According to recent statistics, the crime rate for Nueces County is slightly higher than the average crime rate for a county of that size in the United States. Nueces County is also in the 39th percentile for safety, which means that 61% of counties are safer and 39% of them are more dangerous. But, this analysis only applies to its proper boundaries. The annual crime rate for Nueces County is 39.26 per 1,000 residents, and people typically consider the south part of the county to be the safest. If you live in the northern neighborhoods, you have a 1 in 15 chance of being the victim of a crime. But, you have a 1 in 46 chance if you live in the south side.

More crime-related issues show up in certain places (such as airports, parks, and schools). Because of the large number of people in those places and the low-population areas that exist nearby, major airports always look like high-crime locations. Parks and designated recreational areas also have the same problem. But, out of the 355,697 people who live in Nueces County, few of them live near these areas. Crime rates in the county may appear higher in those places, because they get a lot of visitors. This can be true even for parks that are considered safe. Crimes typically occur where people congregate, whether they live there or not. That’s why you need to look at the broader picture by analyzing nearby destinations where people may be visiting.

Overall Crime Rates in Nueces County

Here are the individual rates for violent crimes in Nueces County:

• 2.787 assaults per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 1.077 robberies per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 0.5237 rapes per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 0.0375 murders per 1,000 residents in a standard year.

There are a total of 4.425 violent crimes being committed per 1,000 residents in a standard year (compared to 26.2 per 1,000 residents in 2017). Here are the individual property crime rates for Nueces County:

• 12.70 thefts per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 3.062 vehicle thefts per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 5.179 burglaries per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 0.1368 arsons per 1,000 residents in a standard year.

There are a total of 21.07 property crimes being committed per 1,000 residents in a standard year (compared to 46.1 per 1,000 residents in 2017). The individual rates for other crimes for Nueces County are as follows:

• 0.1305 kidnappings per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 5.750 drug crimes committed per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 7.166 acts of vandalism committed per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 0.6879 acts of identity theft committed per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 0.0256 acts of animal cruelty committed per 1,000 residents in a standard year.

Compared to its surrounding counties, the crime rate for Nueces County is lower. But, it’s still less safe than other counties of the same size.

Overall Crime Rates for the City of Corpus Christi

Here are the individual rates for violent crimes in the City of Corpus Christi:

• 0.11 murders per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 0.73 rapes per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 1.52 robberies per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 6.53 assaults per 1,000 residents in a standard year.

You have a 1 in 113 chance of being the victim of a violent crimes if you live in Corpus Christi. Here are the individual rates for property crimes in the City of Corpus Christi:

• 6.46 burglaries per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 24.70 thefts per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
• 2.79 motor vehicle thefts per 1,000 residents in a standard year.

You have a 1 in 29 chance of being the victim of a property crime if you live in Corpus Christi. It’s also considered to be safer than 6% of U.S. cities.

Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Corpus Christi for Defending Your Case!

If you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Corpus Christi that will fight for you and your rights, Gale Law Group has a team of people that can help. If you’re being accused of any kind of criminal offense, you don’t want to go in alone. You need to have a qualified attorney by your side — someone who will make sure your rights are being protected. Feel free to get in touch with us, so you can find out more about how we can help you with your case!

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Nueces County Medical Examiner offered to change the findings of an autopsy in order to avoid a homicide investigation, according to an investigation report obtained by KRIS 6 News.

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If you have an arrest warrant in Texas, it means that you are wanted by law enforcement for a crime that you have allegedly committed. Article 5.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Act considers an arrest warrant to be “a written order from a magistrate, directed to a peace officer commanding him/her to take into custody the person accused of the alleged offense so they can be dealt with according to the law.” This is a necessary first step before law enforcement can take someone that they believe has committed a crime.

Because it’s a court order signed by a judge to bring you into custody to answer for a crime of which you have been accused, getting an arrest warrant in Nueces County is never a good thing. If you live in Nueces County and have either committed a crime or have unpaid traffic tickets, you might want to see if you have a warrant out for your arrest. This will allow you to do something about it on your terms before you’re caught by local law enforcement.

