Millions of Americans are imprisoned across the United States. Time spent in jail is often isolating, and demeaning, and deprives prisoners of high-quality food, leisure activities, and even visits with family members or friends. Time in prison is not meant to be enjoyable, but for those who have been falsely accused of murder, it can be emotionally taxing and devastating. Contact a Houston homicide defense attorney for legal counsel. Even though the United States judicial system may be considered one of the most comprehensive across the globe, false accusations and convictions continue to be ..read more

Mail fraud involves any illegal activity or scheme conducted using the United States Postal Service (USPS). Mail fraud may be used to extract information or money from someone using false statements. Mail fraud in Texas is punishable under state and federal law and carries severe penalties if convicted.  It is imperative to contact a Houston fraud attorney if accused of this serious offense. Types of Mail Fraud The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) states that mail fraud can originate online, in the mail, or by phone. Types of mail fraud that may result in charges include ..read more

Marrying a U.S. citizen allows an individual to be granted a two-year permanent residency in the United States. However, this permanent residency is based on conditions that must be met to remain in the U.S. after two years. Additional steps must be taken to retain specific rights. While two years may seem like a long way off, failing to meet U.S. immigration requirements can result in legal complications and separation from your spouse. Below, we address removing the residency conditions and providing a smoother transition. Our team gladly serves individuals asking questions about immigration ..read more

Harsh penalties are imposed on individuals believed to be involved in gang activity in Texas. The Texas legislature has enacted laws to target any perceived or actual actions by street gangs. Reviewing these laws gives a clearer understanding of how a Houston criminal defense attorney can help if you are charged with Texas gang crimes.  How Texas Law Defines a Gang Texas has defined a gang as at least three or more individuals regularly affiliating in criminal activity (71.01) that share identifiers such as signs or symbols and have a recognizable leader. The membership in this organizati ..read more

From time to time, an increase in the issuance of Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID) occurs in family petition cases, which can be disheartening and frightening. But there is hope, and these petitions can be approved when the appropriate work goes into submitting a thoughtfully prepared and thorough response. It is each person’s right to marry who they want, though marrying a US citizen does not always guarantee permanent resident status. Understanding why a NOID was issued is imperative to overcome an unfavorable ruling. In family petition cases where the validity of a marriage is questioned by ..read more

New immigration bills continue to be introduced in Texas rapidly, making it challenging to keep up with what bills have become laws and what actions can legally be taken against an individual seeking to immigrate to the United States. Immigration laws in Texas will continue to be complex issues for some time. One of several current bills approved by the Texas Senate is House Bill 7. A primary focus for a knowledgeable Houston Immigration Attorney is to continually protect the rights of individuals throughout the immigration process despite ongoing changes in immigration law. Provisions in the ..read more

When you are facing any type of legal matter, you have the right to go to court and represent yourself. The problem with this is that the experience, pressure, and process of doing so is complex, and often, the result is a loss to those who represent themselves. So, how do you hire a lawyer when you have a low income? There are several factors to keep in mind. First, realize the importance of having a DWI defense attorney. Without an attorney, you are putting yourself on the line for the worst possible outcome. That means that it could impact you for years to come, depending on your individual ..read more

In Texas, bond hearings can be requested by individuals being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  A bond hearing must be requested to start this process. Following the steps that lead back to your family can be challenging and frightening. Below, we share what a bond hearing consists of so you understand what to expect. Assistance is available from a dedicated Houston immigration attorney that strives to protect your best interests and keep you with your family. The Bonds Hearing Process This process allows a faster way to get out of detention and back with your family ..read more

When a solid defense is required in a criminal case in Houston, jurors rely on the evidence and eyewitness testimony to make life-changing decisions. Witnesses will share their accounts of an event, informing jurors about what they experienced, and their testimony can be entered as evidence.  You may have been charged with a crime and are considering hiring an expert witness to add to the credibility of the facts surrounding your defense. Before deciding if expert witness testimony will work in your favor, gathering this essential information on an expert witness’s background can determin ..read more

Texas laws present strict penalties against rape. Date rape and spousal rape are no exception. Rape takes place when a victim does not consent to or is coerced into engaging in the sex act. The same penalties apply in Texas whether the rapist knows their victims or not.  Victims of rape are people who did not or could not consent, meaning if they are drunk, on drugs, or unconscious, they could not consent to participate in a sex act, making it a violation if one occurs. Consent is required for all, dates and spouses included. Children under 17 are not considered mature enough to offer con ..read more