Recent Blog Posts

Judge Resigns in Bribery Case After Getting Probation

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Dallas — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:42:00 GMT

A state district judge will serve 10 years of probation and resign from the bench after being convicted of felony bribery last week. Judge Suzanne Wooten announced this agreement outside the jury's presence, acknowledging the jury's guilty verdicts on six bribery counts, a money laundering count, a record tampering count and a count for engaging in organized criminal activity. She was also sentenced to five years for probation with tampering a government record.

The 43-year-old judge was fined $10,000 and sentenced to more than 1,000 hours of community service, according to the Dallas Morning News. Wooten was also forced to cease her duty as the 380^th District Court judge. Wooten was charged and convicted for accepting bribes that boosted her 2008 election bid in exchange for favorable rulings in her court. Should Wooten violate her probation, she could face even more serious outcomes.

Probation violations can lead to time in jail, depending on the nature of the violation and the charges. A Dallas criminal defense attorney can help advise you on the best course of action if you have violated your probation. Contact a probation violation lawyer from D'Amore Law Firm for the experience you need to if you are facing a motion to revoke probation.

Alleged Bank Robbers Chased, Arrested

Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:24:00 GMT

Following a short chase through Irving, two men were arrested for aggravated robbery and evading arrest after they robbed an Irving bank.

The two 24-year-old men entered the bank around 2:30 pm on Saturday wearing masks and holding firearms. The two proceeded to rob the bank by demanding that everyone lay on the ground, and taking an undisclosed amount of money from the bank.

Witness statements and calls to the police resulted in a chase that lasted approximately 15 minutes, before the robbers' vehicle crashed and they began to run on foot for a short time until they were stopped and arrested.

No police or bystanders were injured during the robbery or chase.

If you have been arrested for a theft crime such as robbery involving a weapons charge it is very important to contact a skilled attorney right away, before you speak with any authorities about the alleged crime. At the D'amore Law Firm we may be able to assist you in building an effective legal defense and helping you fight your criminal charges in order to avoid a conviction.

Contact a Dallas criminal defense attorney at our firm today to schedule a case evaluation regarding your charges!

But what if I was caught on tape?

D'Amore Law Firm — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:20:00 GMT

When a defendant is facing criminal charges and there is video surveillance of the defendant leaving the scene or even committing the act itself, it may seem that there is literally no chance of avoiding a conviction or the need for a guilty plea.

Even if you were allegedly caught on tape and subsequently arrested for shoplifting, robbery or any other type of misdemeanor or felony offense, there are ways that your lawyer may be able to challenge the validity of this footage.

The manner in which this evidence was obtained may be brought into question, as may the footage itself. Is the picture clear? Can you accurately determine that it is the defendant on the video and not another person who looks similar to the defendant? By carefully investigating every single aspect of a case and the video surveillance, an experienced criminal defense lawyer may be able to file a motion to suppress this evidence. This can affect the entire outcome of a case.

Find out more about how video footage may affect criminal charges and how a tenacious defense attorney can protect your legal rights. Contact a Dallas criminal defense lawyer at D'Amore Law Firm for a confidential consultation.

When the Odds Seem Stacked Against You

D'Amore Law Firm — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:07:00 GMT

For many defendants, they find that they are in situations where it seems that law enforcement has irrefutable evidence against them. They may feel that there is little to no chance of avoiding a conviction due to hard evidence and witness testimony, or even a confession that was given during police questioning. In spite of how hopeless a case may seem, there are ways that a competent criminal defense lawyer may approach the matter to determine how to best challenge a defendant's charges and help him or her avoid a conviction.

It may only be a slight mistake on the part of an arresting officer, a search without a warrant or another error or direct violation of a defendant's constitutional rights that turns an entire case around. With the proper resources to carefully investigate the case and the experience to recognize an opportunity when it knocks, an attorney can help a defendant seek a positive result.

With 23 years of experience as a former prosecutor who has now dedicated his legal practice to defending the rights of clients throughout the Dallas area, Tom D'Amore has all the experience and vigor you should look for in your attorney. Even when the odds are stacked against you, he can look for a way to win.

Contact a Dallas criminal lawyer at our firm today to learn more about how we can challenge your charges.

