Police Department Reports Significant Increase in Assaults and Other Crime Amidst Pandemic As reported by KPRC 2 News, there has been a spike in crime during the COVID-19 pandemic.  In an incident report prepared by the Houston Police Department and provided to KPRC 2 News, there was already a 9% increase in

Allegations of Fraud and Abuse in Coronavirus Stimulus Relief In an effort to curtail the financial impact of mandatory shutdowns due to the coronavirus outbreak, the federal government passed a $2.2 trillion stimulus package. The economic relief package, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, included a combination

Coronavirus Stimulus Fraud In an effort to assist economic hardships created by the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus and forced shutdowns, the federal government $2.2 trillion relief package known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES ACT includes economic impact payments or stimulus checks that were

Galveston PD Sergeant Held Without Bond for Allegedly Violating Court Orders and Stalking According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, a 17-year-veteran of the Galveston Police Department was arrested for the fourth time on charges related to family violence. Three of the arrests occurred within a week. Justin Popovich, 38, was

The Declaration of a State of Disaster Increases the Punishment for Certain Crimes On March 13, 2020, Governor Gregg Abbott Declared a State of Disaster in Texas due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Pursuant to Penal Code Section 12.50, there is an increase in punishment for certain crimes committed in an area subject

Understanding Jurisdiction and Sovereignty at the State and Federal Level A person can be charged for a state crime, a federal crime, or both. Most crimes are prosecuted at the state level and are handled through municipal and county district courts. Certain crimes, however, may be prosecuted at the federal level. For

Fighting Allegations of Criminal Sexual Assault In Texas, sexual assault is one of the most serious criminal offenses that is charged. Even an allegation of sexual assault can have devastating consequences. Accusations of this nature can lead to the loss of a job, loss of friends and family, and the loss of

A Brief Look at the State’s Newest Laws The 86th Legislature passed over 1300 new laws that took effect between April 2019 and January 2020. Numerous substantive laws went into effect affecting the Texas criminal justice system and the rights of defendants and victims. Below is a brief review of some of

Federal Drunk Driving Charges in Texas In most cases, a person charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) will face criminal charges through the State. However, you could face federal charges for driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) if you are arrested on federal property. You could face federal DUI/DWI charges if you are

Mail fraud is a federal offense in which an individual uses the United States Postal Service or a private carrier to commit fraud. The fraud can be to either obtain money or property under false pretenses or distribute counterfeit funds. While private carriers are not owned by the government, it is still