Licensed for 8 years

State TX

Acquired 2015

Status
Eligible to Practice in Texas No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Jarrod Lee Smith

Criminal defense Attorney at Austin, TX

About
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Reviews
Cost
Resume

Amazing Firm

These guys single handed saved my life. I had a previous attorney who was doing nothing for my case. I hired Jared and this firm, what took years prior they got dismissed in a matter of a few months. Charlie is the best attorney, he listens fights for you and really cares. I would use this firm hands down over any other. My case was extremely complicated and facing a felony. It was very scary until they took over for me. I owe them so much. I finally got my life back after four long years and thousands of dollars.

The finest attorneys in Austin

About Jarrod

Learn Jarrod’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Criminal defense

35%

Jarrod Smith is a former prosecutor and has experience handling criminal charges. He has successfully tried cases in front of juries. He has had success as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney in defending those accused of a criminal offense.
... Read more
DUI and DWI

30%

Jarrod Smith is a former prosecutor and has experience handling DWI and other alcohol-related charges. He has successfully tried DWI cases in front of juries. He has had success as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney in defending those accused of DWI.
... Read more
Sex crime

25%

Jarrod Smith is a former prosecutor and has experience handling sex crime charges. He has successfully tried sexual assault cases in front of juries.
Civil rights

5%
Personal injury

5%

FORMER PROSECUTOR & NOW AGGRESSIVE CRIMINAL DEFENSE & DWI ATTORNEY. CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.

Jarrod Smith is one of the leading criminal defense & DWI lawyers in the State of Texas.

He is a former associate judge and prosecutor. Jarrod has been named by Texas Super Lawyers as a Rising Star, an honor given to only 2.5% of lawyers in the State of Texas. Jarrod routinely is asked to lecture at legal conferences across Texas, teaching other lawyers how to win criminal cases.

Jarrod believes deeply that his clients are more than numbers in a case file, they are people, and they should not have their lives and careers destroyed because of a criminal charge. Jarrod is passionate about helping his clients and will aggressively fight the government to get their case dismissed.

Jarrod completed his undergraduate education at the University of Houston, majoring in criminal justice and graduating with high honors. He went on to attend law school at South Texas College of Law Houston (STCL). Jarrod excelled academically, graduating in the top 20% of his law school class. He founded the STCL Criminal Law Society and was a member of the prestigious South Texas Law Review

He has extensive experience in criminal law and DWI and has worked in both State and Federal offices. He is a former assistant district attorney at the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Before becoming a prosecutor, he clerked with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and Harris County Public Defender’s Office. Jarrod has experience on the federal side of the criminal justice system as well, as a former law clerk for the United States Attorney’s Office.

Jarrod has handled thousands of criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to murder and every type of criminal charge in between. As a former prosecutor, he has a unique insight into how the police and the government build their cases against his clients. He will use this experience to help you fight and win your case.

Jarrod is a proven trial lawyer. He has received many not guilty verdicts from juries on charges ranging from DWI, Child Abuse to Sexual Assault.

He is a native Texan and makes his home in Central Texas with his wife, Elise, and their children.

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Contact Jarrod

Smith & Vinson Law Firm

(512) 359-3138 Office

1411 West Avenue

Suite 124

Austin, TX, 78701

smithandvinson.com

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Smith & Vinson Law Firm

(512) 359-3138 Office

307 Rock St., Bldg #2

Georgetown, TX, 78626

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Smith & Vinson Law Firm

(512) 359-3138 Office

1920 Corporate Dr #A102

San Marcos, TX, 78666

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Smith & Vinson Law Firm

(512) 359-3138 Office

1924 N Main Ave Suite 101

San Antonio, TX, 78212

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Reviews

Write A Review

4.6 / 5.0

19 customer reviews

5 Star

89%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

11%

Posted by Leah | September 1, 2022

Amazing Firm

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Posted by anonymous | August 24, 2018

The finest attorneys in Austin

Excellent, organized and professional attorneys. Took care of the whole case and allowed me to focus on my life while they handled my legal issues. Their diligence led to a reduction in my case and I could not be happier! Would definitely recommend!

Posted by anonymous | April 18, 2018

Probation Revocation

Jarrod responded very quickly and communicated well answering every question I had. Gave him really short notice about the court date still he was able to work with me. Case was resolved in my favor, very happy with his services.

