Prior to his arrest, authorities had taken DNA samples from the girl's family members, which somehow led to their suspicion that the uncle committed the crime. Van Zandt County deputies subsequently searched the Texas man's home and arrested him the same night. The individual lived in the home with his father.
]]> The man's arrest has both shocked and relieved the community and the girl's family. It is of no surprise that the man's family is disturbed by the fact that one of their own family was arrested for killing his niece. The community feels a sense of relief that there isn't a killer on the loose; however, the man has not yet been found guilty of the crime with which he's been charged.It will be up to the prosecutors to prove that he is guilty. It is never easy hear when family members are accused of committing violent crimes against other family members. Authorities have yet to indicate what led them to arrest the girl's uncle for her murder. The evidence they believe leads to his guilt must be shared with the accused and his legal counsel. Once they have reviewed the evidence, they can prepare a defense to the charges against him.
Source: newsone.com, "UPDATE: Uncle Charged in Texas Girl's Murder," May 8, 2013
]]>Authorities say that Hooks was pulled over when officers observed his vehicle weaving in and out of the traffic lanes without headlights at approximately 1:00 a.m. They go on to claim that when he spoke with officers, and his eyes were watering. He was also said to be mumbling and did not seem steady on his feet. He was released from the Travis County Jail the same afternoon he was arrested.
]]> Hook was with the fire department in Corpus Christi for approximately 29 years. After that, he began his current position with the Texas Division of Emergency Management as its Chief of Staff. Law enforcement in the area has indicated that it has zero tolerance for drunk driving regardless of the identity of the person they are stopping.It is not known whether this is the first DWI accusation against Hooks, but regardless he is fully entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until he is proven guilty in court. There is a substantial difference between a criminal allegation and a conviction gained after trial. Nevertheless, the accused man will likely benefit by sitting down with his defense counsel and reviewing all of the evidence and testimony the state proposes to use in connection with his arrest for DWI. Even though it is the responsibility of the prosecution to prove the case against Hook by a stringent measure of proof, having a defense prepared is a good offense.
Source: myFOXaustin.com, "Chief of staff for TDEM arrest for DWI," May 2, 2013
]]>According to authorities, back in 2010 four of the people arrested began conspiring to distribute drugs such as marijuana and crack cocaine. There are additional drug and weapons charges against each individual in accordance with what role authorities believe each person played in the conspiracy. Only one of the six is charged with lying to a federal agent.
]]> Federal and state law enforcement agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and Explosives, the Center Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety all participated in the investigation that led to these six arrests. It is not known what evidence the agencies believe they have against the accused. All six have already made an initial appearance in court regarding the charges against them and the penalties facing each of the accused range from five years to life in prison.In a criminal case where there are multiple defendants facing varying degrees and types of charges, the job of the defense can become tricky. The more each of the accused has to lose, the larger the possibility they may be will to make a deal in order to reduce the weapon and drug charges they are facing. Therefore, it is important that each defendant conducts an independent review of the evidence and prepares his or her own defense just in case one or more of the accused decide to provide testimony against another in exchange for a lesser sentence.
Source: ktre.com, "6 Shelby Co. residents indicted in drug conspiracy," April 23, 2013
]]>For years, Stanley Marsh 3 has dealt with civil suits surrounding alleged sexual activity with minors. The current charges are related to alleged activities with two teenage boys. According to Marsh's lawyers, the two teenagers filed civil lawsuits asking for unspecified millions after Marsh had his stroke in 2011.
]]> Allegations in the civil lawsuits that have been filed over the years have indicated that Marsh gave teenage boys alcohol, drugs, money and even cars to perform sex acts with him. Back in 1998, Marsh spent 10 days in jail and paid fines in connection with a plea to misdemeanor charges. Police executed a search warrant of Marsh's office in connection with the current criminal charges and seized items such as the cushions on the couch, computers, photographs, documents, and other items.Despite the civil lawsuits and former allegations, Marsh is innocent until proven guilty of the assault charges currently filed against him. Whether the prosecution will be able to prove those charges remains to be seen. Just as anyone in Texas would be able to do when facing criminal charges, Marsh has the right to review and challenge all of the evidence against him and to confront his accusers in the courtroom.
