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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,

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

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

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