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…
When you are facing a federal drug conspiracy charge, the law can feel overwhelming. Many people believe they will only be punished for the specific crime they were charged with. But in the world of federal court, a concept called “relevant conduct” can change everything. It’s a critical part of how judges decide on a…
Understanding the Legal Impact of United States v. Erik Harris – And What It Means for You Date Decided: July 14, 2025 Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Key Issue: Does marijuana use disqualify you from owning a firearm under federal law? Why This Case Matters If you’re a gun owner—or…
In the wake of Bruen, defendants across the country are challenging whether restrictions covering the right to possess firearms are constitutional. Second Amendment Rights Challenged Post Bruen In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court, through the New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n v. Bruen case (142 S. Ct. 2111, 2022), altered the legal…
Are you navigating the complexities of federal firearms charges or sentencing guidelines? The recent Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in United States v. Simmons offers critical insights into how these cases are handled, particularly concerning sentencing enhancements. Understanding the nuances of this ruling could be crucial for anyone facing similar legal challenges. The Simmons…
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