Super Bowl People Trafficking and Prostitution

Criminal Law Standard — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 23:07:00 GMT

Super Bowl XLV will be at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington on February 6, 2011. The event promises to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Unfortunately, the Super Bowl will also brings sex traffickers to the metroplex who will bring hundreds, if not thousands, of people to the area to work in the sex trade. The Super Bowl is generally regarded as the most prolific sex trafficking event in the United States.

The Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force met at Arlington City Hall today to discuss ways to fight sex trafficking during Super Bowl week. Gregg Abbott, the Texas State Attorney General, announced today that the State will send twelve staff members to the Arlington area to help local officials crack down on prostitution and other sex trafficking activities during Super Bowl week. The Texas AG’s office is coordinating with Arlington law enforcement and local victims advocacy groups to fight sex trafficking activities related to the Super Bowl.

Approximately 10,000 people a year are trafficked through Texas each year, which makes Texas one of the worst states for human trafficking. Although exact statistics are not available, it is estimated that tens of thousands of people were trafficked through recent Super Bowl host cities.

Local law enforcement agencies will employ police officers in under cover operations to identify and arrest those persons engaging in prostitution and/or people trafficking. In Texas, anyone who offers or agrees to enter into a sexual act for a fee may be charged with prostitution.

Dallas criminal attorney Tom D’Amore has limited his practice to criminal cases throughout his entire 23-year career. When Tom worked for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, he worked closely with Dallas area under cover officers in cases related to, among other things, prostitution and drug cases.

If you, a friend, or family member has been charged with people trafficking or prostitution, contact the D’Amore Law Firm to arrange a free case evaluation with criminal attorney Tom D’Amore.

3.5 Tons of Marijuana Seized In Rio Grande Valley

Criminal Law Standard — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 20:57:00 GMT

Ross Feinstein, a spokesman from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) said that U.S. Government special agents seized 6,700 pounds of marijuana from a trailer in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. The marijuana was packaged in 500 bricks, which were wrapped in duct tape and cellophane. ICE Spokeswoman, Adelina Pruneda reported that the marijuana had a street value of approximately $5.3 million.

Tom D’Amore has tried more than 109 felony drug cases during the course of his 23 year career as a Dallas criminal attorney. If you have been charged with a drug crime, contact the D’Amore Law Firm and schedule a free case evaluation with criminal attorney Tom D’Amore.

Concurrent vs. Consecutive Sentences

Criminal Law Standard — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 19:04:00 GMT

    Yesterday, a Denton County jury sentenced drunk driver John Patrick Barton to two (2) life sentences for killing Kandace Hull and her thirteen year-old daughter Autumn Caudle. Barton plowed into the victims' car at 134 miles per hour last Easter morning. At the time of the collision, Barton's blood alcohol level was three (3) times the .08 legal limit in Texas. In addition, Barton received 20 years on each of three counts of intoxicated assault with a vehicle. Nevertheless, Barton is eligible for parole in 30 years.

   How can a person sentenced to two (2) life terms and three (3) 20-year terms be eligible for probation in only 30 years? Part of the answer has to do with the difference between concurrent and consecutive sentences. Mr. Barton was sentenced to serve his sentences concurrently, which means he serve his sentence for each of the five (5) convictions at the same time. For each year Mr. Barton spends in prison, he receives one year credit toward each of the five (5) sentences. Had Barton been sentenced to serve his sentences consecutively, he would have had to serve time for each of the convictions one at a time. This would mean Barton would have to serve 20 years to complete each 20-year sentence (60 years total), and then would have to serve the two (2) life terms.

   Judges impose consecutive sentences for multiple crimes associated with a single criminal event only in rare circumstances. In Mr. Barton's case, all five of his convictions were the result of a single drunk driving incident. Therefore, the judge sentenced Barton to serve his sentences concurrently. Had Mr. Barton's convictions been the result of multiple criminal episodes he may have been sentenced to serve his sentences consecutively.

   An "Aggravated Offense" is one that involves use of a weapon in the commission of a crime. In Barton's case the weapon at issue was Barton's car. A person convicted of an "Aggravated Offense," must serve half the sentence or 30 years (whichever is less) before they become eligible for parole. This explains why Barton is eligible for parole in 30 years.

   If you have been charged with multiple offenses, it is important to hire an attorney who knows how to resolve all of those charges at one time. During his 23 year career as a criminal defense lawyer, Tom D'Amore has handled thousands of criminal cases throughout the Dallas Ft. Worth metroplex.

