The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines credit card fraud as using someone else’s card without their authorization to obtain goods or property. It covers the use of credit cards and debit cards. It is something they spend a lot of time and resources trying...
Criminal Defense
You’re facing a grand jury: What does that mean?
If you’re suspected of a felony, particularly in a white collar criminal investigation, it’s very possible that you may eventually find yourself facing grand jury proceedings. Understanding what that means is an important step in your own defense. Grand juries do not...
3 ways college students have extra risk when facing charges
Getting caught by the police when doing something against the law means facing arrest, spending a night in jail and dealing with a criminal charge. Anyone accused of a crime, whether due to improper analysis of circumstances or mistaken identity, could face...
3 ways that you could challenge evidence in a criminal trial
Every criminal case has different evidence that helps the state connect the person they accuse with the alleged crime. Sometimes there are witnesses who help build a case for state prosecutors. Other times, the strategy for the state will focus more on physical...
Plea bargain points you should consider before you accept a deal
A person who’s facing criminal charges has to determine how they will handle their defense. Most will plead not guilty when they’re initially charged. This gives them a chance to consult with their attorney and learn the options they have. For some people, one of...
Do you need a license for your handgun in Texas?
Texas has very firearm-friendly laws. Some people think that because of the culture in the state, there aren't any restrictions on firearm ownership or that if there are, law enforcement officers likely won't arrest them for breaking those rules. Given that Texas...
How serious is identity theft in Texas?
Did you know that identity theft is one of the most severe white-collar crimes in the state of Texas? The act of taking another’s identity to perpetrate fraud is classified as a felony offense. Lawmakers in the state take a harsh stance against identity theft by...
Politicians debate the Texas Castle Doctrine on Twitter
Texas, like a number of states, has a law that allows people to use lethal (deadly) force against someone if it’s necessary to protect their homes and/or those in it. In some states, these are known as “Stand Your Ground” laws. In others, like Texas, the law is...
What are white collar crimes and what leads someone to commit one?
Law enforcement or prosecutors often refer to non-violent, financial offenses as "white collar" crimes. Fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, money laundering and cybercrimes are just some of the many offenses classified this way. Data recently published by the...
A lot of forensic evidence is surprisingly flawed
In 2009, the National Research Council (NRC) issued a Congressionally mandated report for the Justice Department on the state of the forensic science being used in U.S. criminal cases. It was intended to highlight best practices in the field and make sure that federal...
