Posts by Mary Beth Harrell

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…