You likely never anticipated facing criminal scrutiny charges or a federal offense. To face both simultaneously may seem like an impossibility. Like most people in Plano, you may think that examples of animal cruelty are very clear-cut and that your treatment of your...
Is spanking your child considered child abuse?
Many parents from the previous generations grew up disciplined with spanking. While some parents these days choose not to spank their children as a form of discipline, others swear by the effectiveness of spanking. While Texas does not view spanking your child for...
Gas pump fraud arrest leads to plea bargain
Current technology allows almost anyone to buy credit card numbers online or use an electronic device to intercept them. The use of a debit or credit card to make unauthorized purchases, however, may lead to a serious felony fraud charge. Card issuers implement...
What is the concept of beyond a reasonable doubt?
In every criminal case, you have the right to a trial. If you go to trial, whether you have a jury or you choose to go with a judge, the evidence must show beyond a reasonable doubt that you did commit the crime in order for the jury or judge to convict you. The...
How does bail work in the federal system?
Typically, when you face a criminal charge, the Texas court issues a warrant for your arrest. Officers will arrest you and put you in jail. You then can go before a judge to seek bail, which is the right to leave detention until your next court hearing. The same...
What are search and seizure protections for accused individuals?
Anyone who has been accused of committing a crime should keep in mind that they have important criminal defense protections that authorities must follow when arresting an accused individual for an alleged crime. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution...
Heather Barbieri discusses Guyger case developments on WBAP Radio
On October 1, former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger was convicted of the "mistaken apartment murder" that took the life of neighbor Botham Jean. This verdict came as something of a surprise to some who followed the trial, including our own Heather Barbieri of...

Heather Barbieri featured on CourtTV panel regarding Guyger trial
On September 23, 2019, national attention fixed on Texas for the trial of Amber Guyger, the Dallas police officer accused of the murder of civilian Botham Jean in what's being called the "mistaken apartment murder." That evening, our own Heather Barbieri appeared on...
The different types of defenses available to accused individuals
There are a variety of different types of criminal defenses options available to accused individuals that can help them with the potential penalties and consequences they are facing related to criminal charges. There are different types of criminal defense strategies...
Mounting a strong criminal defense to drug charges
This blog recently discussed the importance and value of a strong criminal defense strategy. In circumstances of drug charges and accusations, defending against drug charges is of significant importance for accused individuals and their families. Drug charges can...