Hate Crimes Hit a Record High
Hate crimes have reached a record high, according to a report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The report states that hate crimes have surged to record levels in the 10 largest cities in the country, with hate crimes jumping by 12 percent since 2017. In fact, the numbers are the highest they’ve been...Read More
GoFundMe Hoaxes Can Lead to Serious Criminal Charges
Since GoFundMe was founded in 2010, people have used it to crowdfund for a variety of reasons. In some cases, the site allows people to quickly spread the word about charitable causes, which allows people from across the country to donate money and help someone in need. However, crowdfunding isn’t also motivated by altruism. In...Read More
When Are Ignition Interlock Devices Ordered for DWI Drivers in Texas?
A law enacted in Texas in 2015 means many drivers who would previously have lost their licenses can now remain on the road as long as an ignition interlock device is fitted to their vehicles. An ignition interlock is connected to your vehicle. The device is like a breathalyzer. It has a preset level for...Read More
Who Can You Safely Talk to About Your Criminal Case?
Who can you talk to about your criminal case? Here’s why your defense attorney is the only one you should completely trust. Anyone that has ever been charged with a crime knows that it’s an incredibly stressful, confusing and emotional time. Regardless of if you’re guilty or innocent, it’s only natural to want to talk...Read More
Texas Legislators to Consider Executions for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Texas has been censured by the U.S. Supreme Court over how it determines intellectual disability when deciding if defendants should receive the death penalty. However, a ruling by the nation’s highest court has failed to spark changes in the Lone Star State. Now the pressure is on the Texas Legislature to amend the law relating...Read More
How a Felony Conviction in Texas Affects Your Voter Rights
The right to vote is an important part of being an American citizen. Is it possible for a convicted felon to regain their voting rights in the state of Texas? As citizens of the United States, we have individual rights that we often take for granted – until they are taken away or jeopardized in...Read More
Faulty Science Resulted in Flawed Conviction of Dallas Man for Double Murders
Many forensic science methods used for years to convict people of serious crimes have unraveled under closer scrutiny. Bite mark evidence was used to secure scores of convictions before it was debunked as junk science in 2016. In December, the state’s highest criminal court declared a Texas man innocent of two murders he served more...Read More
What You Need to Know About Getting an Advanced Education with a Criminal Record
Is it possible to go to college and get an education with a criminal record? In most cases, yes. Here’s what you need to know about student financial aid and college background checks with a criminal record. When someone has been convicted of criminal charges, he or she still has the responsibility to make decisions...Read More
Former UT Director is Indicted for Theft and Money Laundering
White collar crimes carry high sentences. In Travis County, a former director of the University of Texas faces up 99 years in prison after he was indicted on counts of theft, money laundering, and abusing his official capacity. Jason Shoumaker worked for the University of Texas in Austin for 10 years. He managed facilities for...Read More
Executions Rise in Texas as the Death Row Population Falls
Texas once again executed more people than any other state in 2018 when the number of prisoners put to death rose. However, the state’s Death Row population is falling. Two groups that oppose the death penalty reported Texas again tops the capital punishment table. With no further executions scheduled for 2018, tallies from both the Death...Read More