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Texas has unfortunately been at the forefront of the national opioid crisis, with fentanyl – an extremely potent synthetic opioid – causing thousands of deaths over the past few years. However, there is some good news. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently reported a nearly 20% decrease in fentanyl-related poisoning deaths over…

Statutory rape laws in Texas can be confusing, especially for teens and young adults having relationships for the first time. These laws are meant to protect minors, but they can have life-altering effects for those accused of violating them. Understanding the law is the first step to protecting yourself or your child from a criminal…

If you or someone you love have been accused of providing alcohol to a minor in Texas, you need to understand the law and your rights. Texas House Bill 420 addresses this issue, setting clear guidelines and penalties for supplying alcohol to individuals under the legal drinking age. A single mistake or misunderstanding can lead…

If you or a loved one are facing jail time in Copperas Cove, you could reduce this time through something called “shock probation.” Shock probation is a unique form of probation granted by Texas courts after you’ve served a short time in jail. The idea behind shock probation is just like it sounds—to “shock” someone…

When you’re facing criminal charges in Copperas Cove, Texas, you have a variety of ways to defend yourself in court. In many cases, it’s more than just about disproving evidence. Bringing in character witnesses is a good way to show that you’re more than the sum of the accusations against you. A good character witness…

If you’ve been charged with a hit-and-run in Killeen, you might feel stressed about what happens next. It can be frightening to face this charge, especially if you’re unsure of your rights and how to protect them. The Killeen criminal defense attorneys at Mary Beth Harrell Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyers are here to help.…

Assault charges are serious, but you don’t have to face the charges alone. Whether you’re dealing with accusations from a heated argument that got out of hand, a misunderstanding, or something more complicated, the attorneys at Mary Beth Harrell Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers are here to help. What is assault? In Texas, assault covers…

On television and in the movies, bail seems to be a pretty straightforward process. The judge announces, “bail is set at X dollars,” bangs the gavel, and the defendant convinces a loved one to get the money together. Depending on the dollar amount the judge orders and the defendant’s or their loved one’s finances, the…

In Texas, the severity of an offense will determine the criminal sentencing guidelines. The state categorizes offenses into different classes – misdemeanors and felonies. While those classifications and the guidelines play a role, the circumstances of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and other factors will all influence the actual sentence. How Texas courts determine…

Criminal defendants are protected by the Constitution and other laws. The strict regulations surrounding the criminal justice system, from arrest to appeal, helped to shape a somewhat predictable process. However, this process is new and potentially overwhelming for those who have not had run-ins with the criminal justice system in the past. Here is an…

Facing criminal charges can be confusing and frightening. The situation is often made worse because of the complex industry-specific legal language that law enforcement, prosecutors, and others in the system may use. If you were charged with a crime, learning a little about the process, criminal statutes, and possible penalties can help you understand what…

The right to an attorney is one of the most important legal protections for anyone accused of a crime. Your lawyer is on your side to make the process as fair as possible. Remember that the consequences of a criminal conviction, whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, can impact every aspect of your life.…

Under the law, you are innocent until proven guilty. However, if you are arrested, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you. In this situation, it is important to understand that you are entitled to certain legal protections during an arrest and beyond. Unfortunately, if you don’t know those rights, you may not…

The three strikes law in Texas is a significant and controversial component of the state’s criminal justice system. It represents an effort to impose severe penalties on repeat offenders, particularly those with multiple felony convictions. Origins and purpose of the three strikes law The concept of the three strikes law emerged in the United States…

Sealing an arrest record in Texas, also known as obtaining an order of nondisclosure, offers a way to minimize the impact of an arrest on your future. Even if charges were dropped or you were acquitted, an arrest record can still affect your life by showing up in background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and…

If you’ve been charged with possession of a controlled substance while armed in Texas, you’re facing serious legal consequences that can affect your life for years to come. At Mary Beth Harrell Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyers, we understand the gravity of these charges and are ready to help you navigate the legal system. Here’s…

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a federal conviction, you may wonder if it’s possible to clear your criminal record. Understanding the options for expungement or other forms of relief can be complex, especially given the distinctions between federal and state legal systems. At Mary Beth Harrell Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyers in Copperas…