Posted by Manuel Ramirez | January 24, 2018

Second to NON

I would love to add my thanks and heart felt appreciation for the help that your law firm provided me. Before I met you guys my situation looked very bleak and quite honestly your dedication to my case really carried over this past year and the reward was not only one felony dismissal but two. Thank you from the Ramirez family, I will always be great full and you guys have earned a spot in my family. For anyone reading, this firm is second to NON, they know what there talking about and do exactly what they promise to do. Very professional, on time and and educate you along the whole process. I had alot to lose and you guys gave it all back to me and finally represented what true Justice is here in America. God bless you both and God bless your firm .. Sincerely Manuel

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Posted by anonymous | November 12, 2017

Positive experience

Responded very quickly after I reached out with little notice before court date. Communicated well and case was resolved to my satisfaction.

Posted by anonymous | October 27, 2017

Great service

After a referral from another attorney, I'm glad that I choose Jarrod and Brad. They lead me to the process and answered all my questions that I had and navigating through the process. I knew after I first meant them in person I knew they we're going to fight and I got the result that I was happy with at the end. I would recommend if anything ever happens to anyone. Thank you guys for your work!

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Posted by Andrew | October 16, 2017

DWI

Jarrod Smith of Smith and Vinson Law Firm provided me with the best service I could have possibly asked for. Having no background in law and finding myself in a situation that left me feeling extremely vulnerable, I felt quickly at ease in their care. They were very reasonable with my situation and helped work around my needs in providing me the most support and information on how to best handle my case. I'd recommend this firm to anyone seeking help with a traffic violation of any kind. I feel that if it weren't for them I would have been heavily misguided and probably would not have made it through the system with the best possible outcome for me. 5 Stars for their service, generosity, and in making me feel like a top priority!

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Posted by anonymous | September 12, 2017

DWI CASE

When I was charge with my DWI case, my son was able to attain Mr. Smith's number. From the moment I spoke with him I was certain I had found the right person to represent me. Mr. Smith was able to explain in detail what we were facing and what to expect. He kept in touch through the whole procedure and was able to walk me through every procedure that I needed to follow. I feel very satisfied with the results, Jarrod is a very trust-worthy person, I personally, highly recommend him. He was even able to help out with went as fast as to work on the payments without any hesitation.

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Posted by ronald d | August 25, 2017

friend in a low place. will work with you. business minded and well as clearly very good at his craft

pay them, be honest with them and communicate with them and they will fix your mistake. plain and simple charged 1st DWI offense. called in. told them scenario. worked with payment methods(very important) i had numerous lawyers to choose from. 110% glad I chose Jarrod to represent and fight for me throughout whole process I had the utmost confidence in MR Smith and his work. the goal when we first met was to "get the DWI dismissed" and that is exactly what happened. mission accomplished. if you need a DWI removed call jarrod

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Posted by anonymous | May 31, 2017

Client

Jarrod Smith exceeded my expectations when faced with a difficult and uncertain situation. He was consistently helpful and available to answer any questions I had and walked me through the process. His prompt communication and timely responses were greatly appreciated. I highly recommend Jarrod and would undoubtedly hire him again if needed.

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Posted by anonymous | May 24, 2017

DWI Case

Jarrod is very professional and fought super hard for my case. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney to represent me. I highly recommend!

Posted by Matt | January 30, 2017

Outstanding Lawyer

Jarrod is an outstanding advocate for his clients. He is well versed in evidence and criminal law nuances, skills which allow him to level the playing field for his clients and make certain they get a fair chance at justice.

Posted by Benjamin | September 19, 2016

Knows how to help you

Jarrod has worked on both sides of the judicial divide, both prosecutor and defender, and is well-positioned to evaluate a client’s chances and recommend what to do about them. I first met when he was Jarrod dedicated and diligent member of South Texas Law Review. He was dedicated because he volunteered as an assistant editor-in-chief. He was diligent because he pitched in during semester breaks. I know Jarrod has the temperament of a great advocate.

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Posted by Kenneth | September 8, 2016

Highly Recommend

Jarrod has all the qualities you need in a good lawyer: he's smart, diligent, thorough and fair. He will keep you informed about your case. I wouldn't hesitate to hire him if I got in trouble and needed a lawyer.

