#law office austin tx

[criminallawyeraustin]

Challenging Convictions on Grounds of Double Jeopardy

The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution contains the Double Jeopardy Clause, which prohibits subjecting any individual “for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.” This clause is commonly referred to as the Double Jeopardy Clause. Many individuals interpret this constitutional protection against double jeopardy to mean that a person cannot be retried for a crime for…

[gutsby]

Wants and Needs

Pairing: Sugar Daddy!Joel x Reader

Summary: Bills are high; your dad’s boss wants to help. How you pay him stays between you and him—for now.

Warnings: 18+. Protected piv. Explicit power imbalance in an exchange of sex for money, so dubcon, technically. Soft dom!Joel. Sex toys. Squirting. Oral (f!receiving). Overstimulation. Daddy kink. Age gap. Praise kink.

Note: Bohanan’s is a steakhouse in San Antonio, TX.

Word count: 8.4k

You wanted a car. Joel needed to cum.

It wasn’t the arrangement a girl your age should’ve made, but what could you do? Your dad drank half of your college funds away, and your mom was long gone.

The next best thing was Mr. Miller, your father’s boss. He’d understood better than anyone what money could buy. What it might do. For him, it was pleasure. For you, it was a future—or what little remained after bills and loans and exorbitantly-priced car repairs bled you dry.

You took the job at the firm on a whim. You didn’t want to be a lawyer anymore, though your dad and Joel were. You didn’t want to be done with law school, though 3L had already long since ended, and that dreaded so-called ‘minimum competency’ test was drawing close on the horizon. In short, you couldn’t afford to pay for bar prep.

With Joel, you could.

It was true that tax law paid pretty well, but a part-time job would never really be enough when your family was treading water at all times. Your dad liked to gamble and drink, and your brothers got all of their brains from him.

You got the short end of the stick, plus the receiving end of another. Lucky for you, Joel’s felt pretty good going in.

Today you were somewhere south of Austin. Your truck wouldn’t start last week, so you’d agreed to come along on this business trip knowing full well what you planned on asking your boss as soon as you had a moment alone.

“CDP hearing at…9:45.” You checked the itinerary twice.

“Alright.” Joel nodded.

“Lunch with Javier, Ezra, and Dave at twelve.”

“Mhmm.”

“Phone call with Revenue Officer Acacius at 3:30.”

“For the…?”

“Martells.”

“Okay.”

“I finished Lucien Flores’ Form 433-F for your review and left notes—” You stopped to tap your finger on a short white pile of papers between you and Joel on the desk, “—in the margins. Still need bank statements from him.”

“Lovely.”

Joel eyed the stack at first, but his gaze strayed a little.

“You should probably plan to talk strategy with my dad before Mayor Garcia’s audit tomorrow, too. Looks like a couple non-cash contributions are being disputed now.”

For a second, your eyes flitted up to him, too. It was brief.

“Sure. When’s your daddy free?” he said.

You blinked, then scanned the schedule.

“Looks like five…or six, maybe. He’s got a consult with—”

“I wasn’t talking about your father.”

You looked back up. Joel was smirking, of course. His hand had drifted a comfortable, innocent distance past the papers and across the table, to you. The pair of you happened to be in one of the glass-paneled conference rooms nearest the hotel lobby, so he had to be discreet.

He never let his fingers stray too long on yours in public. Presently, his thumb grazed your knuckles extra slow.

Posing a question, maybe.

You didn’t have the time to be tactful now, unfortunately.

“I need $2,700.”

Joel, your boss, your daddy, whatever, had to pause at that. He didn’t move his hand immediately, but he did stare harder. Longer. He searched your face for the joke.

“$2,700?” he repeated.

“Yes sir,” you answered out of habit, wincing only a little, “My truck stopped running last week, and it’s just…a lot.”

The cost. For Joel, it wasn’t even a drop in the bucket, but in your world, it was a make-or-break, fuck-your-whole-budget-for-the-next-six-months kind of bad. Suddenly, your cheeks felt warmer than they did before, and you forced yourself to look away. Peering out across the wide and gently rolling terrain of San Antonio and trying to pretend there was something thrilling to see. You’d almost forgotten how much you hated asking this.

“I can make the deposit tonight—” Joel started.

“No,” you interrupted. You wanted to turn but couldn’t. You just shook your head and kept staring out there, “Not now, I mean…I need to earn it over time, I just…”

You stumbled over the words. It was like your lips, your tongue, and your teeth were all suffering from the same sort of embarrassment pervading the brain, and you couldn’t bring your mouth to form the sentences right.

I’m not asking for a handout. I need to earn the money.

However ‘earning’ may have been grossly misconstrued in the context, it was a labor all the same. You didn’t love it, but you didn’t hate him, either. Joel was nice, albeit old enough to be your father, and it didn’t seem that he was nearly as predatory or perverse as he could’ve been. You’d been working for him for two months now, and the idea had been your own when the cash had gotten tight.

Back in April, you’d explained to him, calmly, that you couldn’t take the bar exam unless you got some extra money quick. That you wouldn’t accept his charity, but you’d pay him back in other ways. Joel had been against it at first—you were the daughter of his best friend, after all—but eventually, his carnal needs won out over his sense, as every other man would’ve done, you guessed.

At first, you’d started slow, but that hadn’t lasted very long. You fucked him regularly now, though never had you asked for an amount of cash this big out of nowhere.

Joel blinked and put a hand on his hip, like he always did when he wasn’t sure what to say. The silver in his soft, dark locks shone more in this light. He’d lost the smirk.

“You’ve done…plenty.” Now sounding sheepish.

You tried to protest again; Joel stopped you.

“I mean it. Hey, look at me,” he said next.

You did, hesitatingly. You turned from the window, and out of instinct, folded your arms over your chest. Joel paced closer to you and then he was watching. Pausing.

Brushing your arm with his and glancing once over your shoulder to make sure no one else was around to see.

He leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to your temple.

When he pulled away, your skin was practically ablaze.

“Mr. Miller—”

“Joel,” he corrected, quiet, “And you’ve done enough. Let me cover the car just this once, okay? Sweetheart?”

You didn’t realize you were pivoting again. That your gut was doing somersaults and your heart was ready to climb up and out of your throat. Your neck was burning.

