In Texas, there are three common probation. These are deferred adjudication probation, “straight” probation, and a special kind of probation called pre-trial diversion. Depending on the kind of case you have, your criminal history, and the county where your offense occurred, you may qualify for some or all of these types of probation. For the […]
As women’s history month comes to a close, we’d like to take a moment to highlight some of the most influential women in justice. Though women statistically earn roughly 49.6% of degrees in law (1), they account for only 37.6% of lawyers, judges, and related workers in the United States (2). Therefore, each of the […]
Across the nation, there has been an ever-growing increase in popularity of e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and vape pens– thin, compact vaporizers that resemble a pen. Vape pens use cartridges, or “carts,” that produce vapor from an oil that is then inhaled by the user. Many of these vaporizers typically contain a mixture of flavors and various […]
Most states have the “felony murder” rule, which dictates that a person can be held liable if, while they are committing certain felonies, someone dies as a result of their actions or those of a coconspirator. But in at least 13 states, including Texas, liability for deaths under the felony murder rule is extended even […]
A police officer may conduct a warrantless search of a vehicle if it is readily mobile and there is probable cause to believe that it contains contraband.[1] For years the strong odor of marijuana emanating from a car has established probable cause to search the car and its occupants.[2] Texas legalized the cultivation of industrial […]
In 1963, Clarence Gideon was charged with breaking and entering in Florida. Gideon was unable to afford a lawyer, so he requested the court appoint one for him. At that time Florida law only allowed for the appointment of an attorney for indigent defendants for capital cases. The trial court refused to appoint an attorney, […]