Posted on July 31, 2023 in Criminal Law

Being charged with smuggling a minor into Texas from Mexico is a serious criminal offense that carries significant legal consequences. The severity of the punishment depends on various factors, including the specific circumstances surrounding the case, the defendant’s criminal history, and the judge’s discretion. Today, we will provide general information about the potential legal consequences of this offense and suggest that anyone charged with such an offense must absolutely retain legal counsel to ensure their rights are protected.

The Legal Consequences of Smuggling a Minor into Texas

Here is what you need to know about these grim charges, including:

• Federal vs. state charges – Smuggling a minor across the border can lead to criminal charges at both the federal and state levels. Federal alien smuggling charges typically carry more severe penalties, while state charges may result in lesser penalties. It is also not uncommon for individuals to be slapped with both state and federal charges in human smuggling cases.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 17, 2023 in Federal Crimes

Facing federal criminal charges can be a very overwhelming and intimidating experience for anyone involved in the legal system. These charges differ significantly from state-level or local offenses due to the jurisdiction and the severity of the consequences involved. Today, we will explore what it actually means to face federal criminal charges – from the initial investigation to potential outcomes – providing you with a comprehensive overview. For legal assistance in this very serious matter, contact a criminal defense attorney to protect yourself legally against the very serious charges you now face.

Understanding Federal Law Jurisdiction

The first crucial aspect to understand is that federal crimes are those that violate U.S. federal laws. They cover a wide range of offenses, such as drug trafficking, immigration violations, white-collar crimes, organized crime, terrorism, and more. The engaging factor in these cases is that federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), often handle federal investigations and are the ones who ultimately bring charges.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 28, 2023 in Criminal Law

Gun trafficking or smuggling is a federal criminal offense that involves buying and selling firearms through illegal channels. Such activities are considered grave offenses in Texas and thus qualify as federal gun crimes under the law. Gun trafficking ultimately contributes to gun violence in communities, often leaving a wake of devastation in towns across Texas. Individuals convicted of gun trafficking may face significant prison sentences, leading to federal investigations that often lead to additional charges. If you have been charged with gun trafficking, you need a criminal defense attorney not afraid to help you fight these heavyweight charges.

Gun Trafficking in Texas

The FBI and ATF have primary responsibility for identifying and shutting down illegal gun trafficking networks. Federal law defines gun trafficking as a profit-based offense or business. Usually, gun trafficking leads to increased crime since, through such trafficking, guns end up in the hands of people who should not have access to weapons. It is widely believed that gun trafficking is an accelerant to violent crime, including gang-related criminal activity.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 15, 2023 in Criminal Law

Bank fraud is one of the most serious white-collar crimes, covering various criminal activities against banks or other financial institutions. If you are facing bank fraud charges, you may be overwhelmed with what you should do to remedy this situation. While there is no snap-of-the-finger solution to rid you of your legal troubles, contacting a criminal defense lawyer can significantly benefit you and your case as you fight to defeat these severe charges.

Here is What to Know About Bank Fraud

Bank fraud typically entails an individual or company attempting to commit fraud against a bank through false statements or illegally obtaining money from the bank. This type of fraud is a serious crime and, if found guilty, can land someone in prison for extended periods of time while also imposing steep fines on the convicted party.

It is essential to understand that bank fraud can occur in various ways through the assistance of bank insiders in positions of trust, such as bank managers or employees. It can include a senior manager providing false information about the company's finances to secure bank loans, handling money from a bank transaction deceitfully, misrepresenting information crucial to banking, making false promises and pledges of assurance in obtaining loans or extending credit, and diverting bank funds secretly into your personal bank account. These examples are typical forms of bank fraud, and all could result in severe consequences if discovered.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 26, 2023 in Criminal Law

In Texas, manslaughter is a very serious second-degree felony offense that carries with it severe penalties and the possibility of a lengthy jail term. If you have been charged with manslaughter, it is essential you understand the severity of the situation. It is strongly recommended that you contact a criminal defense attorney, as this may be your only hope of fighting these charges and pursuing a favorable outcome in your case. Criminal defense attorneys are well-equipped with the knowledge necessary to build a legal defense against violent crimes like manslaughter.

