Category: Criminal Charges
Texas saw a rise in crime in 2017 as the number of police officers fell in the state, according to FBI data released in September. Crime has been creeping up in the Lone Star State for two consecutive years. The FBI’s annual compilation of crime statistics revealed there were 1.5 officers per 1,000 population in…
Once someone has been convicted of a crime by a judge or jury, his or her case moves on to the sentencing stage. In the event an individual accepts a plea bargain, they will also go through the sentencing process. An individual is also sentenced if they take a plea bargain from the prosecutor. Most…
Texas has a wide definition of domestic violence crimes. Although we often think of domestic violence offenses occurring between husbands and wives or people who are dating, there are many more classifications. The Lone Star State recognizes three distinct crimes of domestic violence, namely domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault and continuous violence against the family….
Bail hearings are coming under fire across the country. In Dallas County, the secretive nature of the process is the subject of a lawsuit. Last month, the Texas Tribune reported bail hearings are open to the public in much of the country. The idea is the process should be transparent. However, in Dallas County people…
Police body camera evidence is a relatively new and powerful tool in criminal trials. Footage has helped expose improper DWI arrests and heavy-handed police tactics. In a recent murder trial, the video footage helped secure the murder conviction of a Texas officer accused of shooting a 15-year-old dead. Police officers are seldom convicted of murder…
Any charge of murder is serious, but the type of murder charge has an impact on your case. Find out the difference between murder and felony murder in Texas. Criminal offenses that coincide with the loss of life result in charges that are among the most serious a person can face. In the state of…
Texas has had a hate crime statute since 2001. However, the law is used sparingly and many people who are arrested for hate crimes are not eventually convicted. Hate crime charges can also be brought by the federal authorities. Last month, a 26-year-old man was convicted of a federal hate crime for burning down a…
Texas prisons are tough and uncompromising places. As well as facing dangers on a daily basis, inmates were targeted by unscrupulous employees, according to an investigation. Several Texas prison employees were indicted earlier in July for allegedly conspiring to plant screwdrivers in an inmate’s cell, the Texas Tribune reported. On the back of the incident,…
When summer is just around the corner, most kids look forward to getting out of school and hitting the beach, the park, or just hanging out at home. Everyone likes a break now and then, and modern teens definitely have a lot of on their plates. However, summer can be a precarious time for young…
When you have been charged with a crime, one of the first questions you might ask is what types of defenses are available to you. This is where the advice and counsel of an experienced criminal defense lawyer is invaluable. Your attorney can help you explore your rights and options, including which defense or defenses…