When the Accused Is a Child: Why These Cases Demand Care, Clarity, and Courage Today I spoke with FOX 26’s @Kenna_Earnhart about a case that has shaken Harris County: a 10‑year‑old now charged with the murder of a 13‑year‑old. It is a heartbreaking situation from every angle — for a young life lost, for [...]
What Is “Possession” of Digital Content? In Texas cybercrime cases, it’s not always the creation of illegal content that leads to prosecution—it’s the possession. But in the digital world, where files are shared, cached, stored in the cloud, or downloaded without clear intent, what does it really mean to “possess” digital content? This is a [...]
At David Smith Law Firm, PLLC we are proud to serve the Houston community—a city known for its diversity, resilience, and strong sense of connection. As a Houston‑based criminal defense law firm, we work every day with individuals and families from many different backgrounds, cultures, and faith traditions. That diversity is one of our greatest [...]
We Need Your Help--Nominate David Smith Law Firm, PLLC in the Houston Chronicle Best of the Best 2026 in Criminal Defense and DWI Defense! Dear Friends and Valued Current & Former Clients, We're excited to announce that the nomination round for The Houston Chronicle's Best of the Best contest has officially begun! We'd be SO [...]
David Smith Law Firm, PLLC Proudly Sponsors Spring 2026 West University Little League Mets At David Smith Law Firm, PLLC, we believe that strong communities are built by investing in our children, families, and local traditions. That is why we are proud to announce our sponsorship of the Spring 2026 West University Little League Junior [...]
If you've been accused of a cybercrime in Texas—whether it's online threats, fraud, unauthorized access, or harassment—there’s a good chance the case against you is based (at least in part) on IP address evidence. Prosecutors and law enforcement love to use IP logs to say “this activity came from your internet connection, so it must [...]
In today’s criminal justice system, especially in Texas, digital evidence is king. Whether you’re charged with online harassment, unauthorized access, fraud, identity theft, or cyberstalking, your case will likely center on some form of electronic evidence—texts, emails, IP logs, metadata, device records, or screenshots. But here’s what the public rarely understands—and what prosecutors don’t want [...]
In Texas cybercrime cases, metadata is often the unseen engine powering the prosecution’s case. It’s the digital fingerprint hidden inside photos, documents, and files—used to tell prosecutors when a file was created, who accessed it, and whether it’s authentic. But despite its technical complexity, metadata is not infallible. It can be manipulated, misunderstood, or taken [...]
Effective February 16, 2026, David Smith Law Firm, PLLC is proud to announce that our office has officially relocated a block away from our previous address, to our new location in Houston: 📍 1919 Decatur St. Houston, TX 77007 This move reflects our continued growth and our commitment to better serving clients throughout Houston [...]
When someone is accused of making a threat or engaging in online harassment, the legal consequences may be only part of the fallout. In Texas, allegations of cyberstalking, harassment, or online threats can trigger far-reaching career damage, social isolation, and professional licensing issues—even if the charges are later dropped or the person is never convicted. [...]
In Texas cybercrime cases, digital evidence can feel like a slam dunk for prosecutors—messages, photos, metadata, and login logs are often presented as cold, hard facts. But here’s the truth: digital evidence is only as strong as the methods used to collect, interpret, and present it. And if you’re facing charges for online threats, harassment, [...]
In today’s internet-connected world, digital evidence is at the center of nearly every cybercrime prosecution—and increasingly, traditional criminal cases too. Whether you’re facing allegations of hacking, online threats, financial fraud, or impersonation, the case against you may be built on emails, texts, IP logs, file metadata, or device forensics. But what exactly counts as “digital [...]
If you’re facing cybercrime allegations in Texas—or even suspect you’re under investigation—one of the most alarming moments can be when law enforcement shows up with a warrant and takes your phone, laptop, or hard drive. But what happens next? And what are your rights? In this Beginner’s Guide, we’ll explain how Texas law enforcement and [...]
When law enforcement shows up at your door with a search warrant—or worse, takes your phone or laptop without one—it’s not just about what they find. It’s about how they got it. In Texas, the search and seizure of digital devices is one of the most contested—and consequential—issues in cybercrime defense. Whether you're facing allegations [...]
In Texas cybercrime investigations, digital evidence is often presented in court as if it’s foolproof. Whether it’s screenshots of messages, IP logs, or metadata from files, prosecutors frequently treat this information like unshakable proof of guilt. But here’s what most people—and sometimes even law enforcement—don’t realize: Digital evidence can absolutely be manipulated. And if your [...]
Being accused of cyberbullying in Texas can be terrifying. Whether the allegation comes from a school, workplace, or directly from law enforcement, the consequences can include criminal charges, protective orders, reputation damage, and in some cases, expulsion or termination. Maybe you sent a few angry texts, posted something emotional during a conflict, or reshared content [...]
Social media and texting are part of everyday life for Texas students—but what happens when that online chatter turns cruel, obsessive, or threatening? What starts as a rumor, a meme, or a string of texts can quickly spiral into criminal consequences, not just disciplinary action. In Texas, cyberbullying is not just a school policy issue—it [...]
In the digital age, it’s easier than ever to express yourself—but it’s also easier than ever to be charged with a crime because of what you post, tweet, message, or comment. And in Texas, online speech that crosses the line into harassment, threats, or impersonation can quickly become the basis for a criminal charge—even if [...]
When you hear someone on TV or in real life "plead the Fifth," they're tapping into one of the most powerful shields in the American legal system. In plain English, it's your constitutional right to refuse to answer any questions—from police or in a courtroom—that could incriminate you. This isn't just a dramatic movie line. [...]
Online Impersonation and Fake Profiles in Texas In a world driven by social media and digital messaging, the ability to create a fake account—or pretend to be someone else online—is just a few clicks away. But under Texas law, online impersonation isn’t just deceptive—it’s a criminal offense. Creating a phony profile, impersonating someone on social [...]
