A trend in Texas juvenile justice is the introduction of specialty courts. Specialty courts have existed for adults for years, such as drug courts. In some Texas counties, there are now several different juvenile courts for young people struggling with specific issues...
What is reasonable suspicion vs. probable cause?
When it comes to protecting your rights in a criminal case, there are some very important terms you should know, particularly if evidence has been seized in a potentially improper way. One such example is reasonable suspicion vs. probable cause and the different...
What to expect when your child is on court-ordered probation
Juvenile law encompasses all criminal matters involving minors. The standards for juvenile matters are completely different compared to adult cases, combining criminal law and civil procedure and often concluding with court-ordered probation. Take a look at what you...
Bias in police lineups with false identification
Residents of McKinney and other nearby areas of Texas may want to learn about recent changes in the police lineup procedure. Many false identifications happen, resulting in jail time for the wrongly convicted. The Innocence Project mentions that more steps are now in...
Understanding the four grounds for a criminal appeal
Unfortunately, a Texas court may sometimes make an error in judgment when ruling on a case. In the U.S. justice system, those who have experienced an error during their trial can file for an appeal. However, they must have some basic grounds in order to file for a...
How long can you be held for questioning?
Being questioned by police in Texas is one of the most stressful situations anyone can find themselves facing. Police officers commonly do not question anyone who is not suspected of criminal activity, and their powers regarding reasonable suspicion range widely. As...
Are eyewitness testimonies accurate and reliable?
During a criminal trial in Texas, eyewitness testimony is one of the many forms of evidence used in the legal system. It's important to know that eyewitness testimonies aren't always reliable, especially with line-ups that are performed. Studies show that the human...
What causes a wrongful conviction?
The state of Texas might have convicted someone, but that doesn't mean that they're guilty. In fact, research has shown that thousands of people in the United States might have been wrongfully convicted. It's challenging--but not impossible--for wrongfully convicted...
Determinative sentencing in Texas juvenile cases
Juveniles who are not tried as an adult in court will face placement in a Texas juvenile facility. In this type of facility, the child is under the custody and care of the state of Texas. The facility can range from low security to high security; which type of...
Do you qualify for an appeal to a criminal conviction?
Criminal convictions can have long-lasting impacts on your legal and social life long after you've served your time or paid your fines. If you have legitimate grounds for appeal to a past conviction, there is no reason to let these blemishes remain on your record and...
