
I’ve dedicated my legal career to defending my clients. I demand all the evidence. I investigate all the facts, the so-called witnesses and even the police officers. I make it my business to know the law. Cases can be won or lost before you even set foot inside the courtroom.
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Posts by Mary Beth Harrell
Should I Talk to the Police If I Haven’t Been Arrested?
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…
Read MoreHow Does Bail Work in Central Texas?
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 named, and the defendant’s or their loved one’s finances, the…
Read MoreMy Ignition Interlock Device Broke. What Do I Do?
Here in Texas, we have pretty strict laws about drinking and driving. A conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) can result in jail time, fines, and an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle. These devices, similar to breathalyzers, are installed and wired to your car and prevent it from starting if you have…
Read MoreWhen Is it Self-Defense and When Is it Aggravated Assault?
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…
Read MoreDefenses for Suspected Drugged Driving in Central Texas
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime that carries serious penalties, and with good reason. A driver who is intoxicated or high may drive recklessly or at the very least have delayed reaction times – either of which could result in an accident that injures or kills the driver…
Read MoreFor Professional Drivers, a DWI Can Cost Everything
It may begin with a traffic stop. Perhaps you run a light or fail to yield. Or maybe you encounter a sobriety checkpoint that you cannot avoid. Whatever the circumstances, if law enforcement pulls you over and suspects that you may be operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, you could face…
Read MoreIs It Still Assault If Someone Provokes You?
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…
Read MoreHow Do You Prove Intent in “Burglary of Habitation”?
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…
Read MoreWhy a Bar Fight Can Land You in Prison
It’s a common scene on television and in the movies. Two patrons get into a fight. In the old days of TV westerns, they might resolve their differences in a gunfight. Some shows and films would have a fight that escalated into involving everyone in the bar. A common scene shows one patron sliding completely…
Read MoreCan a Police Officer’s Bias Make Them More Likely to Charge You with a DWI?
Everyone has their biases; even police officers. In theory, the police should judge everyone the same – no matter what type of car they drive, where they drive, or who is in the car. In reality, if you’re driving a bright red fancy sports car in the fast lane, even if you’re going the speed…
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