Texas Court Reverses Conviction Over Miranda Violation: What It Means for Criminal Defense in Houston
Case Background: Custodial Interrogation and an Invocation of Rights The Luckenbach case began with a tragic crime and an unusual surrender. James Joseph Luckenbach was suspected of a double homicide in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. Days after the incident, Luckenbach arrived at the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office to turn himself in. Crucially, he did not come […]
Read MoreTexas Court Affirms Passenger’s Right to Challenge Prolonged Traffic Stops (State v. Pettit, 2025)
Background: Traffic Stop Leads to Hour-Long Detention and K-9 Search In State v. Pettit, a routine traffic stop in Texas escalated into an hour-long detention culminating in a K-9 drug dog search. The stop began over a minor speeding infraction (51 in a 45 mph zone), but the situation expanded when passenger Justin Heath Pettit […]
Read MoreTheft of Firearm in Texas: Charges, Penalties, and Defense Options
In Texas, stealing a firearm is a serious offense that carries harsh penalties. Regardless of the weapon’s worth, firearm theft is always considered a state jail felony, in contrast to other types of theft. Convictions carry penalties of up to $10,000 in fines and 180 days to two years in prison. Charges may be upgraded […]
Read More