What to Know About Manslaughter in Texas

Manslaughter is defined in Texas as recklessly causing the death of another person. As stated at the outset, manslaughter is prosecuted as a second-degree felony, which can result in a prison term of between two and 20 years. However, if found guilty, the sentence you may receive will depend on several factors, most importantly, the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 10, 2023 in Criminal Law

In its severest form, Texas law defines simple assault as an act where someone intentionally or knowingly causes bodily injury to another individual. In Texas, the most severe simple assault charge is that which results in the bodily injury of the sufferer as a Class A misdemeanor offense, carrying up to one year of jail time and fines reaching $4,000. A conviction of this offense can have many adverse consequences, including damaging your reputation, affecting your future job prospects, and alienating or losing close personal friends. However, with effective criminal legal representation, you can give yourself a chance to fight the charges and pursue a favorable case outcome.

Considerations for a Simple Assault Charge

Picture this: you are in a bar with friends when suddenly, you hear a bar patron berating your friend over the color shirt they are wearing. Upset, you spin around, and will all your might; you aggressively shove the person, only for them to fall flat on their back and hit their head on a bar stool. As the bar patron lies bleeding on the floor, writhing in pain, the police are called, and you are arrested for simple assault.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 24, 2023 in Internet Crimes

The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and live. Unfortunately, it has also opened up new avenues for criminal activity and forms of sexual misconduct, abuse, and exploitation. If you have been charged with committing an internet sex crime, you must obtain legal counsel from a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. This will ensure your rights remain protected and that you can fight the charges against you to try and secure a positive outcome in your case.

Typical Sex Crimes Committed on the Internet

The following are some of the most common internet sex crimes, including:

• Online solicitation of a minor – This refers to using the internet to contact a minor intending to engage in sexual activity. This may include sending sexually explicit messages, images, or videos. This is a severe offense that carries serious penalties.
• Possession or distribution of child pornography – This refers to the act of obtaining or sharing sexually explicit images or videos of minors. This includes all forms of media, including photos, videos, and audio recordings.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 11, 2023 in Criminal Law

Navigating the complex world of criminal law can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you need a criminal defense attorney. Choosing suitable legal representation is crucial, as it can directly impact the outcome of your case. Therefore, those facing criminal charges must know the essential considerations for selecting a criminal defense attorney.

Here is What You Should Look For

Consider the following factors when selecting a criminal defense attorney, including:

• Experience and expertise – One of the most important factors to consider when hiring a criminal defense attorney is their experience and knowledge in handling cases similar to yours. Criminal law is a vast field, and attorneys often specialize in specific areas, like DUI, drug crimes, white-collar crimes, and more. Ensure the attorney you choose has a track record of successfully representing clients in cases like yours.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on March 29, 2023 in Sex Crimes

Being charged with a sex crime is a gravely serious matter with devastating lifelong consequences, particularly if you are convicted of the alleged offense. Penalties can include imprisonment, like registering as a sex offender, and fatal damage to your personal and professional reputation. Therefore, it is essential to hire a criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with a sex crime, as your freedom may very well be hanging in the balance. Today, we will review different legal defense strategies a qualified criminal defense attorney can employ to increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Common Defense Strategies for Defending Against a Sex Crime Charge

Let us now review some of the most common defense strategies that may be implemented in your defense depending on the particularities of your case, including:

• Questioning the accuser’s credibility – One of the most common defense strategies in sex crime cases is challenging the accuser’s credibility. This can involve scrutinizing their history, motives, and any inconsistencies in their statements. In addition, an experienced attorney will look for discrepancies in the accuser’s story, such as any contradictory statements made to law enforcement, medical professionals, or witnesses.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on March 15, 2023 in Criminal Law

In Texas, as in many other states, a plea bargain is a standard tool used in criminal cases to resolve charges without going to trial. A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution where the accused party pleads guilty to a less severe offense or accepts a reduced sentence to avoid a trial and the risk of a harsher sentence if convicted. Today, we will discuss what is most important about plea bargains. If you are ever charged with a crime and are interested in your legal options, contacting an experienced criminal law attorney may be wise to ensure you understand your legal options moving forward.

Types of Plea Bargains

For the sake of this blog, we will be discussing two types of plea bargains: charge and sentence bargaining. Whereas charge bargaining involves the accused party pleading guilty to a less severe charge than the one they were initially charged with. For example, a defendant charged with burglary may plead guilty to criminal trespassing instead. Sentence bargaining involves the defendant pleading guilty to the original charge in exchange for a reduced sentence.

Continue Reading ››