Posted on September 08, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Technology continues to transform all aspects of society - including the field of white collar crime investigation. Advanced computing power, digital communications, and online records have fundamentally changed how investigators pursue complex financial fraud, corruption, and cybercrime cases. Here is an overview of some of the key impacts of technology on crime investigations and how a Texas attorney can help.

Vastly Increased Data Sources

The digital trails left by suspects have exploded the amount of potential evidence available to investigators. Emails, texts, online activity logs, GPS data, mobile/CCTV footage, and records from smart home devices can all be parsed for clues. This veritable “big data” treasure trove can reveal communication patterns, transactions, locations, and more. However, it requires new data mining tools and techniques to filter meaningful signals from noise.

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 Posted on August 28, 2023 in Criminal Defense

In the state of Texas, drug offenses are taken very seriously. Simple possession of certain drugs may lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, and more serious charges will typically apply if a person is accused of drug distribution or manufacturing controlled substances. However, there are some cases where drug-related crimes can result in charges at the federal level. People who are involved in schemes to distribute drugs or engage in drug trafficking may face federal drug conspiracy charges. When defending against these charges, it is crucial to work with an attorney who has experience representing clients in federal courts.

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 Posted on August 21, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Parents are required to protect and care for their children. However, accidents can happen in any household, and in some cases, parents may be worried that they could face criminal charges when their children suffer injuries. There are some situations where a parent may be charged with the offense of injury to a child, and it is important for parents to understand the circumstances that could lead to these charges and the penalties of a conviction. Contacting an attorney to defend yourself against these charges is a wise decision to ensure you can pursue a favorable case outcome.

Child Neglect and Abuse

In cases where a child's injury may have occurred because of neglect or abuse, a parent may face criminal charges. Child neglect may occur in situations where a parent or caregiver fails to provide the proper supervision, nutrition, healthcare, education, or protection for a child. Child abuse, on the other hand, involves intentional harm to a child through physical violence, emotional abuse, or sexual assault.

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 Posted on August 15, 2023 in Criminal Defense

In the state of Texas, engaging in prostitution is a criminal offense, and people who hire prostitutes may also face criminal charges. If you have been arrested for offenses related to prostitution, it is crucial to understand the potential penalties you may face and your options for defense.

The Definition of Prostitution and Solicitation

Under Texas law, prostitution refers to the act of offering or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct with another person for compensation. Solicitation, on the other hand, involves offering or agreeing to pay someone for engaging in sexual conduct. “Sexual conduct” may include sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual contact. While prostitution may be charged as a Class B misdemeanor, solicitation of prostitution may result in state jail felony charges.

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 Posted on August 07, 2023 in Criminal Defense

White collar crimes are serious offenses, and they can have severe legal consequences for those accused or convicted of these charges. If you have been charged with a white collar crime in Texas, you have the right to defend yourself, and you should be treated as if you are innocent until you are proven guilty in a court of law. The key to mounting a successful defense is enlisting the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who has experience representing clients who have been charged with white collar crimes. Here are some possible defenses that may be available to you as you address criminal charges:

1. Lack of Intent

To prove that a person is guilty of a white-collar offense such as fraud or embezzlement, the prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant had the intention to commit the crime knowingly and willfully. That is, the defendant must have intended to wrongfully deprive someone else of their money or property. If your attorney can show that there was no intent on your part to engage in illegal activity or commit fraud, this can weaken the prosecution's case against you, and the charges could potentially be dismissed.

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 Posted on July 28, 2023 in Criminal Defense

When a person is charged with a criminal offense in Texas, intent will often play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a case. Intent refers to the mental state or purpose behind an individual's actions. It is an essential element that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a conviction. Understanding the role of intent is vital for defendants.

Types of Intent

In Texas, there are several different types of intent that can be relevant in criminal cases:

1. General intent

   This refers to the intent to commit a particular act, without the need to prove a specific outcome or result. For example, if someone intentionally strikes another person, causing harm, they can be charged with assault, even if they did not intend to cause serious injury.

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 Posted on July 21, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Embezzlement is a serious crime that involves the misappropriation of funds or other property entrusted to someone's care. In Texas, embezzlement is a white collar crime that is a form of theft, and depending on the circumstances of a case, it may be treated as a misdemeanor or felony offense. If convicted, individuals may face severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. People accused of this offense will need to be sure to understand the elements of embezzlement and the circumstances under which a person can be charged with this crime in Texas.

What Is Embezzlement?

While embezzlement is not a formal offense that is defined in Texas law, it is a form of theft that may result in criminal charges. Embezzlement occurs when a person who has been entrusted with someone else's property or funds intentionally misappropriates or converts them for personal gain. This crime typically involves a breach of trust, as the individual accused of embezzlement had usually been granted authority or responsibility over the assets they are accused of stealing.

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 Posted on July 14, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Drunk driving can be very dangerous, and when drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they are more likely to cause accidents that may result in serious injuries and extensive property damage. Because of these dangers, the laws prohibiting intoxicated driving are strictly enforced. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in Texas, with severe consequences for those who are convicted. However, if a child is present as a passenger in a vehicle operated by an intoxicated driver, the charges and penalties can become even more severe. People who have been arrested for drunk driving will need to understand the legal implications of Texas DWI charges involving a child passenger.

Child Endangerment Laws in Texas

Texas has specific laws in place to protect children from being exposed to dangerous situations, including cases where a child is in a vehicle operated by an intoxicated driver. According to Texas Penal Code Section 49.045, a person can be charged with the offense of Driving While Intoxicated With Child Passenger if they were operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance, and there was a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle at the time of the offense.

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 Posted on July 06, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Child molestation is a serious offense that is met with severe penalties in the state of Texas. Child molestation is also known as child sex abuse, and it generally refers to any sexual act or sexual contact with a child under the age of 17. In order to protect the well-being of children, the Texas legal system imposes strict punishments on individuals found guilty of child molestation.

What Constitutes Child Molestation in Texas?

In Texas, child molestation is covered under various criminal statutes, including those related to child sexual assault, indecency with a child, and continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children. These statutes define specific acts that are considered child molestation, such as:

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 Posted on June 27, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Burglary and criminal trespass are two closely related - but distinct - crimes. Of the two, burglary is considered quite a bit more serious. Burglary is a felony, while criminal trespass can be charged as a misdemeanor. Both crimes involve unlawfully entering another party’s property in some way, but there are a few key differences. If you are facing either charge, it is important that you understand the seriousness of the situation. You could face jail time for either offense. If you are charged with burglary, you face more than a year in prison. The maximum sentence for burglary is 20 years. Criminal trespass carries less than a year in jail in most cases, but probation is a possibility. With either charge, it is essential to find a good criminal defense lawyer. The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. is highly experienced in helping those charged with burglary, trespass, and other property crimes. 

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