Most readers are aware that I had an earlier career as a prosecutor. My first blog, I Was The State, was named after this experience. To summarize- I spent two years prosecuting misdemeanor cases in two Texas counties (Bowie and Kaufman). Did prosecuting cases make me a better defense lawyer?…
SEO Spammers vs. Legit Blawgers- Round 1 The seo spam comment machines have targeted my blog. I’ve had at least one spam comment per day for the last week. At first, I was naive enough to think that my out of state lawyer audience had vastly increased. After all, I…
Via the Agitator via nevergetbusted.com. Regardless of how you view the drug war, we should all applaud efforts to rid the criminal justice system of corrupt law enforcement. That’s what makes this story so significant. Until now the libertarian/anti drug war movement has been reactionary; waiting for news to happen…
DCDLA Christmas Party The Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Xmas party was tonight at Pappadeux on Oak Lawn. My only complaint was that there were only two food options; fried and dessert. I pitched my open records project to more people than probably wanted to hear about it. One more…
I’m on an ALR win streak. My last three hearings have resulted in a victory for my client. (ALR hearings are when the state moves to suspend your license for a DWI arrest). I know these clients appreciated not having their license suspended. However, two of the victories were dismissals…
Dallas’ red light camera program was struck down yesterday. A judge ruled the city’s shameless money grab violates Texas law. I have been following the proliferation of red light cameras in Texas. It’s a greedy government pig covered with some public safety lipstick. Why did the judge rule these cameras…
Photographed outside the State Office of Administrative Hearings in Dallas (where DWI ALR hearings are held). EVE was not nearby. I often worry about the militarization of our police forces. I’m glad to see DPD going the complete opposite direction with the Lt. Jim Dangle inspired police segway. <!––>
Many potential clients assume that if there no video tape of a DWI arrest, it helps their case. They believe that the absence of such evidence will make it harder for the State to convict them. Some also believe the State will, or must, dismiss the case for lack of…
I check the fresh opinions from the Dallas Court of Appeals almost daily. TCDLA helps me stay on top of opinions from across the State. Today, a TCDLA member shared an interesting DWI case with the defense bar. Kurt Wells vs. The State of Texas– This opinion was handed down…
Every fall brings about an influx of phone book representatives. They ascend upon law offices searching for easy ad revenue. For most attorneys it is a non decision- they are bound by fear and tradition to keep advertising in the phone book. The phone book rep will always tell you…