You might be in the habit of opening your front door every time someone knocks. But what if you notice through the glass that the person outside is a police officer? Should you still open it or should you retreat inside and hope they did not see you approaching? Even...
Criminal Defense
Ensuring that a search warrant is valid
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you from unlawful searches and seizures. Police officers are not entitled to just come into your home without permission unless they have a valid warrant. The only way around this is if you invite them in or they...
Understanding the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine
There’s an important legal doctrine known as the fruit of the poisonous tree. If you are facing charges, you need to know how this works and how it could apply to your case. It may change what evidence can be used in your case, which can significantly alter the...
Common conditions of bail in Texas
When an individual is arrested and charged with a crime in Texas, securing bail can allow them to benefit from a release from custody while they’re awaiting additional legal hearings, possibly including trial. Bail is money that acts as a financial guarantee on...
Embezzlement is different than workplace theft
If an employee is accused of stealing from their place of business, they certainly can face criminal charges. Employees have many reasons why they engage in this type of theft. For instance, they may say that they are underpaid, so they were just trying to “make...
Why is a straw gun purchase illegal?
Thanks to the Second Amendment to the American Constitution, the majority of people in the United States have the right to own and possess firearms. Many consider this one of the most fundamental rights in the United States. People buy firearms for hunting, target...
Fair trial fundamentals: Seeking a venue change in Texas
Not all criminal cases proceed to trial, but defendants should still strive to understand the justice system to prepare for all possibilities. The right to a fair trial is a cornerstone of the American criminal justice system, but many things can interfere with...
Why the presumption of innocence matters
Despite being one of the most pivotal aspects of the criminal justice system, the presumption of innocence is often overlooked. In fact, people are often assumed to be guilty of something merely by being questioned, detained and charged. In reality, it isn’t supposed...
Can the police freely search your phone in Texas?
These days, nearly everybody has an amazing little computer in their pockets in the form of a smartphone – and many people keep a lot of private information buried on those devices. Just how private is that information, really? In some states, the law says that the...
Can law enforcement search your car during a traffic stop?
The flashing lights and siren of a police car can make anyone's stomach do a little flip. And while it's important to be polite and respectful during a traffic stop, it's just as important to understand your rights. One of those rights is the freedom from unreasonable...