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Kerrville, Texas- 16 Indicted in Crimespree Connected to Murder (11/19/08)
An Ingram, Texas man was murdered and buried in a shallow grave behind his home. A few months later, a Kerr County grand jury in Kerrville has indicted 16 people in connection with his death. Two men have been charged with the man's murder. Two others have been charged with Aggravated Assault. All 16 were charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity. No defense attorney information.
Amarillo, Texas- Las Vegas Pair Arrested for Marijuana Possession (11/19/08)
Texas state troopers arrested two people from Las Vega following a traffic stop during which 68 pounds of marijuana were discovered. The two are being held in the Wheeler County jail. They were believed to be heading to Kentucky. No information on defense attorneys.
Huntsville, Texas- Convicted Murderer Avoids Execution (11/18/08)
A condemned killer sentenced to die for a kidnapping felony-murder in Houston, was granted a stay of execution by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. His criminal defense attorney argued that his client is mentally retarded and it would be an 8th Amendment violation to execute him.
Raymondville- Willacy County District Attorney Indicts VP (11/18/08)
A south Texas grand jury indicted several government officials including Vice President Dick Cheney, former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and two Cameron County District Judges. The cases were presented by the Willacy County District Attorney who continues to embarrass his district. Thankfully for the people of Willacy County, the District Attorney was defeated in his bid for reelection. He will be replaced in January. Defense lawyers have already filed motions to have the charges thrown out.
San Antonio, Texas- Father Arrested for Inury to Child (11/18/08)
A 23-year-old father was arrested for Injury to a Child/Serious Bodily Injury after his daughter was taken to the hospital for injuries. No information regarding defense lawyers.
Waco, Texas- Prominent Civic Leader Sentenced to Prison (11/18/08)
The former director of Downtown Waco, Inc. has been sentenced to 9 years in prison for embezzling thousands of dollars from the organization. The wife of a prominent Waco attorney, she is widely credited with revitalizing downtown Waco. The Texas Attorney General's Office charged her with first-degree felony theft for stealing approximately $237,000. She was convicted of third-degree theft and ordered to pay $308,000 in restitution. Her defense lawyer represented her pro bono.
Nacogdoches, Texas- Second Trial in Racing Death Case (11/17/08)
The second trial has begun for a Nacogdoches man charged with Felony Racing stemming from an accident in which three people were killed. The man is accused of racing another man and speeding when the accident occurred. The first trial ended in a conviction, but his lawyer had it overturned for misconduct. If convicted of the second degree felony, he can be sentenced up to 20 years in prison. The other man, charged with Intoxication Manslaughter, has already been sentenced to 50 years in prison.
San Antonio, Texas- Man Arrested, Accused of Bank Robbery (11/16/08)
A man was arrested by San Antonio Police and charged with multiple counts of robbery. He is alleged to have robbed a Wachovia bank and fast food restaurants. No information of defense lawyers.
Edinburg, Texas- Probation Granted in Sewer Death Case (11/15/08)
A George West man was convicted on charges of criminally neglient homicide and sentenced to probation for the deaths of two men. He was the supervisor for a sewer cleaning company when he sent two of his men into a sewer without the proper protective gear. Both men died of suffocation.
Fort Worth, TX- Woman Sentenced to Prison for Neglect of Grandmother (11/15/08)
A woman was sentenced to 7 years in prison for the charge of Injury to an Elderly person. The woman was supposed to be caring for her grandmother who was debilitated following a stroke. Instead, her grandmother died as the result of severe neglect which left her malnourished and suffering from bedsores that had eaten away her flesh. The woman's defense lawyer urged probation for his client.
Midland, TX- Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Intoxication Manslaughter (11/14/08)
A Midland man will serve 10 years in prison for Intoxication Mansalughter. The man was driving his motorcycle while intoxicated when he lost control. He and his female passenger were both ejected from the motorcycle. The woman died of massive head injuries. No comment from defense lawyers.
Corpus Christi, Texas- Four Men Sentenced in Federal Court (11/14/08)
Four Robstown Men were sentenced for drug trafficking and money laundering in federal court. A fifth man involved in the crimes has yet to be sentenced. No comment from the defense lawyers involved.
Fort Worth, Texas- District Court Judge Arrested for DWI (11/14/08)
A Tarrant County District Court judge was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop for speeding in Alvarado, Texas. The judge refused to perform field sobriety tests or submit to give a breath specimen. However police did obtain a search warrant to draw blood. Blood tests results are not known at this point, and Johnson County prosecutors have not yet filed charges. The judge's lawyer, Fort Worth criminal defense attorney Mark Daniel stated that his client would eventually be cleared of the charges.
