Criminal Defense

By Guest & Gray Being indicted in a federal case is often portrayed in the media as the beginning of the end for a defendant. But the reality is more nuanced. Understanding what an indictment actually means – and what it doesn’t – can help you protect your rights and make informed decisions early if…

Artificial intelligence is now appearing inside the justice system. Bloomberg Law reported that federal judges issued rulings containing citations that did not exist. After lawyers raised concerns, the courts corrected the orders and notified the Senate Judiciary Committee. How AI Is Being Used in Legal Work Lawyers, clerks, and even judges are using generative AI…

Executive clemency is one of the most powerful tools available to a President. Many people only hear about pardons in high‑profile political cases, but there is more than one form of clemency. The recent decision involving George Santos shows how commutations can eliminate punishment while leaving a conviction in place. Understanding this distinction matters for…

Last year, the Republican Party of Texas voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit against Guest & Gray and two of its attorneys, Elizabeth Alvarez and Scott Gray. Guest & Gray had been sued as part of an dispute with the Republican Party. The dismissal ends the lawsuit against the largest law firm in Kaufman County and one…

Last year, the Republican Party of Texas voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit against Guest & Gray and two of its attorneys, Elizabeth Alvarez and Scott Gray. Guest & Gray had been sued as part of an dispute with the Republican Party. The dismissal ends the lawsuit against the largest law firm in Kaufman County and one…

A criminal conviction and sentence can have numerous short- and long-term consequences for individuals, including incarceration and the loss of certain civil rights or professional opportunities. However, defendants convicted of crimes in Texas may pursue relief from their conviction or sentence through the clemency process. A defendant may ask the Texas Governor to grant clemency…

We previously reported that the United States Sentencing Commission voted to amend the guidelines.  However, the guideline amendments will only affect those who have not been sentenced. In August, the Sentencing Commission voted not to retroactively apply the upcoming amendments.  The Commission: What they are and what they do The United States Sentencing Commission is…

Although citizens have a constitutional right to bear firearms, state law imposes various regulations on owning or possessing guns. As a result, Texas criminal law includes various offenses involving firearms. When you violate the rules and restrictions governing the ownership, possession, or use of firearms, what gun charges could you face in Texas? Understanding Texas’s…

Executive Summary The United States Sentencing Commission (USSC), an independent agency within the judicial branch, plays a pivotal role in shaping federal sentencing policy. As November 1, 2025, approaches, a new set of amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines is poised to take effect, representing significant shifts in how federal courts will determine sentences. These…