Randall Blair Isenberg Announces Scholarship Winner
RL, a first-year marketing student and aspiring corporate lawyer, is the 2023 winner of the annual Alcohol Addiction Awareness Scholarship hosted by the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg. RL entered the scholarship due to her own personal experience of watching family members and friends succumb to the lasting consequences of alcohol addiction.
RL Suggests Solutions for Raising Awareness of Alcohol Addiction
In her essay, she calls for schools and other organizations to “delve deeper into understanding the complexities of alcohol addiction and its far-reaching consequences.” Instead of addressing alcohol addictions with a mindset of willpower and personal choice, she believes communities should take the biological, psychological, and environmental factors into account when it comes to rehabilitation.
For example, she suggests the following interventions to both prevent and treat alcohol addiction:
- “Providing education and resources in schools”
- “Partnering with community organizations to host events and workshops”
- “Utilizing social media and other digital platforms to reach a wider audience”
She also believes the answer to alcohol addiction is early intervention and prevention. She speaks to the need for the destigmatization of alcohol addiction and notes that recovering alcoholics need support free from judgment and shame. Isolation is never the answer, and she plans to raise awareness about the “destructive power of this disease.”
RL’s Plans for the Future Align With Her Passion for Raising Awareness and Helping Her Community
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in marketing, RL plans to go to law school and study to become a corporate lawyer. This is a calculated move, as RL states that her marketing degree has helped her “develop vital research, analysis, and critical thinking skills, which are invaluable when pursuing a law degree.”
When it comes to her choice to specialize in corporate law, RL says she wants to, “work with a broad range of clients, tackle complex legal issues, and make a tangible impact on my clients’ businesses.” Her greatest inspiration is Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who RL admires for her spirit of dissent and dedication to justice.
When she’s not working on her degree, RL enjoys focusing on her fitness goals and traveling. She even channels her love for marketing by working as a social media marketing for Alaska Adventure Unlimited, a renowned adventure tourism company.
About the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg specializes in criminal defense, and our attorneys are dedicated to seeking the best possible outcome for our clients. Our lead attorney, Randy Isenberg, was a State District Judge in Dallas and a County Criminal Court Judge from 1986 to 1990. Now, he uses his experience to fight for his clients’ rights.
“Isenberg has seen firsthand how alcohol addiction affects members of our community affected by alcohol addiction,” the firm says. He is passionate about raising awareness of alcohol addiction in an effort to prevent life-altering consequences for individuals and their communities.
If you are facing criminal charges, you should take your defense seriously. Our legal team can help. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
R.B. Isenberg Announces Scholarship Winner – Abena Boateng
Applications for the Randall Blair Isenberg Alcohol Addiction Scholarship 2022 closed in June, and after much review and evaluation, the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg would like to announce this year’s winner: Abena Boateng!
Boateng will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship for her essay, which detailed her volunteer work at the University of Texas at Austin. We hope she continues to keep spreading addiction awareness as she finishes her undergraduate degree and pursues medical school.
University of Texas Student Spread Alcohol Addiction Awareness in Her School
Abena Boateng is currently a student at the University of Texas at Austin, set to graduate in May of 2025. Her essay shed light on her volunteer work with the university through its addiction awareness initiative program, SHIFT, noting one event where her group made nonalcoholic drinks for students to show them how to enjoy being social without having to become intoxicated.
“Recently, I have gained more insight on substance abuse and misuse,” said Boateng. “I feel like, as individuals, it should not take [a] personal connection in order to make a change in a community we do not directly relate to. However, by getting more involved in this community, I have been able to gain personal attachment [to addiction awareness], which has made me even more passionate in creating a change.”
Boateng’s Ambition Stems from the Strong Women in Her Life
In her scholarship questionnaire, Boateng made it clear that the biggest inspirations in her life are the women in her life. Namely, her mother, aunts, and grandmother. She credits their ambition to continue achieving great things in their lives as the reason she aims to pursue her own goals, like medical school after getting her undergraduate degree in Public Health and Biostatistics.
“As a child, I watched them [work] their way up to all their dreams and passions. I really value how even though [they] have made big achievements, they did not just stop there but they kept going,” Boateng wrote. “Most importantly, they…didn’t lose themselves to the process or the world. I hope to impact others in the same way they have.”
What Is the Randall Blair Isenberg Alcohol Addiction Scholarship?
The Randall Blair Isenberg Alcohol Addiction Scholarship was created by the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg as an effort to award a deserving student who has a passion for teaching others about the dangers and consequences of substance abuse. The program awards one student a $1,000 scholarship to put toward their higher education.
Founding Attorney Randall B. Isenberg saw face-first the horrible paths alcohol abuse can take people, from going to jail for alcohol-related charges like driving while intoxicated (DWI) to having to live with the guilt of one’s actions while intoxicated (e.g., domestic violence, assault, or murder). Our firm’s criminal defense lawyers advocate for second-chance options for our clients, fighting for rehabilitation over jail sentences so that they have opportunities to turn their lives around.
