Another Grits inspired post. CLEAT is the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas, the cop lobby. CLEAT ‘s website lists their legislative agenda, identifying bills they support and oppose. It’s no surprise that CLEAT supports longer sentences, less freedom, and/or more tax dollars for policing; all of which fall under…
I hate red light cameras. These automated taxing agents are the wretched offspring of nanny state fascism and government greed. Google has placed my site near the top for red light camera searches. Many of you come here looking for help. I share your disgust for red lights cameras. However,…
This economy sucks for everyone, defense lawyers included. I’m not expecting much public sympathy for our industry. We don’t have enough political clout for a bailout. Would I trade my libertarian idealism for some free Obama “stimulus” money? Don’t ask. Criminal defense is a somewhat recession proof industry. When the…
Thanks to the War on Drugs, a “tough on crime” lege, and pro conviction appellate courts Texas now has over 400,000 probationers, 25% more per capita than the average state. These probationers all have one thing in common- they don’t want to be on probation. Luckily, probationers in Texas can…
It’s only a matter of time until every public space in Texas has a O Cristo Redentor. Such is the holding of our SCOTUS case of the day Pleasant Grove City vs. Summum. This case has absolutely nothing to do with criminal law. That being said…. Facts- Pleasant Grove City…
Story time. Two weeks ago I went on a day trip to the wonderful Fossil Rim Wildlife park in Glen Rose. FR offers a family friendly safari. Like going to Africa without the shots or airfare. Drivers trek through the Texas hill country tossing food pellets to zebras, giraffes, deer,…
The medical marijuana bill is making it’s way through the Texas house. HB 164 needs your help to survive. Medical marijuana is inevitable. The only question remaining is when a MM bill will pass? You may think it is too soon, and that this isn’t the right group of politicians.…
The Dallas Morning News’ editorial board wants you to quit smoking. Rather than just persuade or educate the public about smoking dangers, DMN wants to use the blunt power of government to force smokers into hiding. Even worse, they want to subject every city and community to the same rules.…
The first Kaufman bar meeting of 2009 was today. Bar president Tracy Booker and Secretary Keenya Greeling did great work planning the vent. Turnout was higher than usual with around two dozen lawyers crammed into the law library. One of the goals for the Kaufman Bar is to have CLE…
Court of Criminal Appeals judge Sharon Keller has been described as “Texas’ Judge Dread”. A self described “pro prosecutor” judge who not only shown a reckless disregard for innocence claims, but infamously closed the courthouse denying a death penalty appeal for Michael Richards. From the Star Telegram- Fort Worth State…