Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Need legal advise

My daughter was stabbed by her husband on 06/29/2008 at my home in Whitney, Tx and then he proceeded to stab himself and died. Now my daughter has been harrassed by the sheriff's office to take a lie detector test. We have no money available for legal help. She has applied for assistance through the local woman's shelter, but nothing has been done. Hill County will not release any information because its still considered an open case. What can she do, or how can we get advise. She declined twice to take the test. The Texas Rangers have gone to look for her twice and asked her to take the test. Please help us.


Asked on 11/11/08, 12:45 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Pat Montgomery Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Re: Need legal advise

You should not talk to the police under any circumstances. If you do not believe me, watch this video.

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=%22talking+to+the+police%22&hl=en&sitesearch=

If you are arrested you should say repeatedly: "I want to talk to a lawyer," and nothing else.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you should ask that one be appointed. If you do not care for your appointed attorney, you can always fire him/her and hire private counsel. Meanwhile, their services may benefit you.

You should start saving money for a bondsman and a lawyer. Do not allow your lawyer to act as your bondsman, it is a bad idea. A bondsman wants a case closed as quickly as possible in order to avoid potential liability if the client does not show for court. A lawyer may require extended time to obtain your best possible result. Therefore, I believe there is a potential conflict of interest in acting as both lawyer and bondsman.

You should interview Board Certified Criminal Lawyers. Of the thousands of lawyers in Bexar County, only about 50 have this credential. You can visit the Texas Board of Legal Specialization website to see the list. Many are judges or prosecutors, unavailable for you to hire.

I hope you find this information helpful.

WWW.PATMONTGOMERY.COM

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Answered on 11/11/08, 12:49 pm


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