How to Find Out if You Have an Arrest Warrant in Nueces County

The district and county clerks are responsible for keeping all the court records in Nueces County. While the county clerk keeps all the important records related to life events, the district clerk serves as the registrar, recorder, and custodian for all criminal and civil action cases in Nueces County. One of the main jobs of both departments is to manage and organize records so they can be easily accessed by anyone who needs them. The county clerk’s office is located at 901 Leopard St, Suite 201; Corpus Christi, TX 78401. The district clerk’s office can also be found at the same address. They are open for business Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

If you want to find out if you have an arrest warrant in Nueces County, the sheriff’s department will be your best bet. You can find them at 901 Leopard St.; Corpus Christi, TX 78401. You can go there in person. But, if you have an outstanding warrant, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer first because you will be arrested on the spot if you go in while you have an outstanding warrant in your name. A criminal defense lawyer in Corpus Christi will be able to help you to handle the warrant more effectively. If you owe any fines, you should be prepared to pay them in full (or at least negotiate some kind of payment plan) once you go to the sheriff’s office. That way, they will know you’re serious about satisfying the terms of the warrant.

The Nueces County Jail can also be found at the same address. So if you’re searching jail records, they will be able to point you in the right direction. The Nueces County Sheriff’s Department posts a list of the “most wanted offenders” on their site, and they have a directory if you need specific phone numbers within Nueces County.

How You Can Lift an Arrest Warrant in Nueces County

A lot of people panic when they find out they have an arrest warrant in Texas because even if it’s for unpaid traffic tickets, the police can still arrest you at any time and in any place. Warrants aren’t easy to resolve (or “lift”). While you have a lot of options, all of them have their advantages as well as their drawbacks. You could easily choose the wrong option for your circumstances and face the consequences. That’s why you should speak to a criminal defense lawyer in Corpus Christi about your case, so you can get your warrant lifted in the quickest and most cost-effective manner possible.

If you have an arrest warrant in Nueces County, you can lift it in the following ways:

• Do Jail Time — Many people think that this is the cheapest way to pat their ticket, but it’s the same as pleading guilty to the offense. It may resolve the warrant, but it doesn’t shield you from other penalties that may be associated with the offense. Some Class C convictions can come with very expensive surcharges and/or suspensions.
• Pay the Ticket — If the warrant is because of an unpaid traffic ticket, you can pay it to lift the warrant. But, it can also be seen as a guilty plea. Once you pay the ticket to lift the warrant, you can also be subject to further penalties (including surcharges). If you don’t pay them (or even miss a payment), your license can be suspended.
• Post a Cash Bond — You have the option to request another court date by paying cash bond, but it’s a high-risk move. If you miss the court date (even accidentally), you forfeit the bond amount and are right back where you started.
• Hire an Attorney to Post a Surety Bond — Your best option is to hire an attorney to post a surety bond on your behalf. This will not only lift the warrant and reinstate the case but will also give you access to a knowledgeable person to appear in court with you so you can get the best possible outcome.

If you have an outstanding warrant in Nueces County and need a criminal defense attorney in Corpus Christi to help you with your case, be sure to get in touch with Gale Law Group.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Nueces County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Adel Shaker has a second job.

KRIS 6 News has learned Shaker is currently treating patients with chemical dependency and opioid addictions, sparking concerns from Nueces County commissioners who told us they were unaware he was seeing patients until we KRIS 6 News told them.

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CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — 3News has confirmed with the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office that the County’s current chief medical examiner, Dr. Adel Shaker, is under criminal investigation.

Read The Full Article Here

Drug crimes have gotten a great deal of attention in the last several decades. Every state (including Texas) has laws against the possession, manufacturing, and sale of certain controlled substances. This includes any of the following drugs:

• Marijuana
• Methamphetamine
• Ecstasy
• Cocaine
• Heroin

Even the federal government has laws against the possession, distribution, and manufacturing of these substances. The cost associated with drug and alcohol abuse is more than $110 billion a year and are often related to the following:

• Accidental death and injuries.
• Health care.
• Dependency treatments.
• Criminal behavior.

Whether it’s through the federal or state justice system, most drug cases are related to possession, manufacturing, trafficking or distribution. If a substance is considered “controlled,” these kinds of actions are limited or even prohibited. Every controlled substance is put at a certain level (or “schedule”) under both state and federal statutes, which will determine the laws surrounding them.

Laws Related to Drug Trafficking in the State of Texas

Term “drug trafficking” refers to the distribution of any controlled substance. This can include the transportation, sale, or import of these products. It can also include the transportation and sale of prescription drugs, which has recently been on the rise. A drug trafficking charge in Texas is considered a felony, and it can come with a wide range of penalties. If it’s a state jail felony, it will carry the most lenient punishment. But, if it’s a first-degree felony, the penalties will be harsher. Several factors will determine your sentence of a drug trafficking conviction in the State of Texas, which can include but may not be limited to:

• The amount being distributed.
• The type of drug being distributed (which will be listed in any of the four groups under the Texas Controlled Substances Act).