Posted by Iván | September 4, 2016

Honest and Responsible

Mr. Smith provided me advice in DWI case. He listened to me and I felt that he cared about my case. At the end, I know he gave me the right advise.

Posted by anonymous | August 31, 2016

Committed & Compassionate

Jarrod Smith will commit himself fully to the defense of your case. He is a very compassionate and strong attorney. This coupled with his confidence in the courtroom let you know that you are being represented well by an attorney who cares about your case.

Posted by PJ | August 30, 2016

Jarrod Smith will give your case the attention it needs.

Jarrod assisted me in a non disclosure issue I needed handled in the Texas criminal courts. It is very clear that Jarrod is passionate about the law and justice. He is well versed in Texas criminal law and proceedure. I would gladly reffer anyone to him. He will give your issue the attention it deserves.

Posted by julia | August 3, 2023

Sales job

I didn't care for this firm they placed me behind the 8 ball after 7 K and didn't even read the warrant (bond reversed). DWI I added the car ignition start but was unaware of the other requirement. Had they read the bond I would have not been in jail on a warrant. They blamed me yet I gave the 7k to take care of the matter. They didn't care and they didn't do their research. I knew after the sales pitch it was marketing here. I canceled CC after getting out of jail from bond reverse and retained another attorney to get the DUI dismissed. Never again will I use the internet marketing lies just to make this firm look good.

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Posted by anonymous | March 7, 2023

Little communication, little results

I’m sure Jarrod is helpful with some, but for the negative reviews he does receive, they’re likely true. Jarrod will sell you on a flat fees, experience, and that he’s attentive and communicative. But once you make that payment for him to represent you, that’s not the case. You can tell Jarrod and his firm are taking on more cases than they can handle which is why some clients like me get left out of the loop and left wondering what they paid for. If you try to criticize him at all he gets vindictive and hateful. Be cautious with this attorney.

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Response from Jarrod Smith March 22, 2023

This is an anonymous review likely written by a competitor. I care deeply about my clients and communication is a top priority. When a client comes to me they are likely in a very tough situation, usually charged with a crime, and I do everything in my power to get them the best possible result. We fight for our clients and always will.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Criminal Defense Attorney/Partner
Smith & Vinson Law Firm
2016 - Present

Associate Judge
Lago Vista Municipal Court
2020 - 2021

Assistant District Attorney
Montgomery County District Attorney's Office
2015 - 2016

Law Clerk
U.S. Attorney's Office
2014 - 2014

Legal Intern
Harris County District Attorney's Office
2013 - 2013

Legal Intern
Harris County Public Defender's Office
2013 - 2013

View all work experience

Education

South Texas College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2015

University of Malta Faculty of Law
International Criminal Law
2014

University of Houston
BS - Bachelor of Science
2012

Legal Cases

State V. J.R. (NOT GUILTY - CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Not Guilty

State v. J.R. (NOT GUILTY - DWI)
NOT GUILTY

State v. J.A. (NOT GUILTY - SEXUAL ASSAULT)
NOT GUILTY

View all legal cases

Associations

DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Member
2017 - Present

National College of DUI Defense
Member
2017 - Present

Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
2016 - Present

Williamson County Bar Association
Member
2016 - Present

College of the State Bar of Texas
Member
2016 - Present

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
2015 - Present

State Bar of Texas
Member
2015 - Present

American Bar Association
Member
2015 - Present

Phi Delta Phi
Member
2014 - Present

Texas District and County Attorneys Association
Member
2015 - 2016

South Texas College of Law Health Law Society
Member
2014 - 2015

South Texas College of Law Criminal Law Society
Founding Member
2013 - 2015

Alpha Phi Sigma
Member
2011 - 2012

Phi Theta Kappa
Member
2011 - 2011

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Languages Spoken

English

Spanish

Honors and Awards

Texas Rising Star
Texas Super Lawyers
2023

Texas Rising Star
Texas Super Lawyers
2022

Dedicated Defense of Citizens for DUI/DWI
DUI Defense Lawyers Association
2018

Dedicated Defense of Citizens for DUI
National College for DUI Defense
2018

Avvo Legal Guides
Avvo
2017

Client's Choice - DWI/DUI
Avvo
2017

Client's Choice - Criminal Defense
Avvo
2017

TCIC/NCIC Less Than Full Access
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
2016

