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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
In recent months, the headlines have been filled with news of presidential clemency, as a wave of pardons and commutations has been issued to a diverse group of individuals. From former politicians and high-profile figures to those involved in past legal battles, these acts of mercy from the White House have sparked widespread discussion and…
In the federal criminal justice system, the moment a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty, the clock starts ticking on one of the most critical phases: the Presentence Investigation (PSI). The resulting document, the Presentence Investigation Report (PSR), is the single most important document for determining a defendant’s sentence, and it has an impact…
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