Anna Mercedez Gutierrez v. State of Texas, No. 13-24-00208-CR (Tex. App. Corpus Christi, Dec. 16, 2024)

The Corpus Christi Court of Appeals held that Texas's human smuggling statute, as applied to Gutierrez, was conflict-preempted by federal immigration law in a divided opinion.

State v. Villarreal

An analysis of State v. Villarreal — a Texas case involving lost evidence, the Michael Morton Act, the Richard Miles Act, and whether a case can be dismissed for spoliation of evidence.

Diaz v. United States, 602 U.S. 144 S. Ct. 1727 (2024)

The U.S. Supreme Court held in Diaz v. United States that expert testimony about the general mental state of drug couriers does not violate Federal Rule of Evidence 704(b).

Rap Videos in Court?

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reversed a murder conviction after finding that admitting the defendant's rap videos as evidence was an abuse of discretion.

State v. Heath, No. PD-0156-22 (Tex. Crim. App. June 12, 2024)

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled in State v. Heath that prosecutors must turn over all evidence possessed by law enforcement — even if the prosecutor was unaware it existed.

Houston Police Department: Bodycam Footage

As of December 2023, HPD body cameras must remain on standby mode at all times — capturing footage even when officers fail to activate them. Here's what that means for your case.

State v. Escalante, No. 08-24-00158-CR (Tex. App. El Paso)

A breakdown of State v. Escalante — an Operation Lone Star case involving 59 consolidated border riot charges, record alteration by prosecutors, and motions for sanctions.

Can Assault Charges Be Dropped in Harris County? What You Need to Know

Assault charges in Harris County — including domestic violence — can and do get dismissed. Learn how the process actually works and why the victim cannot simply drop the charges.

What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Houston? Your First 15 Days

A DWI arrest in Houston starts a 15-day clock most people don't know about. Miss it and you lose your license automatically. Here's what happens and what to do.

Federal Target Letters in Houston: What to Do When the FBI Knocks

Received a federal target letter or visit from FBI or DEA agents in Houston? Learn exactly what to do — and what not to do — in the critical hours that follow.

Harris County's DIVERT Program: Do You Qualify? A Complete Guide

First-time drug offenders in Harris County may be able to get their charges dismissed and records cleared through the DIVERT program. Find out if you qualify and how it works.

How to Expunge Your Criminal Record in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

An old arrest can cost you jobs and housing for years. Learn how Texas expunction works, who qualifies, and the step-by-step process to permanently clear your record.

Coreas Machado v. State, No. 05-23-00174-CR (Tex. App. Dallas July 22, 2024)

The Dallas Court of Appeals reversed a drug conviction after a police officer revealed the defendant was wearing shackles in front of the jury, violating her due process rights.

Texas Permitless Carry: What Changed in 2021 and What Can Still Get You Arrested

Texas HB 1927 eliminated the permit requirement to carry a handgun — but not the rules about who, where, and how. Learn what changed and what can still get you arrested.

Criminal Charges and Immigration: What Non-Citizens in Houston Must Know Before Accepting Any Plea

Non-citizens who accept a plea deal without understanding crimmigration can face deportation and permanent bars from the U.S. Learn what every non-citizen in Houston must know before accepting any plea.