If you find yourself under investigation but have not yet been arrested, you might wonder whether it is necessary to hire a criminal defense attorney. The answer is a resounding yes. Securing legal representation at this stage is vital to protect your rights, understand the investigation’s implications, and strategically navigate the legal process. Today we…

Taking a lie detector test, also known as a polygraph, is a complex decision. From the perspective of a criminal defense law firm, there are several critical considerations to weigh before deciding whether to take such a test. This article will explore the nature of lie detector tests, their reliability, legal implications, and strategic considerations…

The short answer: Absolutely. While the presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of the American justice system, the reality of a criminal investigation can be far from fair. Even if you are certain of your innocence, the consequences of a criminal conviction are severe. A skilled criminal defense attorney can be your most valuable asset…

When faced with the prospect of a police investigation, many people wonder whether they should talk to the police. This question is especially pertinent if you find yourself at the center of an investigation. At Mary Beth Harrell Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyers, our primary concern is protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the…

Getting pulled over by the police can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re unsure of your rights or the validity of the stop itself. Navigating traffic stops in Copperas Cove is even more concerning with the presence of Fort Cavazos and a higher volume of law enforcement activity. Often, what begins as a routine…

Texas has a strong gun culture, and our gun laws reflect that. However, even in the Lone Star State, gun ownership comes with legal responsibilities. If you’re ever arrested with a gun in Texas, you need to understand your rights and take the proper steps to protect yourself. Keep the following in mind if you…

Cannabidiol (CBD) has taken the wellness world by storm, touted by many for its potential to alleviate a variety of ailments. However, for Texans considering CBD use, legal grey areas can create confusion. Today we want to take a dive into the legality of CBD in Texas, addressing our clients’ common questions and offering insights.…

The Castle Doctrine is a legal doctrine that designates an individual’s home (or, in some cases, vehicle or place of business) as a place in which that person has the legal right to defend themselves against an intruder without facing legal repercussions. Texas, with its strong emphasis on individual rights and property protection, has codified…

Muzzleloaders are popular in Texas. Often associated with historical firearms, they are commonly used in hunting and shooting sports, particularly in contexts such as black powder shooting competitions or historical reenactments. What is a muzzleloader? A muzzleloader is a type of firearm that is loaded through the muzzle (the open end of the gun barrel)…

Texas has a long and complicated relationship with firearms, including when those possessing the guns are minors. Here are some common questions people have about minors and firearm laws in Texas: Can a parent legally gift a gun to a child in Texas? Under Texas law, a person cannot give or sell a firearm to…

Many people assume that pleading “no contest” is the same as pleading guilty in a criminal case. However, there are some key differences. Before you decide what plea to enter in your case, ensure you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney first. In a criminal case, a plea of “no contest” (Latin: nolo contendere,…

If you’re convicted of a crime, there’s a lot at stake – your freedom and your finances, to name two. Once you serve your time and fulfill your obligations, you should be able to walk away and pick up your life right where you left it, right? Unfortunately, this is not often the case. We…

The short answer? You can. Effective September 2023, individuals in Texas can be charged with murder if they provide someone with a fatal dose of fentanyl. House Bill 6 also classifies overdoses from fentanyl as “poisoning” as an alternative to “toxicity” on death certificates. Just a few months ago a grand jury returned the first…

In Texas, the law allows for the open carry of firearms in certain circumstances, and it is generally legal for individuals to carry handguns in plain view in a shoulder or belt holster. However, brandishing a weapon in a manner that causes a reasonable person to fear for their safety or intentionally displaying a firearm…

Methamphetamine (meth) abuse and production are significant concerns in Texas, as well as in many other states across the country. High-purity, inexpensive meth is readily available in our state, and as a result, the drug is widely abused, especially in rural areas. What is meth? Short for methamphetamine, meth is a powerful and highly addictive…

Having a previous domestic violence charge made against you is bad enough, but when you face another allegation of domestic violence, Texas district attorneys can pursue a charge of continuous family violence against you, even if the incidents occurred in different counties and jurisdictions. Continuous family violence, also known as Rachel’s Law, is a Texas…

