man takes a polygraph test

Can a Polygraph Be Used Against You in Texas?

If you’ve ever watched a crime drama or true crime documentary, you’ve probably seen someone hooked up to a polygraph, sweating it out while being asked a series of uncomfortable questions. However, in the real world—especially in Texas—polygraphs (or lie detector tests) are treated very differently from what Hollywood might lead you to believe. So,…

Court of Law and Justice Trial Session

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Your Trial: Lessons from the Waldrep Appeal

At Guest and Gray Law Firm, we’ve seen all kinds of courtroom drama—but few stories are as wild as the recent appellate case of Christopher Waldrep v. State of Texas. This case serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who thinks going pro se (representing yourself) in a felony DWI trial and skipping a day…

writing a letter to judge

Why You Should Not Write a Letter to Your Judge

The urge to write a letter to your judge can be strong, especially during times like the COVID-19 crisis, the pending passage of the EQUAL Act and immediately after the judge rules on your case.  But “just trying to explain things” may seriously affect your chances of fighting your case later.   Our office communicates with…

firearm rights

Gun Rights for Felons: White House Presents New/Old Way to Reinstate Firearms Rights

A new regulation provides an old way for persons prohibited from possessing firearms to have their rights restored. While doing research for another post I learned about a new way for persons to seek their firearm possession privileges after a felony conviction. Let me show you what I mean: Previously:  The ATF, the Pardon Attorney…

criminal defense

Debunking 3 Common Criminal Defense Myths

Confronting criminal charges can be an intensely overwhelming experience, often filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Many individuals unwittingly fall victim to common misconceptions about the criminal defense process, which can lead to ill-informed choices that jeopardize their legal standing. That is why recognizing and understanding these misunderstandings is crucial for effectively maneuvering through the complexities…

federal crime

What Happens if You Are Charged with a Federal Crime in Texas?

When considering arrests and prosecutions, many envision the state court system. However, it is important to recognize that federal law encompasses its own criminal statutes that target specific activities, including drug trafficking, financial fraud, and interstate commerce violations. If an individual is accused of violating these federal laws, their case will proceed in federal court,…

presidential clemency

Clemency News: President Trump Grants Clemency to January 6 Offenders

President Trump grants clemency to January 6 offenders, issuing pardons and commutations for those convicted in connection with the Capitol riot. Read the latest updates here. President Trump granted clemency to hundreds of individuals who were charged with or convicted of actions around the United States Capitol on January 6. WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald…

Out With the Bathwater: BOP Uses a Watchdog Report to Cripple Newsletters

Discover the impact of the Bureau of Prisons’ e-mail policy change on inmates’ access to the federal prison newsletter and what comes next. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) instituted a sweeping change to their e-mail policy that affects inmates and their access to information from newsletters like the federal prison newsletter that I sent from…

Supreme Court Makes Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Ruling: Thornell v. Jones

The Supreme Court Held that the 9th Circuit Did Not Follow the Law in Finding Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Jones is Charged of Several Murders, Convicted and Sentenced to Death Jones committed three murders in relation to a theft of guns. One of the victims was a small child. Jones was charged with two counts…