John Helms

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...

Dallas, TX / July 22, 2019 / -- Understandably, most people are fearful and nervous when they are arrested by the police. If you have been arrested, you might be wondering how having an arrest on your record will affect your job. Can your employer fire you? What if you’re later proven innocent? If you have been arrested, it’s important to discuss your case with an experienced Texas criminal ...

Dallas, TX / July 19, 2019 / -- Unless the police observe someone carrying out a crime in real time, they must first obtain an arrest warrant before they are able to take someone into custody. Police and prosecutors can obtain an arrest warrant by submitting information to a judge that establishes probable cause for the arrest. Without enough evidence to establish probable cause, the court w...

Dallas, TX / July 11, 2019 / -- Being charged with an internet crime involving the solicitation of an underage person is a frightening thing. In many parts of the country, police departments have ramped up efforts to catch people engaged in the online solicitation of minors. Under Texas law, it’s illegal to have sexual contact with anyone younger than 17, as that’s how state law defines a “mi...

Dallas, TX / July 5, 2019 / --  Texas Immigration Crime News – When I represent undocumented persons who are accused of a crime in the United States, I am often asked by the accused or their family whether they can choose to be deported instead of having to go through a criminal case and potentially serving prison time. This question is understandable.  When a person who has come to the Unit...

Dallas, TX / June 14, 2019 / -- Unless the defendant has given up the right to appeal as part of a plea bargain, a criminal defendant in Texas has the right to appeal to the court of appeals for the region serving the county where the trial court was located. For example, cases from Collin, Dallas, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman, and Rockwall Counties are appealed to the Fifth Court of Appeals in Dal...