Criminal Defense Archives - Page 8 of 34 - Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Ned Barnett

How Harris County is Dealing With COVID Court Delays

Published: Aug 17, 2020 in COVID-19, Criminal Defense

Being charged with a crime is never ideal, but going through the Harris County Court System in the middle of a pandemic makes the situation so much worse. If you, like thousands of others in Harris County, have found yourself with lingering charges and no end in sight, don’t lose hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Having an experienced and dedicated local criminal defense lawyer is always important, but it’s even more critical when the courts are facing backlogs. For personalized service and clear guidance about…

Sex Crime Plea Agreements: Is it a Good Deal?

In Harris County, Texas criminal cases are often resolved by plea agreements. Pleas are made between you and the prosecution, where you agree to plead guilty to select charges for a certain penalty. While pleas must be approved by the judge, they avoid costly trials and increase efficiency. They are also helpful to avoid unnecessarily harsh sentences – especially when sex crimes are involved. However, plea agreements still result in convictions, and there may be unintended consequences to accepting. So, if prosecutors offer you a plea in a sex crime…

Can the Police Confiscate My Computer?

Published: Jun 15, 2020 in Child Sex Crimes, Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes

There are two reasons for law enforcement to confiscate your computer: collection of evidence, or civil asset forfeiture. If the police are investigating you for fraud, child pornography, or any crime where evidence might be found on your computer, the police may seize your computer. But remember that a warrant is almost always required to do so. If you’re facing criminal charges in Houston and a computer or other electrnc device is being used as evidence, contact a criminal defense lawyer from The Law Offices of Ned Barnett at (713)…

Shipping Drugs Through the Mail in Texas: Penalties & Consequences

Published: Jun 08, 2020 in Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes

Shipping drugs through the mail might seem safer than an in-person drug sale. But keep in mind the authorities are on the lookout for suspicious packages in the mail and can detect drugs in various ways. According to Postal Service spokeswoman Kim Frum, “from FY 2016 through FY 2018, the Postal Inspection Service achieved a 1000% increase in international parcel seizures and a 750% increase in domestic parcel seizures related to opioids.” The question is: what happens when drugs are found in the mail? Sometimes, U.S. Postal Service inspectors alert…

Legal Help for Houston Protesters

Published: Jun 01, 2020 in Criminal Defense, Theft Crimes

Like cities across the county, Houston is reeling from protests and unrest following the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody. This has led to hundreds of arrests, thousands of additional officers deployed, and the National Guard set to assist local law enforcement. Despite having the constitutional right to free speech, the current situation is leaving many wondering, “What are my rights as a protester?” No one should have to live with a criminal conviction for exercising their right to be heard and speak out against injustice. If…