Gang Identification
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
2016

NHTSA SFST Certification
Platt & Associates
2016

Client's Choice
Avvo
2016

Garland Walker Mock Trial Competition (1st place)
South Texas College of Law
2015

Top 20% of Graduating Class
South Texas College of Law
2015

Dean's Scholarship
South Texas College of Law
2014

Dean's List
South Texas College of Law
2014

Assistant Editor-in-Chief
South Texas Law Review
2014

Langdell Scholar
South Texas College of Law
2014

Law Review (Member)
South Texas Law Review
2014

Dean's Scholarship
South Texas College of Law
2013

Dean's List
South Texas College of Law
2013

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Publications

Smith & Vinson Law Fim Blog
Can The Alleged Victim Drop Domestic Violence Charges?
2023

Smith & Vinson Law Firm Blog
Friday Night Fight For Your Constitutional Rights
2017

Smith & Vinson Law Firm Blog
Juvenile Charges in Central Texas
2017

Smith & Vinson Law Firm Blog
DWI In Austin - Here's What Happens Next
2017

AVVO Legal Guides
Top 4 Tips if Stopped for DWI/DUI in Texas
2017

Smith & Vinson Law Firm Blog
Texas DWI Law: Know Your Rights
2017

Smith & Vinson Law Firm Blog
Class C Alcohol and Drug Charges: Do I Need A Lawyer?
2017

Smith & Vinson Law Firm Blog
Felony DWI in Texas
2017

Smith & Vinson Law Firm Blog
What Is An ALR Hearing & How Does It Impact My DWI Case
2017

Smith & Vinson Law Firm Blog
Do I Have to Take a Field Sobriety Test in Texas?
2017

Smith & Vinson Law Firm Blog
How Do I Get a Loved One Out of Jail?
2017

Smith & Vinson Law Firm Blog
Top 3 Things To Remember at ACL This Weekend
2016

Smith & Vinson Law Firm Blog
The 4 Smartest Things To Do If You're Pulled Over After Drinking
2016

South Texas Law Review
Assistant Editor-in-Chief, South Texas Law Review, Vol. 44
2015

South Texas Law Review
IT’S NONE OF YOUR (PRIMARY) BUSINESS: DETERMINING WHEN AN INTERNET SPEAKER IS A MEMBER OF THE “ELECTRONIC MEDIA” UNDER SECTION 51.014(A)(6) - Editor
2015

South Texas Law Review
DISCRIMINATE ARBITRATION: How the Federal District Court's Decision in Fernandes V. Dillard's, Inc. Shows that Title VII Must be Unarbitratable - Editor
2015

Houston Law Review
SUMMARY JUDGMENTS IN TEXAS: STATE AND FEDERAL PRACTICE - Editor
2015

South Texas Law Review
Symposium
2015

South Texas Law Review
Assistant Editor-in-Chief, South Texas Law Review, Vol. 43
2014

South Texas Law Review
BACK TO BASICS: How Whistleblower Protection is Limited to Whistleblowers in Asadi v. G.E. Energy - Editor
2014

South Texas Law Review
PLANNED PARENTHOOD V. ABBOTT: The Constitutionality Of Admitting Privileges Requirements - Editor
2014

South Texas Law Review
PLANNED PARENTHOOD V. ABBOTT: The Constitutionality Of Admitting Privileges Requirements - Editor
2014

South Texas Law Review
Vol. 42
2013

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

20th Stuart Kinard Advanced DWI
DWI Breath Testing
2023

Top Gun DWI Seminar
DWI: From a Beginning to a Not Guilty
2022

Cross Examination Seminar
Cross Examination of a Breath and Blood Expert in a DWI Case
2021

Criminal Law Society Founders' Event
How to Start and Build a Criminal Defense Practice
2018

Career Day
What It Is That Lawyers Do
2017

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
Trial Testimony Skills for New Cadets
2016

South Texas College of Law
Criminal Law - Langdell Scholar Program
2015

South Texas College of Law - Criminal Law Society
How To Beat A DWI
2014

South Texas College of Law - Criminal Law Society
The Effects of Mass Incarceration
2014

South Texas College of Law
Federal Rules of Evidence - Langdell Scholar Program
2014

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (39)

Given (52)

Endorse Jarrod

Rick Flores

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jarrod makes the short list of attorneys I would trust to represent my friends and family. Smith & Vinson are a sharp team of attorneys and get great results for their clients. If you are in trouble with the law, you'd be wise to hire Jarrod Smith."

