We’ve all watched the great legal dramas on television and movies and probably wondered how much of that is real and how much is Hollywood taking a little creative license. We’re also probably grateful we don’t have to find out in person—who wants to be on trial in a criminal case? While most of the law is not practiced in a courtroom and we may never be in that position, … [Read more...]
Search Warrant Requirements & Exceptions
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects citizens from searches by legal authorities, but that right is not absolute nor unlimited. In certain circumstances, the police may search your property for evidence of a crime. When authorities follow specific search warrant requirements, they can enter your property. The operative legal phrase is “probable … [Read more...]
What Was Behind the Landmark Case of Indian Territory in Oklahoma?
In July 2020, the Supreme Court handed down a 5-4 decision that ruled Native American land that covers eastern Oklahoma, including most of the city of Tulsa, is subject to federal rather than state jurisdiction. What may seem like an arcane legal dispute over what level of government handles prosecution had implications for tribal sovereignty, treaty rights and the validity of … [Read more...]
What is a “Deadly Weapon” in Texas Aggravated Assault Cases
Regardless of the weapon classification, a weapons charge is typically a serious matter. Anyone who faces an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge in Texas should familiarize themselves with how Texas defines a deadly weapon as this could help you prepare a defense for yourself. The Texas Penal Code defines a deadly weapon as the following: “A firearm or anything … [Read more...]
4 Common Legal Defenses & Where They Apply
We’ve all seen the legal and police dramas where the accused confers with their lawyer to decide on the best strategy to gain acquittal or at least a reduced sentence. One of the most important decisions the legal team will make is which approach they bring to the courtroom. Common legal defenses fall into these 4 general categories 1. Innocence There isn’t anything more … [Read more...]
What is Criminal Justice Reform? How to Understand the Issues
Criminal justice reform can be a hot topic among political activists. Yet this area of criminal law produced a moment of bipartisan agreement in Washington D.C. with the recent signing of the First Step Act into law. But it’s also an area that can be hard to define. Exactly what is criminal justice reform? It will mean different things to different people, but criminal justice … [Read more...]
