Criminal Defense

What’s the Difference Between Sexual Assault and Harassment?

Published: May 18, 2018 in Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes

The difference between sexual assault and harassment may not always be clear. Both actions are types of sexual misconduct, and both are illegal. The primary difference between the two is that sexual harassment is a civil matter, with claims generally arising out of employment-related disputes. Sexual assault, on the other hand, is a criminal offense. If charged, you should immediately seek the assistance of a Houston sexual assault lawyer. If you’re facing charges of sexual assault, contact The Law Offices of Ned Barnett today at (713) 222-6767 to schedule a…

Can Defense Lawyers Contact a Sex Crime Victim?

Published: Feb 22, 2018 in Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes

In criminal cases, victims are essentially witnesses. The state presses charges on behalf of victims, usually using their testimony as evidence of a crime. Despite their practical role, crime victims also have rights throughout the criminal justice process. Sex crime victims deservedly get special treatment because of the traumatic nature of their experiences. Nonetheless, there is no law prohibiting your lawyer from contacting a sex crime victim. In fact, a lawyer or investigator working for the defense should attempt to independently interview the alleged victim and all other material witnesses….

Houston Neighborhoods with the Most Crime

Published: Nov 29, 2017 in Criminal Defense

As a Houston resident, or someone looking to move into the area, neighborhood crime rates are important. You want to be sure you and your family live in a safe place. You also may be interested in understanding the problems individual neighborhoods face so that you can be part of a solution. No matter what the reasons for your interest are, the Houston Police Department (HPD) tracks crime within the city and has published which crimes are most often reported in each neighborhood. If you are being charged with a…

Sexual Assaults Increase After Hurricane Harvey

Published: Oct 31, 2017 in Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes

Sexual assault is very often perpetrated by family members, romantic partners, and acquaintances. However, this form of violence is also committed by strangers, particularly during and after natural disasters. In all of its forms, sexual assault can be a crime of opportunity. During an emergency when individuals have been thrown from their routines and law enforcement is focused on evacuation, offenders may take advantage of the situation and sexually assault someone. A rise in sexual violence appears to have been an issue following Hurricane Katrina, and is once again of…

What is Deferred Adjudication?

Published: Oct 24, 2017 in Criminal Defense

When you are facing criminal charges in Texas, it is important to know that you have a variety of legal options. One option is to negotiate a plea bargain, agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for an acceptable punishment. This might include avoiding jail time in exchange for community supervision, also known as probation. A second option is to move forward with a trial and leave the final decision in the hands of the judge or jury. An alternative to both of these options is known as deferred adjudication. This…