Texas

Texas court stays execution of Rodney Reed in case that attracted high-profile supporters

The highest criminal court in Texas has halted the execution of inmate Rodney Reed to allow a trial court to consider his claim of actual innocence along with other allegations.

Nov 18, 2019 3:18 PM CST

Is Texas death row inmate innocent? ABA president urges clemency to prevent ‘irreversible act’

ABA President Judy Perry Martinez is urging Texas not to execute a man whose guilt has been called into question by new evidence that hasn't been reviewed by the courts.

Nov 12, 2019 4:56 PM CST

University lawyer submits resignation after using N-word to make point about free speech

An assistant general counsel for the University of North Texas submitted her resignation Friday after an outcry over her use of a racial epithet at an event to discuss hate speech.

Nov 11, 2019 11:26 AM CST

Police union says prosecutor refused to file charges after asking whether victim was ‘illegal’

A Texas prosecutor has been reassigned after a police union alleged that he asked whether an assault victim was “illegal” and then refused to file charges.

Nov 8, 2019 12:25 PM CST

For 30 years, ProBAR has served immigrants and refugees at the southern border

Thirty years after its founding, the South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project is in the midst of a Central American refugee crisis that requires its services more than ever.

Nov 7, 2019 3:07 PM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Judge tosses defamation suit by pardoned sheriff Arpaio; blogging law prof is sued

Judge tosses Arpaio defamation suit claiming ‘leftist enmity’ constituted actual malice U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth of Washington, D.C., has tossed a defamation lawsuit filed by former Maricopa County, Arizona, Sheriff Joe Arpaio against three publications. Lamberth said Arpaio failed to allege facts supporting actual malice. Arpaio’s suit claimed CNN…

Nov 6, 2019 4:32 PM CST

Sons seek guardianship of sitting appeals judge said to have received Alzheimer’s diagnosis

The sons of a judge on Texas’ First Court of Appeals claim in a guardianship petition that she received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in October.

Nov 1, 2019 1:06 PM CDT

Lawyer known as ‘DWI Dude’ is convicted for shakedown of Colombian drug clients

A Texas lawyer who markets himself as the “DWI Dude” has been found guilty on federal corruption charges for a scheme to shake down three Colombian drug clients.

Oct 31, 2019 7:30 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Arizona bans photos outside top courts; lawyer’s pretrial detention upheld

Arizona bans photos and broadcasts outside appellate-level courts Arizona’s chief justice has banned photos, videos and live broadcasting outside appellate-level courts in the state, including the state supreme court. The order makes an exception for those who get advance approval from the chief justice and the people being photographed. The…

Oct 30, 2019 4:09 PM CDT

Disbarred lawyer loses appeal based on judge’s testimony against him

A federal judge who filed a grievance against a lawyer for conduct in his personal bankruptcy was permitted to testify against the lawyer in his disciplinary case, the Texas Supreme Court has held.

Oct 28, 2019 4:39 PM CDT

Former state bar employee is charged with stealing lawyer identity information

A former temporary employee with the State Bar of Texas has been charged with stealing the identifying information of a dozen of its lawyer members.

Oct 22, 2019 12:06 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Lawyer accused of shaking down clients; Taco Bell sued over advertised price

Lawyer accused of shaking down Colombian clients through false promises A Texas lawyer who markets himself as the “DWI Dude” is on trial for allegedly shaking down three Colombian clients by promising them freedom in exchange for about $1.5 million in fees. The lawyer, 62-year-old Jamie Balagia, maintains that he…

Oct 21, 2019 4:11 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: FBI probes slaying of US lawyer overseas; liberal group’s SCOTUS short list released

FBI to aid probe into slaying of US lawyer in Micronesia The FBI is aiding the investigation into the Monday shooting death of U.S. lawyer Rachelle Bergeron, who was acting attorney general of Yap State in the Pacific nation of Micronesia. A friend, Amos Collins, said he doesn’t know who…

Oct 16, 2019 4:11 PM CDT

After religious freedom group files ethics complaint, judge explains why she gave ex-cop a hug and a Bible

Judge Tammy Kemp said she gave former Dallas cop Amber Guyger a hug after she asked for one and a Bible after she said she didn’t have one. Kemp spoke about her actions after Guyger received a 10-year prison sentence for fatally shooting her neighbor.

Oct 8, 2019 2:54 PM CDT

Venture capital firm sues its former general counsel, once a child actress on ‘The Wonder Years’

A lawyer who portrayed Becky Slater on The Wonder Years, a TV show than ran from 1988 to 1993, is facing a lawsuit of more than $1 million stemming from her work as a general counsel for a venture capital firm.

Oct 8, 2019 10:23 AM CDT