   Contact the D'Amore Law Firm today to schedule a free case evaluation with Dallas criminal attorney Tom D'Amore.

Jury Selection - A Misnomer

Criminal Law Standard — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:33:00 GMT

    Lawyers and others commonly refer to the jury selection process (called “Voir Dire”) as, “picking a jury.” In fact, attorneys do not pick jurors to sit on the jury; they eliminate jurors they do not want to sit on the jury. Here is how jury selection works in Texas:

   If a 50 person panel (called “The Venire”) is brought to a courtroom to sit through jury selection, they sit in numeric order from 1 to 50. At the outset of jury selection, the first twelve jurors (those assigned numbers 1 through 12) will become jury members unless the judge strikes one or more of them for cause, or one of the attorneys uses a preemptory challenge to strike one or more of the first 12 jury panel members.

   In selecting a 12 person jury, each side gets six (6) preemptory challenges; however, a party is not required to use all six (6) challenges.    A preemptory challenge allows a party to strike a member of the jury panel for any lawful purpose. This enables attorneys to exclude from the jury (subject to certain constitutional limitations) people who they do not believe will be receptive to their case and/or those who may be predisposed to favor one side over the other.

   Each side can challenge an unlimited number of jurors for cause. When a party moves to strike a jury panel member for cause, the Judge decides whether to strike the panel member at issue. Anyone who does not meet Texas juror eligibility requirements can be struck for cause. Similarly, jurors who cannot be fair in deciding the case and/or are hesitant to follow the law applicable to the case can be struck for cause.

   Once the judge has ruled on all motions to strike jurors for cause, and each side has exercised their preemptory challenges, the first 12 remaining jury panel members become the jurors empaneled to decide the case. As such, it is more accurate to say that attorneys exclude from the jury those jury panel members they do not want to sit on the jury, as opposed to saying that attorneys pick the members of the jury.

   Dallas Criminal attorney Tom D’Amore has tried over 400 jury trials during his 23 year career including more than 15 capital murder cases. This experience enables Tom to effectively select jurors for his client’s cases. Jury selection is perhaps the most important part of a trial. In fact, some lawyers believe that a case has been decided once the jurors have been sworn in. It is extremely important to hire a criminal attorney who has extensive jury trial experience. If you have been charged with a crime contact the D’Amore Law Firm to arrange a free case evaluation with Dallas criminal attorney Tom D’Amore.

Reasons Not To Testify At Trial

Criminal Law Standard — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 22:32:00 GMT

    The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides the right against self-incrimination. In a criminal trial, this means the accused cannot be forced to testify. The decision as to whether or not a criminal defendant will testify at trial is always an important one. The person charged with a crime makes the final decision related to this issue.

   Typically, during jury selection the judge and the criminal defense attorney will instruct potential jurors that a defendant’s failure to testify at trial is not evidence of guilt, and that the jury cannot use a defendant’s failure to testify as a basis to find the defendant guilty. Despite these instructions, however, human nature sometimes makes it difficult for jurors to ignore the fact that a defendant did not testify in his own defense. As such, there are risks associated with a defendant not testifying at trial. In particular, some jurors mistakenly believe that only a guilty person would choose not to testify at trial.

   Nevertheless, in certain situations it is unwise for the defendant to testify at trial. For example, if a defendant has been previously convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude (a crime that tends to show bad character; e.g., theft and prostitution), on cross examination the prosecution can ask the defendant questions to establish the prior conviction. Obviously, once a jury knows that the defendant has been convicted of another crime they are more likely to convict the defendant in the current case.

   Another situation where a defendant may decide not to testify is where the defendant will not make a good witness at trial. For example, a defendant may testify to facts that, though true, will be difficult for the jury to believe. Unfortunately, the truth does not always ring true. Another example is where a defendant is easily angered or otherwise easily shows a temper. Whenever a witness becomes angry they tend to impair their credibility with the jury.

   A defendant may choose not testify in situations where the truth would tend to convict them (i.e. they committed the crime they are accused of). In a criminal case, the prosecution has the burden of proof to prove the allegations in the complaint or petition beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant does not have to prove anything. As such, in instances where the defendant’s testimony is incriminating it may make sense for the defendant not to testify.

