After someone is convicted in federal court – either by pleading guilty or by a trial – the federal sentencing process begins. Unlike state court, a judge is the only entity that can hand down a sentence in federal court. To arrive at a fair and just punishment, the federal judge relies heavily on something […]
If you have been arrested for a federal crime, you will be asked to enter an initial plea of “guilty” or “not guilty” very early in the process. This can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if this is your first time in the federal justice system. In this article, we are going to explain when […]
Although it is rare, judges sometimes choose to sequester, or isolate, a jury in high-profile criminal trials. Basically, the jurors are kept away from other people and outside influences for the duration of the trial. In this article, we will explain jury sequestration and answer common questions about the process, including the advantages and disadvantages […]
Each year, thousands of mentally ill people are arrested in Texas. A small number of them will plead “not guilty by reason of insanity.” But what does that mean? And what happens to them if they are found not guilty by reason of insanity? Not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) is a seldom-used defense […]
When clients call our law firm to discuss intoxication offenses, they often use the words DUI and DWI interchangeably. However, these two offenses are not the same thing in Texas. A DUI is reserved solely for people under the age of 21, while a person of any age can be charged DWI as long as […]
During criminal trials and proceedings, you will see attorneys stand up and make various objections. But what do these objections mean? And why are they being made? Criminal courtroom terminology and proceedings can be confusing for those not familiar with the law. In this blog post, we are going to explain five of the most […]
In Texas, it is not uncommon for judges to issue gag orders in high-profile criminal cases. But what exactly is a gag order and why are they necessary? In this article, we will discuss gag orders in Texas, their purpose, and the consequences of violating one. What is a gag order? A gag order is […]
Over the past several years, a crime trend called âbank juggingâ or âjuggingâ has grown in popularity in Texas. Jugging occurs when a suspect watches a bank or high-end store and then follows a customer after they leave to steal their money or valuables. Law enforcement has been warning the public about the scheme, and […]
If your spouse has been accused of a crime in Texas, can you refuse to testify at their trial? In most cases, the answer is yes – but there are some exceptions. Here’s what you need to know about spousal immunity in Texas. What is spousal immunity in Texas? Spousal immunity is a long-standing rule […]
What is a war crime? War crimes are âgrave breachesâ of international laws designed to hold individuals criminally responsible for actions that take place during an armed conflict. A set of treaties referred to as the Geneva Conventions stem from a series of conventions in Hague that began defining acts prohibited in wartime. The most […]
