Getting arrested or learning that you are under investigation may shock and scare you. Although not all arrests or investigations lead to criminal charges, an arraignment and trial could possibly be in your future. Once you know that you face accusations of criminal...
Texas Criminal Law Blog
Do bite-mark analysts have to be specially trained?
Interestingly, while those who do bite-mark analysis may have training in forensics or other fields, they don’t necessarily have any proficiency training or testing in bite-mark analysis itself. While it may be simple to see that someone’s body has bite marks present,...
How does the M’Naghten rule impact an insanity defense?
TV and movies suggest that entering an insanity defense is a simple task. If these stories were reliable, you could get rid of criminal charges simply by claiming you did not know what you were doing and getting a psychiatrist to agree. As criminal law has developed...
How witnesses are used and questioned in a Texas criminal case
When a person is arrested on criminal charges in Texas, there will be inevitable fear and concern as to what the future holds. Most people will equate their case with what they might have seen on television and in the movies. Even the news has become overdramatized...
3 times you can potentially appeal a criminal conviction
Many people accused of a criminal offense plead guilty. Even those who know they are innocent may fear the expense and public scrutiny that comes with a trial. However, those who want to protect their reputations or careers may choose to fight their criminal charges....
Is fingerprint evidence entirely trustworthy?
Fingerprint evidence could play a crucial role in a Texas criminal trial. Unfortunately, the defendant may face possible conviction even when the evidence is flawed. While fingerprints may be highly recognized examples of evidence, they are not perfect. Commonly cited...
Scientists question the validity of bite mark evidence
Texas residents who watched the Netflix series “The Innocence Files” will likely be familiar with the case of a Mississippi man who was convicted of murder and sentenced to death for killing a 3-year-old girl in May 1992. Prosecutors in the case had no motive,...
Don’t let questionable witnesses jeopardize your freedom
Regardless of the type of criminal charges you’re facing, the prosecution is going to try to stack up the evidence against you in hopes of obtaining a conviction. While this might include some junk science and documentary evidence, they’re also going to heavily lean...
How do you pick a criminal defense lawyer?
Being charged with a crime in Texas can be daunting. While you might feel a sense of disorientation, it's important to take immediate steps to find a criminal defense attorney. Having a lawyer on your side might make all the difference in your case. Tips on choosing a...
Mounting a criminal defense in Texas based on insanity
When individuals in Texas who are charged with a crime mount a defense based on mental illness or incapacity, they admit to the underlying act but claim that they did not know their conduct was wrong. This defense is used very rarely as it shifts the burden of proof...