Lawyer explains differences in criminal,
civil litigations

by Alida Stokman, reporter

    Most people do not understand the process that has to be followed when dealing with criminal law, a local attorney told NW Campus students last week.

   Most people do not know the difference between information and indictment, Glynis McGinty, former TCC student, said.

   The speech was sponsored by student activities on NW Campus.
Information is brought to court to charge an individual in a misdemeanor case. Indictment occurs when the charges are a felony, McGinty said.

   “To be indicted, your case must be presented to a grand jury. This meeting is strictly confidential, like a secret meeting,” she said.

   McGinty explained that the defense lawyer and his or her client are allowed to wait outside while the meeting is being held.

   A defense lawyer can write a memo stating the case and make a list of the witnesses for the defense to present to the grand jury, McGinty said.

   “I never want my client to testify in these meetings because everything that is said will be used against them,” she said.

   The attorney pointed out that it often takes 18 to 20 months after an indictment for the trial to start.

   McGinty graduated high school when she was 16. Then she continued her education at Tarrant County College.

   Working two jobs and attending school, she became an attorney at 21. She now holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas in Arlington and a law degree from Texas Southern University.

   McGinty’s practice includes family law, personal injury and criminal law. Her general practice is mostly trial law. She has been the lead attorney or the co-council in over 200 jury trials.

   “I have never worked as a district attorney. Defending the Constitution, upholding the death penalty and fighting sexual assault of a child are what I do,” she said.

   McGinty offered suggestions to students who have encounters with police officers.

   “Here is some advice: Remember police are not your friends. Make sure if you are ever arrested to listen,” she said.

   “Listen to your rights because everything you say will be used against you. Don’t sign anything. Those papers will become confessions,” she said.

   McGinty also told students what to do if they want to get out of jury duty.

   “Just talk a lot and ask a lot of questions, because then you will not be picked,” she said.

   Although she gave the advice, McGinty recommended not avoiding jury duty.

   “It’s a wonderful experience,” she said.