Category: Criminal Defense
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…
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…
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….
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…
Voter fraud has been a major issue in Texas in recent years amid high-profile prosecutions of people who voted when they were ineligible. However, claims that as many as 95,000 Texans were committing voter fraud unraveled in February. David Whitley, the Acting Secretary of State of Texas, came under fire for a report that questioned…
If a judgment is ordered against you in a criminal trial, an appeal is likely your last chance to avoid a permanent conviction. Here’s what to expect after you win a criminal appeal. The criminal trial process can be emotionally and financially draining for a defendant. In many cases, the time from indictment until a…
Texas prisons are dangerous places for a host of reasons. Despite being in areas where summer temperatures soar, many of them lack air conditioning. The cost of installing air conditioning in uncooled prisons was raised in the Texas legislature last month. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice put a $1 billion price tag on cooling…
Dallas experienced criminal defense lawyer discusses how domestic nuisance ordinances can unfairly punish victims of domestic violence. It may come as a surprise to many, but a number of cities across the United States have local ordinances on their books that make it a “nuisance” under the law to file a certain number of domestic…
Attorney Mick Mickelsen, a State and Dallas Federal Criminal lawyer, says television can give people the wrong idea about how criminal cases work. Television can offer hours of entertainment, but it’s important to remember that, unless you’re watching a documentary, much of what you see is just that — entertainment. In other words, it’s not…
Do you know your rights? As a citizen, resident or visitor to the United States, you have certain rights under federal law. While most people learn about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights in school, it’s always good to refresh your memory when it comes to understanding your legal rights under the law. The…