Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

accessory to bank robbery

This case puts my daughter at a convenience store as her boyfriend got off her car, took off on foot, stole a truck, robbed a bank, ditched the stolen truck walked back to her and got in her car. She did not know what he had done. They were stopped and arrested. What might her punishment be? She does not have a record.


Asked on 6/30/08, 4:51 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Pat Montgomery Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Re: accessory to bank robbery

You should not talk to the police under any circumstances. If you do not believe me, watch this video.

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=%22talking+to+the+police%22&hl=en&sitesearch=

If you are arrested you should say repeatedly: "I want to talk to a lawyer," and nothing else.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you should ask that one be appointed. If you do not care for your appointed attorney, you can always fire him/her and hire private counsel. Meanwhile, their services may benefit you.

You should start saving money for a bondsman and a lawyer. Do not allow your lawyer to act as your bondsman, it is a bad idea. A bondsman wants a case closed as quickly as possible in order to avoid potential liability if the client does not show for court. A lawyer may require extended time to obtain your best possible result. Therefore, I believe there is a potential conflict of interest in acting as both lawyer and bondsman.

You should interview Board Certified Criminal Lawyers. Of the thousands of lawyers in Bexar County, only about 50 have this credential. You can visit the Texas Board of Legal Specialization website to see the list. Many are judges or prosecutors, unavailable for you to hire.

I hope you find this information helpful.

WWW.PATMONTGOMERY.COM

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Answered on 6/30/08, 5:28 pm
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: accessory to bank robbery

Texas law of parties treats an accomplice/accessory with the same force as the person who actually committed the offense. Whatever charges are brought against the boyfriend are theoretically the same charges that can be brought against your daughter. These circumstances are such that she really needs a retained attorney.

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Answered on 6/30/08, 5:29 pm


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