Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass | Criminal defense Blog

The Difference Between the Federal and State Court System

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 16-Jun-2016

The U.S. Constitution created a federal system of government, which features a balance of power between the federal government and state governments. Because of federalism, individuals may be tried in either state or federal court, depending on the ...

Stay Connected With the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 7-Apr-2016

Since 1993, the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass has been committed to being bold and unwavering advocates for those who have been charged with crimes. From DWI and drug crimes to serious felony and federal offenses, our legal team aggressively ...

Former New Mexico Doctor Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 18-Feb-2016

A former New Mexico doctor has pleaded guilty to federal charges for defrauding Medicare and illegally dispensing prescription painkillers, leading to the death of a woman. The licensed physician, who had a neurology subspecialty, operated a pain ...

What is Online Solicitation of a Minor?

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 13-Jan-2016

One of the most serious charges a person can face is a sexual offense involving a person under the age of 17. Crimes involving the online solicitation of a minor are aggressively prosecuted by both the Texas state government and the federal ...

Senate Agrees on Sentencing Reform Bill

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 29-Dec-2015

After federal sentencing reform gained massive support this year, the Senate has reached a bipartisan compromise on reform legislation aimed at reducing our nation’s overcrowded prison population and saving taxpayer money. The bill, which was ...

A Brief History of Miranda Rights

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 17-Nov-2015

When developing strategies for your defense, one of the factors your criminal defense attorney may consider is whether the arresting officers followed proper protocol. Officers are required to inform you of your Miranda rights, which were established ...

A Look at Common Probation Rules

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 26-Sep-2015

If you have been convicted of a crime, your criminal defense attorney may argue for a sentence of probation instead of jail time. Probation is generally ordered when the defendant is perceived to not be a threat to society. Although individuals who ...

Protecting Your Rights When You're Questioned by the Police

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 25-Sep-2015

Being stopped and questioned by the police is rarely a pleasant experience, even for those who have not committed any sort of crime. It’s important for all citizens and non-citizen immigrants to understand that they do have legal rights. If the ...

A Look at the Driver Point System

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 1-Jun-2015

Most states use a point system, which allows them to track drivers who are convicted of violating traffic laws. Accumulated points can lead to severe consequences, such as higher insurance rates. As your criminal defense lawyer can advise you, ...

Can the Police Search Your Home Without a Warrant?

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 24-Feb-2015

Under most circumstances, a police officer cannot enter your home unless he or she has a search warrant that specifies access to the home. This legal protection is granted to citizens by the Fourth Amendment, which makes unreasonable searches and ...

What You Need to Know About Federal Court

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 7-Feb-2015

Federal crimes carry severe punishment if convicted. Considering the life-changing consequences of a guilty verdict in federal court, it’s important that you seek legal representation from a defense attorney who has experience defending federal ...

Comparing Simple and Aggravated Assault in Texas

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 5-Feb-2015

When an individual is charged with assault, he is either charged with simple or aggravated assault. The biggest difference is how the two are classified. While simple assaults are classified as misdemeanors, aggravated assaults are classified as ...

Privacy issues relating to computer searches and seizures

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 4-Feb-2015

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass handle multiple cases every year regarding alleged Internet crimes and other related offenses. Computers play a major role in most people's lives nowadays, and are increasingly factoring into ...

Preparing for Your Criminal Defense Case

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 25-Jan-2015

If you’ve been charged with a crime, you need to secure legal representation from a criminal defense attorney in Dallas who has the skills and experience to create a sound defense strategy that will lead to positive results in your case. A ...

What to Expect During a Police Interrogation

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 17-Jan-2015

Police interrogators are highly trained in the psychological tactics of social influence and psychological manipulation. The fact that detectives sometimes end up with confessions from people who are otherwise innocent of the crimes they are charged ...

What Are the Differences Between Criminal and Civil Lawyers?

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 28-Dec-2014

Attorneys specialize in various areas of the law. Some attorneys are civil lawyers. This means they represent clients who are involved with civil litigation. Unlike criminal charges, parties involved with civil litigation do not have the automatic ...

Do Dismissed Cases Appear on a Background Check?

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 18-Dec-2014

Individuals who have been convicted of criminal offenses such as sex crimes and DWI often have difficulty finding gainful employment after serving time. But what about those who were found not guilty in a court of law? The mere accusation of a ...

Tips for Preparing for Your Day in Court

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 10-Nov-2014

Even if you have been in court before, it can be nerve-wracking to go to a hearing or other proceeding. Fortunately, your criminal defense attorney will be there with you to reduce the risk that you’ll commit an egregious breach of conduct. ...

Authorities apprehend three suspected of identity theft

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 13-Aug-2014

From copyright infringement to identity theft and cyber bullying, there are all sorts of web-related crimes people can be accused of committing. Internet crimes are serious charges that have the potential to permanently change someone's life, ...

Understanding Search and Seizure Laws

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 12-Jun-2014

Search and seizure is the process by which law enforcement officers discover potentially incriminating evidence or contraband and confiscate it. However, there are strict limits as to the applications of search and seizure laws, which are governed by ...

Texas mother says her daughter has been cyber bullied

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 26-May-2014

When someone has been accused of cyber bullying, they could face severe penalties if they are found guilty. Furthermore, every case is different and the unique details surrounding a case could have an impact on the outcome, which is why an ...

Ex-Fort Worth fireman charged with sexual assault of 13-year-old

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 6-Nov-2013

In Dallas, and throughout the U.S., even if an underage child consents, sexual relations between a minor and an adult may be considered statutory rape. Like many sex offenses, allegations of child sexual assault carry with them stiff penalties and, ...