Source: Los Angeles Times, "Texas millionaire Stanley Marsh 3 indicted on sex assault charges," April 11, 2013
]]>Officials say that the student could end up being charged with additional crimes as time goes on and more facts come to light. It was initially believed there could have been two people involved in the stabbings, but police say they have the only suspect in custody. The school, which had been closed for the remainder of the day of the attacks, was reopened the next day.
]]> The student accused of this horrendous incident has reportedly told police that he had often fantasized about stabbing people since he was a child in elementary school. He had allegedly been planning the attack for some time. The same system of colleges had three students shot on another campus in January.The young man accused of stabbing these students is innocent until proven guilty. Even if he did tell the police what they have reported that he told them, that may just mean that this young man does not need to be sent to jail, but instead, needs some professional help. It will be up to the state of Texas to prove that this is the person that stabbed those students; and is, therefore, guilty of aggravated assault. However, considering the seriousness of the charges against him, it may be a good idea for the young man's attorney to carefully prepare a defense on behalf of his client once that attorney has reviewed all of the evidence and witness statements gathered by police.
Source: usnews.nbcnews.com, "Student charged with assault in stabbing spree at Texas college," Erin McClam and Andrew Rafferty, April 9, 2013
]]>Federal authorities believe that the drug trafficker would purchase drugs and then have these police officers intercept the shipments in a fake drug bust. The drug trafficker would then get the drugs from the officers without ever having to pay for them. The busts were done to look real so that no one would suspect that the shipment of drugs had, in reality, been stolen. The last officer to be arrested is also suspected of being paid to guard the drugs that were kept at stash houses.
]]> The investigation began with a tip received by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement department last August. A sting was set up by federal authorities. The federal government says that the first four officers arrested were paid to escort a drug shipment.It will be up to federal prosecutors to prove that each of these south Texas officers is guilty of the drug charges against them. Even though each of them is innocent until proven guilty, it may benefit the officers seek advice and assistance to scrutinize all of the evidence against them. Devising a good defense strategy may help an officer receive either a reduced sentence or an acquittal.
Source: Fox News, "Former South Texas sheriff's deputy facing drug charges enters not guilty plea," April 5, 2013
]]>Witnesses on both sides of the issue have testified as to whether the boy should be tried as an adult. A defense psychologist testified about the fact that someone so young may not have been able to think through all of possible consequences of his actions, especially at the age of 15. On the other hand, an officer from the juvenile probation office told the court that the crime was severe enough to warrant trying the teen as an adult.
]]> There were a total of 17 illegal immigrants in the minivan that day. The teen was fleeing from Border Patrol agents after an initial stop prior to the crash. There is controversy surrounding the events that took place after the minivan sped away. According to a witness, the minivan was bumped by a Border Patrol vehicle and people were thrown from the vehicle. Conversely, a Border Patrol agent says that he came upon the crash after it happened.Texas prosecutors are saying that if the boy hadn't fled, the passengers in the minivan would still be alive today. An argument could also be made that if the Border Patrol hadn't pursued the teen so aggressively, the immigrants would still be alive. It will likely be up to a jury to determine if there is room for reasonable doubt in connection with the felony charges facing this young boy. The potential consequences if a conviction is ultimately obtained require that the teen focus his attention on preparing and presenting a meaningful defense that also seeks to ensure that all of his legal rights are preserved and honored.
Source: ABC News, "Teen to Be Tried as Adult in Texas Van Crash," Christopher Sherman, March 27, 2013
]]>Police found over one pound of methamphetamine in the home, along with some scales, some guns and approximately $15,000 in cash. More specifically, there were 548 grams of methamphetamine with an approximate street value of $100 per gram. It has not been revealed whether the house in question actually belongs to the man arrested by police.