Texas is one of 26 states in which marijuana possession remains illegal, despite the fact that an August 2022 Dallas Morning News/UT-Tyler poll found that 72 percent of Texas voters support legalizing marijuana for medical use, and 55 percent favor legalizing it for recreational use. Texas also has a somewhat unique approach to marijuana possession…

Texas is set to enact 31 new laws, and new sections of 13 others, starting January 1, 2024. A significant number of them relate to our tax laws, though one creates a new court system for business cases, which we think is a good idea. But as criminal defense lawyers, our primary concern is for…

Texas prides itself on its “tough on crime” reputation, and the state takes criminal prosecutions extremely seriously. According to Prison Legal News, nearly 250,000 people are being held in jails and prisons throughout Texas. If Texas was a country, its incarceration rate would rank eighth among all the countries in the world. Over 700,000 people…

Some might assume that aggravated assault and deadly conduct are basically the same type of crimes. However, deadly conduct and aggravated assault are actually two distinct criminal charges in Texas, each with its own legal definitions, elements, and penalties. Under Texas law, the critical difference between aggravated assault and deadly conduct lies in the intent…

Texas has specific laws regulating the possession and use of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and THC-containing products. Texas law distinguishes between low-THC cannabis products, such as medical CBD, and THC-containing products that are not derived from low-THC cannabis. What is THC, and how does it relate to cannabis? Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is the psychoactive compound…

In Texas, faking a drug test can lead to criminal charges and legal consequences. While the specific charges and penalties can vary depending on the circumstances, some common legal implications associated with faking a drug test in Texas may include: Tampering with evidence Under Texas law, faking a drug test can lead to charges of…

Resisting arrest can lead to various charges, including felony assault. However, it typically does not automatically result in serious charges. In Texas, resisting arrest is generally defined as intentionally preventing or obstructing a law enforcement officer from making a lawful arrest. This can involve a range of actions or behaviors, and the specific criteria for…

Those who abuse tranq—the powerful animal tranquilizer xylazine—face a high risk of overdose, and those who supply it could face serious legal consequences. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of fatal opioid overdoses linked to tranq rose by 276 percent from January 2019 through June 2022, the largest…

Here in Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious criminal offense that can have significant consequences on your life and livelihood. While alcohol-related DWIs are well-known, there is growing concern about marijuana-related DWIs as cannabis legalization efforts gain momentum across the country. Before getting into marijuana DWIs, you should understand our DWI laws. In…

There are few experiences more frightening than being charged with a crime. Texas has always prided itself on its “tough on crime” reputation, and it takes criminal prosecutions very seriously. It takes its penalties seriously, too. Prison Legal News, a monthly magazine published by the non-profit Human Rights Defense Center, says Texas is “more or…

Facing assault charges can be a frightening and life-altering experience. The potential consequences of a conviction, including lengthy prison sentences and a permanent criminal record, make it important to mount a strong defense. The strategies our attorneys will use for your defense may vary based on the circumstances of your case, but also on the…

In the digital age, social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, allowing individuals to connect, share, and express themselves around the globe. However, the widespread use of social media platforms has also given rise to new challenges and legal issues, especially when it comes to criminal offenses. This is particularly true in cases when…

A grand jury in San Angelo recently indicted a man for allegedly firing two gunshots at a vehicle last December. In an interesting twist to the case, the man had already confessed to the crime – to the victim – via Snapchat. Per Concho Valley Homepage, Santana Garcia was indicted this past June for deadly…

A recent traffic stop in Killeen resulted in the seizure of several pounds of drugs and two arrests, per 6 News. According to the publication, a routine traffic stop netted “3.4 lbs. of methamphetamine, 4.2 lbs. of marijuana, 14.3 grams of ecstasy, 8.12 grams of cocaine, 16.74 grams of fentanyl (M30 pills), 5.64 grams of…

The state of Texas recently passed a bill that extends the statute of limitation on several offenses, including misdemeanor and felony assault. These are serious offenses and these extensions now give law enforcement more time to prosecute. It is crucial that, if you are accused (or think you may be accused) of assault, you get…

We understand the complexities surrounding family assault charges related to dating violence. Despite not being a legal member of the family, certain laws concerning family assault charges expand the term “family” to include other folks as well. These charges can arise when a person involved in a dating relationship is accused of causing harm or…

