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 … Read more

(il)Legal Copycat

In what Internet universe would a lawyer steal the words and work of another and not expect to be caught or called out? Why would a lawyer post “news” on their website by simply trolling the Internet and stealing others news? And, if a lawyer were going to do so, would they just take the … Read more

Can My Client be Impeached with Prior Juvenile Adjudications?

Well, generally, no, but it depends. (Don’t you just love that answer!) Texas Rules of Evidence, Rule 609(a) speaks generally to impeachment with criminal convictions. Juvenile adjudications are not criminal convictions, and are therefore, generally not admissible for impeachment purposes. Rule 609(d) specifically addresses juvenile adjudications: (d) Juvenile Adjudications. Evidence of a juvenile adjudication is … Read more

Unforeseen Consequences

Criminal convictions have intended consequences. They carry punishments that include life and liberty. Convictions can cause someone to be jailed for a period of time. They can cause payment of fines and participation in rehabilitative programs. But what happens when the punishment is over? After the punishment comes the collateral consequences – the unforeseen consequences … Read more

The Defender Summer 2015

Just when I think I run out of steam, another Defender energizes me! View and download this issue here We have an amazingly talented group of writers who regularly assist me by providing research and writing on current criminal justice topics. And we have an amazing designer who brings the pages to life through pictures.  … Read more

49.04 + 37.09 = NOLLE; Police Video Exploits

On July 23, 2011, C.O. was arrested for DWI by Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Anthony Aulds. According to the report, Deputy Aulds received a call about a Chevy Silverado following an intoxicated driver westbound on Gulf Pump Road. The call slip said the Toyota had run off the road three or four times.[1] At 02:08 … Read more