Robbery is one of the most widespread crimes in Texas and around the country. An arrest for this offense can be confusing and scary. It’s important to understand the elements of the charge. What is robbery? Robbery is a theft offense that involves a violent act in...
Criminal Defense
What’s the difference between theft and larceny in Texas?
Terms like "theft" and larceny" are often used interchangeably in everyday language. However, in the legal context, these terms mean specific things with important distinctions between them. Read on to learn more about the precise legal definitions of theft and...
What are the potential defenses for assault and battery?
Assault and battery charges are considered very serious in Texas. A conviction can drastically change your life. As a result, if you face such charges, it’s important to have the best possible defense in your case. What is assault and battery? While assault and...
Is burglary the same as theft?
A defendant may go through an arraignment, hear the charges read aloud, and fail to understand them. This scenario could play out in a Texas court when someone faces burglary charges even though the person never stole anything. Many confuse burglary with theft, but...
The Fourth Amendment guards against unreasonable police searches
Police investigations in Texas involve varying levels of intensity based upon the nature of the crime. Some searches need a warrant, which is a court-issued document giving police the legal right to search a suspect's property or person. Law enforcement searches that...
Are police lineups prone to false identification?
During a police lineup, several people who fit a suspect's description appear before a witness hidden from view. The witness must then identify the person who committed the crime. Unfortunately, the process may come with serious flaws as evidenced by decades of...
Is taking the stand the right choice for your legal defense?
Those who have been convicted of a crime in Texas have the option of whether or not they want to take the stand. Many believe that taking the stand will allow them to share their side of the story. However, a skilled prosecutor can make even an innocent person look...
A call for Texas bond reform
Texas legislators are focusing their efforts on reforming the state justice system. One of the biggest concerns is reforming the bond system so that those charged with violent crimes are unable to get out on bond. This call for reform is no surprise for many residents...
Is it possible to get reduced time on probation?
When you're on probation in Texas, your probationary period may be reduced once you complete one-third of the probation period. The time may also be reduced after two years of community supervision, whichever comes first. The length of the probation sentence depends...