Austin, Texas- DPS Drops Plans for Driver's License Checkpoints (11/14/08)
A request for an Attorney General opinion on the legality of driver's license checkpoints will be withdrawn. The anouncement was made after several legislators voiced strong opposition. Critics of the plan suspected the checkpoints would be used to crack down on illegal immigrants.
Frankston, Texas- Suspect Killed, Officer Hospitalized (11/14/08)
A man suspected of burglary was shot and killed in a confrontation with law enforcement in Anderson County, Texas. The incident began when a citizen reported a home burglary. Frankston police officers were dispatched. An officer was severely assaulted and a suspect was shot and killed. Another suspect later turned himself in according to the Anderson County Sheriff's Office. Texas Rangers are investigating the case. Criminal defense lawyer information unknown.
Corpus Christi, Texas- Two Caught Hauling Marijuana in Ambulance (11/14/08)
A Mission man and another were arrested at the Sarita checkpoint. Drug-sniffing dogs alerted to marijuana concealed within the ambulance the men were driving. A search of the vehicle uncoverd 387 pounds of marijuana. The two face federal drug charges. Criminal defense attorney Armando Cavada said that the ambulance was not altered to conceal the drugs.
Tyler, Texas- Man Guilty of Possessing More than 1200 Lbs of Marijuana (11/14/08)
A Smith County jury convicted a Chandler man for possessing more than 1200 lbs of marijuana. The marijuana was found in water coolers used to conceal to during transport. Prosecutors argued that the man was part of a complex drug organization. Criminal defense lawyer Don Davidson argued that the man did nothing wrong and did not know about the marijuana. During the punishment hearing, the jury was told about three prior convictions for DWI, and sentenced the man to 15 years in prison.
Edinburg, Texas- Judge to Decide Admissibility of Witness Testimony (11/13/08)
A District Court Judge will decide whether a witness may testify in the trial of a Weslaco man on trial for murder in Hidalgo County, Texas. The man, along with two others, are accused of killing a teen mother and burning her body. Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Carlos Garcia has objected to the proposed testimony.
Sugar Land, Texas- Houston Man Charged with Two Murders (11/13/08)
A Houston man is in jail on a $1.05 million bond charged with two murders in Fort Bend County. The killings took place in a Kroger parking lot.
Edinburg, Texas- 800-Pound Woman "Appears" in Court (11/13/08)
A woman charged with Capital Murder and Injury to a Child appeared in court by video teleconference. Her 800-pound weight prevents her from appearing in person. It remains uncertain how her trial will be conducted. The woman's criminal defense attorney refused comment about the case.
Austin, Texas- Travis County Attorney Investigating Lt. Governor (11/13/08)
The Travis County Attorney's Office is investigating accusations that Lt. Governor David Dewhurst violated Texas ethics laws which require officeholders to file statments disclosing the details of their finanaces. Dewhurst's lawyer, Austin criminal defense attorney Roy Minton, says that the Lt. Gov is cooperating with the investigation. Dewhurst has previously stated that he followed the advice of his lawyers in filing his financial statements.
El Paso, Texas- Former Border Patrol Agent Resentenced (11/13/08)
A former border patrol agent who's case has received national attention was resentenced to 12 years in prison by a U.S. District Judge. The hearing was ordered after an appeals court overturned one of his convictions. He was resentenced for the remaining convictions of assault and discharging a firearm during a criminal act. His defense attorney, Ed Mason, said that the sentencing hearing went as expected and they are now hoping to receive a commutation from President Bush.
Odessa, Texas- Inmate Dies in Ector County Jail (11/12/08)
A man who was being held in the Ector County Jail in Odessa, Texas on a $100,000 bond for burglary of a habitation has died. The 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at a hospital where he had been taken for a possible seizure. The Texas Rangers are investigating the death. No statement from attorney.
Bastrop, Texas- Sex Offender on Probation Arrested after Weapons Seized (11/12/08)
The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office, working with Adult Probation, seized numerous firearms from the residence of a man on probation for a sexual offense. The man was arrested on a warrant for a motion to revoke probation. Criminal defense lawyers unknown.
Lufkin, Texas- Inmate Dies After Being Found Unconscious (11/12/08)
A Lufkin man was found unconscious in the Angelina County Jail and was pronounced dead a short time later. The man's wife claims that he had been stunned with a taser gun several times before suffering a cardiac arrest. The Texas Rangers are investigating the man's death. Lawyers unknown.
