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...]
Laws and Penalties for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Texas
In Texas, the online solicitation of a minor is an offense that can have serious consequences. According to Texas’ criminal laws, you can’t knowingly or intentionally communicate with a minor about certain things of a sexual nature, and you can’t use online forums to try and solicit or attempt to induce a minor into performing any sexual act. Most cases that result in the … [Read more...]
What are DNA Collection Laws in Texas?
If you've ever paid attention to court cases, then you've probably heard attorneys talk about the DNA of an individual and how it can make or break a case. Unfortunately, the DNA might not always be handled in the proper manner by officers or by the lab that processes the samples that are collected. At other times, the DNA samples collected might not reveal all of the details … [Read more...]
Understanding When the Police Can Search Your Personal Computer
If you’re involved in a criminal investigation, the data stored on your personal computer and/or cell phone can be used against you. However, the police are only allowed to obtain this data if they have a search warrant. Warrants for your computer can only be obtained under certain circumstances. Generally speaking, your computer is protected under the 4th amendment and, like … [Read more...]
How Criminal Defense Lawyers Win Jury Trials
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...]
