Robert Crook Case

Facts: Robert Crook states that he has been out of work and owes money for gambling debts; that he was desperate for money and robbed a gas station last night located a couple of blocks from his house. Mr. Crook states that he used a BB gun but admits that it looks like a real gun. Mr. Crook took a total of $130.00 during the robbery. Mr. Crook states that he was not wearing a mask and that the attendant got a good look at his face. This morning, Mr. Crook heard that officers had stopped by his apartment looking for him. Mr. Crook tells you that the only person at the apartment this morning was his 13 year old nephew. Mr. Crook did not know whether the 13 year old let the police in or if the police forced themselves in, but states that the police found the BB gun he used under Mr. Crook’s bed. Mr. Crook wants to know what is going to happen to him should he be arrested—from arrest to sentencing. Mr. Crook has no experience with the criminal justice system and has never been arrested before.

Obtain and secure an Attorney.

Surrender to police if there is a warrant.

He will be arrested and takin into custody.

Remain silient. Only answer identifying questions.

Having an attorney, one may be able to get reduced charges or a dismissal before it ever goes to trial.

Article I, Section 10 of the Texas Constitution requires prosecutors to go to the grand jury to seek an indictment before officially filing criminal charges.

We may try to end the case right there by presenting a written argument against the criminal charges to the grand jury. In some extreme cases, we might even ask that you be allowed to testify in front of the grand jury. However, it is unlikely to avoid an indictment when the case goes to a grand jury.

I would do a pre-trial investigation. Effective investigation can uncover prosecution missteps, identify exculpatory evidence and allow the use of tools such as DNA analysis and polygraph tests. Here we examine if they can prove your BB gun was the...