Before 1923, each county in Texas was permitted to carry out executions in their jurisdiction however they chose. These executions were typically by hanging. But this changed in 1923, when the Lone Star state ordered that executions were to be carried out by the state, not the counties. Under this order, executions were to take place in Huntsville, TX, and would be done by … [Read more...]
Law Surrounding Firearm Possession After Domestic Violence Charge
Across the United States each year, there are an estimated 1,800 homicides each year that involve an intimate partner. Of these, half involve the use of guns. In order to curb the rates of domestic violence leading to homicide, laws have been put in place to attempt to limit offenders' access to firearms. What is domestic violence? According to federal law, it is illegal for … [Read more...]
Did You Know That Marital (Spousal) Rape is a Crime in Texas?
Rape, by definition, is any non-consensual sexual intercourse. In the U.S., rape between non-spouses has historically been illegal. That said, prior to 1975, states had a “marital exception” to rape on the books. This exception made it legal for spouses to rape their partners without fears of having charges levied against them. By 1993, every state had passed laws making … [Read more...]
10 Differences Between Adult vs. Juvenile Criminal Cases
Criminal offenses committed by adults (age 18 or over) are treated much differently than crimes that are committed by minors (under the age of 18). Since the crimes are treated differently, there are major differences between how the court systems handle each type of case. Here are 10 major differences between adult and juvenile courts. Complaint vs. petition When being … [Read more...]
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Crimes in Texas?
In Texas, the laws against sexual abuse and other sex crimes are very strict. While different states have varying statutes of limitations pertaining to these offenses, laws in the Lone Star State differ according to the crime. However, things are treated harshly if the victim of the sex offense was a minor. In California, for instance, a Pasadena man was arrested for sexual … [Read more...]
Top 5 Most Serious Crimes in Texas
If you live in Texas or plan on visiting in the near future, you should try to avoid committing a crime as the offense could result in fines or jail time. However, there are some offenses that are considered a bit more serious than others. Some of the worst felony offenses in the state are often known as capital felonies and could be punishable by life in prison or even the … [Read more...]