It wasn’t even anger you sensed was simmering under the skin until you turned back to him, and your eyes flashed with ire before the words were even spoken.

“I don’t need your pity, Mr. Miller. I said I want to pay.”

“It’s Joel. And I said you’ve done enough, so—”

Ire morphed to something more in a blink.

You didn’t mean to say it, but you did.

“Fine,” you huffed, suddenly exasperated, “If you’re so fucking opposed to me paying my way for this one simple thing, I’ll get another guy. Forget I asked.”

It was a low blow, for sure. Joel knew how badly you’d wanted this to stay between just you and him—and he would never dream of seeing you ‘earning your keep’ with anyone else. His expression said as much as soon as he’d heard your words; his whole face hardened at once.

But then you’d turned to leave. You didn’t care what he wanted to tell you, and if you did, you certainly weren’t brave enough to stick around to hear Joel say it then.

So you left. He had a full, busy day ahead of him anyway.

You woke up wet.

In an effort to avoid your boss, you’d run errands all day. Buried your nose in a sea of Civil Procedure notes as soon as you got a second alone, almost vomited seeing the Erie Doctrine, and went back to your hotel room to try and study there. Once you had, you napped instead.

Now your clothes stuck to your skin; the sheets around you were soaked. You peered over the big white duvet holding your body interred and saw smoke overhead.

Or steam.

Yes, definitely steam. It was drifting from the bathroom, where the door was thrown open. You shifted up to sit.

“Tess!” you yelled, “Shut the goddamn door, I’m boiling.”

As a law clerk, you weren’t afforded the luxury of a suite to yourself, so you shared it with the other new grads on work trips like these. Tess Servopoulos loved long, hot showers and never closed the fucking door. You groaned.

And, feeling depleted of all energy from your studies and the stress and the steam searing every inch of your skin, you flopped back in the bed. You kicked the covers off your legs. You’d just lifted a hand to wipe the sweat from your forehead, when an awful, fresh realization dawned.

You glanced at the clock—3:37.

“Fucking hell,” you hissed.

You were supposed to meet your dad at two to get some paperwork signed. You needed to have that filed with the court by four. He was probably engaged somewhere else by now, whether it be a client, a conference, or a couple white lines in the bathroom of a partners-only club downtown, and you wouldn’t have a hope of reaching him here. You rubbed your face and groaned again.

You’d set an alarm for 1:30—you knew you had.

Where the hell was your phone? Why was it so warm? What if he’d called? Aw fuck, he’s probably blown that thing up to hell and back by now. Maybe he was drunk. He had to be. Where was Tess? Where were your pants?

You’d made it up to your feet, clumsily, and faced a full-length mirror. Your bottoms were gone. You closed your eyes and screamed inside, remembering why they were.

“Glad you’re getting some use out of this.”

The second you heard it, your lids flew open. You turned.

And, standing in the warm yellow glow of the bathroom light—holding the culprit, your vibrator, like a prize—was Joel. Naked as the day he was born, save for one thin towel around his hips, and grinning. Moisture glistened on his chest and pooled about his feet, and his hair was smooth, tamed, and combed back neatly from his face.

He waved your silicone toy in the air, and immediately, you regretted giving him your room key the other day.

“I thought we agreed you’d wait for me—”

“What the hell are you doing here?”

Your voice was thick with sleep. Joel’s own was slow, dulcet, and kind as it always was, even when teasing. When you grit your teeth, he just set the toy aside.

“I’m sorry. Bad timing. I saw your—”

“No.” You threw up both hands at once, suddenly out of breath and fucks to give, “You know what? I don’t care. You need to go. I have to be down at the courthouse—”

In twenty minutes. You cut yourself short and hurried off to find shoes. You could wear other pants. Ask another attorney to sign the forms if you couldn’t reach your dad. Forget that his boss and yours had just caught you with the vibrator he’d bought you last month and try not to feel too humiliated knowing he knew what you’d been doing. It didn’t matter—Joel didn’t matter. You slid on a mismatched pair of slacks and set off toward the door.

Then you had to stop. Joel beat you there, quick as ever.

“Listen. Hey.”

“Will you stop?!”

You pushed at his big and wet, stupidly broad chest. You felt the small grey hairs on his pecs tickle your palms, and for a second, you thought you heard a chuckle.

“You’re gonna make me late—”

“Hey, hey,” Joel said again. Of course it sounded fatherly, “I already signed the POA for Morales, hon, you’re good.”

You’re good.

“You what?” You stared at him in disbelief. How did he even know you needed Frankie’s power of attorney signed in the first place? You figured your dad would’ve mentioned it, but still, it wasn’t really Joel’s form to sign.

“The case is mine now,” he clarified, reading that look, “Wasn’t my first pick, but it is what it is. And your dad—”

Your dad was probably lagging wildly behind on his own caseload, so he’d pushed one off on his friend. Again.

“You can’t keep picking up his slack,” you gritted out, “One of these days it’s gonna bite you both in the ass. You know he shouldn’t be forcing these jobs on you.”

“I offered.”

“You caved.”

“He’s my best friend, what do you expect me to do?”

“Not let him use you! He’s making you feel bad for him.”

“And what if I did? What if I did pity the bastard?”

You scoffed. Then winced, inwardly.

I don’t need your pity, Mr. Miller.

From the look on Joel’s face, he seemed to be remembering the same. He shook his head.

“That’s not…” he trailed off. He rubbed his jaw with his hand and started to move from the door, deflating some.

His other arm extended to you, wordlessly, and already anticipated what was sure to follow. You swatted him off, then walked to the bed. You considered sitting but didn’t. Instead, you crossed your arms like you always did and turned away, facing the window with a cool, flat affect.

By now, Joel knew better than to take that for what it seemed. He crossed the room to you, treading softly.

His voice turned gentle again, like an apology: “Honey…”

But your gaze was already fixed outside. You frowned.

“Darlin’,” Joel continued, undeterred, “Come on.”

And you didn’t need to see his face to hear the rest: ‘Look at me, please,’ with eyes all comfort and warmth.

“Don’t you have a phone call with an R.O. or something?” Briefly, you recalled Acacius and a stream of other items from the checklist you’d covered that morning, and you had to stop yourself then from straying too far. You blinked once, just as Joel was approaching from behind.

