Over the past couple of years, a once little-known cannabinoid called delta-8 THC has surged in popularity due to its similarities to marijuana — especially in states where marijuana (containing delta-9 THC over .3%) is illegal, like Texas. Walk into any smoke shop or CBD retailer in Texas and chanc...
What is a war crime? War crimes are "grave breaches" of international laws designed to hold individuals criminally responsible for actions that take place during an armed conflict. A set of treaties referred to as the Geneva Conventions stem from a series of conventions in Hague that began defining ...
If your spouse has been accused of a crime in Texas, can you refuse to testify at their trial? In most cases, the answer is yes – but there are some exceptions. Here's what you need to know about spousal immunity in Texas. What is spousal immunity in Texas? Spousal immunity is a long-standing rule t...
Over the past several years, a crime trend called "bank jugging" or "jugging" has grown in popularity in Texas. Jugging occurs when a suspect watches a bank or high-end store and then follows a customer after they leave to steal their money or valuables. Law enforcement has been warning the public a...
In Texas, it is not uncommon for judges to issue gag orders in high-profile criminal cases. But what exactly is a gag order and why are they necessary? In this article, we will discuss gag orders in Texas, their purpose, and the consequences of violating one. What is a gag order? A gag order is a co...
During criminal trials and proceedings, you will see attorneys stand up and make various objections. But what do these objections mean? And why are they being made? Criminal courtroom terminology and proceedings can be confusing for those not familiar with the law. In this blog post, we are go...
When clients call our law firm to discuss intoxication offenses, they often use the words DUI and DWI interchangeably. However, these two offenses are not the same thing in Texas. A DUI is reserved solely for people under the age of 21, while a person of any age can be charged DWI as long as certain...
Each year, thousands of mentally ill people are arrested in Texas. A small number of them will plead "not guilty by reason of insanity." But what does that mean? And what happens to them if they are found not guilty by reason of insanity? Not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) is a seldom-used defe...
Although it is rare, judges sometimes choose to sequester, or isolate, a jury in high-profile criminal trials. Basically, the jurors are kept away from other people and outside influences for the duration of the trial. In this article, we will explain jury sequestration and answer common questions a...
If you have been arrested for a federal crime, you will be asked to enter an initial plea of "guilty" or "not guilty" very early in the process. This can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if this is your first time in the federal justice system. In this article, we are going to explain...
After someone is convicted in federal court – either by pleading guilty or by a trial – the federal sentencing process begins. Unlike state court, a judge is the only entity that can hand down a sentence in federal court. To arrive at a fair and just punishment, the federal judge relies heavil...
It's a hot summer day and you are out running errands with your toddler. You park in a convenience store parking lot and notice that your baby is asleep in the car seat. You decide to quickly run into the store, leaving your child in the car unattended. Can you be arrested for leaving a child ...
Federal Sentencing Hearings A federal sentencing date is, undoubtedly, a day no one looks forward to. This is the day when a judge announces a defendant's prison sentence and how long he or she will be on supervised release after serving time. The judge will also order any fines or mandatory financi...
It is not uncommon for a CPS investigation to occur at the same time a criminal investigation is taking place in Texas. This is especially true in cases involving allegations of child physical or sexual abuse or neglect. In Texas, CPS is required, by law, to refer all reports of child abuse or...
FORT WORTH – The law firm of Varghese Summersett has been listed as one of Fort Worth's Fastest Growing Companies by Fort Worth Inc. magazine. The law firm came in No. 6 on a list of 30 companies, which were ranked based on three-year revenue growth. Fort Worth Inc. unveiled the rankings on January...
A sobriety or DWI checkpoint refers to locations where law enforcement specifically stop vehicles to check drivers for signs of intoxication. Often times, police set up these checkpoints on busy highways during holidays, such as the Fourth of July or New Year's Eve. Since checkpoints also stop drive...