When Is Someone Incompetent to Stand Trial?
To stand trial in a criminal case, a defendant must be capable of understanding the charges against them. In other words, the individual needs to be in their right mind before they can face prosecution. This is known as “competence.” When a defendant’s mental state restricts the person from understanding or comprehending the charges in...Read More
Texas Houses Passes a Bail Reform Bill After System is Criticized
Bail reform in Texas has been widely discussed after federal judges branded the system in Dallas and Houston unconstitutionally. The Texas House passed a reform bill to address the problem this month. The legislation would improve training for people who make bail decisions. Critics say it doesn’t go far enough. The Texas House approved a...Read More
How to Successfully Win a Criminal Appeal in Texas
A criminal appeal can be a second chance for defendants who have been found guilty. The process is complex, but it’s possible to improve your chances of success. No matter how strategic the defense, a defendant may find themselves facing an unfavorable judgment or harsh sentence. The criminal appeal process provides an opportunity to change...Read More
Cellphone Video Evidence of Traffic Stop Emerges Four Years After the Death of Sandra Bland
Few cases in Texas have proved as controversial in recent years as that of Sandra Bland. The African American woman was locked up in a Texas jail cell after an altercation with a trooper. She took her life three days after her arrest. The Bland case led to changes in the law and questions over...Read More
Should You Hire an Appellate Attorney in Addition to a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Appellate attorneys are specialized in post-conviction processes. However, there are times when they can be a useful asset when working alongside a defense attorney during a trial. Trial and appellate attorneys serve different roles in the criminal justice system. Because of this, defendants in criminal cases tend to not consider the potential advantages of working...Read More
Crime vs. Tort: What’s the Difference?
For society to function in an orderly way, lawmakers pass laws designed to help people stay safe. In most cases of violating the law, it can lead to criminal charges being brought against you. In some cases, a crime can also cause harm to another person. However, not all actions that cause harm to another...Read More
White Supremacist is Executed over Murder that Sparked Texas Hate Crime Law
The recent execution of a 49-year-old man in Texas drew a line under a grisly crime that provided a template for hate crime laws in Texas and across the nation. John William King, an avowed racist, was executed by lethal injection in Texas on April 24. The execution was carried out 21 years after King...Read More
Dallas Computer Crimes Lawyer Explains Consequences of Catfishing
In an internet age, it’s startlingly easy for someone to use another person’s picture, name, or other identifying information to commit an internet crime. The term “catfishing,” which is sometimes spelled “catphishing” typically involves using someone else’s photo, name, or personal information for the purpose of luring another individual into a romantic or personal relationship....Read More
Aide to Former Texas Lawmaker Receives 18 Months in Prison for White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crime investigations are often complex and defendants routinely receive tough sentences. Earlier this month, the former aide to ex-U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman was sentenced to 18 months in prison for helping the former Congressman carry out a campaign finance scam which prosecutors described as a “white-collar crime spree.” Jason Posey was also ordered to...Read More
Tricks Police Use to Get You to Incriminate Yourself
Do you know your rights if you get stopped by the police? What if a police officer knocks on your door? For most people, the idea of being questioned by a cop is intimidating and even a little scary. If you don’t know what to say, along with what not to say, you could end...Read More