Students Had to Meet Eligibility Requirements to Apply
Students who applied for the scholarship needed to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must be an admitted or enrolled student at a college, university, or graduate school in the United States
- Must have a history of spreading addiction awareness, such as through volunteer work or student/work experiences
- Must have at least a 3.0 GPA
- Must submit a 500-word essay on alcohol addiction
The deadline for the essay contest closed in June 2022.
Millions of Adults Are Affected by Alcohol Addiction, According to NIAAA
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)’s 2019 survey results, about 14.1 million adults (18 years of age or older) in the United States live with alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD includes alcoholism, alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, and alcohol addiction—all at varying degrees of severity.
AUD is a disease that can cause negative physical, mental, and emotional effects on an individual. Common risk factors for AUD include:
- Drinking at a young age: Individuals who engage in drinking in high school, particularly before the age of 15, are five times more likely to develop AUD than those who waited until they were of legal age, according to the NIAAA.
- Family history of alcoholism or alcohol abuse: People who have family members with AUD are more likely to develop the disorder because of influence and genetics.
- Trauma and mental health conditions: People who suffer from mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, are more likely to use alcohol as a coping mechanism, which could then lead to dependence on alcohol.
Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg for Criminal Defense Representation
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg handles criminal defense cases, including cases involving DWI and DUI charges. If you are facing criminal charges for an alcohol-related offense, our legal team wants to hear about your case. We can work to reduce or even eliminate your charges. Our team works hard to fight for our clients’ rights, so feel free to call our team for a free case review.
Carly Clark Wins Alcohol Addiction Awareness Scholarship
The Randall B. Isenberg Alcohol Addiction Awareness Scholarship is designed to bring this important issue into the public eye. In our society, drinking is considered a normal part of adulthood, and addiction to alcohol is often seen as a weakness or lack of character on the part of those who suffer. This is far from the truth.
For Carly Clark, alcohol addiction has a deeply personal impact. As she wrote in the essay that won her the scholarship, Clark’s childhood was spent attending her parents’ weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
“Each story at these meetings were unique to each person, but all had the same focal
aspect: the addiction,” wrote Clark. When she would later see friends’ family members freely drinking at parties or dinners, she became frustrated that people who suffer from addiction can’t “just stop” like them.
Over time, Clark’s perspective changed. Her parents, who have built a fantastic life for themselves and for Carly, began the journey to combating their addiction largely for her sake. Now, they have their own home in a nice neighborhood and can be proud of their sobriety. For Carly, hearing their backstory helped to shape her views on having compassion for people with addiction issues.
Then, tragically, Carly’s sister passed away after succumbing to a heroin addiction. “She had been staying with us for a while trying to get sober and was doing so well, until she wasn’t,” wrote Clark. That her sister, who had already seen the effects that addiction had on her parents, could also struggle with addiction opened Carly’s eyes to the fact that addiction is truly a disease rather than a simple choice.
Carly Clark’s hope is that our society will grow to be more empathetic towards people who suffer from alcohol and other addictions. “The image of drug addicts and alcoholics now is ugly and crude,” she wrote. “We become so judgmental because of the pure lack of experience.”The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg awards Carly Clarke, future Clark College student, its $1,000 award for her compelling essay. Read her full essay here.
Texas DWI Laws for Drivers Under 21 Years Old
Like many other states, Texas has a “zero tolerance” law for those who drink and drive while under the legal drinking age. Since it is illegal to drink alcohol under the age of 21, underage drivers can get a ticket after just one drink.
The law allows police officers to ticket underage drivers who have “any detectable amount of alcohol” in their system. This is a driving under the influence of alcohol charge, often called DUI. If certain scenarios apply, however, Texas DWI laws for drivers under 21 years old can come into play.
Texas DUI Charges and Possible Penalties
While many people think of a DUI as a typical drunk driving charge, things are somewhat different in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, drunk drivers over age 21 and over the legal limit face charges of driving while intoxicated, or DWI. DUI is a charge exclusively for underage drinking and driving.
DUI is generally a Class C misdemeanor and brings with it significantly reduced penalties when compared to DWI. If the police stop you and believe you are under the influence of alcohol, they can require you to submit to a breath or blood test to determine the concentration of alcohol in your blood. If this test confirms there is any detectable amount, you could face penalties that include:
- Up to a $500 fine;
- A 60-day driver license suspension;
- Up to 40 hours of community service; and
- Mandatory enrollment and attendance in alcohol-awareness classes.
If you get a second DUI before turning 21 years old, these penalties will increase. For example, while you will get a 60-day driver license suspension for a first offense, this doubles to 120 days for the second offense and adds on 60 more days to reach 180 days for the third offense.
Underage Drivers May Also Face DWI Charges in Some Cases
Drivers under 21 years old may face DWI charges in addition to or instead of DUI charges in some cases. This depends heavily on the circumstances of the stop and arrest, the blood alcohol concentration of the driver, and the discretion of the arresting officer.
