Among all U.S. states, Texas has some of the strictest laws and penalties for the possession, trafficking or distribution of controlled narcotics. Most drug violations fall under the umbrella of the Health and Safety Code, the Texas Penal Code and the Controlled Substances Act, which impose harsh punishments ranging from fines, driver’s license suspension, probation […]
Why the Difference Between Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud Matters in Texas
Over the past century, communication methods have evolved rapidly. Mail fraud and wire fraud statutes reflect this evolution. A charge or conviction of either of these in Texas should be taken seriously because they can lead to severe punishments under state and federal laws. Dallas fraud defense attorney Jeff King represents individuals facing mail fraud […]
Texas Drug Possession Laws: FAQ
Among all U.S. states, Texas has some of the strictest laws and penalties for the possession, trafficking or distribution of controlled narcotics. Most drug violations fall under the umbrella of the Health and Safety Code, the Texas Penal Code and the Controlled Substances Act, which impose harsh punishments ranging from fines, driver’s license suspension, probation […]
Is Sexting a Crime in Texas?
The media is full of reports on the high numbers of teens who admit to sending sexually explicit images by text message and it paints the action as commonplace – and therefore without penalty. But teen sexting is punishable under Texas law and a conviction can follow someone for years to come. Texas sex crimes […]
What Constitutes a “White Collar Crime” in Texas?
“White collar crimes” were originally so called because they were the types of crimes a business professional would commit on the job: nonviolent and financially-motivated. The umbrella term of white collar crime has grown over the years to include other financial crimes that may not necessarily arise in the workplace but are still non-violent and […]
Accused of Cyberstalking in Texas? Learn Your Rights
Cyberstalking – just like real-life stalking – is a serious crime in Texas, resulting in charges, fines and possible jail time. Under the Texas penal code, a person who is convicted of Internet stalking may face charges ranging from a Class B misdemeanor to a 3rd degree felony in aggravated cases involving threats of physical violence. […]
Juror Use of Internet, Social Media Poses Challenges for Courts
The Internet is a veritable fountain of information, used by millions of Americans every day. In an era dominated by smart phones, social media and slew of mobile devices that give instant access to the World Wide Web, the courts are facing uphill challenges when this information technology is used by jurors. This is because […]
A Record Number of Pardons and Clemencies
The White House recently announced that the President extended over 100 clemencies to recipients serving time in prison. To date, the President has used this power to reduce the sentences of 673 people. This amounts to more than the past ten presidents combined. Of course this is a ray of hope for those serving time […]
Effective Assistance of Counsel
Everyone accused of a crime in the United States is guaranteed the right to have effective assistance of counsel to fight the charges. This right was first memorialized in the landmark case of Gideon v. Wainwright in 1963. In that case, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the Sixth Amendment to the […]
Back to the Basics – Sex Offender Registration Requirements in Texas
Recently, the Texas Department of Public Safety raised the reward for information about one of Texas’s Most Wanted Sex Offenders to $8,000 provided the tip that leads to the arrest comes during the month of August. Each month, the state of Texas features one offender from the state’s Most Wanted Program in the hopes that […]
Defending Against Synthetic Marijuana Charges
The count down has begun on an all-out ban of synthetic marijuana products in Texas. In the last few weeks, four Houston stores have been shut down and twenty other stores have been issued restraining orders in an effort to fight an increasing epidemic of synthetic marijuana in the Houston area. In an effort to […]