There's a surprising double standard in the interrogation room: Although the people who are being interrogated are expected, to tell the truth, it's actually quite legal for Texas officers to lie during these conversations. Police are legally allowed to lie to minors...
Criminal Defense
Understanding juvenile justice proceedings
In Texas, juvenile justice proceedings are a subset of the Family Code. The juvenile system operates very differently from criminal courts for adults. Juvenile proceedings marry aspects of family court with those of civil court. There are many reasons juvenile justice...
Are juveniles protected against self-incrimination?
Juveniles who have been taken into custody on criminal charges are often under a great deal of pressure to confess to an alleged offense. Just like adults are, they are protected by the Fifth Amendment against self-incrimination, but they may not be aware of this, and...
The Brady rule protects the right to due process
Prosecutors in Texas and around the country are required to turn over exculpatory material to the defense. This includes evidence that would be favorable to the defendant, could reduce their sentence if they are found guilty or could be used to impeach the credibility...
How probable cause affects your case
Police do not have a blank check when it comes to conducting searches of Texas residences. Before they search, they in most cases must go to a Texas magistrate and obtain a warrant. The key requirement for this warrant is that the officer has probable cause backing it...
Are changes coming to Texas marijuana laws?
State legislatures continue to evolve in their approach towards marijuana laws. Numerous states decriminalized and legalized the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis. The Texas House recently passed a bill intended to decrease criminal penalties for possession...
Sentencing limitations in juvenile court
Juvenile court is different from adult criminal court. The goals, proceedings and even language are distinctive. For example, proceedings for minors are usually termed hearings, not trials. The crimes they are accused of are called delinquent acts in that setting....
Should you talk to the police?
When police approach you, it can be hard to know how to respond. The police may ask general questions about the day, or they might ask questions to try and build the case against you for an arrest. In Texas, you don't have to talk to the police. Is it a good idea to...
Are field sobriety tests mandatory?
Throughout the year 2019, Texas saw a total of 24,617 DWI-related crashes. When an officer suspects that a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will instruct the driver to do a field sobriety test. These tests are a tool that officers use to help...
What drug offenses can get you life in prison in Texas?
There are a few common drug offenses that are considered to be serious enough that they often lead to life sentences in Texas. You can get a life sentence of up to 99 years if you possess 200 to 400 grams of cocaine, which can also be accompanied by a fine of up to...