An Army captain in Texas has been charged with murder in the death of another Army captain with whom she’d been having a romantic affair. The woman was one of two people charged in the death of the victim. The deceased died at around 6 in the morning on Oct. 11 after...
Violent Crime
What’s intoxication assault in Texas?
You were out, having fun, and you had a few drinks. You figured you were fine to drive, however, because you didn't particularly feel drunk.You weren't actually fine, however, and someone got badly hurt. Now, you're facing charges of "intoxication assault." Most of...
3 reasons eyewitness testimony is unreliable
Police and prosecutors alike love eyewitness testimony. If someone says they saw you commit a crime, you can bet that authorities are going to train all of their attention on you -- maybe to the exclusion of any other evidence that doesn't fit with that witness's...
Texas man’s case highlights flaws in DNA evidence
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing has long been heralded as the "gold star" of evidence among both law enforcement officers and juries. In a world where television magic has convinced most people that DNA is always subjected to exacting tests and provides...
What’s the weapon focus effect?
If you were faced with an armed robber, would your mind be on the gun or the robber's face? If you saw a shooting in the middle of a street, what would attract your attention more: The flash of the muzzle when the gun goes off or the actions of the shooter?Eyewitness...
Texas woman pleads guilty to injuring her child
Did a Texas woman really subject her young son to 13 unnecessary surgeries and dozens of pointless doctor's visits and hospital trips?According to the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, she did. Now, she's accepted a plea deal that puts her in prison for a six-year...
What is the Castle Doctrine in Texas?
The concept of justifiable homicide as an act of self-defense has been in the news lately, mostly due to the trial of a Dallas police officer who killed a man when she mistook his apartment for her own.The police officer's defense rested on the concept of the "Castle...
Murder and manslaughter: What’s the difference?
There are several differences between the types of charges that can result from a homicide -- and it's in your best interest to understand the shades of meaning as well as you can if you've been accused.Let's discuss the legal distinctions between murder and...
Justice isn’t blind when it comes to race
Everyone in America is promised equal treatment under the law.If you're black, however, you probably already believe that's a myth. Now, there's evidence to back up what you may have always known: Race sometimes matters more than the truth and innocence won't...
Dallas is about to get tough on violent crime
Dallas has a crime problem -- and Governor Greg Abbott isn't going to let it continue.The spike in violent crimes in the Texas city has already attracted a lot of press attention -- partially due to comments by the city's police chief about people who have been...