   Finally, in some cases a defendant has made inconsistent statements related to key facts in a case. This can occur in situations where the defendant has told his story to several family members, co-workers, and/or friends. If the defendant testifies, the prosecution may question the defendant about prior statements inconsistent with the defendant’s testimony, and if the defendant denies having made the prior statements, the prosecution can introduce evidence to show that the defendant made prior inconsistent statements. Jurors tend not to believe witnesses who can’t keep their story straight.

   If you have been charged with a crime it is critical that you hire an attorney who can help you decide whether to testify at trial. Dallas criminal defense attorney Tom D’amore has tried several hundred jury trials during his 22 year career, and has prepared several thousand witnesses to give trial testimony. Contact the D’Amore Law Firm to make an appointment for a free case review with Dallas criminal attorney Tom D’Amore.

Probation Revocation

Criminal Law Standard — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:00:00 GMT

When a person gets probation, the judge frequently makes probation subject to certain conditions that the defendant must follow to remain on probation. Monthly reporting to a probation officer, completing drug or alcohol treatment and/or education classes, community service, payment of restitution, payment of a fine, and periodic drug testing are examples of probation conditions.

If a person on probation violates the terms of probation, the prosecutor may file a motion to revoke probation. The motion will describe the condition(s) of probation the defendant did not fulfill. The prosecution must prove the allegations in the motion by a preponderance of the evidence, which is a lower standard than the beyond a reasonable doubt standard applicable to criminal trials.

If the Judge finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant violated probation, the judge will either allow the defendant on continue on probation (with or without additional conditions), or revoke probation and sentence the defendant within the terms of probation. For example, if a person had been sentenced to two (2) years in the county jail probated for five (5) years, the judge can sentence the defendant to up to two (2) years in the county jail if the Judge revokes probation.

Failure to report, failure of a drug test, failure to complete drug/alcohol classes, failure to serve the requisite hours of community service, and commission of a new crime are common reasons for probation revocations.

A motion to revoke probation is an extremely serious matter. Judges expect people on probation to fulfill the terms of their probation, and often have a negative reaction when a defendant violates the terms of probation. To successfully navigate a motion to revoke probation, it is necessary to have an experienced criminal attorney on your side.

Tom D’Amore has exclusively practiced criminal law in the Dallas - Ft. Worth area for over 22 years. During that time he has handled hundreds (if not thousands) of probation revocations. If prosecutors have filed a motion to revoke your probation, contact the D’Amore Law Firm to schedule a free case review with Dallas criminal attorney Tom D’Amore. The sooner you meet with Tom, the sooner he can get to work on your case.

Barton DWI Trial To Start Today

Criminal Law Standard — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:39:00 GMT

John Patrick Barton, 30, of Louisville is set to stand trial this week for two (2) counts of murder and three (3) counts of intoxicated assault with a motor vehicle related to a car crash that killed Kandace Hull (age 33) and her daughter Autumn Caudle (age 13). Ms. Hull’s husband and two children were also injured in the collision. It is alleged that Barton was intoxicated at the time he crashed into Hull’s car. If convicted, Barton faces a prison term of 5 years to life.

Prior to this crash, Barton had three (3) prior driving while intoxicated convictions. Police and prosecutors have not released Barton’s blood alcohol level at the time of the crash, however, it is believed that Barton had consumed alcohol prior to the collision. Witnesses allegedly saw Barton’s car speeding and swerving before it crashed into Hull’s 2009 Nisson Sentra.

At the time of the crash, Barton was on parole after serving ten months of a 3 year prison sentence related to a prior driving while intoxicated conviction. As a condition of his parole, Barton was not permitted to drive a vehicle unless it was equipped with a locking mechanism that would prevent him from driving if he had consumed alcohol.

At the time of the crash, however, Barton (in violation of his parole) was driving his wife’s automobile. As such, Barton is subject to having his parole revoked with respect to his prior conviction and may be required to complete his 3 year prison term.

Over the past 20 years states across the country have passed stricter laws related to driving while intoxicated. Moreover, due in part to changes in social norms and political pressure, judges and juries have become far less reluctant to impose strict sentences (included extended jail time) in DWI cases that involve repeat offenders, accidents, injuries, and/or death.