Dallas dentist under investigation for illegal drug prescriptions

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 29-Aug-2013

Drug crimes are always serious allegations and can negatively affect a person for the rest of his or her life, even when a person is innocent. There can be so many aspects involved when a person is charged with a drug crime, and many times an ...

Types of Probation and the Effects of Probation Violations

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 14-Jun-2013

Probation, commonly known in Texas as community supervision, is an alternative to incarceration that allows some criminal defendants to live and work in the community while meeting certain terms and conditions. Here is a look at the different types ...

When Do the Police Need a Warrant to Search My Home?

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 1-Jun-2013

There are federal and state laws in place to protect your privacy. For example, the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. As this video explains, the Fourth Amendment requires ...

Understanding the Jurisdiction of State and Federal Courts

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 30-May-2013

Criminal cases are brought against you by the government if you are believed to have violated a specific law or laws. There are both state and federal laws governing your conduct, and there are state and federal prosecutors and courts that handle ...

Texas proposes domestic violence registry to track offenders

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 21-May-2013

Individuals convicted of domestic violence may face more restrictions and requirements if a proposed bill in Texas is passed. Texas lawmakers recently proposed a bill that would create a domestic violence registry for the state to track people with a ...

Should the state get rid of the Criminal Court of Appeals?

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 26-Dec-2012

A proposed bill in Texas wants to get rid of the state's Criminal Court of Appeals. The bill proposes that instead of sending criminal cases to the Texas Criminal Court of Appeals, they be heard by the Texas Supreme Court. The proposed bill would ...

How an Expungement Can Help You

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 17-Nov-2012

Many people worry about protecting their personal information and their credit histories, but they do not even consider their criminal records. Your criminal record can have far-reaching implications in both your personal and professional life. An ...

A Look at Health Care Fraud

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 16-Aug-2012

Health care fraud allegations are serious, and, if you have been accused of committing fraud, it is important to contact a law firm that can protect your rights. Health care fraud is the act of filing false health care claims in an attempt to turn a ...

What Are the Laws Regarding Perjury?

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 11-Aug-2012

The definition of perjury has remained largely unchanged for the last 200 years. Perjury is the act of swearing to provide the full truth under oath and falsely providing information that can affect the outcome of a case. While perjury is certainly ...

Some Teens Kept in Cells for 23 Hours a Day

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 6-Aug-2012

There is a big difference between being charged as a juvenile and being charged as an adult. While the juvenile system tends to focus on rehabilitating juvenile offenders, the criminal system focuses on punishing adult offenders. A recent Dallas ...

Know Your Rights: Texas Gun Laws

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 26-Jul-2012

Guns can be beneficial when used responsibly and in accordance with the law. The State of Texas has a long list of gun laws, and an attorney can explain your rights about carrying concealed, the use of deadly force, and more. Here are a few select ...

Texas Misdemeanor Classifications & Penalties

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 14-Jul-2012

In the state of Texas, criminal misdemeanors are classified into three basic categories. Each class contains its own penalty provisions, including criminal fines and terms of imprisonment. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, your criminal defense ...

4 Examples of Aggravated Assault

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 13-Jul-2012

In Texas, a person may be charged with aggravated assault only if he or she commits the offense along with an additional wrongful act considered by the law to increase the severity of the crime. Therefore, it is critical to hire a criminal defense ...

Common Tax Fraud Charges Filed by the IRS

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 5-Jul-2012

In recent years, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division (CID) has been increasing its scrutiny of taxpayer activities. If you are accused of fraud charges by the IRS CID, you should hire an attorney to help present your case. Below is a list of ...

4 Reasons to Pursue a Criminal Record Expungement

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 20-Jun-2012

A criminal charge or conviction will stay on your record for years, and it will be visible to the public. If you’re thinking that it won’t have an effect on your life, think again. Here are just a few of the reasons you should have a ...

Are child porn sentences too harsh? Some say yes

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 9-May-2012

Sex crimes are taken very seriously in Texas and throughout the U.S. However, punishment for these crimes -- specifically child pornography -- is being criticized by some. Questions are abounding about the harsh sentences that are imposed on ...

What Is the Difference between Burglary and Robbery?

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 20-Apr-2012

In everyday life, the terms burglary and robbery are often used synonymously. In reality, they are very different, and sometimes even unrelated, though they are both serious crimes. To learn the correct definition of these two crimes from a criminal ...

Examining the Types of Federal Drug Crimes

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 5-Apr-2012

Though Texas has its own laws regarding drugs, some drug crimes are subject to federal prosecution. Texas prosecutes drug charges mainly related to simple possession, but the federal government prosecutes more serious crimes like drug trafficking and ...

What is Expungement and How Can an Attorney Help?

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 16-Mar-2012

Having a criminal charge on your record can greatly impact your life even after you have completed the terms of your sentencing. Luckily, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help expunge your record and help you avoid limitations to your ...

Murder vs. Manslaughter

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 9-Mar-2012

Murder and manslaughter are among the most severe violent crime offenses. Many individuals do not have a clear understanding of the difference between these two crimes. A criminal attorney can help you understand how murder differs from manslaughter. ...

4 Reasons to Hire a Defense Attorney for Alleged Juvenile Crimes

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 26-Jan-2012

Every day, children and adolescents in Texas are accused of misdemeanors and felonies. Those who are convicted of the charges brought against them face punishment that has the potential to negatively impact not just the remainder of their youth, but ...

A Basic Guide to RICO Violations

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 19-Jan-2012

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) was enacted in 1970 to help tackle the across-the-board uptick in organized crime. Thirty-five different crimes are covered under RICO, and penalties for those convicted of violating ...

Important Differences between How State and Federal Charges Are Tried

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass 28-Dec-2011

While the federal court system and state court system share many similarities, there are several important differences between the two. There is a significant difference between being charged with a federal and a state crime. Bail For state cases, ...