Posted on September 27, 2023 in Federal Crimes

Texas has many federal criminal cases in its state courts partly due to its border with Mexico. In 2020 alone the index crime rate in the state was 2,666.7 crimes per 100,000 population. A Texas lawyer is vital to have on your side if you or a family member is experiencing a federal crime. Some common federal charges against defendants in Texas courts include the following.

Immigration Offenses

The border with Mexico leads to numerous immigration charges like re-entry after deportation, smuggling, fraud, and illegal presence. Those living near the border often face prosecution. If convicted, fines, jail, or deportation can result. These allegations pose legal obstacles for defendants to overcome.

Drug Trafficking and Distribution

Texas’ location makes it a hub for drug trafficking between Mexico and the U.S. Charges involve large-scale trafficking of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Convictions typically bring severe punishments like long mandatory minimum sentences under federal guidelines.

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 Posted on September 22, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Being charged with involvement in a federal drug trafficking conspiracy in Texas kicks off a complex legal process, unlike state criminal cases. Here is an overview of the key stages and procedures those accused of federal drug conspiracy crimes in Texas face, along with how a Texas attorney can help.

Indictment and Arrest

A federal grand jury will decide whether to issue an indictment formally charging alleged co-conspirators. Grand juries do not hear from the defense, only prosecutors. If indicted, federal marshals will arrest the defendants. Initial appearances before a magistrate will address bail and temporary representation by a public defender for those who cannot afford private counsel.

Pretrial Motions

Once defense counsel is retained or appointed, attorneys start filing pretrial motions seeking to suppress illegally obtained evidence or statements from the accused conspirators. Complex wiretap, search warrant, and Miranda issues often arise that skilled federal lawyers will pursue. Motions may also challenge procedural defects or request severing defendants into separate trials if defenses conflict.

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 Posted on September 19, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Defendants facing federal criminal charges in Texas often face the prospect of stringent, lengthy prison sentences imposed under rigid federal sentencing guidelines. However, federal defense attorneys well-versed in guidelines and rules know how to argue for reduced sentences on behalf of their clients in appropriate cases. Here are some of the most important strategies used by adept lawyers to potentially lower federal sentences in Texas cases.

Plea Bargain Agreements

Engaging in thorough pre-trial negotiations with federal prosecutors to secure favorable plea bargain agreements is a critical first step. Well-crafted plea deals will contain specific sentencing recommendations to the judge for a lower sentence than guidelines advise or than the defendant would likely receive if convicted at trial. 

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 Posted on September 08, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Technology continues to transform all aspects of society - including the field of white collar crime investigation. Advanced computing power, digital communications, and online records have fundamentally changed how investigators pursue complex financial fraud, corruption, and cybercrime cases. Here is an overview of some of the key impacts of technology on crime investigations and how a Texas attorney can help.

Vastly Increased Data Sources

The digital trails left by suspects have exploded the amount of potential evidence available to investigators. Emails, texts, online activity logs, GPS data, mobile/CCTV footage, and records from smart home devices can all be parsed for clues. This veritable “big data” treasure trove can reveal communication patterns, transactions, locations, and more. However, it requires new data mining tools and techniques to filter meaningful signals from noise.

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 Posted on August 28, 2023 in Criminal Defense

In the state of Texas, drug offenses are taken very seriously. Simple possession of certain drugs may lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, and more serious charges will typically apply if a person is accused of drug distribution or manufacturing controlled substances. However, there are some cases where drug-related crimes can result in charges at the federal level. People who are involved in schemes to distribute drugs or engage in drug trafficking may face federal drug conspiracy charges. When defending against these charges, it is crucial to work with an attorney who has experience representing clients in federal courts.

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 Posted on August 21, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Parents are required to protect and care for their children. However, accidents can happen in any household, and in some cases, parents may be worried that they could face criminal charges when their children suffer injuries. There are some situations where a parent may be charged with the offense of injury to a child, and it is important for parents to understand the circumstances that could lead to these charges and the penalties of a conviction. Contacting an attorney to defend yourself against these charges is a wise decision to ensure you can pursue a favorable case outcome.

Child Neglect and Abuse

In cases where a child's injury may have occurred because of neglect or abuse, a parent may face criminal charges. Child neglect may occur in situations where a parent or caregiver fails to provide the proper supervision, nutrition, healthcare, education, or protection for a child. Child abuse, on the other hand, involves intentional harm to a child through physical violence, emotional abuse, or sexual assault.

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 Posted on August 15, 2023 in Criminal Defense

In the state of Texas, engaging in prostitution is a criminal offense, and people who hire prostitutes may also face criminal charges. If you have been arrested for offenses related to prostitution, it is crucial to understand the potential penalties you may face and your options for defense.

The Definition of Prostitution and Solicitation

Under Texas law, prostitution refers to the act of offering or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct with another person for compensation. Solicitation, on the other hand, involves offering or agreeing to pay someone for engaging in sexual conduct. “Sexual conduct” may include sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual contact. While prostitution may be charged as a Class B misdemeanor, solicitation of prostitution may result in state jail felony charges.

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 Posted on August 07, 2023 in Criminal Defense

White collar crimes are serious offenses, and they can have severe legal consequences for those accused or convicted of these charges. If you have been charged with a white collar crime in Texas, you have the right to defend yourself, and you should be treated as if you are innocent until you are proven guilty in a court of law. The key to mounting a successful defense is enlisting the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who has experience representing clients who have been charged with white collar crimes. Here are some possible defenses that may be available to you as you address criminal charges:

1. Lack of Intent

To prove that a person is guilty of a white-collar offense such as fraud or embezzlement, the prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant had the intention to commit the crime knowingly and willfully. That is, the defendant must have intended to wrongfully deprive someone else of their money or property. If your attorney can show that there was no intent on your part to engage in illegal activity or commit fraud, this can weaken the prosecution's case against you, and the charges could potentially be dismissed.

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 Posted on July 28, 2023 in Criminal Defense

When a person is charged with a criminal offense in Texas, intent will often play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a case. Intent refers to the mental state or purpose behind an individual's actions. It is an essential element that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a conviction. Understanding the role of intent is vital for defendants.

Types of Intent

In Texas, there are several different types of intent that can be relevant in criminal cases:

1. General intent

   This refers to the intent to commit a particular act, without the need to prove a specific outcome or result. For example, if someone intentionally strikes another person, causing harm, they can be charged with assault, even if they did not intend to cause serious injury.

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 Posted on July 21, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Embezzlement is a serious crime that involves the misappropriation of funds or other property entrusted to someone's care. In Texas, embezzlement is a white collar crime that is a form of theft, and depending on the circumstances of a case, it may be treated as a misdemeanor or felony offense. If convicted, individuals may face severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. People accused of this offense will need to be sure to understand the elements of embezzlement and the circumstances under which a person can be charged with this crime in Texas.

What Is Embezzlement?

While embezzlement is not a formal offense that is defined in Texas law, it is a form of theft that may result in criminal charges. Embezzlement occurs when a person who has been entrusted with someone else's property or funds intentionally misappropriates or converts them for personal gain. This crime typically involves a breach of trust, as the individual accused of embezzlement had usually been granted authority or responsibility over the assets they are accused of stealing.

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