Category: News
A standoff between Texas Governor Gregg Abbott and the City of Austin over the state capital’s liberal homelessness laws has led to a debate over the criminalization of people without a roof over their heads. Although it’s not necessarily a crime to be homeless in Texas many cities and counties make it an offense to…
In cases that come down to the word of a police officer against that of a defendant, juries often believe the police officer. However, thousands of defendants in the United States ended up behind bars on the uncorroborated evidence of discredited officers, according to a new survey. A USA TODAY Network investigation highlighted the “widespread…
Electronic monitoring systems are widely used in Texas as an alternative to incarceration and for defendants on bond who are awaiting a trial. However, a recent case in which a private company removed an ankle bracelet from a capital murder suspect due to non-payment, points to a possible flaw in the system. Clint Walker was…
Murder rates are falling in most Texas cities. However, Dallas is a glaring exception to the rule as the homicide rate heads for a 10-year high. Last month, the city’s year-to-date homicide rate exceeded 135 deaths. The city is on course for the highest number of killings in a decriminalcade – over 220 – but…
Randy Halprin has been on Texas’ Death Row for a decade for a high-profile prison escape that resulted in the killing of a police officer a decade ago. However, just weeks away from his scheduled execution attorneys say the trial judge’s alleged antisemitism may have tainted the case against Halprin who is Jewish. Lawyers representing…
If you enter someone else’s property without permission, you can be charged with a crime called criminal trespass. In addition to being charged with a crime, you may face monetary penalties in civil court. In the criminal system, however, trespassing is punishable by fines and in some cases even jail time. An experienced Dallas criminal…
Another mass shooting in Texas has reopened questions about some of the most liberal gun laws in the country. Seth Ator went on a killing spree that left seven dead and wounded 25 in and around Odessa in West Texas. The shooter was barred from buying guns but purchased his assault rifle in a private…
It’s tough to get your life back on track after a DWI or another serious traffic offense. The unpopular Texas Driver Responsibility Program made it much harder for drivers. Fortunately for defendants who are picking up the pieces after a drunk driving conviction, the program will be scrapped from September 1st. According to the 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…
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….