Texas has some of the harshest penalties for drug trafficking, but prosecutors have been known to offer plea deals to people who have been accused of these crimes. They will be offered a lesser charge in exchange for information that would help the authorities get the evidence they need to complete a more important investigation.

Drug Possession Laws in the State of Texas

The Texas Controlled Substances Act makes it illegal to possess certain drugs that have been classified as either “illicit” or “controlled.” But, to be guilty of drug possession in Texas, you had to have known that it was a controlled substance and that you intended to be in possession of it. According to Texas Law, drug possession is considered a Class A or Class B misdemeanor, which can carry a penalty of up to one year in jail and fine of up to $4,000. But, the specific penalty will depend on the circumstances of the case. Being in possession of certain illicit drugs can be considered a third-degree or even a first-degree felony, which can have a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Being in possession of marijuana can be seen as a lesser crime (or even a Class B misdemeanor), which can carry a sentence of up to 180 days in jail and fine of up to $10,000 if you have been caught with less than two ounces. If you have been caught with more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana, you could face life in prison and fine of up to $50,000.

Laws with Regard to Drug Manufacturing in the State of Texas

Manufacturing or cultivating illicit drugs is considered a crime in the State of Texas, with each one being placed into four groups. This will determine the penalties associated with manufacturing the substance. Marijuana has its own classification, so it’s separate from the other four groups. To be guilty of manufacturing a controlled substance, you must have intended to deliver it to someone else. The penalties for these crimes can vary, and it can depend on a number of factors. These can include but may not be limited to:

• The type of drug.
• The quantity of the drug.
• How the drug was being cultivated.
• Whether you had any past convictions for drug charges.

The penalties for drug-related charges in the State of Texas (including the manufacturing or cultivation of the substance) can be severe. Even if it’s a state jail felony, it can carry a sentence of 180 days and up to two years in a state prison with a fine of more than $10,000. You could also be charged with a first-degree felony, which can lead to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. But, the specific charge and penalty will depend on which group the drug falls under and how much was involved.

If you’re facing a drug charge and are looking for the best criminal defense attorney in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Gale Law Group.

No matter what you’re being arrested for, it’s important to pay attention to what’s going on. Depending on what the officer does or doesn’t do, your rights may have been violated. A qualified criminal defense attorney might be able to get enough information to come up with a defense. In some cases, your charges may be reduced or even dropped.

Proper Arrest Procedures in the State of Texas

In many types of criminal cases, the actions of the arresting officer or any other officers involved in the process of your detainment can determine the outcome of your case. There are certain procedures that the police are legally required to follow during the arrest of a suspect to make sure there is justice for everyone (including yourself). You can’t be mistreated, and you can’t have your rights withheld or violated. You’re not required to let the police search you, your belongings, your house, or your car if they don’t have a search warrant. They can search you if they suspect that you have something on your person or in your immediate vicinity that could cause them harm. They have no right to search you or your property without your permission.

You’re also not required to answer any of their questions or say anything while you’re being arrested. You do, however, need to tell the officer that you plan to stay silent. If the officer tries to get you to talk through the use of force or any other means, this would be considered coercion and is a violation of your “right to remain silent.”

You have the right to legal counsel, whether it’s on the scene or at the police station, so you should ask to speak to one. If you don’t have one, it must be provided by the government. You shouldn’t be forced to answer any questions without this person present. You’re also allowed to make one local phone call, which can be made to anyone. If happens to be your lawyer, the police aren’t allowed to listen in on that conversation.

The police aren’t allowed to use excessive force when they arrest you. They can, however, use “all reasonable and necessary force” to overcome any kind of resistance you make their arrest. This definition does seem subjective. But, as long as you stay calm and aren’t resisting or obstructing the officers, they have no right to use force. Even if you’re resisting arrest, it can’t be excessive relative to your level of resistance. If you’re unarmed and only argued with the officer without posing any real danger, this person is not allowed to get violent with you. This includes any of the following actions:

• Kicking
• Punching
• Suffocating

If any of these actions happened during or shortly after your arrest, you need to tell your attorney as soon as possible so he or she can use this information to come up with a defense. Depending on the circumstances, your case might even be thrown out without a trial.