“I cancelled,” he said.

You sighed, “Mr. Miller…”

You knew he hated doing that.

“Joel,” he pressed. Adding, “Something came up.”

You wouldn’t even ask. You shouldn’t care. You felt him standing there, fanning hot breaths across the nape of your neck, and you really couldn’t have taken that worse. You visibly tensed, hands balling into fists at your sides, and—hell, he wouldn’t quit moving now, would he?—Joel bent down. He hesitated, as if gauging your reaction in time, then descended further. He kissed your shoulder.

You cracked; it never took much from him.

For all your inane, ancillary plays at feigning indifference, one movement of Joel’s mouth and your resolve was lost. You clung to words, weakly, but all the rest fell away.

“We don’t…want your charity. Me or my dad. Alright?”

“I know.”

Joel kissed your skin again, then pulled at the strap of your blouse. It fell limply away, and his lips reattached.

Exactly when he’d walked you back to the bed, you couldn’t be sure. By the third or fourth kiss, your stomach was tight, knees weak, and your eyes drawing closed; it didn’t matter to you or to him what had passed before. Your bodies found the bed and blended together.

Tangling, in a way. Tearing blindly at clothes and not saying too much apart from Joel’s soft, sweet words:

“That’s it.”

“I know.”

“Good girl.”

Good girl when he kissed you. Good girl when he stripped you bare. Good girl when his hands roamed the broad, naked expanse of your body and let your own do the same to him. Good girl when your fingers hooked the outline of the towel and tugged it away, your vision filled with a sight you’d come to like more and more each day.

“That’s my girl,” Joel murmured. He cradled your head while you gripped his base, “‘S’yours, baby. All yours.”

Yours. Mine. You weren’t sure you had the sense or self-possession to even know what that meant, especially here. Joel wasn’t a boyfriend. He wasn’t a lover, at least not in the traditional sense. He wore dark wool suits like your father and worked from dawn until dusk every day, practicing law for longer than you’d been alive. Still, the smile above you was sweet. It coaxed you gently as you slid your hand up and down his length, like he sensed this was more like a lesson for you. Learning experience.

“Remember, spit a little first,” he instructed. Then, to demonstrate this point, he brought his fingers to his mouth and wet them quickly. He slipped his touch down to yours and met your gaze while he joined you there.

He rubbed and slicked himself up and he did it with ease. You followed his lead and watched his face contort—crow’s feet pinching even tighter at the sides of his eyes as pleasure began to pool in his gut. He looked pretty. You’d never thought to tell him this, but Joel really had an unparalleled face. It was an old and beautiful thing. For this reason, you couldn’t bring yourself to tear your gaze away, maybe to wet your own fingers. Instead, you slipped your hand between your legs, where his hips had come to rest. You worked a slow, light touch against your folds; you were drenched, and it didn’t take long for your fingers to be, too. You moved them back to Joel’s cock.

“Like this?” you ventured.

The man answered with a grunt, at first. Then a grin.

“Yeah. Yeah,” Joel nodded, quiet but emphatic. Trying not to smile too big as he let your touch take over for his, “Just like that, sweet pea. Get it nice an’ wet for daddy.”

You wanted to whimper at that. Something must’ve flashed in your eyes at the intonation of the last word, and the look must’ve suffused your whole expression, because the next thing you knew, Joel was lowering his body to yours. Petting your hair, letting you rub on his shaft as fast as your soft, lithe hands could manage.

“Feel that, baby? Feel how much daddy missed you?”

You did.

Your brow pinched, and you wanted more of that. More from him: those tender, edifying words of praise being mumbled your way while your touch worked him over. Maybe you could’ve helped it, but then again, in this state, maybe you couldn’t—you whimpered for him.

Wriggling your hips against the bed to get your warmth pressed flush with his own, and squeezing him tighter:

“In me, daddy. Please.”

You angled his cock in your trembling grip to plead as much. You knew he liked being the one to push in the first time, so you didn’t move too far with that push, but you begged him with your gaze. You felt him tense a bit.

And just when you sensed he might let you have your way, he moved off. Down. Sliding his torso away from your own, to go lower on the bed, and smirking again.

“I think she needs my tongue first, doesn’t she?”

You wanted to nod. Instead, you flinched. You crawled away from his hold before it could secure itself firmly on either one of your legs, and you had to snag your bottom lip between your teeth to contain that blossoming need. It almost spilled from your mouth in a moan before Joel’s could reach your lower half. Then you scrambled to sit up

“No,” you choked out.

This wasn’t new. While you shook your head, Joel lifted a brow and stood from the bed. He reached behind him.

The night stand.

You closed your eyes.

“This isn’t…supposed to be for me.” you sighed.

In a second, Joel was back where he started, and you didn’t have to steal a glance through your lids to know what he was holding. Slotting himself gently into place.

“Don’t,” he started, sharp, “—say that. I mean it.”

You knew he meant it, but you also knew better than to accept at face value what he said, moving down on you.

This wasn’t part of the deal. Joel’s money was meant to serve his pleasure, not yours. Letting him take you any other way seemed to blur the lines between transaction and affection, and though you’d done this before, it still didn’t feel right. You couldn’t bear having his focus here.

Evidently, though, he could. He’d snatched your vibrator from the night table and lowered his torso to your legs, lips twitching the tiniest bit. ‘Open up. Let me see her.’

Joel was on his stomach, eyes glowing with intrigue.

“Let me see how much she’s missed me, baby.”

The grey matter in your brain might’ve trickled through your ears—the whole thing went to mush at his words. You pushed at his hands, then the top of his head, but clearly, your will was weak. You wanted this. Needed it.

“That’s a good girl. Let daddy have it,” Joel drawled.

You wanted to cry. Or maybe hide. His index and middle fingers prodded at your folds, pulling them apart, and for a moment, you could’ve sworn you’d stopped breathing. Joel kissed the slope of your mound with a quiet kind of reverence. The salt-and-pepper stubble on his chin brushed your clit, and your back arched reflexively. Then, remembering why you’d come to this arrangement in the first place, you felt a wave of guilt supplant that pleasure.

You clawed at his head and shook your own, weakly.

“No. W-wanna make you feel good,” you choked out.

Not me.

Not here.

