Latest Blog Posts
The Completely True Story Behind Atticus Finch Day
“The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience. — Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird Every year for the past...
Suddenly the Fourth Amendment is a Big Deal
The United States Supreme Court handed down its decision in two very important Fourth Amendment cases involving privacy and smart phones this past week. The...
Like It or Not, A Not Guilty Verdict is Justice
Last week I won a not guilty verdict in a .21/.22 breath test DWI case. It was a satisfying victory because high test result DWI’s...
Rest in Peace, Your Honor
THE HONORABLE KENNETH KEELING Almost four years ago, as I was closing out one chapter of my life (as a career prosecutor) and beginning a...
The Most Important Book You Will Read This Year
I’ve just finished reading one of the most moving and important books I’ve ever read. Now, respectfully, you need to read it. The book is Getting Life:...
The Government Wants to Look Through Your Cell Phone
THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO LOOK THROUGH YOUR CELL PHONE. On April 29, 2014, the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments in what I believe...
Life or Death? Who Decides?
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has decided not to seek the death penalty in two capital murder cases in which a prior administration had...
Defendants: Human Beings or Just Another File?
In the years I worked as First Assistant District Attorney in Brazos County, I had many discussions about the philosophy of prosecution with my boss,...
Finally, “Open File” is the Law
More than 25 years ago, as a young law student working for a small criminal defense firm in Austin, I sat in a Williamson County...
Have you read the Declaration of Independence?
Two hundred and thirty seven years ago a group of patriots, fed up with government over-reaching and abuses, signed their names to one of the...
Of Beaumont, Justice, and Waffles
My criminal defense practice has grown considerably in the past two years. So much so, in fact, that I find myself traveling all over Central and East...
A Cell Phone is Not a Pair of Pants
This was the issue addressed in oral arguments before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in Houston last week. I was invited by the Court...