Most people imagine that a criminal case, including those in the federal criminal justice system, begins when law enforcement officials put a suspect in handcuffs and bring them in for booking. But can the government bring federal charges against a defendant without first arresting them? In federal court, a criminal case does not always have…
At the beginning of a federal criminal case, the judge will make several important decisions, including whether to grant a defendant pretrial release. Once a federal indictment comes down from a grand jury, a criminal defendant will have to make an initial appearance in court for a federal judge to determine whether to grant pretrial…
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…
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…
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…
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