Houston TX Criminal Law Blog

It's no surprise that the economic recession has affected Texas families in many ways. As individuals lose their jobs, financial assets or their homes, it is not hard to believe they are under a tremendous amount of pressure as they try to help support their family. A recent study suggests that cases of domestic violence can be directly linked to a struggling economy.

According to the study, released by USA Today, police departments around the country have seen an uptick in the number of domestic violence calls since the economy took a turn for the worst. Nearly 40 percent of law enforcement centers have seen an increase in such cases over the last couple years. The Houston area is not immune from this national trend, as local officials have noted a similar pattern.

Everybody has made an irrational choice that they cannot explain. Sometimes the choice is relatively inconsequential and, other times, the choice can have long-lasting repercussions. One Houston, Texas, woman is facing the possibility of the death penalty after she reportedly committed an act of murder and kidnapping out of desperation. The woman's attorney indicated that the circumstances of this criminal case do not warrant such a punishment.

According to reports, the Houston woman was completely distressed over losing a child as a result of a miscarriage. She told her fiancé that she had their baby, despite the miscarriage, and was looking for a baby she could bring home. At this point, the nurse went to the local hospital and shot a 28-year-old new mother, apparently, in order to take her child. The woman then took the baby, brought the baby boy to her sister's house and told her sister that she intended to adopt the child.

Those convicted of DWI can face a number of penalties, not limited to jail time or monetary fines. In addition to the social stigma attached to a drunk driving charge, people may have difficulty finding employment or obtaining a driver's license. Now, Texas law enforcement officials are implementing a new piece of technology designed to catch individuals violating their probation for repeat drunk driving offenses.

New portable Breathalyzer technology is allowing probation officers in some Texas counties to monitor people remotely. Those who are sentenced to take regular alcohol tests are sent a text message to blow into the testing device to ensure they are not in violation of their probation. Not only does the device test the person's breath for traces of alcohol, but it also tracks them via GPS technology.

The trial for the man accused of burning down a Houston, Texas, furniture store has been delayed because the man's defense team successfully argued that he is not competent to stand trial. According to reports, the man has a nonmalignant brain tumor, which has impaired his cognitive and physical abilities. This medical ailment has left the man unable to adequately participate in his own property crimes defense. After the man recuperates, the trial will resume.

Reportedly, the 69-year-old man is said to have set fire to a large furniture store where he was once employed. A longstanding feud with the store's owner is said to be the reason why the man would consider committing arson. He has been charged with criminal mischief for his role in starting the blaze, which could lead to a sentence of probation or life behind bars, depending on whether or not he is convicted. Ever since he was suspected of committing this act of arson, the man has maintained his innocence.