (but let’s hope you aren’t reading while you drive anyway).

You should also check on the city laws in your area about school zones and cell phone use.  For example the city of Austin, TX, has banned texting while driving – whether in a school zone or not.  Best rule of thumb?  Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and just call that person back later.

The Wright Firm wishes everyone a safe and happy school year!  For more information on Texas traffic laws contact The Wright Firm at (972) 353-4600 or check us out on the web at www.thewrightlawyers.com. 

 

“Sext” Ed

A new bill has passed the Texas Senate by a hefty 29-1 margin that would reduce the classification of a “sexting” offense from a felony to a Class C Misdemeanor.  This reduction would only apply to first-time offenders who are younger than age 18. 

The bill further gives a judge the discretion to order both the minor and the minor’s parents to participate in a sexting education course.  The Texas School Safety Center will be responsible for creating the curriculum for the course.  Parents, in case you didn’t have enough good reasons to monitor your teens’ texting habits, now you have one more.  Both you and your teen can get detention, so to speak.

While neither the teens nor parents in questions may be happy about being fined and forced to take the class, the punishments under existing laws are much harsher.  In fact as the law stands now, any person who sends a sexually explicit image of a minor can be charged with felony trafficking in child pornography.  That would look a bit worse on someone’s permanent record.

If you or your children are having problems with the law, The Wright Firm’s criminal defense attorneys are here to help!  Give us a call at (972) 353-4600 or check us out on the web at www.thewrightlawyers.com!

Original Dallas Morning News article can be found here: http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/04/senate-approves-measures-to-al.html

 

 

 

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