In our state of Texas, burglary charges encompass accusations of unlawfully entering a house, building, or vehicle. Referred to as “burglary of habitation,” it is crucial to recognize that burglary charges can be filed even in cases where no theft occurred. Understanding the definition of burglary, the specific charges you face, and the potential consequences…

Texas is known for being tough on crime. The state’s reputation came into play recently when a man pleaded guilty to a DWI charge, making it his 9th DWI conviction. He was sentenced to life in prison. A Weatherford jury has sentenced Christopher Faran Stanford to 50 years to life in prison after he was…

Responsible gun ownership and adherence to applicable laws are fundamental principles upheld by proponents of gun rights. The lawful use of firearms is crucial to protect individual liberties, personal safety, and the preservation of one’s property. It is important to recognize that responsible gun ownership entails understanding and complying with the legal framework surrounding firearms.…

Under the US Constitution, criminal defendants are given the right to face their accusers. Implied, though not directly stated, is the right of an alleged victim to face the perpetrator of a crime. The whole point of a criminal trial is to give both sides a chance to tell their stories and have an impartial…

As good as it may feel to “get things off your chest,” posting on social media after you’ve been charged with a crime of any sort can only hurt you. Those accused of a violent crime like domestic violence or assault should definitely stop posting on all online accounts until their case is resolved, as…

No two criminal charges are the same, even if they share many similarities and may be classed the same way. Everyone’s case is different, and therefore the charges they face will reflect that. Any criminal charges can carry serious consequences, of course, but certain crimes hold more weight than others, and in some scenarios, you…

Recently, accused killer Alex Murdaugh took the stand in his double-murder trial, and at the same time an unflattering Netflix docuseries about the murders and his own family hit the airwaves. Pundits and experts across the country considered this a risky move, especially considering Murdaugh immediately confessed to what felt like dozens of lies. We…

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Killeen, Copperas Cove, or anywhere in Central Texas, you may immediately start weighing your options. Should you plead guilty? But you are innocent! Should you fight your charges? But then you might get jail time! There are pros and cons to each, but no matter…

If you were charged with a crime, prosecutors may want to bring in eyewitnesses to help convict you. Or maybe you want to bring an eyewitness onto the stand to help prove your innocence. It seems like a great tactic to use for either side. After all, the eyewitnesses are the people who actually saw…

Most people believe that when you get charged with a crime, you will typically have a trial and bring in a jury to determine whether you should be convicted or not. But what many people do not know is that you, as the defendant, actually have the choice of how you want your case to…

Maybe you made a mistake. Maybe you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or maybe you feel that you have absolutely nothing to hide. Whatever the reason, if you find yourself in the company of police – particularly police who want to ask you questions and have you answer those questions without…

The general term “assault” comprises a variety of crimes under the Texas penal code, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. The Texas criminal justice system can be harsh and swift, and if you find yourself facing any type of assault charges, it’s important to get started on your defense as soon as possible. When you get…

Many assaults happen because a defendant was provoked by the victim. As a general rule, provocation is not a defense to the crime of assault. If you’re provoked, Texas law generally requires that you walk away or contact the local police. Fighting or using force if provoked is typically not an appropriate response. However, there…

There are many different types of defenses when you’re charged with a crime in Central Texas. Our Killeen criminal defense lawyers assert your Constitutional defenses. We hold the government to its burden to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. One defense that we regularly examine is whether you violated the precise terms of the…

Texas laws regarding guns can be difficult to understand. On one hand, the state allows people to carry handguns in public without a license to carry. On the other, if a person with no criminal history feels threatened and subsequently pulls their firearm from their holster, purse, or glove box, they could be facing a…

Burglary can be an extremely serious (and confusing) crime in the state of Texas. Although burglary is most often connected with theft, illicit entry into a building to commit assault or any felony-level offense is also considered burglary under state law. Texans facing charges of trespass, burglary, or burglary of habitation often don’t know the…

When you think of violent crimes, your mind most likely goes to murder, rape, and assault. The last crime that you may think of when it comes to violent crimes is theft. But robbery is different. While technically a theft crime, it is also an assaultive crime, and as such, can be classified as a…