Your Rights with Regard to DNA Samples and Breathalyzer Tests

You have the right to refuse any test that that the police wants to give you, but the addition of “no-refusal weekends” and “zero-tolerance policies” have made this issue more complicated. It’s always a good idea to refuse a blood test, and you should make a cop get a search warrant if the cop wants to take your blood. Once the officer has it, you must make it clear that you’re cooperating under duress. If you don’t cooperate with the blood test, several police officers will hold you down while it’s taken by force.

It’s easier to fight a positive breath test than it is to fight a positive blood test. So if you’re arrested over the weekend, during a holiday, or at a time when it’s unlikely for a judge to sign a search warrant, it’s better to take the breath test. There are, however, some circumstances (such as if you’re arrested for a felony DWI, intoxication assault, or intoxication manslaughter) when the police can take your blood without a search warrant. But, because of a recent decision made by the US Supreme Court, most police officers should try to get a search warrant before administering a blood test.

What Can Happen if You Weren’t Read Your Miranda Rights During an Arrest

If you believe that the police didn’t inform you of your Miranda Rights in Texas before they interrogated you, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer in Corpus Christi as soon as possible. If an attorney can prove that you weren’t “mirandized” when you should have been, anything you said while you were in custody won’t be admissible in court. Your words can’t be used to build a case against you, and the interrogation has been legally suppressed.

If you have been arrested and believe that your Miranda Rights have been violated, be sure to get in touch with Gale Law Group.

In July of 2020, detectives arrested 26-year-old Jared Naranjo for the murder of Frederick Rice. Authorities now believe that was done in self defense.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A man on trial for murder has been released due to new and crucial evidence proving the defendant’s claim of self defense. 

It was in July of 2020 when police were called to Mokry Drive near Carroll Lane and Gollihar Road at around 3:30 a.m. That’s where they found Frederick Rice suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Read the full article here

From best-selling novels to award-winning TV shows and podcasts, people are fascinated by how the media portrays the American legal system. They’re drawn to the drama and suspense that goes on in the courtroom, and they love to see what lawyers do best (which is defend the innocent and prosecute the guilty). While this makes for good drama, how much do you know about how the practice of law actually works? Laws can be classified in a number of different ways, and one of the broader classifications divides them into two basic groups: civil and criminal.

Elements of Criminal Law in Texas

Criminal law deals with a legal system that’s designed to punish or reform people who have committed some kind of criminal offense against a state or nation. It also includes crimes committed against individuals. Criminal laws vary based on the jurisdiction, and some of them are more severe than others. The prosecution for a criminal case involves the government deciding whether to punish someone for committing a crime and will be based on whether it falls in any of the following categories:

• Misdemeanors — These types of crimes aren’t that serious and are classified with a letter system (in an A-C format) from least to most severe. Punishments can include fines, loss of certain privileges, and even jail time. Examples of misdemeanor offenses include parking violations, public intoxication, trespassing, petty drug crimes, disorderly conduct, and certain cases of weapons possession.
• Felonies — These are the most serious types of criminal offenses. In the State of Texas, they’re classified according to their “degree.” Punishments for felony crimes can result in short or long prison sentences and even the death penalty. Examples of felonies can include murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, arson, as well as the sale or manufacture of drugs.

If you want to know more about criminal law in Texas, be sure to speak to a qualified attorney.

Aspects of Civil Law in Texas

The term “civil law” is used to describe any legal case that isn’t considered criminal, and it usually involves an attempt to settle a monetary or property-related dispute between private citizens. Civil law in Texas deals with individual rights or interests (such as contractual agreements) that have been violated by another person or organization. A civil lawsuit in Texas must be filed. In the courtroom, the participants on both sides of the case are referred to as “parties.”

Civil law is typically divided into four separate categories, which can intersect (depending on the specifics of the case):

• Contract Law — Enforces and interprets agreements between people, businesses, or groups as it relates to the exchange of money, services, goods, or property
• Property Law — Manages the different types of ownership with regard to personal property, real estate, or land.
• Family Law — Involves issues related to the family relationships (such as child custody, divorce, adoption, paternity, and emancipation).
• Tort Law — Covers most civil lawsuits in Texas and in other states, because it involves the law as it relates to the protection and compensation of people who have been hurt by the recklessness or negligence of someone engaged in wrongdoing.

Be sure to speak to a qualified attorney for more information.

Important Differences Between Civil and Criminal Law in Texas

The main difference between civil and criminal law is in how they’re dealt with in the courts. Criminal cases are prosecuted by state officials, while civil cases involve private individuals or organizations (which are called “plaintiffs”). In criminal cases, the prosecutor must be able prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the person being charged is guilty. But, in civil cases, the plaintiff must prove with a “preponderance of evidence” that the defendant is liable.

