The FBI, DEA, and ATF, whose primary law enforcement responsibilities are to investigate drug, guns, and violence, use informants to carry out these responsibilities. These informants, known as “CIs,” are typically $100 a day, plus expenses, and with a “wink-wink”…
Category: Drug Crime
2013
Category: Drug Crime | Federal Criminal Law
North Carolina resident Rodney Anton Williamson was indicted under seal in December 2006 and charged with conspiracy to distribute five kilos of cocaine.
Williamson and several co-conspirators eluded arrest. One of the co-conspirators, Edison Alberty, decided to surrender and…
2013
Category: Drug Crime | Federal Criminal Law
When we hear that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a 4th Amendment case, our ears perk up and conflicted feelings of hope and fear begin to swell. Criminal defense lawyers wield the sword of the 4th amendment daily and…
2013
Bailey v. U.S.: Detention During Execution of Search Warrant Must be Based on Constitutionally Recognized Interest
By: Houston Criminal Lawyer John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair
To understand the Chunon Bailey case, one must begin with a basic understanding…
2013
Category: Drug Crime
Proof that Dog has Performed Reliably in Controlled Settings Enough for Probable Cause
By: Houston Criminal Lawyer John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair
We love dogs. Make no mistake about that. But we do not believe they have a…
2012
Fourth Amendment: No Reasonable Expectation of Privacy in the GPS Data and Location of Cell Phone
By: Houston Criminal Lawyer John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair
Between 2001 and 2006, James Michael West ran a large-scale marijuana-trafficking operation in…
2012
Confessions after Illegal Search Should be Suppressed if Influenced by Underlying Illegality, Violation of Forth Amendment
By: Houston Criminal Lawyer John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair
There are primarily two types of unlawful confessions: custodial confessions obtained in…
2011
Category: Drug Crime | Uncategorized
Federal Crack Sentence Reductions: Defendants Sentenced Pursuant to 11(c)(1)(C) Agreements Eligible for 3582(c)(2) Relief
By: Houston Criminal Lawyer John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair
In 2007 the U.S. Sentencing Commission issued a retroactive amendment, Amendment 713, to the…
2011
Category: Drug Crime | Uncategorized
Recent U.S. Supreme Court Decisions Expanding “No Knock” Powers of the Police and Insulating Law Enforcement Abuses Allow a Growing Police State
By: Houston Criminal Lawyer John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair
We are no fans of “no knock” searches…
2011
While Some Politicians Question Cost Of Incarcerating Drug Offenders, Big Money and Bigger Forfeitures Keeps Texas Tough On Drug Crime
By: Houston Criminal Lawyer John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair
An increasing number of states have abandoned the traditional…