Mark Thiessen

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Smith and Vinson are talented and hungry trial lawyers. they are constantly learning and pushing the envelope. Any client would be lucky to have them at their attorneys."

Douglas O'Connell

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've been consistently impressed with the results Jarrod & his team obtain for their clients. He's clearly one of the best Attorneys in the Central Texas area."

Jessica Wolfe

Sex crime Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jarrod is one of the top lawyers in Texas. We have tried cases together and worked together for years. He is incredibly intelligent, detailed oriented, and deeply connects with juries. If you have a criminal case, do not hesitate to hire Jarrod Smith."

Margaret Kercher

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 26
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Jarrod Smith tirelessly works for his clients and continuously wins great results for them. I fully endorse Jarrod Smith."

Clinton Morgan

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jarrod is an attorney that other attorneys hire when they need a lawyer for themselves or their family members. Jarrod is a strong advocate that fights for his clients."

Steven Brand

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jarrod and his law firm, Smith & Vinson have arrived on the criminal defense scene in Austin with a bang. They are young and motivated and are willing to fight for their clients. Smith & Vinson have had many recent successful outcomes which all stem from their hard work and dedication to their craft. I look to see more out of these 2 in the years to come."

Brian Foley

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 30
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I can provide my highest endorsement of Jarrod Smith. His ability to combine aggressive and legally robust representation with a friendly and persuasive demeanor allows him to get outstanding results for his clients all over the State of Texas and the United States. Jarrod understands how to handle criminal cases from arrest all the way through trial and is a natural in the courtroom in front of a jury. Hiring Jarrod or his firm Smith & Vinson would be a great decision."

Robert Daniel

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jarrod knows the law, works hard, and gets great results for his clients. The same can be said of the entire team at Smith & Vinson."

William Mange

DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is vigorous and a proven trial lawyer."

J. Trichter

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jarrod is a rising star in the Texas criminal defense bar. He is loaded with “try” and not afraid to give “his all” in defense of his clients. As a seasoned constitutional warrior myself, I’m happy to endorse this fine and very honorable young man."

Jason Trumpler

DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jarrod is a tremendously talented young lawyer. He aggressively and zealously represents every client that walks through the door. He is one of the best DWI lawyers in Austin, Texas."

Lauren Flathouse

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jarrod is knowledgeable and confident in the practice of Criminal Defense. He's a go-to for questions that arise during my representation of clients. His help has been invaluable. Great guy and a great attorney!"

Mary Espiritu

DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jarrod Smith of Smith & Vinson is one of the best lawyers when it comes to DWI. Jarrod has specialized knowledge in the science of DWI including field sobriety testing, the gas chromatograph (instrument used for blood testing) and the intoxilyzer (instrument used for breath testing). Jarrod also has specialized knowledge of the effects of alcohol on the body. This scientific knowledge is not learned in law school and not every defense lawyer will have this knowledge. I believe scientific knowledge is imperative to an aggressive defense against a DWI charge. Jarrod knows DWI, he wins at trial, and cares about his clients. I 100% endorse this lawyer."

Millie Thompson

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Javier Guzman

DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Smith is very knowledgeable in the field of criminal defense."

Shawn Williamson

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jarrod is a talented and relentless attorney. You would be in good hands with his firm."

Brian Burns

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Having seen Jarrod in action several times, I zealously endorse him as a skilled defense attorney. Jarrod actually takes the time to structure a formidable defense to any charge his clients may face."

Meril Anthes

Criminal defense Attorney | May 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jarrod is skilled lawyer in Austin and fights hard for his clients. If you or a loved one are in trouble you’re in good hands with Jarrod."

Ryan Daley

DUI and DWI Attorney | May 18
Relationship: Other

"I referred Jarrod and Brad for a DUI case and another criminal matter. These guys are my go to criminal attorneys in Austin. Jarrod has a lot of criminal law experience in the courtroom and treats his clients with respect. He's also flexible in regards to what counties he takes cases in. I know he's working on cases in Comal, Williamson, Travis and has also worked in Montgomery County in the past, so this gives him a broader perspective than many attorneys who only work in 1 or two counties. Jarrod has a great office location near the Criminal Courthouse and easy access to I-35 and Mopac as well, so its very easy for clients to meet him."

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