Should I Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney If I Am Under Investigation But Have Not Been Arrested?
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…
Read MoreShould I Take A Lie Detector Test If I Believe I Am Innocent?
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…
Read MoreDo I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney if I’m Being Investigated But Am Innocent?
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…
Read MoreIs It Beneficial To Talk To The Police If They Are Investigating Me Regarding An Incident?
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…
Read MoreBusted for Possession in Killeen? Here’s What to Do Next
Getting arrested for marijuana possession can be a frightening and confusing experience. Texas, in particular, has some of the strictest marijuana laws in the country. However, being arrested doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. Here’s what to do after a marijuana possession arrest in Texas: Stay calm and know your rights Panic can cloud your judgment…
Read MoreChallenging Traffic Stops in Copperas Cove
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…
Read MoreWhat Is Cyberbullying?
In today’s digital age, online communication plays a significant role in our lives. However, this digital space can also be a breeding ground for cyberbullying and threats of violence. These actions, though often virtual, can have very real consequences, including facing criminal charges in Copperas Cove. Online threats can often escalate and lead to serious…
Read MoreWhat to Do if You’ve Been Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a serious issue, and accusations can be life-altering. But what happens if you find yourself on the wrong side of a false allegation? Being wrongly accused of domestic violence can be incredibly stressful, leaving you confused, angry, and potentially facing legal repercussions. This can cause devastation throughout your personal and professional life.…
Read MoreWhat to Do If You’re Arrested with a Gun in Texas
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…
Read MoreIs CBD Legal in Texas?
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.…
Read MoreThe Role of Expert Witnesses in Gun Crime Trials
The role of an expert witness in a gun trial is vital to your case. Expert witnesses bring specialized knowledge and insight into various aspects of firearms, ballistics, forensics, and psychology, among other fields. Leveraging these witnesses’ expertise can be instrumental in building a strong defense strategy on your behalf. Expert witnesses play an important…
Read MoreChoosing the Right Attorney When You’re Facing Firearms Charges in Texas
Facing firearms charges can be an incredibly stressful and daunting experience for anyone. Whether you’re accused of unlawful possession, improper use, or any other firearm-related offense in Killeen, the consequences can be severe, potentially impacting your freedom, rights, and future opportunities. For such challenging times, having the right criminal defense attorney by your side is…
Read MoreWhat Is the Castle Doctrine in Texas?
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…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Penalties for Hash and Concentrates in Texas
In the evolving landscape of marijuana legislation, the distinction between traditional marijuana and cannabis concentrates like hash and THC concentrates is becoming a focal point for law enforcement, legislators, and defense attorneys alike. Texas, with its historically stringent drug laws, treats these concentrated forms of cannabis differently from regular marijuana. To understand your legal rights,…
Read MoreDoes Texas Consider a Muzzleloader a Firearm?
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)…
Read MoreIs Delta-8 Legal in Texas?
Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have legal recreational marijuana, but it remains illegal at the federal level, where it is categorized as a Schedule I drug, alongside controlled substances like heroin and LSD. Texas has strict laws forbidding the use of cannabis. However, delta-8 THC, which is acquired from hemp rather than marijuana,…
Read MoreCan You Give Your Child a Gun as a Gift – and Other Questions About Minors and Firearms
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…
Read MoreKilleen Got Sued by the Texas Attorney General
Texas is known for being tough on drug crimes. The state has some of the strictest drug laws in the U.S., with severe penalties for drug-related offenses. Texas classifies drugs into different penalty groups based on their potential for abuse and their medicinal value, with penalties ranging from fines to lengthy prison sentences, depending on…
Read MoreWhat Does it Mean to Plead “No Contest”?
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,…
Read MoreWill I Lose My Security Clearance if I’m Convicted of a Crime?
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…
Read MoreCan You Be Charged with Murder if Someone Dies from Your Drugs?
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…
Read MoreIs it Illegal to “Brandish” a Weapon in Texas?
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…
Read MoreMeth Dangerous Problem for Texas
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…
Read MoreDefenses Against Charges of Continuous Family Violence
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…
Read MoreAccused of Assault? You May Face Other Charges, Too
If you are accused of assault in Texas, additional charges might be filed, depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault. The specific charges can vary based on factors such as the severity of the assault, the presence of weapons, the relationship between the parties involved, and whether certain aggravating factors are present. Here are…
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