Burdens of Proof Innocent until proven guilty. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt. These are not just clichés or catch-phrases. They are standards and burdens imposed on the prosecution to avoid wrongful convictions. Our country was founded on the premise that criminal convictions have such an impact on a person’s life and liberty, directly and indirectly, […]
Burden of Proof Chart: What is Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt? Read More »
Affirmative Defenses in Texas | Age Age is the final affirmative defense to a criminal act that is laid out in Chapter 8 of the Penal Code . In Texas, a juvenile is someone who has not yet reached the age of 17. While there are some exceptions, generally a person under 17 cannot be
Age | Affirmative Defenses in Criminal Cases in Texas Read More »
Many parents face child care issues and, sometimes, they believe they have no other option but to leave their child alone at home while they go to work or run a quick errand. Similarly, it’s not uncommon for parents to leave their children in the car while they run into a store or restaurant. But
Is it illegal to leave a child alone at home or in a car? Read More »
What is Misuse of Official Information? Under the Penal Code, Misuse of Official Information prohibits a public servant from using or disclosing information for a nongovernmental purpose with the intent to obtain a benefit or harm another. Official information is information that the public servant has access to by virtue of his office or employment
Misuse of Official Information Read More »
Criminal Charges & the Church It is not uncommon for churches or clergy members to become the target of criminal probes. Each year, allegations of sexual misconduct, embezzlement, and tax fraud surface against church leaders and employees. This article looks at legal issues for churches in regard to criminal allegations that pastors, priests, and other
Legal Issues for Churches: What Clergy and Members Need to Know Read More »
Unfortunately, thousands of children run away from home each year. Some flee because they are rebellious and don’t want to follow rules. Others leave to escape abuse or neglect. Many take off to avoid crisis or conflict, such as drug addiction, an unplanned pregnancy, or being bullied at school. Regardless of the reason, running away
Harboring a Runaway Child | Consequences and Jail Time in Texas Read More »
Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Correctional Facility Inmates have been smuggling prohibited or illegal items, such as drugs, tobacco, cellphones, and weapons, into jails and prisons for decades. They often recruit friends or relatives to bring unauthorized items during visitation or send them through the mail. Sometimes, guards or staff members are on
Contraband Smuggling: Consequences of Sneaking Items in Jail or Prison Read More »
If you follow the news, you’ve undoubtedly heard and seen the term “witness tampering” time and again. In recent years, a number of public figures have been accused – either formally or in the news media – of witness tampering or witness intimidation in the midst of ongoing federal investigations. And while the latest headlines
Witness Tampering: The Crime and Consequences Read More »
During an emergency meeting on Sunday, March 23, Tarrant County District Attorney Sharen Wilson supported the county’s Second Amended Declaration of Local Disaster to impose jail time and fines for individuals charged with violating the county’s emergency order pertaining to the coronavirus. Even as state officials from both parties urge a reduction in jail populations
Jail in a Time of COVID: Tarrant County to Jail Emergency Order Violators Read More »
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