This past week, CAIL launched its 2024-25 Criminal Justice and Actual Innocence (CJAI) program calendar with the Defending Veterans: Serving Those Who Served webinar. The event welcomed Mary Beth Harrell of the Mary Beth Harrell Law Firm in Killeen, Texas, whose dedication to serving veterans and active-duty service members made a powerful impact on participants. Harrell, a criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of experience, guided attendees through the unique challenges and responsibilities of defending service members.
The webinar exceeded expectations, with registration numbers surpassing initial goals by over 50% and attendees representing public defender offices from 18 cities across Texas. Harrell’s presentation covered critical topics, including the impact of civilian legal issues on military careers, an overview of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and veteran-specific resources that can support pretrial diversion and deferred adjudication.
A highlight was her discussion on the Office of Special Trial Counsel, an independent office established by Congress in 2023 to ensure impartial handling of 13 UCMJ offenses, such as sexual assault and domestic violence—an impactful reform aimed at strengthening accountability and trust.
CJAI Director Shannon Evans, a U.S. Air Force veteran, reflected on the session’s impact, stating, “One of the most enlightening takeaways was the creation of a third-party prosecution unit within the military for serious offenses—an essential shift that veterans and defense attorneys alike need to understand. The program underscored how vital it is for defense attorneys to advocate effectively for clients who’ve served.”
Funded by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the webinar marked a meaningful step in equipping attorneys to represent veterans with empathy and the specialized advocacy they deserve. Covering topics such as PTSD-related legal issues, medical marijuana uses through the VA, and veterans’ gun rights, the program prepared attorneys to address veterans’ unique needs effectively. CAIL extends sincere appreciation to Mary Beth Harrell for generously sharing her expertise and providing invaluable insights into the unique needs of veterans.
As CJAI continues to shape the future of the criminal justice system, we invite those in the legal field to explore our program schedule and follow CJAI on LinkedIn for updates, resources, and opportunities to connect with leaders in the field.