Just let it—

“Fuck,” you keened through your teeth. Joel’s lips made contact with your slick, drooling cunt and, in a second, sucked your nub in between them. He flicked his tongue.

Joel groaned, then pulled away to meet your gaze.

“Feels plenty good f’me,” he assured you in a murmur. Eyes glossy, “She’s so fuckin’ sweet, honey. So pretty.”

Then, as if to punctuate his point, he slid his tongue down the whole wet mess of your slit, and he moaned. He curled the muscle and invaded your sticky, sensitive, precious warm flesh with vigor and force—maybe a little desperation—and you whined at the feeling. Your toes curled tight. It was doubtlessly a sight to see: Joel’s old and weathered head against your young and supple skin, the wiry greys of his chin rubbing your cunt like no man’s his age should’ve been. He took you gently. Forked his fingers over your folds to hold you open for him and then, over and over and over again, just licking stripes. Squelching noises only seemed to goad him on while he buried his nose and savored your taste without reserve. Your stomach clenched with that pleasure, then swelled.

“That’s my girl—so good for me,” Joel said, as though reminding you, gently, it was okay to relish the feeling.

Once more, he suckled your clit in his mouth, rubbing the tip of his tongue in a quick back-and-forth motion, and the next sensation hit without a breath of warning.

Your belly twisted again, then flushed with hot pleasure.

“My— fuck,” you cried, shuddering with a climax you didn’t know was coming. You held his head and whined.

Joel’s tongue didn’t stop. Your vision blurred. Whatever reprieve you might’ve hoped to find came in the form of his lips drawing back, momentarily, only to sponge little kisses on your still-pulsing heat. Your body jolted back.

“I c— I’m done. I’m done,” you blurted out.

Joel nodded against you. Humming through his kisses:

“I know. Keep going.”

Keep going.

So simple.

Still, you couldn’t breathe. Your sight was inundated with stars. You felt Joel’s stubble on your slit again, only this time, the pleasure was tripled. Your legs trembled, and your hands made fists in his hair. Joel kept on kissing.

And kissed again, again, and again, until your fingers in his locks pulled taut to the roots and your hips were bucking up in his face: ‘Too much, t—oh fuckfuckfuck.’

Then came a buzz. Skirting your legs in a blink, before diving to meet Joel’s mouth on your clit. You shrieked.

“I know, I know,” Joel joined, as though soothing a wound while he maneuvered the vibrator. Lifting his head and then kissing your thigh, “I know. You’re alright.”

You wanted to sob; you felt ready to burst. You trusted Joel’s judgment but had never been subjected to this sort of pleasure. What if it was more than you could take?

“I’m here.”

Joel’s words were slow to crawl off his tongue, but their intent was clear. You writhed once more, and he was kissing your skin, rubbing your thighs, and taking the toy to your clit with a warm, devoted touch. He wasn’t cruel.

He had a glint in his gaze when you met it, like he knew you wouldn’t accept this feeling alone—but he wanted you to. He wanted the indulgence to be your own and an end in itself. There was care in his touch, tender praise with every caress, and you guessed this was intentional. Joel needed you to know this was more than only his.

You felt more naked than you’d ever been: soaking the sheets with your last release, fresh arousal trickling out, Joel’s spit mixing with your nectar and sweat and pressing you down in the bed. And nudging you, gently.

“‘S’okay, baby. You’re alright. That feels nice, doesn’t i—”

“Kiss me.”

It came out faster than you could even try and stop it. You weren’t sure why you said it. The words were acerbic on your tongue—you hated ever sounding needy—but then your mind and your mouth and your worries were all silenced at once when Joel came clambering up for you.

His lips were wet and grinning as he kissed you. He held the vibrator hostage between your legs while his body pressed tight against yours. His movements slowed.

Then, as if he’d crawled in your head and read your mind:

“It’s okay to need me, baby. It’s okay to want this.”

His hips made that assurance even clearer. Joel reached down and took the vibrator again, increasing the friction between your groin and his while he pressed the buzzing toy to your clit. You whined into his mouth at the feeling.

Your eyes rolled back, and the pleasure soared. This morning, you might’ve bristled at the words he’d just spoken, but here, in this bed, it felt okay. It felt safe.

Joel felt safe, for once, and you weren’t sure how to keep that idea from sticking—how to reconcile the notion of swapping sex for cash with a man for months on end, and then this. Your stomach churned. He held your face and kissed you more, and your clit throbbed and ached. Before you could ponder your thoughts a second longer, a white-hot pleasure washed over, and you came again.

“Good girl,” Joel cooed.

Throbbing even more this time.

“That’s a sweet girl. That’s my baby.”

All but aching with desire. Feeling it double.

“Cum for daddy, that’s it. Keep going.”

Feeling it trickle down your legs.

“She’s feelin’ real good, huh?”

You could barely breathe.

You whined. Felt something splinter between your thighs and then more of it, more of you and that slick, oozing pleasure and Joel’s groans, overjoyed—‘Making a fucking mess’a daddy, isn’t she? She feel that good?’—and by ‘that good’ you guessed it was more than normal.

This was more warmth than usual. Somewhere in the midst of your own mind-numbing pleasure, you’d let out a spurt, sticky and wet. It now coated the hairs on Joel’s tummy, and while his skin shone, his eyes were brighter. He flitted a look to you, gaze flaring, and slid down. Low.

Back to where he was before. Moving the buzzing pink bullet aside and letting his mouth assume its place.

Of course, you yelped.

“Joel!”

You winced, both from saying his name and feeling so raw. Joel grinned at the sound and suckled your clit.

It was drenched. You and Joel, too, were doused all over and practically gleaming under the rays of late afternoon sun then pouring through the window. For a second, you cast a look outside like you had before, but it was only to brace your body for the bliss at hand. You stared and felt a crude, carnal shockwave seize you head to toe. It traveled fast and made you release, again, or else just continue the same flow as before—and this time, into Joel’s waiting mouth. He lapped at you feverishly now.

He squeezed your legs and licked you dry. He worked in merciless circles, like his life might have depended on making you stay at this peak. All the while, you were tearing at his hair. Riding his face as your body fell apart.