Huntsville, Texas- Convicted Killer Set to be Executed (11/12/08)
A 36 year old man is set to die Wednesday for the 1994 fatal shooting of a 16-year-old girl in the town of Crosby in Harris County, Texas. His attorneys were unable to overturn the conviction on appeal.
San Antonio, Texas- Alleged Sexual Predator May be HIV Positive (11/11/08)
A 30 year old man has been arrested by police in San Antonio for allegedly sexually assaulting a 7 year old neighbor. The man was arrested after the child made an outcry. The child's father claims that the suspect is HIV positive. He is being held in the Bexar County jail in lieu of a $102,000 bond. He is also being held on a charge of DWI. Criminal defense lawyers unknown.
Brownsville, TX- Former Police Chief Acquitted of Sexual Assault Charge (11/11/08)
A jury found Alton's former police chief Not Guilty of sexual assault. After the verdict, the District Attorney dropped the remaining charges of sexual assault and theft.
Brownsville, Texas- Woman Arrested with $2.6 Million in Cocaine (11/11/08)
A Virginia woman was arrested at the US border in Texas trying to smuggle 81 pounds of cocaine from Mexico. A drug-sniffing dog alerted to the cocaine which was concealed in the woman's car. Criminal defense attorneys unknown.
Round Rock, Texas- 17-Year-Old Gets 30 Years for Bank Robbery (11/11/08)
A Williamson County jury convicted a 17-year-old man on two counts of Aggravated Robbery. He entered a bank with a BB gun and demanded cash. He was senteced to 30 years in prison. No comment from criminal defense lawyers.
Garland, Texas- Former School District Bookkeeper Convicted (11/11/08)
The former employee was sentenced to 10 months in prison for embezzling at least $84,000 from federal education grants. No comment from criminal defense lawyer.
Denton, Texas- State Senator Files to Create New District Court (11/11/08)
A Texas state senator filed a bill that would create a new district court in Denton County, Texas. A study conducted by The National Center for State Courts found that many counties in Texas are in need of additional courts to handle their caseloads. Other counties in need of additional courts include Collin County, Bexar County and Harris County. District Courts have jurisdiction over felony criminal cases.
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Lancaster, Texas- Superintendent May be Referred for Criminal Prosecution (11/18/08)
The Lancaster School District Superintendent is under investigation by school district attorneys. They are investigating to determine whether the superintendent committed any crimes in relation to interest-free loans and payroll advances he authorized with school district funds. School district lawyers may forward evidence they collect to the Dallas County District Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution.
Dallas, Texas- UPS Employees Arrested for Theft (11/19/08)
A total of 7 UPS emplyees have been arrested since August for stealing electronics at the company's transportation hub at the Dallas-Forth Worth airport. No infomation on criminal defense lawyers.
Fort Worth, Texas- Comany Executives Indicted in Eight-Liner Case (11/18/08)
Employees of the Dallas-based Company Aces Wired were indicted by grand juries in San Antonio and Forth Worth. In Bexar County, the grand jury returned indictments for organized crime and money laundering. In Tarrant County, the grand jury returned indictments for organized crime and tampering with evidence. Company attorneys say that they will be cleared of the charges.
Midland, Texas- Defendant Skips Out in Middle of Trial (11/18/08)
A 17-year-old Midland man skipped out on bond during his jury trial on Aggravated Robbery charges. His criminal defense lawyer was forced to deliver closing arguments without his client present. The Judge issued a warrant for the man's arrest. If convicted, attorneys say that the case will proceed to the punishment phase with or without him. If convicted, he could be sentenced to 99 years or life in prison.
Palestine, Texas- Three Men Arrested for Organized Crime (11/18/08)
Three Palestine men were arrested on organized crime and drug charges after investigators found a stolen vehicle and a large cache of weapons. No information on criminal defense lawyers.
New Braunfels- Comal County Man Indicted for Murder of Girlfriend (11/18/08)
A Comal County grand jury indicted a man for the stabbing death of his girlfriend. He faces up to life in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to appear in district court in New Braunfels on December 8. There has been no comment from his defense lawyer or from the Comal County District Attorney's Office.
Seguin, Texas- Baby Death Trial Postponed in Guadalupe County (11/18/08)
The trial of a man accused of capital murder in the death of his daughter has been postponed in Gudalupe County district court. The man's criminal defense attorney sought the delay to give defense expert more time to prepare to testify.
