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Criminal Defense

Mental Disability Standards in Texas Capital Cases Challenged by ABA

Published: Oct 17, 2016 in Criminal Defense

In August, the American Bar Association (ABA) submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the case Bobby James Moore v. Texas in regard to Texas’ standard for determining if someone has a mental disability. The way a state determines this type of disability is crucial because a jury cannot sentence an individual with an intellectual disability to the death penalty. The ABA’s amicus brief, which is a document filed by a non-party to a lawsuit and draws the court’s attention to a specific issue within the case,…

Texas Theft Arrests and Job Applications

Published: Oct 10, 2016 in Criminal Defense

When you apply for a new job, the potential of something new is exciting. However, enduring a series of interviews can be tough. If you have been arrested or convicted of theft, you may be nervous about whether you should be up front about what may show up on a background check. The requirement to disclose a conviction can depend on the application. However, both arrests and a convictions may be revealed on a background check. If you’re job hunting and unsure of how to handle a Texas theft arrest,…

Deaths in Law Enforcement Custody in Texas

Published: Oct 03, 2016 in Criminal Defense

Recently, the news media has been more willing than ever before to shine a light on the injustices committed while people are in police custody. People who are detained in police vehicles, jails, and prisons are often offered substandard care to the point that their lives are put in danger. Issues during police custody range from a lack of necessary hygiene products and clothing to the unexplained deaths of arrestees and inmates. Moving beyond temporary news stories, the Texas Justice Initiative has created a searchable online database of all deaths…

Can I Be Forced to Leave My Home Because of a Sex Offense?

Published: Sep 26, 2016 in Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes

You may be forced to move away from home if you have to register as a sex offender in Texas. Whether or not you have to move depends on the conditions of your parole and where you live. The Texas Sex Offender Registration Program does not have residency limitations itself. However, Texas parole laws and many local communities do. A large number of Texas counties or cities have created “child safety zones” where individuals who are required to register as sex offenders cannot live. If you live in one of…

Activists Call for Texas Marijuana Reform

Published: Sep 19, 2016 in Criminal Defense

Multiple states have approved medicinal marijuana use in recent years, and a few states allow recreational use as well. Outside of legalizing all or some use of the drug, many activists are pushing for lighter criminal punishments for growing, possessing, and even selling marijuana. The question becomes – Will Texas expand medical marijuana options for patients and ease criminal penalties related to the drug? Activists are working with legislators to do just that the next session beginning in January 2017. Until Texas marijuana reform occurs, if it does, the drug…