Recent Blog Posts
Criminal Court Backlogs And What They Mean For Texas Criminal Defendants
A person charged with any crime, whether it is a felony or misdemeanor is guaranteed a Constitutional right to a “speedy and public trial” under the Sixth Amendment. In addition to the right to an attorney, the right to have your case processed fairly and efficiently is among a defendant’s most fundamental rights. Having… Read More »
Do Remote Court Proceedings Protect A Defendant’s Due Process Rights?
The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed the way law is practiced in courtrooms throughout Texas and even worldwide. Remote hearings conducted through Zoom or other services had been seldom used, usually under special circumstances only, until March 2020. Then, everything changed. Courtrooms were faced with a crisis unlike any they’d seen. How to balance public… Read More »
What To Know About Child Pornography Charges In Texas
As with other sex crimes in Texas, possession, distribution, or production of child pornography are serious offenses that carry not only harsh criminal penalties, but severe collateral consequences that can affect a person’s life for years to come. These punishments exist to hold accountable those that use or spread child pornography, but can also… Read More »
How To Prove Self-Defense In A Texas Criminal Case?
Self-defense is a valid defense against criminal charges in certain situations. It can even be a complete defense warranting dismissal of a case. When and how self-defense can be applied as part of a legal defense depends on the facts and circumstances of a case, so it is important to understand how courts view… Read More »
Online Solicitation Of A Minor In Texas: What To Know And How To Defend Against Charges
Texas takes sex crimes seriously, with harsh punishments for those convicted of any number of offenses in this category. One of those is online solicitation of minors. In the interest of protecting children, Texas has laws in place to prevent minors from being approached online with certain comments, requests, or behaviors. Under Texas Penal… Read More »
What Does The U.S. Supreme Court Ruling In Vega Mean For Texans?
Since the landmark 1966 Supreme Court ruling in Miranda v. Arizona, the well-known “right to remain” silent has been a crucial element in arrests and court proceedings. At the time, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the inherent imbalance of power between law enforcement and those being arrested or held for questioning. To preserve rights… Read More »
What To Know About “Evading Arrest” Charges In Texas
In the heat of the moment, people can make poor decisions and mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes include not pulling over promptly for a police vehicle, or panicking and fleeing on foot when an officer wants them to stop and talk. At other times, a person may not have even known an officer was trying… Read More »
Mental Health And Addiction; How To Handle Drug Charges When Mental Health Is An Issue
There is no question that alcohol and drugs lead to a number of societal problems, not least of which is criminal conduct. In the United States, it is estimated that 35% of violent crime victims believe their attacker was impaired by alcohol at the time of their attack, and 30% of prison inmates reported… Read More »
Understanding Drug Scheduling And Penalties Under Texas Law
Drug possession in Texas is a serious offense. No matter what controlled substance is involved, a person can face criminal charges, jail time, and heavy fines. Penalties vary depending on what drug the person had, and how much was in their possession. People will often wonder what they can be charged with for certain… Read More »
What To Know About Social Media Evidence And Your Criminal Case
Almost everybody has some type of social media account – if not several – these days. We’ve grown comfortable posting content from our personal lives for friends, family, and complete strangers to see. This can be fun and engaging, and help keep people connected across long distances. As people continue to communicate and share… Read More »