Beaumont, Texas- Accomplice on Trial for Murder in Jefferson County (11/17/08)
Last year a man was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his ex-girlfriend. Now, his alleged accomplice is on trial for the same charge in Jefferson County District Court in Beaumont. If convicted he would face up to life in prison. No pretrial comment from criminal defense attorney or prosecutor.
Seguin, Texas- Man Set for Trial in Baby Death Case (11/16/08)
Prosecutors announced ready for trial in a capital murder case set to be heard in Guadalupe County District Court. The defendant stands accused of killing his 25-day-old daughter in 2007. The Guadalupe County District Attorney will not seek the death penalty. Criminal defense attorneys are also ready.
Randall County- Man Sentenced to Prison for Intoxication Manslaughter (11/15/08)
An Amarillo man will serve at least half of a 5-year prison sentence for the death of another man in 2007. He was driving while intoxicated on the wrong side of the road when he struck and killed the victim. He could have been sentenced up to 20 years in prison. There was no comment from his defense attorney.
Tyler, Texas- Parents Charged with Child Abandonment (11/15/08)
A Hawkins, Texas couple were arrested for leaving their three children unattended at the East Texas Fair. The children ages 6, 8, and 11 were dropped off without supervision from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am. The parents were indicted for Abandoning a Child, a state jail felony. If convicted, they could be sentenced to 180 days to 2 years in state jail. No information regarding criminal defense lawyers.
Orange, Texas- New Warrant Issued in Manslaughter Case (11/14/08)
An Orangefield man who is charged with Manslaughter in the shooting death of his wife failed to appear in Orange County District Court. As a result, his bond was forfeited and a new warrant was issued for his arrest. He is also facing charges for Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger. If convicted, he could be sentenced up to 20 years for Manslaughter. No comment from defense attorney.
El Paso, Texas- Martial Arts Champion Arrested on Drug Charges (11/14/08)
An El Paso martial arts instuctor, who won a world title 7 years ago, was arrested for possession of 58 pounds of marijuana. He is also facing charges of Assault on a Public Servant for allegedly assaulting an El Paso County Sheriff's Deputy. No criminal defense attorney information.
Jasper, Texas- Man Pleads Guilty to Intoxication Manslaughter (11/14/08)
A Buna man pleaded guilty to Intoxication Manslaughter in Jasper County District Court. A Nederland resident was killed when his car was struck. Intoxication Manslaughter is a second-degree felony which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Laredo, Texas- Man Sentenced in Kidnapping Case (11/14/08)
A 26-year-old man was sentenced to more than 20 in federal prison for his role in a 2007 kidnapping case. He is the fourth man to be sentenced for the crime in which the victim was abducted at gunpoint and taken across the border to Mexico to be shot. No comment from the man's defense attorneys.
Amarillo, Texas- Father Senteced to Life for Daughter's Murder (11/14/08)
An Amarillo man accepted a life sentence instead of trial on charges of capital murder in the death of his 6-month-old daughter. His plea spared him the possibility of the death penalty. Having waived his rights to appeal, and with no possibility of parole, this plea "guarantees that he will never be able to hurt another child ever again" said Randall County Criminal District Attorney James A. Farren. The man's criminal defense attorney was not reached for comment.
Corpus Christi, Texas- Report Shows Decrease in Crime (11/14/08)
A new report shows that the crime rate is down by 8% in Corpus Christi over last year. The Corpus Christi Police Department reports shows drops in all seven categories of crime- murder, rape, robbery, burglary, larceny/theft, motor vehicle theft and aggravated assault.
Carrollton, Texas- Superintendent Fired by School Board for DWI Arrest (11/14/08)
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch school board voted to fire their long-time superintendent over her arrest for driving while intoxicated. She was arrested in August at the Dallas-Fort Worth International airport toll plaza. She has not been convicted for the DWI charge, and is scheduled to appear in court in December. DWI defense attorney information unknown.
El Paso, Texas- Mother and Daughter Charged with 223 Pounds Marijuana (11/13/08)
A mother and daughter were arrested at the Bridge of the Americas after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found 223 lbs of marijuana concealed in hidden compartments inside the floor of their van. A canine search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the drugs. Attorney information unknown.
Orange, Texas- Man Sentenced to Probation for Bank Robbery (11/13/08)
A 19-year-old man from Jasper, Texas was sentenced to 10 years deferred adjudication probation for his part in an aggravated robbery of Orange Savings Bank. Orange County Sheriff's Office reports show that the armed men who entered the bank were arrested a short time later. Criminal defense lawyer unknown.
