JoAnne Musick

joannemusick

General Information – Criminal Cases

Got questions about criminal cases? Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with a quick overview of criminal law, hiring a lawyer, what happens in court, and more. What do I look for in hiring an attorney? Most importantly, you need a lawyer with experience in the area of law where your problem

General Information – Criminal Cases Read More »

Divorce Disclosures

Thinking about getting a divorce? Recently filed for divorce? Recently served with a divorce? If you answered, yes, to any of these questions, you need to know about divorce disclosures. For decades, the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure encompassed requests for disclosures that allowed parties to serve their opposing parties with “requests” for disclosures. The

Divorce Disclosures Read More »

After the Hiatus

In January 2017, I left private practice and returned to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. I loved the practice of law and especially defending those accused of criminal offenses, but I was offered an opportunity to change the system…from the inside. By returning to the District Attorney’s Office, I was able to help shape

After the Hiatus Read More »

Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should – Revisited

One year ago today, I wrote “Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should” to discuss the discretion of prosecutors. Prosecutors can and do choose which offenses and people they will prosecute. It’s a matter of resources. It’s a matter of proof. It’s a matter of discretion. Every case that is prosecuted requires some portion

Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should – Revisited Read More »

More HPD Crime Lab Problems; This Time it’s the Crime Scene Unit

Yes, I said HPD Crime Lab rather than Houston Forensic Science Center. Despite the fancy new name and claimed independence, it’s the same old game. This time the Lab commissioned an audit of its crime scene unit related to officer-involved shootings. The purpose of the audit was to address complaints by the District Attorney’s Office

More HPD Crime Lab Problems; This Time it’s the Crime Scene Unit Read More »