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 … Read more
Sure, a prosecutor can choose to prosecute a case, but that doesn’t always mean he or she should. Trace Cocaine Cases Years ago, then Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos made the choice to decline prosecution of trace amounts of cocaine. This didn’t mean she approved or condoned cocaine possession. It didn’t mean cocaine cases … Read more
This September 1, the criminal justice system finds itself amidst change. Below are some of the highlights of our new legislation. Theft Through House Bill 1396, Texas passed legislation that changes the “value ladder” for many property crimes. Property crimes such as theft, mischief, graffiti, frauds and other various offenses use the “value” of the … Read more
‘This idea of total incarceration just isn’t working.’—Justice Anthony Kennedy Justice Kennedy and Justice Breyer speak out against a broken system. I agree! Incarceration is expensive. Recidivism rates are higher following incarceration because those offenders can no longer get jobs. They didn’t get “help” in prison. They are left without sufficient resources following long periods … Read more
It is difficult enough to find work. Saddle a person with a “conviction” or even a “probation” and employers will quickly pass on that applicant. Our “tough on crime” mentality over the past 20-30 years has created an environment where 17 year olds (treated as adults for even minor offenses) with a first possession of … 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 … Read more
For the past several years, 25i (or synthetic LSD), a designer drug, has been sold and used in the greater Houston area. Many user believed this drug to be “legal”, and they were correct within the State of Texas for a short time. In Texas, drugs are listed by schedules (in the Controlled Substances Act) … Read more