Criminal Defense

Sex Crime Plea Agreements: Is it a Good Deal?

Published: Jun 25, 2020 in Child Sex Crimes, Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes, Sex Crimes Involving Children

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 a sex crime plea deal can mitigate severe penalties when sex crimes are involved However, plea agreements still result in convictions, and there may be unintended consequences to accepting. So,…

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…

CPS Removals in Harris County: How to Get Your Child Home

Published: May 22, 2020 in Child Sex Crimes, Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes Involving Children

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) is tasked with monitoring the safety and welfare of children throughout the state and protecting parents’ rights. This often means investigating allegations of abuse and neglect and working with parents to provide safe environments. Unfortunately, TDFPS is not infallible and CPS investigations can go too far. Children are sometimes unlawfully removed from safe homes. This can mean having to prove your qualifications as a parent, and an experienced lawyer can often be the difference in getting your child home as soon…

Houston Child Porn Charges: How People Get Caught

Published: May 08, 2020 in Child Sex Crimes, Criminal Defense, Federal Crimes, Sex Crimes, Sex Crimes Involving Children

Child pornography investigations in Harris County often involve a combination of federal, state, and local law enforcement. The involvement of several agencies happens because of the seriousness of the charges, and because child pornography rings often cross state lines and even international borders. For instance, a 2013 international child pornography investigation known as Project Spade resulted in the arrest of over 350 people in 50 countries. Nowadays, Hoston police rely more and more on technology in child porn investigations – particularly file-sharing networks. If you are accused of possessing or…