Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer

Experienced, Aggressive Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer
When Your Freedom Is at Stake - Know Your Texas Rights!!

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 criminal defense 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 criminal defense trial 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.

Roy L. Merrill practices criminal defense law in the following cities and counties: Dallas, Addison, Allen, Arlington, Carrolton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, D/FW Airport, Farmers Branch, Flower Mound, Forney, Frisco, Garland, Grand Prairie, Frisco, McKinney, Highland Park, Plano, Richardson, Mesquite, Irving, Lewisville, Rowlett, University Park. Counties: Dallas County, Denton County, Rockwall County.