Juries are awed by forensic science in the courtroom. Fingerprint comparison, DNA, handwriting analysis, ballistics,blood-splatter, shoe print comparison, etc. Prosecutors across the county depend upon this evidence to obtain convictions and juries are conditioned by television shows, like CSI, to expect it. However, a recent report from the National Academy of Sciences says much of [...]
A collateral consequence of conviction is a sanction that is not imposed expressly as part of the sentencing process. Rather, it is imposed by legislative action which creates penalties applicable by the operation of law. We looked at different aspects of collateral consequences in recent posts. Our final installment of collateral consequences show how holders [...]
We started this series on collateral consequences of a criminal conviction here. Many problems the convicted person faces are the result of these collateral consequences. A collateral consequence is a sanction that is not imposed expressly as part of the sentencing process. Rather, it is imposed by legislative action which Conviction Consequencescreates penalties applicable by [...]
I had ideas to share with my readers about the unforeseen consequences of Texas state convictions. Many problems the convicted person faces are the result of collateral consequences. A collateral consequence is a sanction that is not imposed expressly as part of the sentencing process. Rather, it is imposed by legislative action which creates penalties [...]
In April 2008, persons on probation in Texas had their out-of-state travel plans placed on hold when an assistant Texas attorney general met with the Texas Judicial Advisory Council (JAC) and told the judges they lacked the authority under the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision rules to allow anyone on probation in Texas to [...]
Meth, ecstasy and cocaine possession are felony grade offenses. The fines, penalties and jail time will depend upon the amount possessed. Conviction for less than a single gram of cocaine or methamphetamine may be punishable by up to two years in a state jail facility and by a fine up to $10,000. Any or all [...]