That was alright. This pleasure was yours for now, but there was still time yet to make it worth his while, you reasoned in a half-intoxicated state. Your legs vibrated as you started to crawl—limp—back up in the bed and, numb with elation and a desperate need to please, you stretched your arm toward the night stand. You huffed.

You reached blindly but got it. The box. Weak fingers found the first plastic strip and tore yourself a square. Then, lifting it to Joel, you ignored the last stabs of pleasure between your legs. This was fun, but still his.

“Go on,” you told him, breathless, “Fuck me.”

Joel quirked a brow. He took the condom, still panting himself. He brought the latex to his tip out of habit, then:

“Yeah? Are you sure?”

“Uh-huh.”

Your head was swimming. Somewhere entrenched in the furthest recesses of your brain you could feel it, that dizzying, self-centered pleasure. You pushed it back.

You suffocated it, and you spread your legs wide for him. You let him lay you down and tug the rubber over his cock, then nudge at your hips to situate himself in just the right way. How he liked it. He seemed to be content, and your heart swelled. In this airy, buoyant state, you felt more at ease to speak, sure that he’d understand.

“This should cover some of it, right?” you panted out.

Joel slowed.

“What?”

You sucked your bottom lip between your teeth, eager to keep going. But you steeled yourself, just barely, then.

“Sex. Now,” you said, “It’ll cover some of my car repairs.”

Instead of nodding like you’d expected, Joel only blinked. Then you opened your mouth to speak again, and his body stopped you cold. He planted a hand beside your head on the pillow and raised his hips; you felt his heat leave with it. You reached for his backside immediately, to try and pull him back into that pre-missionary position he’d held, when Joel brushed you off. His face was hard.

“Money?” he quipped.

“Yeah,” you started, then remembered how you talked outside of the bedroom, when he seemed more serious, “We’ll go again. All week. You can even put it in my—”

Joel balked, like you’d just slapped him across the face.

“No,” he said, sharp.

“No,” he repeated, more to himself this second time. Almost as though he couldn’t believe what you were suggesting—and making him guilty by association.

Joel clenched your pillow like a vice and shook his head.

“You’re not getting paid for this,” he finished, and when your gaze penetrated his, confused, he squeezed harder.

“Thought you wanted it.” Joel added, almost shamefully.

“I do! I do…I just—” you sputtered.

“What? Think you need to offer up a week and a half of fucking to make it worth my time? Is that what this is?”

Well, in a way, maybe.

You weren’t sure what to say. Former dizzying bliss was dwindling fast, and now you were facing him cold. Sober.

Increasingly irritated, again.

“I just need money, Mr. Miller—”

“It’s Joel, hon,” he bit back, for the fourth time that day. His eyes flared with something more, maybe annoyance, but then he was tempering it just as fast. He ran a hand through his damp grey hair and shook his head, pausing, “It’s Joel. I know you need the money, baby, but it’s—”

“It’s what we agreed,” you protested, “What I need—”

“Well it’s not what I want!” Joel barked.

Anger surged again, and this time, evidently, the feeling was harder to keep at bay. He was scarcely able to rein in his features, settling on a grave little scowl instead of a frown, and he sucked in shorter, shallower breaths through his nose. You felt him let your pillow go.

“Forget it—the cash.” Joel grit his teeth even tighter, “Forget these payments and the goddamn allowance I’ve had you on. I can’t do that anymore. It’s not right.”

Your heart sank.

You didn’t know what to say.

Luckily, Joel’s voice resumed on its own.

“Whatever you want, whatever you need, sweetheart…”

He stopped. Silence followed, then stretched on for one full, terrible minute. In that interim, you could see his chest rise and fall fast. He was trying to slow it down.

“Whatever you need paid off, I’ll do it. Anything. You don’t have to touch me again. It was wrong of me to allow that in the first place,” he rejoined, tone cooling.

Sounding guilty, too.

Above you, Joel didn’t seem keen on holding your gaze, so he fixed his stare someplace on the headboard instead. Then he moved off your body, slowly.

In spite of the distance he attempted to give, he was still crowding your space. Looming large and bare and weary as you’d ever seen him, knees shuffling back awkwardly through a mass of cotton sheets while his eyes shifted low. Away. The rest of him filled your lungs with a heady cologne scent and your stomach with a thousand tiny blades—you were hurt that he wasn’t sticking to his end of the bargain. You were mad that he was trying to claim the moral high ground now, after everything you’d done.

Mostly, though, you were just upset that you felt like you were losing someone close. That Joel Miller was more of a confidant, friend, and father figure than your own dad had ever been, and that got all fucked up over money. Your lips pursed, and something stung behind your eyes when you reached for him again. Your throat stung, too.

“The reason I agreed to do this,” Joel went on, and the ache in your head worsened when he winced from your touch, “was ‘cause I didn’t want you getting ‘help’ from anyone else. I was selfish. And that’s not an excuse…”

He started to move off, hand dropping from yours.

“…but it’s the truth. I’m sorry.”

At length, Joel found your gaze, and the eyes said it all over again: I’m sorry. You might’ve believed them, too.

But you were you, and you couldn’t help but press:

“Why?”

Your voice was small. Joel was trying to stand from the bed, but you grabbed at his hand again and made him meet your eyes. Confusion was painted across his own.

Kneeling in front of him, curious, you tried to clarify.

“Why’d it have to be you?”

Judging from Joel’s expression as soon as you did, you got the sense that this question made him feel dumb. He frowned, but he held your stare and answered anyway.

“Because I wanted you first,” he replied, “Before all this.”

Your stomach twisted. He did?

You didn’t need to ask twice to know what that meant. What he’d said, in words and with a look, was enough. Still, it was always in you to know more, to be sure, so you crept a little closer. You let your hands roam up and—

“No,” Joel said, as soon as your fingers reached his side.

You’d just wanted to feel him, maybe prod him further on what he’d just said through acts that didn’t require verbal articulation, but he refused. He backed up in bed.

“This isn’t about—” he started, low.

“Sex. I know,” you answered for him. Then your touch grazed his thigh, and you were dying to have more. To be told in a way you both knew and understood. To touch, “You want me to believe you really…liked me before?”

“More than you know.”

There was that blunt, open pragmatism in the Joel you’d always known. Perhaps guided by natural inclinations, or else your hand on his leg, drawing higher. Moving closer.

