I am a minor working as an admin at BreachForums, primarily involved in cybercrime, money laundering, and managing stolen data/accounts, though I don't personally obtain the data. I help middleman for the forum, and also manage their social media accounts and announcements. I haven't had... View More

Jeremy Malcolm
answered on May 13, 2025

You could be implicated in conspiracy to commit a crime or aiding and abetting cybercrime, even if you didn't commit any hacks yourself. This could include wire fraud and money laundering crimes, or crimes under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) for trafficking in stolen credentials.... View More

I'm trying to keep track of a close friend's legal proceedings while he's incarcerated in Texas. He has had multiple DUI felonies, with the most recent charge in 2019. He was sentenced to 10 years, which was reduced to 5 years of probation after serving between 30-90 days in jail,... View More

I completed all the requirements of my probation, including paying fines, completing community service, and attending counseling, as was initially mandated. I was told that completing these would end my probation. However, I'm being told that I still need to report, and I haven't received... View More

I was unlawfully stopped for speeding, and while reaching for my license and registration as ordered by the officer, he grabbed my arm and opened my car door. When I resisted, he pulled out his Taser and ordered me out of the car, falsely arresting me for fleeing an officer. An hour later, they... View More

John Michael Frick
answered on May 9, 2025

Your fact pattern implicates a legal doctrine called "qualified immunity." In most cases, police officers are protected from lawsuits for wrongful arrest under this doctrine. They cannot be successfully sued for wrongful arrest unless they violate a "clearly established... View More

I discovered on May 2, 2025, that my ex-wife forged my signature on a HUD loan after our separation. As a result, I can't sell the home unless I come up with $26,000, and it's now going into foreclosure. I took the home in our recent divorce, unaware of the loan. I haven't reported... View More

John Michael Frick
answered on May 7, 2025

You can file a declaratory judgment suit seeking a declaration that you are not legally obligated to repay the HUD loan because your signature on the loan documents are a forgery and you did not know about or participate in the loan, having discovered the loan only after your recent divorce, and... View More

I have criminal charges under a different social security number and middle name. During the arrest, which resulted from a psychotic break while I was being abused at a group home, they took me to jail instead of a hospital, even though there was no injury to either party involved. While... View More

John Michael Frick
answered on May 7, 2025

If you committed the acts that led to your arrest, you can be convicted of whatever crime the acts constitute notwithstanding the use of a different social security number and middle name. Often, criminals use aliases, and even sometimes other people's identities, in committing crimes.... View More

I caused another car to run off the road and spin around, but there wasn't a crash or accident. There were other drivers present, but no police were involved, and there were no reported injuries. I'm unsure if any actions were taken by other drivers or if any traffic laws were violated.... View More

Tim Akpinar
answered on May 9, 2025

A Texas attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. It's difficult to say. It could depend on the actions taken by the other drivers, and the quality of evidence at the scene, so far as eyewitness testimony or video footage. Depending on what actions the other... View More

I was previously charged with a DWI in Texas six years ago and was recently arrested for a second DWI. However, the paperwork states "DWI three or more," which I believe is incorrect as I have no other charges, convictions, or missed court dates. The recent arrest involved a collision... View More

John Michael Frick
answered on May 5, 2025

You should carry out your plan to retain an attorney and make sure the attorney knows that you were only previously charged with one DWI. You should also let the attorney know how that charge was resolved or if it is still pending.

My boyfriend is incarcerated in Arkansas and was about to be released on parole to Wisconsin. However, instead of being released, he was informed that there is a warrant in Texas, and he signed extradition papers. We are unaware of the charges related to the warrant, and despite trying, no one has... View More

I cooperated with an investigation concerning stolen property at my house, specifically a poly tank that I couldn't return to its owner. When the police conducted a search warrant at my home, they forced entry without announcing the warrant, publicly escorted me outside, and delayed presenting... View More

A month ago, I was contacted by law enforcement on private property after I had shut off my vehicle and exited it. The officer did not attempt to conduct a traffic stop while my vehicle was running and only turned on his lights after I was already walking up my friend's driveway. The reason... View More

John Michael Frick
answered on May 1, 2025

First, whether you were "read your rights" is irrelevant to the legality or validity of a traffic stop. It is only significant when the State is attempting to offer into evidence something you said during a custodial interrogation.