As a parent, the thought of talking to your teen about sex can be uncomfortable. However, in this day and age, it is crucial. Even though sexual assault cases involving teens have happened for decades, it is even more prevalent now with human trafficking and statutory rape cases. There are many reasons why teens are…

Most people associate a DWI charge with drinking alcohol. However, in Texas, this is only partially true. Under state law, a person is driving while intoxicated (DWI) when they are do not have the ordinary use of their mental or physical faculties because of consumption of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of those substances, or by exhibiting…

In March 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral in a case involving how predicate offenses – crimes that may be considered a component of a larger crime – are considered and classified under the Armed Career Criminal Act. SCOTUS reversed the decision made by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth…

There are few things more stressful, terrifying, and exhausting than being subjected to a formal police interrogation. Whether or not you are guilty of the crime, you’re still treated like a criminal. Most people never have to find this out the hard way, but those who do can be completely, 100% innocent and still end…

The topic of extradition can be a complex one. There was one particular case last year that brought into question the truly harsh conditions in Texas jails. A Scottish judge refused the extradition of a Scottish man who had allegedly shot a security guard in 2016 in Austin. While the denial of an extradition is…

Texas is known for its tough handling of crimes and punishment. The sentences the state doles out are some of the most severe in the United States. From fines to prison time, Texas doesn’t take breaking the law lightly. So if you’ve been charged or convicted with a crime, you might be worried about the…

Some crimes are more serious than others. After all, one would take being convicted of disorderly conduct over being convicted of murder, but often even the less serious charges have long-lasting and life-changing repercussions. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense under any circumstance, but people often take it lightly because of how common…

No, private militias are not legal in Texas. In fact, all 50 states prohibit private, unauthorized militias from engaging in activities reserved for the state militia, including law enforcement activities. What is a militia? There are government-sanctioned organized militias, like the Coast Guard, the Naval militia, and the “unorganized militia” which includes every male between…

It’s easy to think we know how the criminal process works. A criminal is arrested, read their rights, and then it’s off to jail with them. That’s how TV shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS, and Brooklyn 99 work, and if we haven’t been arrested ourselves, then why should we think otherwise? Or sometimes, we simply…

Drugs are a problem nationwide. Heroin, cocaine, meth…they’re addictive, dangerous, and everywhere.  Not only do they pose a threat and danger to those who use the drugs, but they also create trouble for others. The drug trafficking involved with getting the drugs into Texas, and the creation of more drugs in dens and basements causes…

The legal system can be complex and tricky to navigate, and if you’ve been charged with a crime, you may not quite understand why you’re being charged the way you’re being charged. For one man from Texas, this is exactly the case. Having started and ended a crime in his home state, one might assume…

The US Constitution’s Sixth Amendment provides that “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of the state where the said crimes shall have been committed.” If you’ve been charged with any crime, you have the right to a fair trial. The selection…

Being charged with a crime of any sort is a challenge, but when the crime in question is a form of theft, the consequences can be severe. While not typically considered “violent” in and of itself, theft is thought to be a sign of moral failing, which means you may find yourself judged at every…

Going to trial can be exhausting, time-consuming, and confusing. When you are facing criminal charges, it can be frightening, too. The law is full of little intricacies, exceptions to rules, and rules without exceptions. However frustrating this may be, this level of detail is meant to protect you and your rights – as long as…

The term “hate crime” entered the American vocabulary sometime in the 1980s and 90s, although the FBI investigated hate crimes as far back as World War I. Hate crimes are serious offenses and the court treats them as such. If you are facing hate crime charges, it is essential you understand the allegations against you…

The United Nations’ Office on Drugs and Crime issued a World Drug Report in 2005, which estimated the size of the global illicit drug market at $320 billion. At the time, the primary concerns were opioids (specifically heroin) and cocaine. It has been 18 years, and the UN’s focus has shifted. In the 2020 report,…

When the world shut down in March of 2020, courts across the nation had no choice but to halt legal proceedings and trials as a safety precaution. At the start of the new year, courts were struggling to find a way to hold trials in a safe environment. Bell County is looking to resume trials…