Showing skepticism through your eyes and the hint of a playful, disbelieving smile starting to curl at your lips.

“When you met me?” you teased.

You’d known of Joel for years, and had met him a couple times as a teenager at various firm holiday functions. You probably hadn’t exchanged more than ten words altogether before starting law school a few years back.

“Hell no,” Joel answered, fast, “When you started work.”

His gaze was timid again. It was fixed on his thigh where you’d started to slide your index up the warm, muscled expanse of his skin, and though you could tell he was more than hesitant, you wanted to know. Wanted to feel.

It wasn’t so easy convincing a man you’d been working for—and fucking, largely without feeling—to pay bills that you wanted him here and now. But you needed to try.

That maybe, somewhere along the way, you’d come to want him, too. That cash wasn’t the only thing at stake.

You crawled between his legs, then straddled his hips.

Your lips smiling still as you did: “How much?”

Joel blinked back. Dazed.

“What do you m—”

“How much did you like me? When did it start?”

Joel sighed when your heat rubbed his. He tried grabbing ahold of your hips, when you glanced down and saw he’d already discarded the last condom. You couldn’t have that if you wanted to continue this talk.

You reached back and grabbed another.

“Darlin’,” Joel said, strained, “We shouldn’t…”

“Says who?”

You’d already worked the rubber halfway down his length when his heavy-lidded gaze locked with yours. You saw lust there, mixed with worry. Curiosity. You kept going.

“Says your dad, if he ever finds out what I’ve done to his little girl,” Joel replied, closing his eyes at the feeling.

You had the latex worked down to the base of him when you smiled. Felt him seize your hips, lids fluttering open to find you in their soft, glossy stare, and you felt better. Like clockwork, you went together and joined, at last. You felt Joel squeeze your backside and groan when you first sank down to take him whole. You shuddered, too.

But you tried to steady your voice as you spoke.

“Semantics, Miller,” you told him, only faltering a little, “Things you are ‘doing’ to his little girl. Not just ‘done.’”

There, you had a point. Surely your father would have had some choice words for his business partner and best friend if he knew how far Joel’s cock was currently stuffed inside your tight, wet cunt. It might even piss him off, if he weren’t too drunk to receive the news himself.

Joel blinked hard, signaling that he knew this too, and presently watched your body swallow all eight inches at once, after you’d raised yourself up to just the tip and sank back. Your ass fell to his groin with an obscene sort of squelch, and your walls involuntarily clenched. You both let out sounds of pleasure, and held on tighter.

Your hands on his chest for stability, while one of his own held your hip and the other fumbled around for your clit, gliding through the sheen of your arousal on his front. You rocked your hips and felt how much it really was—how you’d drenched his whole abdomen with your last release. You smiled at this and stared, pleased with the pretty, sticky display you’d laid bare all over Joel’s belly.

When Joel wasn’t watching you ride, he stared there too.

“Not so ‘little’ anymore,” he mused quietly. Then he looked up to find your eyes, seeing them as glazed as his, “And I ‘like’ you, hon. Present tense. Not just…‘liked.’”

Alright.

“How much?”

You wanted to say it with some confidence. Nonchalance. Then Joel’s cock nicked a particularly sensitive ridge inside your walls, and that thought was gone as quick as it had come. You gripped the flesh of his upper chest and rolled your hips harder. Let out your breaths in little fractured whimpers while you rode him more. Another sweet feeling twisted low in your gut.

With just a glimpse of that, Joel moved his hand from your heat up past your hips and waist, to squeeze one of your breasts. His fingers were wet. You could feel them, equal parts warmth and wanton yearning as the pads pinched your nipple and gave it a firm tug. He grunted.

Clearly, there was more to it than just the touching and feeling for him—Joel’s eyes drank in the sight of your skin as it glistened with the arousal he’d just smeared. He thumbed at the wet, stiff peak and swallowed. And, just as you were about to adjust the rhythm of your hips bouncing on him, his free hand joined the first and pulled you down. You cried feeling his cock wedge deep; your hands fell to either side of his body when he yanked your face down to his. He fucked up into you from underneath

You squealed, soft, “Joel!”

He kissed your open mouth. Made you lay flat overtop him while he fucked your dripping hole. You whimpered.

“Joel—” Again.

“I like you so much, sweetheart,” he said, in answer to your last question, lips close, “Does she like me too?”

As if to save him the trouble of a swift reply in words, your body told him instead. You squeezed around his cock, and with another desperate cry, bit his shoulder. He hammered your poor, aching pussy with a groan of his own, and he held your body down to his. Grinning.

Kissing the side of your head while he pounded away. Stroking your hair, “Is that a ‘yes’? She like her daddy?”

Drool was bound to slip out of your mouth any second. Your lips were locked in a permanent ‘o’ while he drilled from under you on the bed. Still, you managed to nod.

“Uh-huh—oh, fuck, fuck, da-ddy. Yes, daddy.”

You squeezed your eyes shut as another blistering wave seared your insides. Joel was relentless with his thrusts now, driving himself in and out without stopping or slowing. He must’ve known you were close. He was too, judging by the sounds of his grunts and hushed tone.

“Let daddy take care of her then, baby. All of her. OK?”

His words trickled through your ear as sweet as honey. His cock was less kind, but that was okay—you liked it.

You loved him here. Taking care of you. Her. Everything.

And, in this half-coherent state of fuckdrunk pleasure, you were tempted to give in to whatever he begged.

It would be so easy. Joel cradled your face in his hand, practically beaming with pride while he fucked you over and over, and your legs were spread, walls were stretched, eyes practically rolling back, and you felt more secure than you’d been in ages. Joel could care for you.

He rubbed his thumb over your cheek and hummed.

“Daddy’s got you,” he said, voice all warm assurance.

Nudging you closer and closer to your peak—and perhaps some other form of surrender. Release.

Submission?

Joel wouldn’t be so bad for that.

He could fuck you well and leave you content. Make you forget what it meant to be strapped for cash and saddled with guilt and worry over bills every month. Joel could provide, for now. His eyes said as much; his fingers threaded through your hair and rubbed your scalp. He cupped your face, all fifty-six years in his own looking as handsome as they’d ever been. He felt good. He felt safe.

You were hot. Your legs trembled and ached.

