Smith I McDonald I Bolin - Criminal Trial Lawyers

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

A suspended license does not always mean you are stuck without a way to get to work. In many Texas cases, you can petiti...
10/20/2026

A suspended license does not always mean you are stuck without a way to get to work. In many Texas cases, you can petition a court for an occupational driver’s license, also called an essential need license. It is not a full license. It is a court order that can allow limited driving for work, school, and essential household duties.

Eligibility depends on why the license was suspended. Some cases require SR-22 insurance, a waiting period, or an ignition interlock. The court order alone is not the license. DPS still has to issue it after the order is granted.

If a suspension is already affecting your job, ask about this option early. Free consultation available.

The first meeting goes further when you come prepared. Helpful items include the citation or bond paperwork, any court d...
10/15/2026

The first meeting goes further when you come prepared. Helpful items include the citation or bond paperwork, any court date notices, the names of officers involved, photos or video you already have, and a short written timeline of what happened.

You do not need a perfect file. You do need the facts you remember, including anything that might hurt the case. Holding back a prior statement, a text thread, or an old conviction only slows the strategy down.

Your first consultation at Smith, McDonald & Bolin is free, and it is with a partner. Bring what you have, and we will tell you what else we need.

In many assault and family violence cases, a judge can issue a protective order or a no contact condition before the cas...
10/10/2026

In many assault and family violence cases, a judge can issue a protective order or a no contact condition before the case is even resolved. That order can bar calls, texts, social media contact, and sometimes contact through a third person. It can also affect where you can live and whether you can go to a shared home.

Violating that order is a separate criminal offense, even if the original case later gets reduced or dismissed. People often get in trouble because they respond to a message, ask a relative to pass something along, or assume the other person dropped it.

If a protective order or no contact condition is already in place, read it carefully and follow it exactly. If you have questions about what it allows, get advice before you act. Free consultation available.

A lot of people hear that the State has to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and assume that means the case is weak ...
10/08/2026

A lot of people hear that the State has to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and assume that means the case is weak if there is any question at all. That is not quite right. It does not mean the State has to erase every possible doubt. It does mean the evidence must be strong enough that a reasonable person would not hesitate to act on it in the most important matters of their own life.

That standard is why details matter. Missing reports, unreliable identifications, and gaps in the investigation can be enough to keep the State from meeting its burden. We build every case with that standard in mind, whether the goal is a dismissal, a better resolution, or a trial.

If you are facing charges and want a clear read on the State’s proof, free consultation available.

Should you testify at your own trial?This is one of the most important decisions in a criminal case, and there is no one...
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.

Bond conditions people accidentally violateGetting out of jail is only the first step. Bond comes with rules, and breaki...
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.

Can police search your phone without a warrant?Your phone holds messages, photos, location history, and years of private...
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.

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. ...
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.

We are proud to share this 5 star Google review from Brent R.:“I went through the worst season of my life, but Amanda Bo...
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.

Happy Labor Day from Smith, McDonald & Bolin.Today we recognize the people who show up, work hard, and take care of thei...
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.

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

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