Year: 2019
Many depictions of police lineups on television or movies make it seem like police routinely and easily solve crimes simply by having a victim point out the perpetrator in a line of suspects. But do police lineups really work this way? What happens if the victim identifies the wrong person? Studies have shown that police…
Most people are curious about their family origins. It’s normal to wonder where your ancestors came from and how they moved around the world before you. This curiosity has led to a rapid rise in the popularity of home DNA testing kits like those offered by Ancestry.com and 23andMe. However, privacy experts say these kits…
A bipartisan effort to change the law to allow judges in Texas to dismiss low-level crimes when police officers fail to explain why they arrested a suspect has died. The Texas Tribune reported a committee of Texas lawmakers from both chambers killed a measure in late May that would have let judges dismiss low-level crimes…
Most people tend to think of white-collar crime as something that involves wealthy people involved in complex financial schemes, such as the Bernie Madoff case. While it’s true that some white collar crime cases take place on a large scale, there are just as many smaller-scale cases that involve regular businesses. In fact, it can…
Many drivers who are pulled over by police in Texas or elsewhere are unaware of their rights. This can lead to dangerous confrontations with police that result in arrests and worse. It’s important to know your rights during a Texas police traffic stop. Although thousands of traffic stops take place without incident every day in…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…