“Is that something you’d want?” he pressed.

And, still holding Joel’s gaze with a heavy-lidded, fucked out look of your own, you surprised yourself by nodding, slowly. Your body was spent, but the curve on your lips, then his, was sincere; Joel nodded back as he grinned.

“Yeah? You mean it, sweetheart?”

He flipped you both over and got on top, never breaking apart. You wound your legs around his back and let him cup your cheeks again, and from this angle, you felt it. You wouldn’t try and fight it now; you just kissed him.

Then you came for a third time, walls clenching and squeezing and gushing again, smearing Joel’s front as he fucked you right through it. His groans were a little more subdued than yours, but in their timbre, you could hear his desperation. He emptied himself inside you, in the condom, and kept holding your face all the while.

You felt a low pulse between your legs. Then another. And another. And another. Joel’s hips began to still, his hefty greying belly bumping lightly against your skin while he drained what was left in his balls, and you swore that his bones might’ve creaked from the sheer force of those final thrusts. He seemed exhausted. Somehow, though, the man looked even better in this state—haggard and worn as he was, the face above your own was soft. Smiling, faintly, and kissing you constantly.

You couldn’t pretend you didn’t enjoy it; you were far too tired and fucked out of your mind to protest right now.

Joel trailed a path with his lips from your chin to your ear. He kissed the hinge of your jaw and sank himself deeper.

“Mr.—” But you caught yourself, shortly, “…Joel.”

He lifted his head, not apologetic in the least.

“Maybe just one more—” he started.

“No,” you finished for him, sharp.

Still smiling, but with your eyes on him in a thinly veiled threat. Joel accepted that and kept his dick where it was.

What followed was gradual but natural enough. A little awkward as you broached that uncharted territory of remaining in the other’s presence after the deed was done, but Joel didn’t seem like he wanted to leave the bed, and you had nowhere else to go until dinner with your dad at eight. There was a moment you wanted to separate your body from Joel’s, if only to slip off to the bathroom by yourself, but the man just held you closer.

“You think your old man will mind if I joined tonight?”

Here the fuck we go.

“He’ll kill you.”

You pushed hard against his hold without getting so much as an inch of give. Joel had to fight back a chuckle.

“Oh, yeah? Why?”

“Because,” you began in a huff. Wriggling with very little success in his arms, while you were pinned in missionary, “I smell like you. You smell like me. My dad’s a drunk, but he can sniff stuff like that out in a heartbeat. Too risky.”

You punctuated those words with a still more serious look, but before you could nudge at his chest again or say something more, you were forced to swallow a scream. Joel’s grip tightened even more, and he moved to stand up from the bed—with you still in his arms and impaled on his cock. He started to walk to the bathroom.

“Great. Shower’s got plenty of room for the two of us.”

“Joel!”

“Glad I don’t have to keep reminding you of my name.”

His voice was smug. Your gaze was hard. Joel was still hard himself, amazingly, and you almost groaned when you felt the head of his cock bump somewhere soft and sensitive inside. He toted you into the big, bright room.

“If not tonight, how ‘bout tomorrow? Just you and me.”

He would never stop this shit. He reached for the faucet.

“Still too dangerous. You know that,” you chided. Your resolve only wavered a little when you felt the hot water start to pelt at your back. Joel closed the glass door, “Besides…I need to focus on figuring my shit out right now. Work and bills and getting myself a rental car soon.”

Joel paused. He turned, still holding you.

Then, just as swiftly as he’d stepped inside, he carried you right back out of the shower. You whined in protest.

He took you over to the bed and set you down. He left to find his wallet and keys. You might’ve been tempted to voice your displeasure in some other way—namely, by marching back to the bathroom, locking the door, and bathing alone—but before you could speak a word, Joel was back. He looked down at you and held out his fist.

“What’s—”

“Your dad and me’ll be up to our eyeballs in bullshit working the Garcia audit tomorrow—and I know you don’t want him seeing us leave together anywhere—so we can meet at Bohanan’s at six. How does that sound?”

You blinked.

“I don’t…have a car.”

Joel opened his hand. Keys dropped out.

In a single glance, you could see they weren’t his.

Joel drove a garish Super Duty F-450, not an Audi. The cogs were quick to turn in your head, but clearly not fast enough, because Joel was closing your fingers over the keys before you could breathe so much as a syllable to him. When you did, it came out more like a stutter. Palpably mad but far too rattled to get much out:

“Joel, I-I can’t—”

“I’ve been meaning to buy one anyw—”

“You’re insane,” you started to push the keys back, and for some reason, your heart was thudding extra hard as you did. You went on, unblinking, “You don’t…need to.”

“I want to.”

Joel’s hands were warm when he pressed both of his palms to secure yours between them. He could probably feel the way it shook a little, but he didn’t seem to care. His gaze was too busy trying to find, and hold, your own while you swallowed and stared and racked your numb brain for any words of defiance. At length, nothing came.

All you could do was meet that look. In the soft brown irises above, you could see it all—the need to comfort, and care, and provide where he could, offer better than the hand you’d been dealt and maybe, interspersed with those feelings somewhere, a simpler need in him to give.

For once, you wanted to believe it.

Fun fact: This fic was inspired by true events‼️💯 My life 😫🤪😤😈 Like reader, my truck is also busted as SHIT and needs $2,700 in repairs!!!! Unlike reader, I will not be sucking and fucking Joel Miller to recoup my losses (not asking for donations, just wanted to give y’all a giggle at my misfortune LOL)

[maturemenoftvandfilms]

Drew Darby Born: February 22, 1947, San Angelo, TX Physique: Husky Build

William Drew Darby, known as Drew Darby, is a Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives from his native San Angelo, Texas. He represents District 72, which represents ten counties in West Texas spanning the Concho Valley and Permian Basin, an area larger than seven states. A successful businessman, Drew is the owner of Surety Title with offices throughout West Texas, and is Of Counsel to the Energy and Real Estate practice group at the law firm of Jackson Walker, LLP.

Damn... there has got to be something in the water as I’ve now lost count of how many politicians from Texas I want to fuck. And since I want to fuck him. Of course Drew is married with five children and ten grandchildren. Apparently, he was arrested in 2013, for having brought a gun in his carry-on bag through a security checkpoint at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. I wish I was that TSA agent. He'd be searched... thoroughly. With my penis.

