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  • Understanding the “One-Bite Rule” and Negligence in Texas

    The Fifth District Court of Appeals at Dallas recently delivered a critical ruling in Ernest Latcher v. Caroline D. Edwards, a case that underscores the high burden of proof required for animal attack victims in Texas. This decision serves as a vital reminder that winning a trial is only half the battle; sustaining that judgment…

  • Federal Conspiracy Charges in Texas: Why These Cases Are So Difficult

    When a person plans to commit a federal crime together with one or more people, federal prosecutors may charge that person with criminal conspiracy as a separate offense. Many federal criminal cases involve charges of “conspiracy” in addition to charges related to the completed or attempted criminal offense. But how do conspiracy charges make federal…

  • Understanding Federal Plea Bargains in Texas Criminal Cases

    Many federal criminal cases end in a plea deal between a defendant and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Plea bargains can significantly affect sentencing in federal criminal cases. As a result, understanding how federal plea bargains work can help you assess your legal options in a prosecution in Texas.  What Is a Federal Plea Bargain? In…

  • The “Blue Warrant” Survival Guide: What to Do in the First 48 Hours

    Finding out that a loved one has been arrested on a Texas Blue Warrant is a nightmare scenario. One minute they are home, working toward a fresh start; the next, they are behind bars in a county jail with no bond, and you are left wondering if they are headed straight back to prison. At…

  • Facing the Board: What Happens During a Texas Revocation Hearing?

    If you or a loved one has been arrested on a Blue Warrant, the word “hearing” can be intimidating. Most people picture a formal trial with a jury and a judge in a black robe. However, a Texas parole revocation hearing is an administrative proceeding, usually held within the walls of a county jail or…

  • 5 Common Myths About Technical vs. Substantive Parole Violations in Texas

    When a loved one is on parole in Texas, the rules can feel like a minefield. Many families believe that as long as their loved one isn’t “getting into new trouble” (committing a new crime), they are safe. Unfortunately, this is one of the most dangerous myths in the Texas criminal justice system. At Guest…

  • How Federal Sentencing Works—and Why Families Need Experienced Legal Counsel

    Although federal criminal prosecutions occur less frequently that state criminal cases, a federal conviction can lead to harsher penalties for the same conduct, compared to the sentences imposed by state criminal courts. Sentencing in federal criminal cases occurs under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide federal district judges with recommended sentencing ranges and factors they…

  • Why Federal Criminal Cases Are Different—and What That Means for Your Family

    Individuals accused of violating federal criminal offenses may face charges filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and a prosecution in federal court. However, federal criminal prosecution can vary significantly from a state criminal case. The scope of a federal criminal investigation and the resources that federal prosecutors can bring to bear on a case can…

  • Shaping Federal Justice: The US Sentencing Commission’s Priorities and the Annual Amendment Cycle

    The United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) serves a critical function: establishing and maintaining the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. These guidelines dictate the range of sentences federal courts may impose. Each year, the Commission sets an agenda to review and revise these rules, and the priorities for the upcoming 2025-2026 amendment cycle signal major areas of focus…