Texas is primed to pass the most lenient Constitutional carry law in the United States. The change would allow anyone who is over the age of 21 to carry a handgun in the state without licensing or training. When Governor Abbott signs House Bill 1927 into law, Texas would become the largest state in the…

Assault charges can lead to some serious consequences. Aggravated assault, particularly with a deadly weapon, can lead to felony charges and prison time. The definition of “deadly weapon” can be a tricky one. Although it typically means something like a gun, bat, or a knife, it can encompass anything that can cause physical harm to…

Drug trafficking involves the unlawful sale, distribution, transportation, manufacturing, and import/export of controlled substances. This is a federal and felony crime and much more serious than drug possession. Also called drug distribution, penalties for conviction for drug trafficking can vary widely depending on the type of drugs involved, the quantity, and the geographic area of…

Kratom is an herbal supplement derived from a tropical tree called the Mitragyna speciosa. This tree, which is member of the coffee family, is native to Southeast Asia, where people have used its leaves as both a sedative and a stimulant for centuries. Today, people worldwide tout the benefits of kratom for treatment of opioid…

Thousands of people across the United States are in prison due to wrongful convictions. Many of these wrongful conviction cases are due to false confessions. It can be difficult to understand why someone would confess to a crime they did not commit, especially crimes like murder or sexual assault. However, there are a variety of…

Texas State Representative Brad Buckley, R-Killeen, has co-authored the “Second Look” Bill, legislation that would require the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to give certain youth offenders a second look at parole at 20 years, instead of 30 or 40 years. It also requires the Board to look at the personal growth and maturity…

New Mexico is poised to legalize recreational marijuana, with two bills approved and headed to the governor’s desk for signing. The bills, which Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has praised, will legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, and expunge arrest and conviction charges for certain offenses. Retail sales are set to begin no later…

Interactions with law enforcement can be stressful; especially if you are being arrested for a crime you may not have even committed. Not every police officer treats suspects gently, and it is natural to want to argue with or even resist the arresting officer in an overwhelming situation. However, resisting arrest here in Texas can…

Will Texas be one of the next states to legalize marijuana? Although it has long felt unlikely here in the Lone Star State, a variety of bills introduced into this year’s legislative calendar might make legalization a reality. With more than a dozen marijuana-related bills pre-filed at the end of 2020, Texas could be poised…

Being pursued by a police officer – for whatever reason – is enough to activate many people’s fight-or-flight response. When forced to make an instinctual choice between the two, it might feel like “flight” is the proper option, especially when resisting arrest is another charge in itself. However, fleeing from arresting officers comes with its…

Many people believe that strangulation, or choking, is a form of assault. And this is true – however, what many people are unaware of is that strangulation is a felony crime. Before 2009, choking or strangling was considered a misdemeanor assault, but legislature passed that year upped intimate partner strangulation and suffocation to a third-degree…

The online world gives people the opportunity to create entirely new personas and personalities. When someone can hide behind their laptop, creating a world that requires no proof that someone is who they say they are, they can create an environment rife for what’s called “catfishing.” Catfishing is using a false persona or identify to…

Violating your probation can cause you some big problems with the Texas criminal justice system. Being put on probation in the first place means that the court trusted you enough to sentence you to probation instead of jail, so any violation of those conditions won’t be taken lightly. If you’re facing criminal charges or have…

Here in Texas, deadly conduct is a criminal act committed when an individual engages in conduct that recklessly places others in immediate danger of serious injury or death. Typically this is reckless or careless use of a weapon and, depending on the circumstances, can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Texas criminal…

You may find yourself in a situation where you’re concerned that there may be a warrant out for your arrest. Perhaps you were involved in an assault, a domestic situation, or believe someone may have reported you for committing a crime. Many people believe that if there’s a warrant, the police or sheriff are going…

During these strange and confusing times, everything we know about procedures and precedents has changed. Facing criminal allegations is stressful enough without the uncertainty of how your case may be handled in court, especially if those allegations might involve felony charges. Is your trial even able to take place? Does this pandemic change the way…

Regardless of the state you live in, a capital offense is the most severe charge you can face, and therefore subject to the harshest of sentences. In Texas, there is only one capital charge: capital murder. If you are convicted, you can be put to death. In the state of Texas, for the crime to…