]]> According to police, the area north of Conroe has become a hub for meth activity. They also believe that the majority of the meth in the area is manufactured south of our borders and is brought into this country through Texas to be sold. As a result, the area is the subject of intense investigation.Anyone charged with a crime has certain rights under the law and is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a jury of his or her peers. This young man is facing serious drug charges. It is crucial that he works closely with his counsel to examine and review all of the evidence in order to form a solid defense against the charges. Simply being charged with a crime does not mean that a conviction will follow. Every defendant in our justice system has the right to protect his or her interests while fighting to achieve the best possible result in court.
Source: Chron.com, "Meth bust in Willis nets drugs, guns," Dale Lezon, March 20, 2013
]]>The suspect was off duty at the time of the arrest, and he was driving his personal vehicle. He was spotted for supposed erratic driving and was pulled over by a Fort Worth area police officer. He was suspected of DWI when the officer smelled alcohol on his person. According to the report, he failed two field sobriety tests and was taken into custody.
]]> The arresting officer gave the suspect two Breathalyzer tests and both results were well over the legal limit to operate a vehicle. At this time, he has been charged with misdemeanor DWI. However, he could possibly face jail time of a year and have to pay a fine of $4,000. He is currently out on bail and has not appealed his termination from the Fort Worth Police.The frustrated police chief declared that anyone arrested for DWI while working for the police would be immediately relieved of their duties. He also said that he would no longer wait for the case to be resolved to determine what the proper disciplinary actions should be. In the past, suspected DWI incidents were punishable by 15 day suspensions, all the way to complete termination from the force.
Losing a job on suspicion of DWI can be devastating. One time in the car can have lifelong repercussions and can be challenging to deal with in court. A person suspected of DWI has the right to legal counsel to help them during this time and to ensure that their rights are protected.
Source: star-telegram.com "Fort Worth officer fired on DWI accusation," Deanna Boyd, March 15, 2013
]]>The two-term female member of the Texas House caused an accident by rear-ending another car, which lurched forward and struck a bicyclist. Police arrested her after the accident. Apparently, she, the other driver and the bicyclist sustained injuries. Drunk driving that causes an accident, property damage and personal injury usually also carries enhanced penalties.
]]> The details of the arrest, such as the blood alcohol level, were not immediately reported. It's also unknown if she took a Breathalyzer test or was administered field sobriety tests. Within a few days of the arrest, she addressed the Texas House of Representatives with an apology, saying that she was 'deeply, deeply sorry' and was grateful that no one was seriously hurt. She stated that it would never happen again.In response to her forthrightness, her colleagues gave her a standing ovation. In light of her public remarks, it appears that she may have decided to admit guilt. That may be a judicious decision based on the actual evidence and political considerations for this individual. However, it's usually more prudent to first review all of the paper-work and evidence with a qualified professional prior to making incriminating statements to anyone.
Sometimes field tests and blood measurements are questionable or borderline, raising the specter of presenting a vigorous DWI defense. There are other complex considerations of proof that are contained in Texas statutes and prior case law that tend to support the wisdom of first determining the legalities of the matter prior to making public statements. If the evidence is found to be overwhelming after going through that process, counsel can negotiate for a favorable and fair agreement with the prosecution on the individual's behalf.
Source: kwtx.com, "Texas Lawmaker Arrested For DWI Says She's Sorry," March 18, 2013
]]>Police say the locker room where the man met the second girl was the same one where he reportedly cornered his first victim. He is said to have forced his first victim to perform a sexual act on him. The first student also claimed that the man had been harassing her for several months before the locker room incident occurred.
]]> The man, who was suspended from teaching after the initial incident, was jailed after his second arrest. It is unclear when his initial hearing on the new charge was to occur. The man has denied any wrongdoing.It can be easy for individuals to jump to conclusions based on preliminary information that is released by Texas police after an arrest. However, the arrest is only one side of this story, a side that could lose credibility as the felony charges make their way through the criminal justice system. The burden of proof is and will continue to be solely upon the prosecution. It must prove the allegations against this man in court and beyond a reasonable doubt or no conviction can take place.
Source: rawstory.com, "Texas teacher arrested for 'improper relationship' after posting bail for rape charge," Arturo Garcia, March 5, 2013
]]>The investigation uncovered a smuggling ring that supplied prisoners with drugs, cell phones, and other contraband goods. A group of prisoners led the initiative, but 17 former prison guards were also involved. They were supplying cell phones, which the prisoners used to lead the initiative. Four of the former guards also face drug charges.
