Can Tax Fraud Against the IRS Land You In Prison?
It’s no secret that most taxpayers prefer to have as little interaction as possible with the IRS. When it comes to communications with the Internal Revenue Service, no news is considered good news, and in most cases, the IRS has no cause to ask questions or conduct an audit. However, if someone commits tax fraud...Read More
Can Making a Prank Call Get Me Arrested?
Almost everyone indulges in a few youthful mistakes when they’re a teen or young adult. This might include making a prank phone call on an unsuspecting victim. While this action might not seem like serious wrongdoing, prank calls can sometimes land a caller in hot legal water. In fact, there are several laws that police...Read More
Harris County Moves to Reform its Controversial Bail System
Harris County, the most populous place in Texas, has bowed to pressure to reform its bail practices and settle a federal lawsuit. County officials agreed with the move in late July, in a case Commissioner Rodney Ellis said was “as big as Brown v. Board of Education,” the Texas Tribune reported. Harris County has been...Read More
Can a 16-Year-old be Tried as an Adult in Dallas?
In Texas, the age of adult criminal responsibility is 17. However, younger defendants can be tried as adults in certain circumstances. A judge in Dallas County recently processed a 16-year-old through the adult criminal justice system, stating the public required protection. Under Texas law, A person who is at least 10 years of age but...Read More
Counterfeiting Goods Is a Serious Crime
When a product or brand becomes popular, you can be certain copycats will follow. However, copying another product’s design or imitating a company’s logo can land you in hot legal water. According to reports, counterfeit goods make up a $461 billion global industry. In 2013, the Department of Homeland Security seized more than $1.7 billion...Read More
Rent-to-own Owners Receive New Protections Against Criminal Charges
Many people who rent-to-own furniture and other goods in Texas don’t realize failing to make payments can result in criminal charges or even a term in jail. However, a bill enacted this summer by the Texas legislature has helped close a loophole that allowed people who could not afford to make payments to be prosecuted....Read More
Should You Self Report a Known Corporate Crime?
Should you report a corporate crime that has occurred within your company or organization? Understand the reasons why businesses don’t report and why maybe they should rethink that approach. White collar crimes occur at a frequency that’s greater than many people realize. Within the scope of this category of illegal activities are corporate crimes, and...Read More
When Can Police Use a Drug Sniffing Dog?
Dogs have powerful noses. According to researchers at Florida State University, they can smell up to 100,000 times better than humans. Considering how amazing a dog’s sense of smell is, it’s probably no wonder why police use dogs to detect illegal substances. But what does the law say about drug sniffing dogs? Can police use...Read More
What is Evading Arrest or Detention in a Motor Vehicle in Texas?
Evading arrest or detention in a motor vehicle in Texas can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the crime. These crimes are often associated with police pursuits but you don’t have to be involved in a long chase to be charged with the crime. Over the weekend, a woman was...Read More
Are There Passenger Rights During a Traffic Stop in Texas?
When you ride as a passenger in a vehicle, you are giving a certain amount of control over to the driver. For example, if the driver is exceeding the speed limit, you could find yourself in a situation being pulled over and stopped by the police. What happens if the driver has an illegal substance...Read More