How Civil and Criminal Law Can Intersect in the State of Texas

While civil and criminal law were meant to address two different types of wrongdoing, they do have some similarities. Sometimes, they can even meet in the middle. Criminal law deals with crimes that are committed against the state, but some cases will have both civil and criminal trials. The victim may decide to sue someone for civil damages that resulted from the crime, but neither case rulings will be mutually exclusive. A person who wasn’t convicted of a crime could still be liable in a civil lawsuit in Texas for the same actions.

If you have been charged with a crime and are looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Corpus Christi to help you with your case, be sure to get in touch with Gale Law Group.

If you’re facing murder charges in Texas, your entire life will hang in the balance. The quality of the representation you choose could determine the sentence you receive (which can be serving a long prison sentence or even the death penalty). Criminal homicide can include several different offenses, including the following:

• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Capital murder
• Criminally negligent homicide

Any death that is the result of negligence or the actions of someone else (regardless of whether another crime was reported) may be tried in court as murder or homicide, and the difference between each type of defense can be a matter of life and death in the State of Texas.

Types of Murder Charges in Texas

There’s no such thing as “second-degree murder” in the State of Texas. Instead, it’s just called “murder” and is considered a first-degree felony. Murder charges in Texas can lead to up to 20 years in a state prison with no possibility for parole — at least, not after serving many years of incarceration. A murder conviction can also result in a fine of up to $10,000, which must be paid to the state.

First-degree murder is called “capital murder” in the State of Texas. The important difference is that capital punishment (which refers to the death penalty) is an option for sentencing. As long as you’re at least 17 years of age and the circumstances of the alleged murder are considered “egregious,” it may be considered capital murder and could result in the most severe penalties.

You committed an act of manslaughter if you killed someone recklessly, which exists is there’s a substantial and unjustifiable risk that resulted in someone else’s death. To be convicted of manslaughter in Texas, you must be aware that the risk exists but did it anyway. The act must be a gross deviation from the standard of care that would ordinarily be exercised under the circumstances. If you shot a loaded gun into a crowd without aiming at someone in particular (or were even aiming above the crowd), you could be prosecuted under a manslaughter charge and can serve 2-20 years in prison.

Criminally negligent homicide occurs if you killed someone else because of “criminal negligence,” which occurs if you weren’t aware of the risk of harm but should have been. If two friends are “playing guns” by aiming and pulling their triggers while believing they’re not loaded are most likely engaging in criminal negligence if it’s actually loaded and resulted in someone’s death. This can lead to time in a state jail between 180 days and 2 years.

Defenses to Murder Charges in Texas

If you have been charged with any kind of murder offense in the State of Texas, you may be justified in killing that person if it was because of self-defense or in the defense of someone else. You have the right to use force against someone who is attacking you, is committing, or is threatening to commit a criminal act against you. You can also be justified in killing that person if he or she enters your residence. There are important limitations to this right of self-defense, which include the following:

• You must not be the aggressor of the confrontation.
• You can’t claim self-defense if the other person only engaged in verbal provocation. You can’t punch or batter anyone who insults you.
• The use of force must be proportionate and reasonable under the circumstances. If you stab someone multiple times with a knife after that person threw a punch, you can’t claim self-defense.

Use of deadly force is only permitted if someone else threatens you with the same level of force. It can also be used if you’re in imminent danger of any of the following:

• Aggravated kidnapping
• Murder
• Sexual assault
• Aggravated sexual assault
• Robbery
• Aggravated robbery

Use of force can used against someone who unlawfully and with force enters your home, vehicle, or workplace. It can also be used if you had a reasonable belief that use of force is justified and necessary under the circumstances. This is determined on an objective level. If a reasonable person in the same situation wouldn’t feel threatened or that use of deadly force wasn’t called for, you may not avoid criminal liability by claiming self-defense (regardless of what you believe).

You can use deadly force in the defense of someone else if:

• You reasonably believe that the third person would be justified in performing an act of self-defense.
• You reasonably believe that your immediate intervention is needed to protect the other person.

Your actions will be judged on an “objective, reasonable person” standard. If your beliefs aren’t the same as a reasonable person in the same set of circumstances, the killing wouldn’t be justified (regardless of your personal beliefs).

If you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Corpus Christi to help you in your defense of murder charges in Texas, be sure to get in touch with Gale Law Group.