Dallas Texas Criminal Defense Blog

What can happen if you intentionally lie on your taxes?

On behalf of Law Offices of Frank Jackson on Monday, January 14, 2019.

Unless you list yourself among those who make their living working as accountants, chances are, you may not completely understand every aspect of filing your taxes. Tax rules are complex and constantly changing. That fact can make it tremendously difficult for average Americans to make sure they do everything right.

Taking steps to ensure accuracy is essential when filing your taxes, however, as any errors you make may attract the unwanted attention of the Internal Revenue Service. So, what can happen to you if you lie, omit or otherwise make an error on your taxes this filing season?

Has social media played a role in your embezzlement charge?

On behalf of Law Offices of Frank Jackson on Saturday, December 22, 2018.

You may have been a Facebook member for years, and you often connect with people using this social media site. However, law enforcement authorities have charged you with embezzlement. Did information voluntarily posted on Facebook lead the authorities to your doorstep?

Differences in social media use

Cyberstalking is a serious crime

On behalf of Law Offices of Frank Jackson on Monday, November 26, 2018.

Celebrating the end of a bad relationship, a woman discovered that something was wrong when she was buying groceries. Her ATM card showed insufficient funds. The bank informed her they had proof she withdrew all her money. Later that week, her bank recorded a deposit that equaled what she had lost. Confused, she wondered if the bank had caught a mistake and fixed it. The bank insisted that, according to their records, she withdrew the money and later made a deposit to replace it. It was not a bank error. This incident was just the beginning. Early on, the woman realized only her ex-boyfriend had access to the passwords and personal information to manipulate her bank account.

Next, he used software to hijack her identity on social media. He sent malicious messages to her contacts, pretending they came from her. He submitted false emails to her employer, and she nearly lost her job. She also found GPS trackers hidden in her car. A friend in IT traced the cyberstalking and social media impersonation to her former boyfriend. She obtained legal counsel to put a stop to his persistent harassment.

4 ways to exercise your right to remain silent

On behalf of Law Offices of Frank Jackson on Wednesday, November 21, 2018.

If you have ever watched a crime drama on television, you have likely heard an officer inform a suspect of his right to remain silent. After all, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in 1966 requiring officers to advise detained persons of this important right. Still, during an arrest, individuals often forget to exercise their right not to speak to investigators.

Police officers receive training on how to elicit responses from uncooperative individuals. Whether you anticipate an arrest or simply want to plan for any contingency, you should think about how to assert your constitutional right against self-incrimination. Here are four ways to remain silent during police questioning.

3 mistakes to avoid when you get arrested

On behalf of Law Offices of Frank Jackson on Monday, October 22, 2018.

Interacting with the police can be a stressful and intimidating experience. The situation may escalate into an officer putting you in handcuffs. If you find yourself in the back of a police car, you may not know how to react. This can be a scary and shocking situation, especially if this is your first time facing an arrest.

What you do after the police arrest you is crucial to the outcome of your case. The next steps you take may influence whether you face charges or get a conviction. Therefore, you must avoid making blunders that could hurt you. Here are critical mistakes to avoid when you are in trouble with law enforcement.

What is federal wire fraud

On behalf of Law Offices of Frank Jackson on Saturday, September 22, 2018.

Federal wire fraud is a serious criminal charge that can result in severe penalties. Wire fraud also often comes along with other types of federal charges that can include a variety of allegations, from drug trafficking to investment fraud.

Generally, wire fraud consists of a fraudulent scheme that intends to deprive a person or entity of property and uses interstate or international electronic transmissions to advance its purposes. Although the statute names wire, radio and television communications, current law also includes internet and cell communication. Thus, texts and online posts will typically count for the purposes of these charges.

Texas case shows health care fraud is not uncommon

On behalf of Law Offices of Frank Jackson on Wednesday, August 22, 2018.

In May 2018, a Texas rheumatologist was indicted on fraud charges after patients began raising concerns about the treatments he was providing. This kind of case is not uncommon; fraud makes up about 3 percent of the trillions spent on health care in our country.

What happened

Drug courts help some offenders avoid jail time

On behalf of Law Offices of Frank Jackson on Monday, August 20, 2018.

If you live in Texas and are currently facing criminal charges relating to drug possession, drug sales or a similar offense, you may have concerns about whether you may have to serve time behind bars, if convicted. While this is a distinct possibility, you may, depending on certain factors, be able to take part in drug court as opposed to spending time in jail. The details of your crime and whether you are a repeat offender are among the considerations that ultimately determine whether you can participate in drug court. However, if you are eligible, participating may help keep you out of prison while giving you the tools you need to fight your addiction at the same time.

Today’s jails and prisons are full of offenders who may not otherwise be there had they not had serious drug addictions that played a role in their criminal behavior. Drug courts, which involve regular drug testing and periodic appearances before a judge, seek to combat the overcrowding issue plaguing so many American prisons while helping addicts kick drug habits for good. Additionally, if you participate in drug court, you may be able to help:

Police monitor phone calls from jail

On behalf of Law Offices of Frank Jackson on Thursday, July 19, 2018.

One of the most common tropes on television shows about cops is that inmates are legally allowed one phone call. The truth of the matter is far more complex. The police do not have to give you a phone call at all depending on the severity of your crime and what facility you go to. In other instances, the police will give you as many phone calls as you want.

After the police arrest a person for a crime, it is paramount for that individual to be aware that if he or she does get a phone call, the cops may record it. If the police will record a call, then there will be a message before the inmate can talk that says something along the lines of how the police will record the conversation. However, a surprising number of people still admit full confessions over the phone that the police can legally use later in court.

Discussing your case with friends or relatives can backfire

On behalf of Law Offices of Frank Jackson on Thursday, June 21, 2018.

When you face a criminal charge, it is natural to want to turn to friends and relatives for support. You are probably scared and confused, and you do not want to go through this ordeal alone. Plus, venting about your problems may be an outlet for you.

However, discussing your case with friends or relatives can backfire. Your attorney and other people your attorney authorizes should be the only folks you trust with details about your case.