Search Results for: sexual assault
Family Violence/ Domestic Assault
Domestic Assault in Texas: Family Violence between Those Living in the Same Household In Texas, domestic assault is a crime of violence that involves any kind of physical altercation. Otherwise known as “family violence,” these are cases of battery or assault between two spouses or two roommates or even a child who gets into a…
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…
Criminal Defense Discovery in Texas After Heath
Criminal defense attorneys across the state welcomed the decision of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (TCCA) this June when the opinion came down in The State Of Texas v. Dwayne Robert Heath, Appellee, Cause No. PD-0156-22. (A dissent to the motion for rehearing was filed on September 25, 2024). Here are the details of…
Buying Sex in Texas: Solicitation of Prostitution and Law Enforcement Focus on “John Stings”
It’s all about supply and demand. Consider this: Las Vegas will host Super Bowl VVIII on Sunday, February 11, 2024. However, “football’s biggest week” really begins the prior Monday with Super Bowl Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium with the only public appearance of the two competing teams until they take the field for the big…
Witness Corroboration for Informants Under TCCP 38.141
Maybe the most famous informant of all time is Judas, who informed on Jesus to the Roman authorities for thirty pieces of silver. Check out “The Passion of the Christ” for a great depiction of Judas as informant and the aftermath. Another famous informant: Lando Calrissian, who informed on Han Solo to the Empire, resulting…
Perjury and Aggravated Perjury: Witness Corroboration Issues for Criminal Defense
Lies can hurt or harm in all sorts of ways, but when a witness decides to lie while under oath after having sworn to tell the truth, things become instantaneously serious. Why? A witness who lies in sworn testimony commits a crime under Texas law, as well as federal statute and the laws of other…
Jalisco New Generation Cartel Arrests in Texas: 2023
The amount of law enforcement effort at every level (state, federal, international) to try and combat the growing global business empire of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel is undeniably extreme and well-funded. From a criminal defense perspective, few governmental efforts in recent memory have had this zeal and scope. In 2023, we should expect a…
Are Texas Anti-Smuggling Laws Unconstitutional? Governor Abbott and Texas Penal Code §20.05 and §20.06
Our state government continues to take independent state action using criminal laws to try and stem all sorts of border activities involving both people and things crossing from Mexico into Texas. Recently, for instance, Governor Abbott issued an executive order announcing that two Mexican Cartels, and possibly more in the future, will be considered as…
