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Monday 8am - 6pm Tuesday 8am - 6pm Wednesday 8am - 6pm Thursday 8am - 6pm Friday 8am - 6pm

Smith I McDonald I Bolin - Criminal Trial Lawyers

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Sugar Land, TX
Smith I McDonald I Bolin - Criminal Trial Lawyers

Criminal Trial Lawyers
Pheobe Smith I Shawn McDonald I Amanda Bolin - (281) 302-5513

10/01/2026

Should you testify at your own trial?

This is one of the most important decisions in a criminal case, and there is no one size answer. Testifying can let the jury hear your side. It can also open the door to cross examination about prior statements, inconsistencies, or old convictions.

The right call depends on the strength of the State’s evidence, what you would actually add, and how you are likely to hold up under questioning. Some cases are won with the defendant on the stand. Others are won because the defendant stayed off it and forced the State to prove every element.

That decision should be made with experienced trial counsel after the evidence is fully reviewed. If you are heading toward trial, free consultation available.

09/26/2026

Bond conditions people accidentally violate

Getting out of jail is only the first step. Bond comes with rules, and breaking them can put you back in custody even if the original case is still pending. Common problems include missing a check in, traveling without permission, contacting a protected person, testing positive, or picking up a new charge.

Some conditions are easy to miss if they are buried in paperwork. That is why we review bond terms with clients in plain language and help them stay in compliance while the case moves forward.

If you are on bond and unsure what you can and cannot do, get clarity now rather than after a violation hearing. Free consultation available.

09/22/2026

Can police search your phone without a warrant?

Your phone holds messages, photos, location history, and years of private life. In most cases, police need a warrant before searching it. Consent is the big exception. If you unlock the phone or say yes to a search, you may give away protections that would otherwise apply.

Even with a warrant, the search has limits. The warrant should describe what officers are looking for and should not become an open ended look through everything on the device.

If officers ask for your phone, you can decline consent and ask for a lawyer. If a search already happened, the details of how it occurred can still matter in court. Free consultation available.

09/17/2026

What is a grand jury no bill in Texas?

A lot of people hear they have been “no billed” and are not sure what that means. In Texas, most felonies go to a grand jury before formal charges are filed. If the grand jury finds there is not enough evidence to proceed, it returns a no bill. That means the case does not move forward as an indictment.

A no bill is good news, but it is not always the last word. In some situations the State can present the case again. It is also a good time to ask whether an expunction is available so the arrest does not follow you on background checks.

If you have been arrested and are waiting on a grand jury, or you already received a no bill, talk with counsel about next steps. Free consultation available.

09/12/2026

We are proud to share this 5 star Google review from Brent R.:

“I went through the worst season of my life, but Amanda Bolin was with me the whole way. She put up with my endless questions, suggestions, and help. Ultimately, the truth persevered, and we had an overwhelming victory. I fully recommend Smith McDonald and Bolin.”

That is the standard we aim for. Listen closely, stay available, and fight until the truth has a real chance to come through. If you are facing charges and need someone in your corner, we offer a free consultation with a partner.

09/08/2026

Happy Labor Day from Smith, McDonald & Bolin.

Today we recognize the people who show up, work hard, and take care of their families. That includes the clients who keep going even when a case is hanging over their lives, and the team that fights for them.

We hope you get a little rest, time with the people who matter, and a safe holiday weekend. If you need us, we are here.

09/03/2026

At Smith, McDonald & Bolin, criminal defense is what we do.

Our team handles cases across Fort Bend County and throughout Texas, including:

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
Assault, Domestic Violence, Family Violence, and Aggravated Assault
Homicide, Murder, and Manslaughter
Misdemeanor and Felony DWI
Possession of a Controlled Substance, including THC, C*D oil, and narcotics
Weapons and Weapon Offenses
Illegal Dumping
Expunction and Non Disclosure

We also defend theft and other charges that can put your freedom and future at risk. When you hire us, you get three trial partners, a licensed paralegal, and an in-house investigator who is a certified peace officer. Your first consultation is free and it is with a partner, not staff.

09/01/2026

Why does early investigation matter so much in a criminal case?

Many people wait until the State has already built its case before hiring an attorney. By then, valuable opportunities can be lost. Early investigation allows us to locate and interview witnesses while memories are still fresh, preserve video or physical evidence that might otherwise disappear, and identify weaknesses in the State’s case before positions harden.

Our firm has an in-house investigator with more than 25 years of law enforcement experience. That resource helps us dig deeper and faster than many other offices. The earlier we get involved, the more options we usually have to pursue dismissals, reductions, or stronger negotiating positions.

If you have been charged or believe you may face charges, the best time to act is now. Free consultation available.

08/29/2026

What should you do (and avoid doing) while your criminal case is pending?

Several common mistakes can damage a case before it ever reaches court. Posting about the situation on social media, contacting alleged victims or witnesses, missing court dates, or continuing to discuss the facts with friends and family can all create problems.

On the positive side, staying in close contact with your attorney, complying with all bond conditions, gathering helpful documents or character information, and avoiding any new legal issues gives your defense the best foundation.

The period between arrest and resolution is critical. How you handle it can influence bond conditions, plea options, and ultimately the outcome. If you are facing pending charges, early and consistent guidance makes a real difference. Free consultation available.

08/25/2026

What happens if you miss a court date in Texas?

Missing a court appearance can quickly turn a manageable situation into a more serious one. In most cases the judge will issue a warrant for your arrest, your bond may be forfeited, and you can face an additional charge for failure to appear.

Even if the missed date was unintentional, the warrant remains active until it is addressed. The sooner an attorney steps in, the more options usually exist to recall the warrant, reinstate bond, and get the case back on track with minimal damage.

If you have already missed a court date or realize you cannot make an upcoming one, contact counsel right away. Waiting only makes the problem harder to fix. Free consultation available.

Address

77 Sugar Creek Center Boulevard Ste. 230
Sugar Land, TX
77478

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 6pm
Tuesday	8am - 6pm
Wednesday	8am - 6pm
Thursday	8am - 6pm
Friday	8am - 6pm

Telephone

+12813025513

Website

http://www.defenseattorneys.co/

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