In a recent memorandum, Acting Attorney General Pam Bondi announced significant changes to federal charging and sentencing policies. This ‘Ashcroftian’ memo directs prosecutors to pursue the most serious charges and enforce mandatory minimum sentences more rigorously, marking a shift from previous ‘Smart on Crime’ initiatives. The new policies aim to standardize charging decisions and underscore…
One of the questions we in the immigration section at Guest & Gray get most often is “What do I do if ICE comes to my door?” Let’s take a look at what you should do in that situation, and what your rights are. What to Say to Them When They First Arrive When someone…
One of the questions we in the immigration section at Guest & Gray get most often is “What happens if ICE pulls me over?” Let’s take a look at what you should do in that situation, and what your rights are. What to Say to Them When They Stop You If you are over 18…
A recent ruling by the Fourteenth Court of Appeals upheld a trial court’s final divorce decree in favor of the husband. The case, originating from the 247th District Court in Harris County, Texas, involved a contentious appeal by the wife. She raised several issues, most notably challenging the husband’s expert witness. The wife argued that the expert,…
With the passing of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the legal landscape in Texas has undergone significant transformations. Notably, there has been a marked increase in remote court hearings and adjudications, a trend that persists even as the threat of illness has diminished. The increase in the number and scope of remote proceedings has sparked…
Statutes of limitations are specific laws within the Texas Penal Code that detail how long the government has to bring charges against you. Understanding how statutes of limitations work is important, especially for those who have been charged for a crime based on conduct that occurred years ago, if at all. At Guest & Gray,…
In Texas a parent can have their rights terminated. Texas law allows a court to terminate a parent-child relationship only if the court finds clear and convincing evidence for one or more statutory grounds for termination and that termination is in the child’s best interest. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001 How does a court…
A question we get asked frequently is whether a client or potential client can get “joint custody” of a child. The term “joint custody” is NOT a term that has legal significance under the Texas Family Code. The language in the family code that does use the word “joint” is “joint managing conservator,” and that…
I used to take court appointments, and my first job out of law school was as a public defender. I’ve seen court appointed lawyers do amazing work and I’ve seen lawyers who dabble in criminal defense by getting on the wheel completely fuck up their client’s life. Lawyers are expensive, good lawyers more so, great…
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