Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Criminal Defense lawyers serving Dallas County, TX >
Roy L. Merrill Jr.
Back to Search Results
Roy L. Merrill Jr.
Law Office of Roy L. Merrill Jr.
8117 Preston Road
Suite 300W
Dallas, TX 75225
Phone: (214) 706-9345 | Fax: (214) 706-9346
http://www.dallasdefenseattorneyrm.com
Experienced & Creative Board Certified Criminal Defense
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
Anyone charged with State or Federal Crimes.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
TX, Dec 1965
Bar Number: 13966000
Specialty Certifications
Texas Board of Legal Specialization: Criminal Law
Other Court Admissions
US Supreme Court
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
US District Court for the Northern District of Texas
US District Court for the Southern District of Texas
US District Court for the Western District of Texas
Association Memberships
State Bar of Texas
Dallas Bar Association
Continuing Education
I complete more hours than required for certification.
Example Cases
Representation of James Hubert Hallford, MD, Intervenor, one of the parties in the United States Supreme Court in the historic 1973 case of Roe et.all v. Wade and successful defense of Dr. Hallford in criminal abortion case in State Criminal District Court in Dallas, Texas.
Defense of physician who prescribed drugs to undercover narcotic officers resulting in not guilty verdict, based on entrapment defense.
Defense of woman (babysitter) charged with injury to a child (death by shaking child) resulting in not guilty verdict. Defense turned on cross examination of medical experts as to when injuries resulting in death occurred.
Defense of man charged with murdering the son of a Texas ranger, resulting in three jury trials, including one hung jury, with two successful appeals, and with client then pleading guilty to only time served while the case was on appeal. Defense involved time, cause, and definition of death and legal arguments that a fourth trial would be a denial of due process of law and a violation of the double jeopardy clause of the US Constitution.
A not guilty verdict in a trial where I defended the owner of sand and gravel pits arrested for felony violation of Texas environmental laws. Defense included calling expert witness for my client and cross examination of state's expert witness.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Laws
School:
University Of Texas
City:
Austin
State:
TX
Year:
1965
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Texas
Firm Focus and History
My criminal law practice was established 1971 in Dallas, representing people charged with all types of crimes in state and federal courts in Texas and in other states, as well as in the federal courts. I focus on criminal law defense in State and Federal Courts. I represent people in jury trials and appeals.
Previous Employment Summary
Assistant District Attorney: Lubbock, Texas, 1965 - 1967
Practiced with law firm of Daughtery, Bruner, Lastelick, & Anderson in Dallas, Texas, 1968 - 1970
Solo practice since 1971
Activities and Awards
AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I encourage clients to educate themselves and I provide clients with copies of the penal code as it may apply to their case and answer their questions.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Of course I review all documents pertaining to my clients' cases. This includes documents prepared by the client. A new client should bring any and all available paperwork to our initial consultation.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I would not coach a client to represent himself, because I would never recommend self-representation in court. Even an attorney would be ill-advised to defend himself in a criminal case. You must have an advocate who can be objective about the case.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I wanted to help people. While working in the District Attorney's office I realized that I was cut out to be a defense attorney - not a prosecutor.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have worked in oil fields, sales, and continuing self-education after college and law school. Studying and staying current on topics outside of criminal law have helped me be a better lawyer.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
The state and federal governments have vigorous prosecutors and vast resources. I believe that a defendant in a criminal case deserves an equally vigorous attorney who is not intimidated and will fight to make sure the client receives a fair trial with ALL the rights and protections guaranteed under the Texas and US Constitutions.
What do you like best about your career?
By far, the most rewarding part of my career is when an innocent client is acquitted of all charges. In addition, it is most rewarding when I'm able to get all charges dismissed or no-billed by the grand jury. Next is working with clients who are facing criminal charges who feel that their lives are ruined. Helping them resolve their cases with or without trials, in a way that allows them to rectify any mistakes and put their lives back together is also very rewarding.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner. I maintain my workload so that I have adequate time to represent each client to the best of my ability. My office never screens my phone calls. I take every phone call to my office unless I am in court or out of the office. I return phone calls as soon as I can. My clients always deal directly with me and not with an assistant or paralegal.
What are your strengths and style?
I am loyal to my clients. My clients' welfare is my number one concern and I represent them to the absolute best of my ability. I am good at thinking "outside of the box," preparing for trial, determining trial strategy, and I have excellent negotiating skills. I am absolutely honest with my clients in explaining their situations and options, as well as my opinions concerning their case.
Personal Interests:
My family, my dogs, reading, fishing, chess, exercising, and golf.
Fax
(214) 706-9346
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Other times available by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Yes, the fee depends on the type and complexity of the case.
Hourly Rates
$300
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes.
Typical Retainer
$2000 and up, depending on the case.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
