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Malhotra is backed by the police union and other law enforcement organizations. On July 14th, Margaret Kercher and Dimple Malhotra are squaring off for a seat as judge in Travis County Court #4, which exclusively handles domestic violence misdemeanors. Those who know me are aware that I mostly avoid politics. However, since I have met …

Change is needed in Travis County Court 4. An Endorsement of Margaret Kercher for Judge Read More »

A simple change in the law could prevent tragedies like George Floyd. You may not know what it means right now, but the legal term “Qualified Immunity” is about to become a household term. It is a big reason why police are able to get away with so much brazen misconduct with so little oversight. …

How Qualified Immunity is Enabling Police Brutality Read More »

Like most of America, I was outraged when I heard about the Ahmaud Arbery murder. The horrific facts of the shooting – Arbery was simply running down the street, bothering no one when he was chased and gunned down – are matched by the equally horrifying response of Waycross District Attorney, George Barnhill. I do …

Justice for Some: What the Ahmaud Arbery’s tragedy tells us about the prosecution of crime in America Read More »

Travis County Criminal Courts slated to reopen June 1, but face tough decisions over jury trials Chief Judge Brenda Kennedy has signed an order that will allow courts to “reopen” on June 1. I put that in quotes, because the court has of course remained open for essential settings such as determining bond for newly …

Travis Courts to reopen June 1 Read More »

With all the news lately surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic, you can be forgiven for not paying attention to a recent order by Governor Abbott to release more folks who are arrested, and inmates whose cases are pending. Criminal defense lawyers did notice, though, and maybe not for the reasons you might expect.   Usually, an …

Greg Abbott issues unconstitutional COVID order Read More »

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every facet of our lives, and court is not immune. Jury trials in all local jurisdictions have been cancelled. After all, you can’t sit a jury without gathering people together and increasing risk of infection.   In Travis, Hays, and Williamson counties, all non-essential hearings are being cancelled. Courts are …

The Impact of COVID-19 on Criminal Courts Read More »

DWIs in Texas Just Got a Whole Lot More Expensive … Maybe In September 2019, The Texas Legislature finally axed the Surcharges Program that caused so many problems for the less wealthy Texans that were caught in that trap. But this came with a big caveat for those now charged with DWI. DWI final convictions …

Mandatory DWI Fines Read More »

“Dick Pics” now illegal in Texas This photo of an eggplant would not result in a $500 fine. Because I was already married when apps like Tinder began taking over the dating scene – And also because I’m a guy – I’ve never had to deal with an unsolicited dick pic. Of course they happen …

unwanted pics Read More »

Governor Abbott has caused a bit of a conundrum for Texas prosecutors.  In June, new rules were signed into law regarding hemp.  This is an attempt by Texas to fall in line with other states looking to capitalize on the added revenue that hemp crops can provide. But Greg has a problem now when it …

What is going on with Marijuana Laws in Texas? Read More »

There are some important changes to Texas DWI law that will come into effect September 1 of this year.  They will relate directly to the fines levied against those convicted of DWIs.  Whether this is good or bad news for people charged with DWIs will depend on exactly how courts interpret the new laws, as …

New DWI Laws Coming September 1. Surcharges Program Eliminated! Read More »