]]> Authorities first started their investigation when they found a scheme among prisoners to sell stolen vehicles. The cars were stolen from Texas and sold to members of the Mexican cartel. At least some of the prisoners were using their contraband cell phones in order to arrange these sales.A total of 32 people were charged in relation to the smuggling, 29 of whom have already been taken into custody. These individuals are innocent unless or until they are proven guilty. In such a long and complicated case, there are large amounts of evidence to consider and utilize when forming a defense. Individuals with a good defense strategy will sort all of this information and be able to identify which pieces are most crucial. Because this can be a difficult process in any case, employing the help of professionals with experience in drug charges can be beneficial.
Source: ABC 13, "17 former prison guards among 32 charged in Texas," Feb. 27, 2013
]]>In this arrangement, one of the two men under arrest would allegedly sell the stolen drugs and pay the police and the informant. The police involved would charge the drug traffickers with sentences for a small portion of what they had been carrying in order to allegedly cover up the operation. This is similar to another case involving a corrupt group of Texas law officers known as the Panama Unit. It has not been confirmed if the officers in this case were a part of the Panama Unit.
]]> The two men facing charges in this case have not entered a plea agreement and have waived their detention hearing. A bond hearing has been set. The two men will now face the choice of fighting the charges made against them or working to negotiate some sort of plea agreement with prosecuting officials.In a case involving drug charges like this one, the ramifications from a conviction can be serious. Potential penalties run the gamut from jail time to financial fines that can be levied against a defendant. This can make it important for defendants to ensure they have a strong understanding of the charges and possible consequences they could face. This can help them to make more informed decisions as their case proceeds through the Texas court system.
Source: KRK-TV Houston, "2 South Texas men accused of stealing drugs," Feb. 14, 2013
]]>Police arrived upon the scene after the home's occupants called for assistance. When police entered onto the premises to begin their investigation, they noticed drug paraphernalia. They reported seeing glass pipes and noticing a smell of marijuana in the house.
]]> All three individuals were later charged with possessing drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. Reports indicate that authorities observed several items associated with drugs in the home, including alleged drug pipes and residue. Despite what police are now alleging, however, all three accused individuals are guaranteed the presumption of innocence during the legal proceedings now being conducted against them.With a speedy and well-argued defense, individuals facing Texas drug charges can be acquitted or sentences can be reduced dramatically. Particularly for first time offenders, the law does have some room to be empathetic. Individuals can also find holes in the evidence against them in order to be acquitted. For instance, sometimes officers cannot provide proof that they took paraphernalia from a specific occupant or that it belongs to the occupant. Knowing all legally admissible evidence and what pieces of evidence have been collected can help determine what a defendant's next steps should be.
Source: Longview News-Journal, "Three arrested on drug charges after calling to report burglary," Rodger G. McLane, Feb. 12, 2013
]]>The defense is trying to convince Texas jurors that the woman is dishonest and has a troubled past. A host of witnesses testified about the woman's rages and said that she had dealt drugs. One witness, her former bodyguard, was asked about how she made money and he indicated that it was from narcotics. The woman's ex-husband also took the stand. He said that during his marriage to the woman, she had been violent and dishonest.
]]> The woman's ex-boyfriend is being charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, allegedly because he attacked her with knives. According to the accused man, however, he was merely trying to defend himself. He claims that the woman inflicted most of the wounds herself while attempting to injure him, and that her injuries resulted from slipping and falling against a toilet.The man faces life in prison if he is convicted. Many cases involving men as alleged aggressors are easy for jurors to believe. In these circumstances, a particularly strong defense is necessary to defeat stereotypes. Victims in any case deserve to receive justice and feel safe from their attackers, but the accused also have the right to the presumption of innocence unless or until they are proven guilty. Additionally, those accused of aggravated assault need to ensure that their legal rights are upheld at all times throughout the proceedings as they attempt to clear their names.
Source: CBS DFW, "Dallas Torture Trial Drawing To A Close," Robbie Owens, Jan. 31, 2013
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