For decades now, Texas and in particular Harris County has held the mantra “tough on crime”. Political candidates have built their foundation on being tough on crime. It even sounds good to most voters. Who doesn’t want murderers and rapists in prison? But what has it gotten us? At what cost? No, this is not […]
Tough Justice vs Right to be Let Alone Read More »
We have been chosen as Top Lawyers this year by Houstonia magazine! Earl Musick and JoAnne Musick have both been named to the Top Lawyers 2014 list! See the complete list here: http://www.houstoniamag.com/lists/top-lawyers and select Criminal Defense
Top Honors in Houston Read More »
Having just returned from 5 days, 4 nights of “CLE” (continuing legal education), I am drained! Never before has CLE resulted in such an emotional toil. Seems incredibly strange. Interestingly, much of what I saw and learned was very familiar. It’s the way I instinctively try cases anyway. I’m not quite sure where that instinct
Advanced Techniques or Psychodrama Read More »
Facebook: Like it or Leave it, but make no mistake about it law enforcement uses it as tool to probe into your information. And I like that Facebook is telling them to stop using their service to lie! The DEA (drug enforcement agency) creates fake profiles as part of ongoing investigations. And Facebook’s chief security
Listening to Anthony Graves today at the HCCLA Winning Warriors Defender Trial Tactics CLE, I couldn’t help keying on many things he said, one of which was “it shouldn’t be innocent until proven guilty, but rather innocent unless proven guilty.” He was talking about the presumption of innocence and how it truly doesn’t apply (most
Innocent UNLESS Proven Guilty Read More »
nolle prosequi (no-lay pro-say-kwee) n. Latin for “we shall no longer prosecute,” which is a declaration made to the judge by a prosecutor in a criminal case either before or during trial, meaning the case against the defendant is being dropped. The statement is an admission that the charges cannot be proved, that evidence has
You may be wondering if you need a “board certified” attorney. Honestly, you may not “need” one, but it sure is nice to have one whenever possible. Board certified attorneys are specialists in particular areas of the law. Law school prepares lawyers in a broad range of topics and thinking. Law school creates a general
Board Certified: does it matter? Read More »
Today, in an interesting opinion regarding the refusal of PDR, Judge Cathy Cochran notes the error of a judge displaying a MADD (mother’s against drunk drivers) plaque during a DWI trial. Simpson v. State (PDR is the acronym for “petition for discretionary review.” Refusal of PDR indicates the high court has refused to hear the
Error to display MADD plaque Read More »
I’ve said it a hundred times: education is key. Know your candidates and be an educated voter. But also know the roles of those you are electing. Judges are here to follow the law, be fair and impartial, and provide an equal playing field for those appearing in their court. They are not here to
In the Harris County Public Defender’s Office CLE today and Judge Belinda Hill spoke on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office. The look of surprise on her face was priceless as she heard some of the “policies” we hear from assistant district attorneys in court. She will follow up on some of these but, essentially,
district attorney policy: fact or fiction? Read More »
