Posted on April 08, 2025 in Criminal Defense

A Texas megachurch founder was recently indicted in Oklahoma on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. The indictment stems from incidents dating back to the 1980s. The pastor resigned last summer as the senior pastor of Gateway Church, one of the largest "megachurches" in the United States.

The alleged victim, who was 12 at the time, says the misconduct continued for four years. The statute of limitations is not applicable in this case because the pastor was not a resident or inhabitant of Oklahoma at any time. While nobody condones sexual acts with a child, this is a situation with considerable nuances because of the time that has passed, as well as the age of the child at the time.

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 Posted on April 04, 2025 in Federal Crimes

Animated child pornography – often referred to as "lolicon" or "loliporn" shows animated or computer-generated images that depict minors in sexual situations. Loliporn is federally illegal and may be considered illegal under Texas law. While possession of or promotion of child pornography is a state offense under Texas law, one of the key elements of this law is that the material must show an actual child.

Since drawings, animations, and digital renderings do not involve real children, the issue becomes much more complex. If you are facing federal or state child pornography charges, it is extremely important that you speak to an experienced Plano, TX child pornography attorney. Child pornography convictions can have devastating, lifelong consequences, so getting ahead of these charges with the help of a highly skilled attorney is the best step you can take for your future.

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 Posted on March 27, 2025 in Criminal Defense

If you are charged with a serious crime in Texas, you may want to be released on bail pending your trial. The Texas bail system ensures that the defendant shows up in court while allowing them to stay free before going to court.

The bail bond system is tricky, and making mistakes that can put you in jail is easy. An aggressive Texas criminal defense attorney can provide critical legal guidance to ensure you stay free as you await trial. Our attorneys are aggressive and tenacious, having won over 300 not-guilty verdicts and acquittals. We are prepared to assist with your bail and criminal case today.

How Do Texas Bail Bonds Work? 

After you are arrested, the judge or magistrate will set a bail amount. This number is based on the crime’s severity, criminal history, flight risk, and the strength of your ties to the community. Bail is usually set within 48 hours of the arrest.

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 Posted on March 20, 2025 in Criminal Defense

It has become common for two people who are dating to share private photos and videos with each other. But when relationships end badly, some people get upset and, for one reason or another, share those photos with others. This is a serious legal mistake that can lead to criminal charges. If you have posted or sent an intimate image of someone else without their consent, you could be subject to Texas’ revenge porn law, which carries harsh penalties.

At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., our Texas sex crimes defense lawyers aggressively defend our clients. With over 300 not-guilty verdicts and acquittals, we know how to fight these cases and protect your future. If you are facing charges or are being investigated for revenge porn, understanding the law is the first step in building your defense.

What Is Considered Revenge Porn Under Texas Law?

In Texas, the official charge for revenge porn is "Unlawful Disclosure or Promotion of Intimate Visual Material." A person can be charged if they intentionally share or even threaten to share explicit images or videos of someone without their consent and under circumstances where the person who created the images or videos had a reasonable expectation of privacy.

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 Posted on March 13, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Many people are surprised to learn that animated or computer-generated images depicting minors in sexual situations can be considered illegal under Texas and federal law. If you have come across this content or are concerned about whether certain materials in your possession could lead to criminal charges, it is important to understand how the law applies.

And if there is any question about whether you have broken the law or could be investigated, contact a Texas child pornography defense lawyer immediately.

What Is Considered Child Pornography in Texas?

Under Texas law, possession or promotion of child pornography is a felony offense. The law prohibits the knowing possession, promotion, or distribution of any photos, videos, or other material that show a child engaged in sexual conduct. However, one of the key elements of this law is that the material must show an actual child.

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 Posted on March 06, 2025 in Criminal Defense

A charge of child endangerment in Texas is a serious criminal offense that can have lasting consequences. Whether the accusation stems from an alleged lapse in judgment, a misunderstanding, or an unfortunate accident, a conviction can lead to jail time, heavy fines, and loss of parental rights. If you have been charged with child endangerment, you need a Texas criminal defense attorney to help you understand your legal rights and how to protect yourself.

Child Endangerment Laws in Texas

Under Texas law, a person commits child endangerment if they intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence place a child under 15 in imminent danger of harm. Harm may include:

• Bodily injury, physical harm, or death

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 Posted on February 27, 2025 in Federal Crimes

Gun trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border is a serious federal offense that carries life-altering consequences. Those accused of this crime often find themselves facing aggressive federal prosecution, lengthy prison time, and huge fines. But being charged with a crime does not mean someone is guilty. The law says that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and everyone has the right to a strong legal defense.

For many people, federal gun crime charges come as a devastating shock, affecting not only their own futures but also their families. Spouses, children, and loved ones who are dependent on someone jailed on accusations of gun crimes may face financial hardship and uncertainty about what comes next. If you or a family member has been accused of trafficking firearms across the border, it is critical to have a Texas federal criminal defense attorney who will fight for your rights and ensure you are treated fairly under the law.

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 Posted on February 20, 2025 in Criminal Defense

If you have been charged with drug possession in Texas, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of your options. A conviction can lead to serious penalties, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. However, being arrested does not mean you are automatically guilty. There are strong legal defenses that may help you reduce or even beat the charge — especially with the right Texas criminal defense attorney on your side.

At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we have secured over 300 not-guilty verdicts and acquittals for our clients, and we know how to fight aggressively for the best possible outcome. Below are some of the most effective defense strategies that may be available in your case.

Did the Police Conduct an Illegal Search and Seizure?

One of the most powerful ways to challenge a drug possession charge is by examining whether your constitutional rights were violated during the arrest. Under the Fourth Amendment, law enforcement must have a valid reason to search you, your car, or your home.

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 Posted on February 13, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Sex crime charges involving children carry some of the harshest penalties in Texas law. A conviction for sexual assault of a child can result in long prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifelong consequences.

The court system takes these allegations seriously, and without a strong defense, the penalties can be devastating. A Texas criminal defense attorney for sex crimes against children can help you fight to protect your rights.

What Are Texas Laws on Sexual Assault of a Child?

Sexual assault of a child occurs when an adult engages in sexual contact or penetration with someone under the age of 17 to whom the adult is not married. In Texas, a child is defined as anyone younger than 17 years old, and it makes no difference if the adult thought the child was older than 17. This offense is classified as a second-degree felony, which can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years, along with fines of up to $10,000.

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 Posted on February 06, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Being named a "person of interest" in a criminal case can be a frightening and confusing experience. Law enforcement may believe you have information about a crime or suspect that you were involved in illegal activity. 

While being a person of interest does not mean you have been charged with a crime, it can still have serious legal implications. If you are in this situation, understanding your rights and taking smart steps guided by a Texas criminal defense attorney can help protect your freedom and future. 

What Does It Mean to Be a Person of Interest?

The term "person of interest" is not a legal designation but rather a term used by law enforcement to describe someone they believe has information related to an investigation. This does not mean that you are a suspect, but everything can escalate quickly if authorities gather evidence that implicates you in a crime. Police may attempt to question you, search your property, or monitor your activities.

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