Second, shutting off and exiting your vehicle... View More

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I am facing a misdemeanor criminal mischief charge for throwing a rock at someone's windshield. I was arrested for this charge before being incarcerated in TDCJ for an unrelated matter. During the time of my court date for the criminal mischief charge, I was in TDCJ. However, the DA is... View More

Benjamin Michael
answered on May 1, 2025

First, do not do anything until you speak with a lawyer. Time served is not a given, it's simply one of many things a lawyer can argue for in a negotiation with a prosecutor.

I received a call from someone claiming to be from SSI regarding repayment issues for payments made during the time we were kinship fostering our great niece and nephew. The caller mentioned the children's case worker and one child's name, stating that DFPS had contacted them, possibly... View More

I have a situation where a friend, after not speaking to me for several days, threatened to file a harassment report against me. This threat came after I sent multiple texts defending my character. We have had no prior legal issues. Could I potentially face legal trouble for these actions?

Doug O'Connell
answered on Apr 30, 2025

The answer to your question will depend on the content of your text messages, and possibly the amount of text messages sent to your friend. If the messages were threatening you could face legal challenges. Likewise, if the tone, language used and number of messages rise to the level of... View More

My son was arrested in Texas for assault with a deadly weapon, although he claims it was in self-defense. One of the men involved intimidated and injured him. The lawyer didn't pursue this defense, and he felt pressured into accepting a plea deal due to the threat of a longer sentence. The... View More

John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 29, 2025

If your son plead guilty, he cannot appeal his conviction based upon the claim of self-defense. None of the evidence supporting such a claim will even be relevant. He would need to appeal on the ground that his plea of guilty was not voluntary. For example, he theoretically could show that, at... View More

I applied to become an Uber driver but was not hired due to my criminal record related to theft charges. I had theft incidents in Amarillo in 2019 and 2022, as well as others in 1994, 2005, and 2015 from my hometown, where I was arrested along with others. I've completed my probation, and... View More

John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 29, 2025

Denying a job applicant due to prior criminal history is legally permissible unless criminal history is being used by Uber as a proxy for denying jobs based upon race or ethnicity. Particularly when a job requires face to face contact with the public and their possessions, crimes of moral... View More

While traveling through Texas on my way back to Florida, I was using cruise control at 76 mph. I sped up to 81 mph to pass a semi-truck that accelerated when I attempted to pass it. After passing, I slowed down and returned to the speed limit. Shortly afterward, a police officer who had observed... View More

Doug O'Connell
answered on Apr 30, 2025

Unfortunately, it sounds like the law enforcement officer acted within the law. You were legally pulled over for speeding. The officer has the authority in Texas to ask you to step out of the car while they conduct an investigation. The search by the drug sniffing dog is also legal since we have... View More

I'm concerned about dealing with a bounty hunter who is looking for my boyfriend, who has a warrant. I've spoken to the bounty hunter, and they tried to persuade me to disclose his location, but I honestly don't know where he is. They mentioned that I could be arrested if I... View More

John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 28, 2025

You have no legal obligation to assist a bounty hunter in locating your boyfriend.

Hindering apprehension is a crime but is defined as harboring or concealing a person or assisting in their escape with the intent to interfere with apprehension, arrest, or conviction of the person.... View More

I recently discovered online that a member of the leadership team at my workplace, who is responsible for fundraising and procuring money and donations, has been indicted and charged with fraud. I'm unsure how she managed to secure a job in our organization given these charges. Should I report... View More

I have a bench warrant from Missouri that was possibly issued a couple of years ago due to internet violations. I haven't had any recent interactions with law enforcement related to this warrant, nor have I addressed or responded to it in Missouri. I currently reside in Texas with no plans to... View More