Q: What types of questions should I ask my lawyer?
Last year, almost to the day, I found out my husband and daughter were having a sexual relationship behind my back. I kicked him out, but upon telling a neighbor, the police was called, and subsequently, CPS. This was in Euless, Texas. I cooperated with authorities and CPS who displaced my children and I to my grandmother's house in Dallas, but due to living complications, I requested to move with my ex husband in Idaho. Dallas Cps permitted me to move with my 4 children to Idaho. My family and I stayed for a few months before the environment became toxic, and we moved to Virginia to live with my father. While staying with him, US Marshals came and picked me up on a warrant in Texas that claimed I ran from prosecution and child endangerment. I'm out on bond now and have a court appointed lawyer, so I'm seeking other legal representation as well. I was just informed of a court date set for June 24. What questions should I ask a lawyer I'm seeking to find the right one?
A: I suggest these: How long have you been licensed? How many jury trials have you done? How many Bench trials have you done? Are you rated by Martindale- Hubbell? If so, what is your Martindale-Hubbell rating?
A:
First, you should review the applicable law here: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.22.htm#22.041
Then you should ask your attorney what the state has to prove to make their case against you. Assuming the attorney even knows the difference between the different ways to commit that specific offense, ask what culpable mental state must be proved and what definition of "bodily injury" applies in your case.
Culpable mental states are described here: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.6.htm
Bodily Injury is defined here: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.1.htm#1.07
Ideally, you will find a great attorney with an office in the same county where the case is pending.
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