In April of 2020, a young Army specialist named Vanessa Guillén went missing from Fort Cavazos. In July, her remains were found in a shallow grave nearby. She had been beaten to death, and investigators suspected Spc. Aaron Robinson. As police closed in, he shot himself to death. Had Robinson lived, he would have faced…

Home to Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood), an Army base with its own notorious reputation (especially since the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Spc. Vanessa Guillen), Killeen has an unfortunate relationship with serious criminal offenses. Annually, more than 500 violent crimes occur in this city alone, with a rating of 19 on a crime index of…

What do you do when you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time and you’re accused and convicted of a crime you didn’t commit? What if it ends with a sentence of life in prison or worse, death? It’s a nightmare from which few innocent inmates believe they’ll ever wake up from. According to…

The last thing anyone facing a felony charge thinks about is what long-term consequences he or she might face other than how much time could be spent in prison. It is human nature to deal with the immediate problem before you rather than concerning yourself with the after-effects until they’re suddenly a problem. That’s why…

Being homeless can happen to anyone who runs across the wrong luck at the wrong time. When you’ve worked hard at being successful, losing it all can be devastating and even end in a mental breakdown. Many people who have experienced this can easily end up homeless living on the streets. Their new circumstances often…

It appears that off-post crime involving Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood) has gone underreported for quite some time, but now a number of servicemembers will find themselves in hot water. Stars and Stripes has named the Fort Cavazos the Army’s most crime-ridden post. An assessment was conducted of crime statistics and found that Fort Cavazos has…

Intoxication manslaughter charges are among the most serious in our state, with severe consequences upon conviction. Both prosecutors and organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving lobby for harsh penalties against offenders, and if you are facing intoxication manslaughter charges, you cannot underestimate what you are up against. What is intoxication manslaughter? Intoxication manslaughter falls under…

Here in Texas, if you are accused of a crime, you may face additional penalties if you are a repeat offender. What this means is that the court can lay down more serious punishments upon conviction than you might face if it were your first offense. Felony repeat offenders can face much more severe punishments…

In order to lawfully use self-defense as a legal strategy, a defendant must prove his or her justification in taking assaultive actions based on either threats of violence or actual violence on the part of the other individual. Under Texas law, a person is not guilty of assault if he or she committed actions for…

In every state, including Texas, sex crimes are considered one of the most horrendous offenses. In the majority of cases, individuals convicted of a sex crime in the state are required to have their names added to the Texas sex offender registry. In 1994, Congress passed the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children Act as part…

In a criminal trial, the prosecutor must present evidence that sufficiently convinces the jury or judge of the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The evidence required to meet this burden of proof is often substantial and can be derived from extensive investigations conducted by law enforcement. The various forms in which this evidence may…

An Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing is the forum used to determine if your driver license should be suspended, because you were either arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), or refused to submit to breath or blood tests after being stopped for a DWI. You only have 15 days to request an ALR hearing, starting…

During these difficult times, there can be uncomfortable issues that we might not want to talk about, or don’t have anyone to vent to about, either. Family or domestic violence is one of them. Unfortunately, these things don’t stop in the face of a nationwide pandemic – and, in fact, they can become worse as…

The current coronavirus pandemic is a public health crisis affecting everyone in the country. There are some populations here in Texas, however, that may be more vulnerable than others. Our citizens who battle drug and alcohol addictions face challenges that can put them in risky situations for contracting or spreading the coronavirus, as well as…

The current COVID-19 pandemic has closed many courts across the state for the foreseeable future, save for emergency hearings and orders. Now, many Texans face uncertainty regarding their legal issues, whether they need representation for criminal charges or for a family law case. Mary Beth Harrell recently spoke to the Copperas Cove Leader Press regarding…

In the state of Texas, any type or murder degree is designated as criminal homicide. Regardless of the degree assigned to a homicide offense, the consequences in every case are always severe. The highest level of murder defined under the Texas Penal Code is first-degree murder. Capital murder is a type of first-degree murder which…

This is a question I get asked a lot. It is understandable, as the thought of getting arrested for many people is scary. The process is something with which most people are not familiar. Knowing your rights and what to do if accused of a crime is important. In today’s blog, I will take you…