Criminal Law Blog
Grand Theft Auto, Carjacking, Joy Rides, and Car Theft Rings: Felony or Misdemeanor in Texas
Several months ago, the Dallas Police Department released a list of the most popular motor vehicles to be stolen in Texas. Apparently, the following ten models of cars and trucks are most likely to be taken by thieves: Ford Pick Up Chevrolet Pick Up Dodge Pick Up Chevrolet Tahoe Honda Civic Honda Accord GMC Pick…
What are Racketeering Charges? Organized Crime, Gangs and Cartels, and Overcharging RICO
Most people think of movies like “The Untouchables” or “the Godfather” when asked about “racketeering” charges and arrests on R.I.C.O. violations. Makes sense; RICO was designed to combat “organized crime” in this country, and as a general rule that has meant the Mafia. The Cosa Nostra was its original target. RICO Act: Racketeering Charges Expand…
Police Officer Arrest of Utah Nurse Alex Wubbels: Lessons for All of Us
First you have to watch the video of what happened in a Utah emergency room on July 26, 2017. The video shows what happens after Salt Lake City Detective Jeff Payne demands a blood sample from patient William Gray. Blood Sample Not From Suspect Seems Mr. Gray was being given medical treatment at the hospital…
Prosecutors Have Standards to Follow: the Federal Principles of Prosecution
Prosecutorial misconduct remains at epidemic proportions here in Texas as well as the rest of the United States. We discuss the problem periodically because it’s a scary reality for criminal defense lawyers and their clients. Prosecutors can abuse their power and do bad things. It happens. All too often. For more on prosecutorial misconduct, check…
Do Police Need Search Warrants to Access Digital Information? The Importance of Carpenter v. United States
Anyone in Texas that has a cellphone needs to know about a case that is before the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) right now. The case is filed as Case No. 16-402 and styled Carpenter v. United States. You can follow it here on the SCOTUS online docket. Why This SCOTUS Case is…
More Women Arrested for Domestic Assault in Dallas with The First Battered Men’s Shelter in the Country?
This summer, Dallas made history with the opening of the first Battered Men’s Shelter in the United States. This is a facility designed to help men who are victims of domestic violence and assault, just as battered women’s shelters have done for years. Dallas Opens First Battered Men’s Shelter in the Country This new men’s…
5 Things to Know About Money Laundering in Texas
Major money laundering arrests make the news here in North Texas all the time, and it’s a crime that seems to be a favorite plot device in movies and TV shows. But what exactly is money laundering – and more to the point, if you think that you are being investigated for money laundering, then…
What is a Motion to Suppress?
In Texas, one of the main weapons that a criminal defense lawyer can use to help his client is a “motion to suppress” that requests the judge order certain evidence be excluded from the case. It can be filed in both state and federal court. It’s a very powerful tool for the defense. Why? Because…
Prosecutors and Police in Dallas: How Bad is It?
So, what’s going on here in Dallas County with our prosecutors and our police department? Well, there are lots of things going on right now that impact criminal justice – and criminal defense – here in North Texas. Because excessive force by the police and prosecutorial misconduct isn’t just stuff that happens in…
Arrested After Police Field Drug Test? Fight Back: These Things Are Notoriously Wrong
Here’s what happens. You’re driving along, minding your own business, when you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror and pull over. The police officer saunters up to your window. You ask what’s going on: why did he stop you? Next thing you know, he’s checking out stuff in your car and he’s using…
