Category Archives: Arrest and Indictment

Family Violence Charges: 5 Reasons to Leave Before the Police Arrive

Domestic violence, referenced as “family violence” in Texas Penal Code §71.004, is one of the most common types of 911 calls received by police in this country, with one research study suggesting that as many as 50% of all police calls historically have dealt with domestic violence complaints.  See, Hendricks, J., ed. Crisis Intervention in…


PPP Fraud: Government Loans and Federal Arrests Based on COVID-19 Relief

Last year, in response to the economic harm suffered in Texas and across the country due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), authorizing over Two Trillion Dollars ($2,000,000,000,000.00) in relief with $377 Billion of that sum dedicated to help small business owners. The Paycheck Protection…


Federal Drug Conspiracy Possession With Intent to Distribute: Safety Valve at Sentencing – New Video


How to Find a Lawyer – New Video


Racketeering in Texas: Criminal Defense Against RICO Charges

Today, everyone recognizes organized crime known as the “Mafia” or the “Cosa Nostra,” but it wasn’t until the middle of the 20th Century that these criminal enterprises were confirmed to exist.  A man named Joseph Valachi is credited with being the first organization member to authenticate its existence, and he did so during public testimony…


Organized Criminal Activity Charges Under Texas Penal Code §71.02

Organized crime for many is a term that deals with movie characters like the Corleone Family in the Godfather Saga or infamous criminals like Al Capone. Even the Encyclopedia Britannica, referencing names like John Gotti and Bugsy Siegel, defines “organized crime” as a “…complex of highly centralized enterprises set up for the purpose of engaging…


Encounters with Law Enforcement: A Criminal Defense Perspective

Seven Steps to Take When Police Show Up at Your Home or Work or Call You on the Phone More and more often, I pick up the phone to hear someone wondering what to do after local police or some other member of law enforcement (e.g., agents of the FBI, DEA, etc.) has surprised them…


Federal Investigations:  Target Letters, Proffers, and Plea Deals

Invitations to Testify before a Grand Jury Can be a Red Flag You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer Federal agencies along with the prosecutors at the Office of the Attorney General for the United States (“AUSAs”) undertake criminal investigations throughout the State of Texas that are independent of any state or local (county, city) law…


Medical Identity Theft: Texas Criminal Defense of Health Care Fraud Charges

In Texas, both state and federal law enforcement are keenly focused upon the investigation and prosecution of all varieties of health care fraud, which can result in serious prison time upon conviction.  From a criminal defense standpoint, this investigatory zeal into the medical industry is of serious concern in part because of its impact long…


Grand Jury Proceedings in Texas: Indictment and Defense 

An overview of Grand Jury Proceedings from a criminal defense lawyer’s standpoint. There are two kinds of juries in Texas:  “petit juries” and “grand juries.”  In criminal cases, a “petit jury” is selected to serve in a particular trial in order to decide on the defendant’s guilt or innocence.  A “grand jury” never makes that…