Mass Shooting in West Texas Raises New Questions About the State’s Gun Laws
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...Read More
What’s the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter in Texas?
Taking the life of another person is one of the most serious crimes possible, and the penalties for committing such crimes are just as severe. If you are facing a murder charge, it’s normal to feel a range of emotions, including fear and uncertainty about the future. This is why it’s important to act quickly...Read More
What Are the Defenses to Theft Crimes in Texas?
Many people who are charged with theft in Texas fail to take the offense seriously. Although theft is a property crime rather than a violent crime, you can still be imprisoned for the offense. There is no minimum threshold of value of the stolen item for the theft laws to apply. You can be hit...Read More
Controversial Texas Driver Responsibility Program Will End on September 1
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...Read More
5 Things You Shouldn’t Do If You’re Under Federal Investigation
Finding out that you’re the subject or target of a federal investigation can be an extremely scary experience. There are several federal agencies that carry out investigations, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Additionally, there are many other agencies...Read More
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