- Civil Trial Law Specialist,
- Personal Injury Trial Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and
- Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
About C.L. Mike Schmidt
Certifications
- Civil Trial Law Specialist
- Personal Injury Trial Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and
- Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers
- Member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Member of the International Society of Barristers
- Former National Membership Chairman and a Diplomate of the American Board of Trial Advocates
- Listed for several years in The Best Lawyers in America,
- Listed as One of the Best Lawyers in Dallas by D Magazine,
- Listed in Who’s Who in Law by the Dallas Business Journal
- Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Featured on the Learning Channel about a wrongful death case in Texas entitled The Magic Bullet
- Board President of the Millicent M. Rogers Museum in Taos, New Mexico




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See All Of C.L. Mike Schmidt's Articles
Top 5 Signs That a Criminal Case Is Weak
& It Can Be Dismissed
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about criminal cases is that they're unbeatable. However, only 5-10% of cases actually go to trial, with about 90% of cases being dismissed because they are weak for a variety of reasons.
How Long Does a Felony Stay On Your Record?(Does Felony Ever Go Away?)
In most states, a felony criminal conviction will stay on your record forever; however, there are certain steps offenders can take to get the felony legally expunged.
Federal Prison vs State Prison: What's the Difference?
Federal prison is operated by the United States Government and houses criminals convicted of federal crimes, whereas state prisons are operated by state governments and house inmates convicted of breaking state laws.
Released on Own Recognizance – What Is It & How Do You Qualify?
When a defendant is released from jail on their own recognizance (OR), it means the judge has allowed him or her to fight a criminal charge from outside of custody without the need to post a cash bail bond.
Holiday Pay in California What You Need to Know
Unfortunately, neither state nor federal law requires employers in California to provide holiday pay or paid holidays to their employees. However, many employers choose to offer holiday pay to their workers.
Open Carry in California Everything You Need to Know
The state of California generally prohibits people from openly carrying loaded firearms in public, with a few notable exceptions.
The Impact and Consequences of Abstaining From Voting (2 Common Types)
Abstaining from voting can be a solid statement, but it also has serious repercussions for the voter and the system. With over 10 years of experience as a legal attorney, I am here to explain why abstention is sometimes necessary....
What Is a Diversion? Types, Differences and Forms
Most states have acknowledged that minimal criminal offenses, especially those committed by first-time offenders, don’t always necessitate the standard criminal process. As an attorney, I have noticed that diversion programs can be a more cost-effective solution than the conventional court...
Acquitted vs Not Guilty: Key Differences Explained
If you stand accused of a crime, your criminal defense attorney should do everything in their power to safeguard your rights and diligently strive for the best possible outcome. What would be the most desirable verdict: acquitted or not guilty?...
Paralegal vs Legal Assistant – A Legal Guide
Quick Summary Legal Secretaries focus on administrative and clerical tasks like scheduling, document formatting, and managing communications. Paralegals provide substantive legal support, including legal research, drafting legal documents, and case preparation. Paralegals typically earn more than legal secretaries due to...
Can Charges Be Dropped Before Court? Success Rates and 5 Proven Strategies (2025 Guide)
Countless criminal cases never go to trial because they are dropped by the prosecutor or dismissed by the court. By using the Code of Criminal Procedure, it may be possible to get charges dropped before a trial even starts. If...
Alaska Oil Field Accident Lawsuit | Latest Updates
Alaskan oil field employees work under some of the most dangerous conditions in the United States. With America drilling for more oil than in years past, oilfield accidents continue to rise across the country. Workers in the oil and gas...