Category: Criminal Defense
At a criminal trial, it’s usually necessary to establish the ‘guilty mind’ of a defendant to secure a conviction. This doctrine underpins the criminal law and known by the Latin mens rea. However, in the case of Crystal Mason from Texas, a genuine mistake failed to avert a five-year prison sentence. The case has again…
In recent years, video footage has played an increasingly important part in criminal proceedings whether obtained from street or traffic cameras, social media video or home security systems. Recently, police in Mansfield in Texas said footage obtained from footballer Trevone Boykin’s home security video system may have captured an alleged assault on his girlfriend that…
A statute of limitations sets a limit for prosecuting certain crimes. Criminal charges must be filed within the specified time period or they cannot be filed at all. Not all crimes in Texas are subject to a statute of limitations. There is a good reason why these laws are in place. Evidence deteriorates with time,…
If you have ever watched a television crime or court drama, you know that one of the first things police tell a person when they’re arrested or taken into custody is that they have “a right to a lawyer” and that one will be appointed if they can’t afford to hire their own. This part…
Getting charged with a crime is always a scary experience, but being charged with a felony can be especially terrifying says Clint Broden a reputable criminal defense lawyer Anyone who is facing a felony charge should be well-informed about the differences between a misdemeanor and a felony, as well as the possible consequences of a…
There are definite possible outcomes and it’s important to be aware of them. No matter what kind of case you’re facing, being charged with a crime is a scary experience. It’s normal to have a lot of questions, and to worry about the possible outcomes in your case. Will this affect your career? Will you…
The company behind police tasers is introducing a body camera that will enable police to “anticipate criminal activity.” Several years ago, Steven Spielberg made a movie called “Minority Report,” in which police officers in the future used technology to predict crimes. They were able to “see” crimes before they happened, and they arrested the future…
This is not the first time investigators have used technology to discredit a suspect’s story. Fitness trackers like the Fitbit have become popular in recent years. People use them to monitor their heart rate, keep track of how many steps they take, and help them get more restful sleep. Recently, a woman’s Fitbit may have…
Is taunting police officers a criminal offense? Most people know what’s legal and which types of behavior will get you arrested. If you rob a bank, for example, you’re going to get charged with theft. If you punch someone in a bar, you can count on being taken into custody for assault. However, some allegedly…
Just a handful of states have specific laws that address looting. The flooding and devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey will affect Houston and greater Texas for years to come. As people slowly begin to return to their homes and rebuild, prosecutors in Harris County and the surrounding areas have already pursued looting charges against 14…