John Helms

When judges or juries sentence a defendant in a criminal case, they typically consider any specific facts that could justify modifying the sentence in some way. In some cases, the facts in the case mean the judge or jury will hand down a harsher sentence if there are aggravating circumstances that make the crime more serious. In other cases, however, specific facts cause the judge or jury to...

Dallas, TX — Even under regular circumstances, many people wonder if it’s possible to serve a criminal sentence under house arrest rather than going to jail. Incarceration affects every aspect of your life, including keeping your job and taking care of your children. During the COVID-19 crisis, certain areas, including Dallas county, are ordering shelter-in-place orders, a house arrest senten...

For a long time now, the United States has had the distinction of leading the world in the highest rate of incarceration. More than any other nation on earth, including those with much larger populations, the U.S. imprisons its own citizens at an extraordinarily high rate.  In fact, if the U.S. prison population was a city, it would be larger than many of the biggest cities in the country, b...

If you’re like most people, you probably see your neighbors on a regular basis. If you’re unfortunate, you might even hear them or their music a lot more often than you like.  Just about everyone has had to deal with an irritating neighbor at one point or another. Maybe you shared a dorm room with a roommate who wasn’t overly fond of personal hygiene. Or perhaps you rented an apartment with ...

Dallas, TX — John Helms, Dallas criminal defense criminal attorney with over twenty five years of experience, shares the facts on how drug quantity can affect distribution charges.  The indictment drug cases, such as the distribution or conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, or other similar drugs, must specify a quantity of drugs. For example, a defendant might be charge...

When you are stopped by the police for suspected drunk driving, it’s normal to feel nervous. For many people, this kind of stop is the first time interacting with police in any scenario, except for maybe a routine speeding ticket.  Nerves and fear may lead people to inadvertently give up their legal rights. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of the fact that police officers are not oblig...

Dallas, TX -- Under the Fourth Amendment, which protects an individual’s right to privacy, police cannot stop or search anyone without a reason to do so, nor can they hold an individual indefinitely without cause.  Police have the right to make an arrest when they have a warrant, or in situations where the warrant rule isn’t applicable, such as evidence of a crime in plain view.  While ther...

Dallas, Texas / September 6, 2019 / -- Sexual assault is a terrible crime that leaves victims grappling with what can be lifelong trauma. It’s important for society to believe in and support those who come forward seeking help after a sexual assault. These types of crimes are so serious, it makes people wonder if or why anyone would ever make a false accusation. And while studies show that f...

Dallas, Texas / September 4, 2019 / -- People are often surprised to learn that it’s the prosecutor who actually brings assault charges against someone under Texas law — not the party who contacted the police. Under Texas law, a domestic assault or event that involves family violence could mean a husband and wife, parties who are dating, or current or former members of a household.  Althoug...

Dallas, TX / August 27, 2019 / -- In June 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in Gamble vs. United States — a case that could have far-reaching consequences for individuals facing criminal prosecution in both federal and state court.  The case focused on the concept of double jeopardy, which refers to an individual being prosecuted twice for the same crime. On a basic level...