Bastrop, Texas- Former Priest Pleads Guilty to DWI (11/13/08)
A former Smithville, Texas priest was sentenced to probation as part of a plea agreement in which he is to pay $29,000 in restitution. In 2007, he crashed his pickup truck into a restaurant west of Smithville. It was determined that he was driving while intoxicated with a blood-alcohol concentration of more than twice the legal limit. Criminal defense lawyer information unknown.
Eldorado, Texas- More Indictments in FLDS Case (11/13/08)
A Schleicher County grand jury issued 8 more indictments in the criminal investigation of a polygamist religous sect in West Texas. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said that sect leader Warren Jeffs and three other members were charged with several felonies including aggravated sexual assault. The indictments are the result of an investigation in which more than 400 children were removed by CPS from the sect's ranch in Eldorado south of San Angelo, Texas.
Georgetown, TX- Police Chief's Daughter Gets Probation for Drug Charges (11/13/08)
The daughter of the Georgetown Police Chief was put on probation in a Williamson County District Court as part of a plea bargain agreement on drug possession charges. The 18-year-old was found to be in possession of marijuana following a traffic stop. She was also found to be in possession of cocaine during a post-arrest search of her person. The District Attorney said that the plea deal was standard for a first-time felony offense. No comment from her criminal defense lawyer.
Pharr, Texas- Multiple-City Chase Ends in Arrest and Criminal Charges (11/12/08)
A 26-year-old man from Roma led police, DPS troopers and Border Patrol Officers on a dangerous chase before he was finally arrested. The chase started when officers attempted to pull over the man for driving a vehicle with dark tinted windows. Police twice used spike strips before the chase was over. The man was charged with the state jail felony of Evading Arrest/Detention with a Motor Vehicle. He was also charged with Possession of Marijuana after 746 lbs of marijuana were found inside his truck. he faced 2 to 20 years in prison on the marijuana charge. Criminal defense attorneys unknown.
San Antonio, Texas- 19-Year-Old Charged with Intoxication Manslaughter (11/12/08)
A woman was killed in an accident following a party in San Antonio in north Bexar County. The woman was hanging out the backseat window of an SUV when the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a metal fence which ripped the woman from the vehicle. She suffered massive head injuries and died. The driver is alleged to have been driving while intoxicated. Her blood was tested and she was charged with Intoxication Manslaughter. It is unknown at this time whether she has an attorney.
Texas- Fighting Against Condition X Restrictions (11/12/08)
Texas Voices, an organization devoted to changing sex offender laws, is challenging strict parole restrictions referred to as Condition X. When a convicted sex offender is released from prison after serving their sentence, they must live their lives according to a series of strict conditions which make it very difficult for them to rejoin society. Texas Voices and criminal defense attorneys have been challenging these conditions in the courts as due process violations.
New Braunfels, Texas- Man Jailed for Aggravated Assault in Comal County (11/11-08)
Police arrested a man in New Braunfels for allegedley stabbing four people, including his girlfriend. The ages of the victims are 10, 17, 18 and 42. None of the injuries are reported to be life-threatening. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a 2nd degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Criminal defense attorneys unknown.
Brownsville, Texas- Man Sentenced to 99 years for Shooting Officer (11/11/08)
A 19-year-old Harlingen man was sentenced to 99 years for the near-fatal shooting of a police officer. The attempted capital murder was committed during a routine traffic stop. No comment from defense lawyers.
Emory, Texas- Guilty Pleas in Capital Murder Case (11/11/08)
Two men, ages 19 and 20, pleaded guilty to the murders of an East Texas woman and her two young sons. One of the men had been forbidden to date the victim's daughter. With their guilty pleas, the two men escape the death penalty, but will remain in prison for life. No comment from lawyers.
El Paso, Texas- Man Charged with Capital Murder in Death of Son (11/11/08)
A 23 year old El Paso man is in jail on criminal charges of Capital Murder and Injury to a Child resulting from the death of his 10-month-old son. The suspect told police that he was bathing the child when the injuires were sustained.Criminal defense attorneys unknown.
Tyler, Texas- Ax Handle Robber Gets 25 Years (11/11/08)
A Tyler man was sentenced for beating another man with a wooden ax handle and taking cash and jewelry. He was convicted of Aggravated Robbery, a first-degree feloney as part of a plea agreement.
Bandera, Texas- Dad Gets Probation, Son Gets Prison (10/31/08)
A father and son were charged in Bandera District Court with Manufacturing a Controlled Substance (meth). After both men pleaded Guilty, the father was sentenced to 10 years probation, while his son was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The Assistant District Attorney who prosecuted the case said that the son had taken responsibility for the drugs when the two were arrested.
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