A criminal appeal in Texas must be based on a legal error—not just disagreement with the verdict. At Barina Law Group in Temple, we identify appealable issues that may overturn or reduce a conviction. Common legal errors include: Improper jury instructions Judicial bias or misconduct Hears...
Many people confuse filing an appeal with getting a new trial—but they are not the same. At Barina Law Group, we help clients in Temple understand their post-conviction options and choose the right legal strategy. A motion for new trial happens in the same trial court and usually claims: Jury ...
A guilty verdict isn't always the end of your case. If you believe legal errors occurred in your trial, you may have the right to file a criminal appeal. At Barina Law Group in Temple, we help clients across Bell County and Central Texas challenge convictions and pursue justice through the appell...
If CPS closes its case, you may feel relieved—but you still need to be careful. At Barina Law Group in Temple, we help parents understand what case closure really means—and what steps to take afterward. Case closure may happen when: Allegations are ruled out or unsubstantiated Services are c...
When CPS removes a child, the court usually grants visitation to the parent unless it would endanger the child. At Barina Law Group, we help parents in Temple ensure their visitation rights are protected and enforced. Types of visitation during a CPS case: Supervised visitation: Held at a...
When CPS removes a child, the long-term goal in most cases is family reunification. But to get there, parents must complete a court-approved service plan. At Barina Law Group, we help Temple parents understand, negotiate, and complete reunification plans. These plans may include: Parenting cla...
If CPS is evaluating your home for custody, reunification, or kinship placement, a home study may be ordered. This visit can play a big role in your case. At Barina Law Group, we help families in Temple prepare for CPS home visits by making sure the home is: Clean, safe, and child-friendly S...
Assault charges in Texas are serious—and often misunderstood. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor assault charge or felony aggravated assault, the consequences can affect your freedom, reputation, and future. At Barina Law Group in Temple, Texas, we help clients understand the law, their rights, ...
If you are charged with a crime in Texas, one of the most important decisions you and your attorney will make is whether to request a jury trial. At Barina Law Group in Temple, we have extensive experience defending clients before juries in Bell County and surrounding areas. Here's what you need ...
In Texas, when a court ruling comes from an associate judge or certain types of specialized courts, you may have the right to ask for a de novo hearing—a complete rehearing of the matter before the elected judge. The process involves reviewing the substance of the associate judge's report, includ...
You may have received a notice to appear in the IV-D Court in Bell County—and wondered what it means. IV-D Courts are child support courts operated in partnership with the Texas Office of the Attorney General. They handle: Establishing paternity Child support orders Enforcement of unpaid s...
If you're involved in a CPS case in Bell County, you may be summoned to a Child Protection Court—a special courtroom that only hears cases involving abuse, neglect, or child endangerment. These courts are managed by appointed judges, not elected ones. They handle: Emergency removals of childre...
In Bell County and across Texas, magistrate courts are where most defendants first appear after arrest. Created by legislative authority, these courts are critical to your rights during the early stages of a criminal case. What Happens in Magistrate Court: Arraignments (informed of your charge...
In Bell County, many family law and criminal cases aren't initially heard by an elected district judge. Instead, they go before an associate judge—a judicial officer appointed by the court to help manage caseloads efficiently. What Associate Judges Handle: Divorce and custody hearings Enforc...
Navigating the Texas legal system can be confusing, especially when your case is assigned to a specialized court. In Bell County and across Texas, family law and criminal matters are often heard by non-elected judges or courts created by the legislature for efficiency and specialization. These in...
Even when a defendant is found guilty, the story doesn't end there. Mitigating evidence can dramatically influence the punishment phase of a Texas criminal trial. What is mitigating evidence? Personal background (abuse, trauma, mental health) Remorse and rehabilitation Military service, wo...
When a child inherits money or receives a settlement from an accident, it can create legal and financial challenges. Texas law requires careful planning to ensure the money is used for the child's benefit—and not mismanaged. Options include: Court-Managed Guardianship – the court controls...
A Lady Bird Deed (also called an enhanced life estate deed) allows you to transfer your home to your heirs outside of probate while retaining full control during your lifetime. It's a powerful tool for families in Temple looking to simplify estate planning. Why Consider a Lady Bird Deed? Avoid...
A temporary hearing in Texas family law sets the ground rules while the full case is pending. These hearings can happen within weeks of filing for divorce or custody, and the results can shape your life for months—or longer. At Barina Law Group in Temple, we guide clients through preparing for te...
In Texas family law, temporary orders are often issued early in a case to set ground rules about possession of children, who stays in the house, and how bills are paid. But what happens if those temporary orders are clearly unjust or based on legal error? Generally, you can't appeal a temporary o...
If you're in the middle of getting a divorce, you've just split up with your spouse or is ending a civil partnership, there are certain arrangements that you need to sort out. This is when a family law mediator can come in. In today's post, we'll look at what this process is, what a trained media...
Theft may sound like a minor charge—but in Texas, a theft conviction can follow you for life. It's considered a crime of moral turpitude, which can affect your job, housing, and professional licensing. At Barina Law Group in Temple, Texas, we know how to fight theft allegations and protect your f...
In Texas, the court draws a clear line between the physical possession of your children and the right to make decisions regarding your children's health, education, and welfare. With this as the foundation of a child custody arrangement, the court honors the following custody arrangements in Texa...
What Are the Legal Protections for High-Asset Divorces in Texas? In Texas, the law provides several protections for divorcing spouses in high-asset marriages. These protections are designed to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of assets and to safeguard the financial future of both parties...
When Iron Clad Contracts Aren't So Ironclad No one gets married with the intent of filing for divorce. However, many people recognize this as a distinct possibility. That's why marital contracts are becoming an increasingly popular way of protecting one's own best interests. However, these contra...
