If you face criminal charges in Harris County, questions about mental health can create confusion. Many people hear terms like "competency to stand trial" and the "insanity defense" and assume they mean the same thing. In a Houston courtroom, however, they are...
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Can mental illness erase intent in a theft or fraud case?
A theft or fraud charge can make you feel like the court has already decided what kind of person you are. But when you're dealing with a serious mental illness, the truth often looks very different than what's written in the police report. In Texas, prosecutors must...
Why do so many criminal defendants accept plea bargains?
Many people accused of breaking the law assert their innocence. They may insist that police officers identified the wrong person or that there has been a major misunderstanding. When people claim that they did not break the law, it may seem natural for them to fight...
Can police officers search a vehicle during a traffic stop?
There are many reasons why people may end up facing criminal charges. Some people get caught in the act during a questionable medication transfer or a shoplifting attempt. Others might end up arrested because of something police officers find while conducting a...
What’s the motive behind false domestic violence accusations?
Most people are likely well aware that domestic violence is a grave accusation that carries significant legal, emotional and social consequences. However, while most allegations are often rooted in genuine concerns, there are instances where accusations are false. ...
A conflict of interest can impact a lawyer’s job performance
People responding to criminal charges need the assistance and advocacy of a criminal defense attorney. Their entire future may depend on the outcome of the criminal case. Defendants generally try to hire lawyers who have a track record of success and who are familiar...
3 sneaky ways police officers may try to obtain evidence
Police officers help protect the public by intervening in criminal activity and investigating criminal incidents. Sometimes, they take their attempts to uphold the law too far and may infringe on the rights of the people they suspect of illegal conduct. Police...
What constitutes duress in a criminal case?
Developing an appropriate criminal defense strategy often requires a careful analysis of the situation at issue. People need to look at what led to the state accusing them of a crime and what evidence the prosecutor might plan to present during a trial. Each criminal...
Why defendants may need to consider an affirmative defense
Developing a defense against a criminal charge can be difficult. The person accused often hires an attorney to help them look at the state's evidence and find weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Typically, the defense team only needs to establish a reasonable doubt...
The impact of mental health in Texas’ criminal system
From books to movies, criminal offenders are often portrayed as individuals with mental health conditions. In reality, those who live with these diseases face multiple challenges in the criminal system. If you have a mental illness and a crime charge, defense...