Being charged with a DWI is a serious matter that can affect a person for the rest of their life. If you have been charged with a DWI, you need an experienced Dallas criminal attorney to help you navigate your case through the system. Tom D’Amore has been practicing criminal law in Dallas for more than 22 years. Contact Tom D’Amore at the D’Amore Law Firm to arrange a free case review with Tom. Do not delay. Your situation will not improve until you begin the process of handling the DWI case filed against you.

Prostitution Under Cover Stings

Criminal Defense Standard — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:34:00 GMT

   Dallas and other Dallas-area police departments commonly conduct undercover sting operations to bust “Johns” and prostitutes for prostitution. (Chick here to read our previous blog post that explains Texas Prostitution Law.) As with all television and movie depictions, television shows and movies have perpetuated untrue myths about prostitution undercover stings.

   Perhaps the most widespread myth is that if during the course of an undercover prostitution sting an officer is asked whether or not he/she is a police officer, the officer must tell the truth or prostitution charges cannot be filed. This is not correct. Undercover police operations by definition involve deception (you never see an officer in uniform working undercover to arrest someone for prostitution). Without deception, it would be difficult to conduct a successful undercover operation. Police officers do NOT have to admit to being police officers if asked. Moreover, during a prostitution sting, the undercover police officer may tell a host of lies. Again, deception is inherent in undercover operations.

   Another common myth is that police officers cannot consume alcohol during prostitution busts. Although police officers should not drink a large quantity of alcohol during a prostitution bust, they are permitted to consume alcohol. In fact, many prostitution busts are made in business establishments (strip clubs in particular) that serve alcohol.

   It is less clear, however, whether and where an officer can touch the person who is the subject of the bust. Nonconsensual touching is likely not permitted, however, consensual touching may, under certain circumstances, be permitted.

   There are practical issues, however, that limit physical contact between an undercover officer and the person they are trying to bust for prostitution. First, although juries generally tolerate under cover officer lies and limited consumption of alcohol as part of a prostitution bust, sexual contact can prejudice a jury against the prosecution and lead to an acquittal (see our previous blog entry on Jury Nullification). Moreover, the undercover officer may not be comfortable with such contact.

   Tom D’Amore of the D’Amore Law Firm has obtain outstanding results in jury trials during his 23 year career as a Dallas criminal attorney. In addition, during Tom’s 19 year tenure at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Tom worked with undercover police officers on hundreds of cases. If you have been charged with prostitution of any other sex crime, contact the D’Amore Law Firm to schedule a free case review with Dallas criminal lawyer Tom D’Amore.

Jury Nullification

Criminal Law Standard — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:01:00 GMT

   When a judge seats a jury the jurors take an oath to follow the law. In a jury trial, the Judge is the resident expert on the law. As such, the Judge will, among other things, preside over the proceedings, rule on objections and motions, and, prior to the jury's deliberations, will provide the jury with written instructions related to the law they must follow in their deliberations.

   In a jury trial, the jurors are the fact finders. That is to say, the jurors consider all the evidence presented by each side at trial, and determine the facts related to the case. The jury then applies the facts to the law (as provided in the jury instructions) and renders its verdict.

   In rare instances, jurors ignore the judge's written instructions, or ignore evidence presented at trial and reach a verdict based on their own notion of what constitutes an appropriate outcome. In essence, the jury ignores the law and/or evidence; and in so doing "nullifies the law." This is known as jury nullification.

   While juries have the ability to nullify the law, they do not have the right to do so. In a criminal case, however, the 5th Amendment requires that an acquittal (i.e. where the person charged is found not guilty) due to jury nullification is final even though the jury did not follow the law. In such circumstances, jeopardy attaches, and the defendant cannot be retried for the same offense.

   Jury nullification cuts both ways however. That is to say, in certain instances a jury that does not follow the law will improperly acquit a defendant of an offense, and in other instances, juries ignore the law as a means to convict a defendant who would otherwise be acquitted.

   Criminal defense attorneys who have tried many jury trials learn how to minimize the potential that their client will be found guilty due to jury nullification. Dallas criminal defense attorney Tom D'Amore has tried more than 400 jury trials including 16 capital murder cases. Through this experience, Tom has developed and implements various techniques to protect his clients from an improper conviction due to jury nullification. These techniques, in part, account for Tom's outstanding results in criminal jury trials.

   In you have been charged with a crime, contact the D'Amore Law Firm to schedule a free case evaluation with Tom.

