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
Is Robbery Considered a Violent Crime in Texas?
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…
Read MoreHow Do You Challenge a DWI Blood Test?
If you have ever been accused of driving while under the influence, then you are familiar with a blood test. Compared to a breath test or a field sobriety test, a blood test is one of the most accurate tests that you can take to identify your sobriety. Or is it? While a blood test…
Read MoreParents, Talk to Your Teens About Consent
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…
Read MoreParenting While Serving: Child Custody Tips for Military Parents
Parenting is challenging. However, when one or both parents serve in the U.S. armed forces, child custody arrangements can be even more difficult. One parent may be required to live on a military base or be deployed to another state or country with little or no notice, while the other has the responsibility for caring…
Read MoreYou Can be Charged with DWI in Texas Even if You Don’t Drink Alcohol
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…
Read MoreThe Difference Between Spousal Maintenance and Contractual Alimony
If you are seeking a divorce in Killeen or Copperas Cove, you may be able to seek (or have to pay) spousal support. This is extra money – separate from the marital property – that one spouse temporarily pays to the other to help support them financially after a divorce. Under Texas law, there are…
Read MoreWhat Impact Will Wooden v. U.S. Have on Criminal Defense?
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…
Read MoreWant to Avoid Divorce Litigation? Collaborative Law May Be the Right Choice for You
No one goes into a marriage expecting to end it one day. The very nature of marriage is its commitment, something one hopes will last for the rest of their lives. However, sometimes it’s necessary to break that commitment, no matter how much it may hurt. Personalities and priorities can change, trust can be broken,…
Read MoreWhat Drug Charges Are Federal Felony Crimes?
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, there are two words you do not want to hear in reference to your charges: federal or felony. Being charged with a federal felony offense can place the rest of your life in jeopardy. In one of the most important fights of your life, you…
Read MoreMedical Kidnapping Got Much, Much Harder in Texas
As a parent, your worst nightmare is your child becoming sick with a serious illness or cancer. You want your child to receive the best possible care, in a safe environment with the least amount of adverse side effects. But what happens if you and your child’s doctor disagree on treatment? As your child’s parent…
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