The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides all of us with some of our most important protections in the criminal justice system. Among other things, the Fourth Amendment provides that the people should be safe from unreasonable search and seizure....
Criminal Defense
How juvenile justice differs from the adult criminal justice system
When a juvenile is accused of committing a crime, it can alter their life forever. Young people and their parents should be familiar with the rights that accused juveniles have that can provide important protections for them. Rights of accused juveniles The criminal...
Nursing home owner charged with abuse of elderly patients
Many Texas families place their elderly members in nursing homes to ensure that they will receive proper medical care and that their living conditions will be adequate for their care and comfort. Most nursing home operators take great care to maintain an adequate...
There are consequences for teens charged with a DUI
Parents of Rockwall area teens understand that their children often do not make the best decisions. Teenagers are constantly testing their limits with their parents and engaging in behavior that they’re not supposed to with their friends. Luckily most of the time...
Teenage defendants and indeterminate sentencing
Teens do not always have the best judgment and they often push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable behavior. This means some come in conflict with the law, sometimes in serious ways. The most serious juvenile offenders may be sent to a Texas Juvenile...
Mental illness and the criminal defense system
Dallas residents grappling with mental illness face many challenges. Many mental illnesses go untreated, and those who get treatment often struggle with finding the right medication and dealing with the side effects. Both these things may contribute to negative...
What is excessive force?
Police officers When an officer arrests a suspect for their alleged involvement in criminal activity, it is important that the officer does not use excessive force and violate the suspect’s constitutional rights. Under Texas Penal Code Sec. 9.51, a law enforcement...
Protect your rights if the police knock on your door
There are times when the police unexpectedly knock on your door. These situations have the potential to escalate quickly, despite your best intentions. You do not want your rights infringed upon, but you also do not want a bad situation to get worse. One thing you can...
Parents, kids shouldn’t take juvenile charges lightly
Texas uses a separate juvenile justice system to correct children who have turned 10 but have not yet reached age 17. A child can wind up in the juvenile justice system if he commits a criminal act that could have otherwise landed him in jail but for his young age. A...
Robber forces good Samaritan to strip and then steals car
People who come to the aid of others in difficult situations are usually saluted for their kindness. Occasionally, however, such generosity appears to be its own punishment, as a would-be good Samaritan in Dallas discovered when he offered a ride to a man who later...