Facts: ZA hired the firm after his application for licensure was denied by TDLR due to his current probation. ZA received probation several years ago after he was convicted of burglary. The facts of the burglary on record were that he and an accomplice entered the home of a stranger, without consent, discharged firearms, damaged the residence, stole items of value and chased the owner out of the residence.
Outcome: The firm submitted a response to the denial and provided evidence detailing the facts of the incident which led to the conviction. The evidence provided showed that ZA only entered the residence out of concern for his girlfriend who was present in the home and who was not responding to his calls or text messages. ZA brought his cousin along with him as he did not know what was going on in the residence. It was ZA’s cousin who caused the damage, discharged the firearm, and stole items from the residence. ZA was honest with law enforcement after the fact and the evidence provided showed that this was a domestic isolated incident and not an intentional burglary. Further evidence in mitigation was provided regarding ZA’s lack of prior criminal activity, his current compliance with probation and his support from his current employer.
After review of the evidence TDLR retracted their denial and approved the application with minor restrictions requiring ZA to have supervision only while working in occupied residences.