Law enforcement agents will often use different methods to target offenders who are trying to engage in prostitution in Texas. Under the law, police and other agents will pretend to be prostitutes or pimps involved in the illicit activity. These operations, called stings, often result in criminal charges. But are these legal maneuvers, or is […]
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 […]
Pandering and obscenity laws are meant to target the enablers of sex crimes. Sex crimes involving children are considered to be especially serious, and if you have been arrested for something that includes pandering obscenity involving a minor, you will need an experienced defense attorney. The Law Offices of Ned Barnett has spent years defending […]
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 […]
The number of inappropriate sexual relationships between students and teachers has increased within Texas in recent years. In 2016, the Texas Education Agency opened 222 investigations into these inappropriate relationships. Frustrated with battling this form of educator misconduct, Texas legislators decided to take a decisive step. Senate Bill 7, which was signed into law in […]
Rape, also called sexual assault, is a heinous crime. It can severely harm the victims physically and psychologically, and often leads to life-long effects. Perpetrators of this violent crime face harsh consequences and should be brought to justice. Unfortunately, rape accusations are often inappropriately leveled at innocent individuals. Some men and women use rape allegations […]
Unfortunately, sexual assault statistics show rape and sexual violence as a serious problem across the country, including in Texas. Tens of thousands of children and adults are victimized each year, and these individuals must deal with the long-lasting physical and psychological effects of the crime, which can hinder their education, career, and personal relationships. For […]
Being charged with driving while intoxicated is always a serious issue. At least if it is your first DWI offense, you are usually charged with a misdemeanor. Though it is tough to get through, a misdemeanor is considered less serious than a felony and once you have completed your sentence, including probation and your license […]
When a police officer suspects that a driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may attempt to administer a number of field sobriety tests. These tests assess a driver’s motor skills; whether they can walk properly, speak properly, etc. While these tests are often good indicators of whether or not a […]
Stand your ground laws expand traditional self-defense principles by removing the duty to retreat before using deadly force. Following the death of Trayvon Martin and trial of George Zimmerman, stand your ground laws have become the subject of national attention and debate. There are approximately 27 states with stand your ground laws across the country, […]
Traffic stops are considered temporary detentions under the law, which implicates Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. In order for law enforcement officers to pull someone over, they must have a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or a traffic violation. If an officer lacks a reasonable suspicion to pull you over, any evidence […]