Year: 2017
Sex crimes are among the most difficult and problematic offenses for prosecutors, victims and defendants alike. People charged with sex offenses typically suffer serious social stigma even before conviction. However, these offenses are often based on uncorroborated statements of young victims which are not always reliable. In one Texas city, the role of the police…
A series of proposed executions in Texas have been delayed or derailed over the last year due to legal appeals or other circumstances. The latest death row inmate to face an 11th hour reprieve was Houston serial killer, Anthony Shore, who was just hours away from execution when the process was halted. Officials stopped the…
Media reports state that police in Texas have been very active in targeting online predators. Using the internet to arrange or ask for sex or sexual contact with an underage individual is a serious crime under both federal law and Texas state law. Many people view the internet as a sort of Wild Wild West,…
Violent crime is increasing in Texas at a rate that outstrips the rest of the nation, according to recently released statistics. Violent crime in the Lone Star State is above the national average, although lower than a decade ago. Statistics released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in September found Texas outpaced the rest of…
There are a host of famous — or infamous, depending on your perspective — RICO Act cases throughout U.S. legal history. The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is a federal statute that has been around since 1970. It makes headlines every now and then in the news when federal law enforcement officials and…
There are definite possible outcomes and it’s important to be aware of them. No matter what kind of case you’re facing, being charged with a crime is a scary experience. It’s normal to have a lot of questions, and to worry about the possible outcomes in your case. Will this affect your career? Will you…
This is not the first time investigators have used technology to discredit a suspect’s story. Fitness trackers like the Fitbit have become popular in recent years. People use them to monitor their heart rate, keep track of how many steps they take, and help them get more restful sleep. Recently, a woman’s Fitbit may have…
Is taunting police officers a criminal offense? Most people know what’s legal and which types of behavior will get you arrested. If you rob a bank, for example, you’re going to get charged with theft. If you punch someone in a bar, you can count on being taken into custody for assault. However, some allegedly…
Just a handful of states have specific laws that address looting. The flooding and devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey will affect Houston and greater Texas for years to come. As people slowly begin to return to their homes and rebuild, prosecutors in Harris County and the surrounding areas have already pursued looting charges against 14…
This would give police departments the authority to use drones outfitted with weapons which they could use to inflict deadly force on citizens. It may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but weaponized drones may soon be hitting the skies — at least in Connecticut. Lawmakers in Connecticut have introduced a bill…