The American Experience is a false historical concept that holds out the promise that America is the “land of opportunity” where people are allowed to compete equally for success, live in peace and harmony with each other, and worship their religious faith of choice.   Nothing could be farther from the truth.    Hate, unfortunately, is rooted in the very DNA of the American Experience—hatred based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and physical disabilities. It promotes societal distrust, delivers cultural separation, and incentivizes violent political divis ..read more

In the wake of the September 11, 2001 “terror attacks,” the federal government created two national security lists dealing with air travel in and out of the United States: the “No Fly List,” which denied 594 individuals the right to air travel and the “Selectee” list which designated 365 people to undergo enhanced security searches at airports.   Where the government got the information on those original watchlists names remains murky. It can reasonably be assumed that they came from government databases storing tens of thousands of names of real, potential, and imagined terrorists—thousa ..read more

Federal law, distinguishes between theft and embezzlement, and that  is crucial to understanding the legal implications and potential consequences of financial misconduct. Both offenses involve wrongful acquisition of property, but they differ in key aspects such as the relationship between the perpetrator and the property.   In this blog, we’ll delve into the nuances of theft and embezzlement under federal law, exploring their elements, legal definitions, potential defenses, and the importance of seeking representation from an experienced criminal lawyer when facing accusations of f ..read more

Murder prosecutions can occur at both the federal and state levels, each governed by distinct laws and procedures. Understanding the differences between the two prosecutions is essential for individuals facing such charges and their need for legal representation. From jurisdictional considerations to sentencing guidelines, the nuances of each system can have significant implications for the outcome of a case.   Jurisdictional Considerations:   One of the primary distinctions between federal and state murder prosecutions lies in jurisdiction. State courts have jurisdiction over offens ..read more

Being accused of a federal white-collar crime can be an unsettling experience. These offenses, typically involving financial or business misconduct, can carry significant legal and social ramifications.   It is crucial to understand your rights and take the necessary steps to protect yourself in such situations. This blog post sheds light on what to do, and what to avoid, when facing such allegations, emphasizing the importance of seeking legal counsel and building a strong defense.   Maintaining Composure: Self-Preservation in the Face of Accusations   The initial instinct when ..read more

Kim Ogg, once hailed as the “reform darling” in Texas Democratic political circles after she ousted Republican control of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in 2016, now faces a tough uphill battle in her attempt to be elected to the post for a third term. Ogg’s Democratic primary challenger, Sean Teare (a former prosecutor in Ogg’s office), has mounted a serious campaign against the current D.A. with three basic issues:   Ogg has consistently failed to deliver criminal justice reforms she promised in her initial campaign—reforms long supported by a majority of the ba ..read more

Many Americans are aware that U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) was indicted this past September for conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and extortion—all white-collar crimes. The New Jersey lawmaker has a long history, dating back to 2006, of either being investigated or indicted for white-collar criminal activity.    Many less well-known people are charged and convicted of white-collar crimes nationwide. For example, recently, investigations and charges have been filed against individuals for conspiracies to commit wire fraud in conn ..read more

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, between January 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024, there were 50 exonerations nationwide in fifteen states and one from the federal system. Illinois led the way with nine exonerations, while New York and Texas followed with 8 and 6 exonerations, respectively.   Interestingly, all six Texas exonerations came out of Harris County and involved criminal misconduct by one of the Houston Police Department’s most notoriously corrupt officers, Gerald Goines. Two years ago, we posted these observations about Goines and the criminal “Squad 15” narcoti ..read more

On January 25, 2024, Kenneth Eugene Smith became the first person to be executed by a state government in this country through a method known as nitrogen hypoxia. Officials at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama at 7:53 p.m. placed a blue industrial-type mask over Smith’s nose and mouth. Pure nitrogen gas was then pumped into Smith’s lungs through the mask. Media reports say that Smith flatlined 5 minutes before he was pronounced dead at 8:25 p.m.   Some human rights experts believe death by nitrogen hypoxia is painful and excruciating. The S ..read more

When facing federal drug trafficking charges in Texas, individuals encounter a legal landscape fraught with complexities and challenges. From intricate legal nuances to the formidable weight of evidence, defending against such charges demands a comprehensive understanding of the state’s legal system.   In Houston, a city known for a prevalent drug trade, these challenges are particularly pronounced. In this article, we delve into the unique obstacles individuals confront when facing federal drug trafficking charges in Houston, exploring the legal intricacies, evidence issues, and the sign ..read more