In Texas, you commit a DWI by:
- Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher; or
- If an officer determines you lack “the normal use of mental or physical faculties” because of alcohol or drugs
If the officer who pulls you over or responds to an accident you caused believes you fit this criterion, you could face Texas DWI laws for drivers under 21 years old.
The penalties for a DWI are much more severe than for a DUI. A first offense is generally a Class B misdemeanor, and you could face:
- A fine of up to $2,000;
- A jail sentence of 72 hours to 180 days, although first-time offenders may receive a probated sentence;
- A driver license suspension from 90 days to 1 year.
You Do Not Have to Fight a Texas DUI or Underage DWI Charge on Your Own
While a DUI has fewer severe penalties than a DWI, you do not have to accept them if you do not believe you were guilty. Talking about the most favorable outcome possible in your case with a Texas drunk driving lawyer before you enter a plea is a good idea. We recommend reaching out to us as soon as possible after your stop to ensure we can build the strongest defense possible in your case.
Attorney Randy Isenberg and his team from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can go to work on your case today, no matter if you face DUI or DWI charges. We may be able to get them to drop the DWI or reduce it to reckless driving or another lesser charge with fewer penalties. We can also build a strong argument on your behalf in your DUI case based on the circumstances of your arrest so that a DWI does not derail your life.
Talk to a Texas DUI and DWI Attorney About Your Case
Drunk driving and criminal defense lawyer Randy Isenberg has taken on thousands of DUI and DWI cases over the course of his 30-year career. He knows what it takes to win cases because he is a former prosecutor and state district judge. Randy’s experience is your advantage when it comes to facing a Texas drunk driving charge. Call 214-696-9253 today to learn more.
Understanding Sex Crimes in Texas
Texas Penal Code Chapter 21 outlines the state’s laws regarding sex crimes and related offenses. This section of the state’s criminal code includes a wide range of offenses, from relatively minor to a felony of the first degree. If the police or state accuses you of violating any of these laws, we encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible.
Our team can protect your rights and ensure you get a fair trial while also building a strong argument to clear your name or possibly reduce the charges against you. We will fight a conviction in your case, pursuing the most favorable outcome possible based on the circumstances of your arrest.
Sex Crime Offenses in Texas
Sex crimes in Texas can include almost any activity of a sexual nature, under the wrong circumstances. Examples include:
- Aggravated sexual assault (including rape)
- Prostitution
- Child pornography
- Sexual assault of a child
- Solicitation of a prostitute
- Solicitation of a minor
- Internet sex crimes
- Sexting, especially if it involves a minor
Many of these statutes are somewhat vague, allowing police to arrest you and prosecutors to build a case against you under many different circumstances. For example, almost any non-consensual sexual encounter could fall under the state’s aggravated sexual assault law. At the same time, if the other party is under the age of 17, it is illegal to engage in sexual activity regardless of consent.
Another example is the state’s prostitution law. You do not need to have any sexual contact, nor do you have to exchange money to be charged. Any promise of any kind of fee — including paying with drugs or other valuables — violates this law, and you could face arrest.
Potential Penalties for Sex Crimes in Texas
Just as Texas law includes a wide variety of sexual offenses, the penalties you could face if convicted of one of these offenses varies as well. The actual sentence you could receive depends on several factors, including the crime, the facts of the case, and any deals your attorney can negotiate. Some examples of possible consequences for committing a first offense Texas sex crime include:
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a serious crime that demands at least two years in prison in Texas. You will face up to 20 years behind bars and a fine of $10,000. Aggravated sexual assault comes with enhanced sentencing, calling for prison time of between 5 to 99 years.
Invasive Visual Recording
Hiding a camera in a bedroom or bathroom, taking “up-skirt” pictures, or similar activities without the consent of the participants is a state jail felony in Texas. A visual recording type of conviction calls for a minimum of six months in jail and not more than two years of jail time. You could also have to pay up to $10,000 in fines.
These are the same penalties you could face for sharing an intimate picture or video without permission from the person in it, known as “unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material.”
Sexting
Sexting a minor, even when you are a minor, is illegal in Texas. If you are a minor, you could face the consequences that come with a Class C Misdemeanor. This includes a fine of as much as $500. If you are an adult sexting a minor, the penalties are much more significant. You could face up to 20 years behind bars and a fine of up to $10,000.
If you face sex crime charges in Texas, you need an attorney who knows how to build a strong case for your defense and pursue the most favorable outcome possible for you and your family. Sex crime defense takes someone knowledgeable about these laws and how prosecutors build this type of case.
Let the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg Represent You in Your Texas Sex Crimes Case
Sex crimes defense attorney Randall Isenberg has more than 30 years of experience representing those accused of Texas sex crimes. In addition to his career as a criminal defense attorney, Randall has served as both a former prosecutor and as a state district judge. He knows what it takes to build a strong sex crimes case against the accused party — and how to defend his clients in this type of case.
Call the criminal defense team from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at 214-696-9253. We can review the circumstances of your arrest and develop a strong criminal defense on your behalf.