Marijuana Possession - More Serious Than You May Think

Criminal Law Standard — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:18:00 GMT

   States such as California and Colorado legalized licensed pharmacies that can lawfully distribute marijuana provided the purchaser presents a prescription. In certain regions of these states it is relatively easy to obtain a prescription for marijuana. As a result, possession of relatively small amounts of marijuana in these states has been all but legalized.

   In contrast, Texas Law provides for comparatively stringent punishment for persons convicted of even a relatively small amount of marijuana. If you think marijuana possession is not a big deal, you would be wrong.

   The Texas Health and Safety Code provides that a person commits the offense of possession of marijuana if that person knowingly or intentionally possesses a usable quantity of marijuana.

   Here is the rub: Possession of two ounces or less or marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a jail sentence not to exceed 180 days, a fine not to exceed $2,000, or BOTH. As such, a person with NO previous criminal history who is convicted of marijuana possession can be sentenced to significant jail time and a substantial fine. In Texas being charged with possession of marijuana is a very serious matter, and sentences judges and juries impose can vary greatly depending on a variety of circumstances.

   During his 23 year tenure as a Dallas area criminal defense lawyer, Tom D'Amore has tried to a jury more than 109 felony drug cases. In addition, Tom has tried literally hundreds of drug cases before Judges. Throughout his career, Tom has obtained outstanding results handling drug crime cases.

   If you have been charged with possession of marijuana or any other drug crime, contact Tom D'Amore at the D'Amore Law Firm to schedule a free case evaluation.

   Drug convictions, regardless of the drug involved, can have a detrimental impact on, among other things, your employment and educational opportunities. For these and other reasons, it is very important that you hire a highly experienced attorney to represent you if you are charged with a drug crime.

Police Stops

Criminal Law Standard — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:45:00 GMT

   It is important to keep in mind that police officers are human beings. Among other things, they have families, friends, and a job to do. During a traffic stop a police officers number one concern is to remain safe.

   When the officer approaches a vehicle he has no idea what he will encounter. For police officers traffic stops can be deadly. As such, it is wise to behave in a manner that will make the police officers feel safe.

   When the officer turns on his lights and siren, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Ideally, you should pull into a parking lot or some other location away from heavy traffic. Keep your hands on the steering wheel with your fingers spread as the officer approaches the car. Position your right hand at the top of the steering wheel and your left hand at about ten o’clock on the wheel. This enables the officer to see your hands as he approaches, which will begin the process of making the officer feel safe.

   Do not fumble around your car as the officer approaches. It is highly likely the officer will ask you for your driver’s license and proof of insurance, but if you are fumbling through your car as the officer approaches, the officer has no way to know whether you are looking for your proof of insurance or grabbing a gun. Keep your hands on the wheel as explained above.

   Store your license and proof of insurance in a place where you can easily locate them. When asked for these documents you may want to tell the officer where they are located as you move to retrieve them. This enables the officer to anticipate, and therefore not misinterpret, your movements. It can be difficult (especially if it is dark) to determine whether an item kept in a person’s wallet is a mobile phone, gun, or wallet.

   Be polite to the officer. Let the officer ask the questions, do not talk over the officer, be respectful, do not question the officer’s integrity or intelligence, and be honest. For example, if you were going 70 mph in a 40 mph zone it will not help your cause to tell the officer you were driving below the speed limit. Arguing with an officer at a traffic stop is rarely successful.

   Do not volunteer information unless you feel it is important for the officer to know. If your wife is about to give birth; that would be a good thing to tell the officer. Absent an urgent situation or some other critical fact the officer should know, do not volunteer additional information.

   Don’t act like a big-shot. This means do not act as though the officer is wasting your time, or tell the officer you have close ties to his boss. In addition, be honest in your responses and maintain a serious demeanor. A traffic stop is no time for jokes.

   Tom D’Amore has practiced criminal law for more than 23 years and has obtained successful results throughout his career. During Tom’s 19-year tenure at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office he worked closely with literally hundreds of police officers.

   In many instances, Tom knows the police officer who has arrested a client. In such instances, it is much easier for Tom to contact the arresting officer and find out what the officer has to say about the circumstances related to the client’s case. This can be very helpful in evaluating a case and developing a case strategy with a client.

   If you have been charged with a crime or need to retain a criminal attorney for some other reason, contact the D’Amore Law Firm to schedule a free case evaluation meeting with Tom D’Amore.