Blog
When Police Know Where Your Cellphone Is
Q: Can police obtain the records of your cellphone location without a warrant to determine where you have been in the past weeks, months, etc. (or likely where you are currently, based on past locations)? A: No, police are required to obtain a warrant. However, some...
Can I Vote If I Have Been Convicted of a Felony?
Can I vote if I have been convicted of a felony? A person can STILL VOTE if the person has been convicted of a felony, as long as the person is (1) no longer on probation, parole, or incarcerated (in prison or jail) AND (2) two years have elapsed since supervised...
Involuntary Civil Commitment for Substance Abuse
It might surprise many to know that, as of 2015, thirty-three states (including the District of Columbia) have laws on the books authorizing civil commitment for adults who have substance abuse issues—absent any criminal charge. It might be even more surprising to...
Self-Defense During “Zombie” Attack
My good friend Derek has asked me (several) times if he could shoot someone he believed to be a zombie who was trying to eat him. Since I blogged about self-defense last week, I figured I would address Derek’s question here. Obviously, the answer is “no,” but why is...
When Assault Is Not “Assault”: Self-Defense, Mutual Combat, and Defense of Others
I have spent most of my life in Texas. I was born here and have lived here for nearly 36 years with the exception of an odd year or two out of state while in school. When I talk with other criminal defense lawyers (or really anyone!) who does not live in Texas, one...
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