Criminal Law Blog
Solicitation of Prostitution Arrests in Texas: Targeting the Johns
Being arrested for buying sex – or trying to – in Texas, means sex buyers now face felony charges with serious time behind bars. The business of selling sex to willing buyers has been around for a very, very, very long time. Literally thousands of years: historians can date prostitution back to 2400 B.C., where…
Top 10 Things to Know If You Are Being Investigated by Federal Agents: Lawyer’s Recommendations
No arrest, no contact by law enforcement? Think you’re being watched? From a criminal defense perspective, it’s not about paranoia; it’s being prepared. The following article dovetails with my 13 minute YouTube video, “Federal Investigations: Top 10 Do’s and Don’t List,” where I discuss the following, going into more detail on things like how detention…
The Job of the U.S. Marshal: Arrest & Detention on Federal Matters in Texas
There are times when the U.S. Marshals Service will not share any information with loved ones after an initial arrest here in Texas. When a sealed warrant or sealed indictment is involved, all the family will know is their loved one has been arrested. That’s it. For more detail, read What You Don’t Know Can…
The Mandatory Federal Detention Provisions in the Laken Riley Act
Earlier this year, the Laken Riley Act became federal law. Many are concerned or confused about this new federal legislation. Specifically, the Act’s mandatory federal detention provisions. What about undocumented persons? Visa holders? DACA people? Who can be detained if charged with theft or a violent act? Consider the following: 1. The 2025 Laken Riley…
What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: Sealed Indictments and Sealed Arrest Warrants in Federal Criminal Cases
Here’s a terrifying reality that some of my clients and their loved ones have to face: it is entirely legal for the federal government to keep secret both arrest warrants and grand jury indictments (as well as their entire investigation process leading up to them). Result? The accused may have no clue they are in…
Wrong House Raid: Will FBI Be Held Liable for Damages by SCOTUS in Martin?
The increasing reliance on technology as well as mistakes in identifying the proper person before taking action by law enforcement are two growing concerns for more false arrests and even false imprisonment from the perspective of criminal defense attorneys. Right now, SCOTUS is considering a significant case rooted in civil injury law but with resounding…
Arrested for Child Sex Crime of Grooming in Texas
More and more prosecutors across the Lone Star State are prosecuting cases based upon Texas Penal Code §15.032, known as the “Texas Child Grooming Law.” A quick surf through recent news coverage includes grooming arrests, for example, in Arlington; Lubbock; Mesquite; Midland; and San Antonio. The Crime of Grooming: 2023 Criminal Statute It’s relatively new criminal legislation: the crime…
Sex Crimes Defined by State Law in the Texas Penal Code
Sex has been defined by our legislature. The Texas Legislature has characterized various sex acts or sexually-related activity to be illegal. Upon conviction, the accused will be facing punishment for either misdemeanor or felony crimes. Sex crimes can come with severe sentences, including life without parole in some instances. Experienced Texas criminal defense attorneys will…
Things To Know If You Get a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena In Texas
Federal grand juries are actively on the job all around the State of Texas during the year. How many are convened; where they are meeting; what they are doing; and who sets as jurors on all these grand juries is not known. For safety reasons, grand juries operate under a mysterious veil of secrecy. Read,…
Federal Grand Juries in Texas: Criminal Defense
As you read this, grand juries are at work here in Texas as part of both the federal and state criminal justice systems. They are very powerful. And controversial, from a criminal defense perspective. In past articles, we have considered grand juries operating under Texas law, as well as an overview of grand jury workings…