[sideshow-tornado]

5 8 10 28 41 50 ❤️

5 what’s the last album you listened to?

The newest Pearl Jam record “Dark Matter” which I’ve been listening to a lot. I really dig it, but it’s my favorite band of all time so I’m an easy mark. Except their last studio album is the only one I haven’t overwhelmingly loved/enjoyed, so it’s a nice return to form.

8 if you could choose one language to instantly be fluent in, which one would you pick?

Probably Spanish, because I live in Texas and know a fair amount of the language already, would be very useful to have fluency.

10 what was your dream job as a child and is it anything like your current job?

I wanted to be a stand up comedian, an actor, and a film director. My current job is a retail optical and Optometrist medical office, so it’s not anything remotely like I what I wanted to be when I was a child. Although I sate the artistic desires best I can in my spare time, never found a path to making a living at it.

28 what’s your favourite sandwich?

I LOVE sandwiches, from a simple PB&J to a gourmet panini, but my absolute favorite sandwich of all time is from an Austin, TX submarine sandwich chain, Thundercloud Subs, the “Office Favorite” as it is called which is an egg salad sandwich with bacon & cheese, I opt for American, and also get shredded lettuce, mayo & regular mustard, and their “ThunderSauce” which is a special sauce they have that is soy bean oil/red wine vinegar/paprika, all on a 12 inch whole wheat sub roll. It has been too long since I’ve had one and I must get it again soon.

41 what family member, immediate or otherwise, do you get along with the best?

At the moment not a lot of them. I am very close to my parents, even if we all mutually frustrate each other often. I am close to my cousin’s oldest son, who is 23, and partly named after me. And another cousin’s husband I am quite close to and get along very well with, since “cousin in-law” is not really a thing we just refer to each other as cousins. I was a groomsman in his wedding to my cousin and he was a groomsman in my (less successful) wedding.

50. how long was your shortest relationship?

I would say I have a higher threshold of what constitutes a relationship, so the shortest one I can recall was about 4 months. And it doesn’t arm like that much of an outlier because I only have one relationship that lasted longer than a year (the failed marriage again), but I had a string of 11 month long relationships in my late teens and twenties, things just kept falling apart shy of the one year mark. It’s weird to think about now because I would have imagined I was single for so much of my youth but compared to my current record breaking singlehood stretching for years on end and far less dating activity overall it doesn’t even come close.

As always thank you for your interest and your questions 😎

[laureljacobs]

LAUREL JACOBS

full name: laurel jane jacobs

pronouns & gender: she/they, nonbinary

birthday & birthplace: november 19, 1984 (40); austin, tx

location: seabrook quarter

time in aurora bay: since november 2021

sexuality: lesbian

occupation: lawyer

@aurorabayaesthetic

about.

laurel was born in austin, texas, and she's country girl at heart even if she won't readily admit it. they've always got a patsy cline or dolly parton record going at home, but that's the extent of what they'll let other people see in terms of their southernness.

(alcoholism, neglect tw) her early home life was bad. her mom left at an early age and her dad was a functioning alcoholic who just worked, drank, and slept, and he just couldn't take care of her. they went into the foster system when they were six, after a CDC call when their neighbor noticed they was alone for more than 48 hours once. her dad got visitation and she spent the occasional weekend at home.

foster care wasn't good either. the homes were always underfunded and crowded, even when the parents did what they could. laurel learned quickly that there was a hierarchy in these places, and they learned to sleep with a metaphorical shiv under their pillow. they grew up with no sense of home or family, and it really fucked them up!

but she was always smart. unlike many of the kids around her, she stayed in school and focused on her work, cutting out any extra noise to do so. to cope, they just buried everything deep, deep down. she got into texas a&m for college, which wasn't her first choice, but she went for the in-state tuition. it's a party school, so they indulged occasionally and made a few friends for the first time ever, but they grinded all the while.

undergrad finished, and they went straight to law school — nyu, their first choice, which was also completely free and gave them a nice stipend, but they still took part time jobs through law school to chip away at their student debt. after getting her JD and passing the bar in new york, she got a job as public defender.

she stayed for a few years, until she was 28, but the work was starting to bog her down quickly. the complete lack of choice she had over who she represented often clashed with her morals, when she found herself advocating for people she knew were guilty of sometimes pretty heinous crimes.

so, with a good amount of money saved by then and nothing keeping her tied to new york, she quit, packed up her life, and moved to montana, specifically to the blackfeet nation, where her mother was from. they'd never known their mother, but they knew of their indigenous ancestry and had done a lot of their own reading into it. going there was a huge leap for them emotionally and spiritually, having spent almost 30 years feeling disconnected from any kind of heritage, but they eventually decided they could have a lot more to gain than to lose.

she settled in and opened a practice out of her home, though she was frequently working for pretty low pay or pro bono outright. she was sort of a one-stop shop because she was sometimes willing to work for free, able to flex a lot of different muscles outside of her speciality in criminal law.

they were there for a long time, almost ten years, and had really started to feel like they were making a life. they felt connected to the people and them and the land they were living on more than they ever had before, and life was quiet in a way it'd never been.

but then one day, laurel heard a knock on her door and answered it to someone who introduced themself as their half-sibling through their mother, and it was sort of comical how fast laurel ran. she'd managed to reconcile a lot of things with herself in her adulthood, but her relationship to her parents and her upbringing was never something she let herself confront.

they chose aurora bay basically by just putting their finger down blindly on a map, moved, took the bar in california, and quickly set up an office out of their home again, using some of the connections they'd made throughout their career to get contacts and clients early and get things moving from the get go. life's been quiet since then.

laurel is spiky, very slow to trust, and doesn't know how to take care of herself at all. they live in a big house in seabrook quarter that they maintain immaculately, has taken the batteries out of all of the smoke alarms so they can smoke inside, and has nothing but basics in their fridge. at her best, she's jocular and witty, and at her worst she's explosive.

family.

mother: minnie hudson (unknown)

father: jonah jacobs (estranged)

tidbits.

she's not very up front about her not-cis gender identity and use of mixed pronouns, but it's really because she has no interest in having a serious talk about her identity with everyone she meets, most of whom she doesn't really care to know past an initial conversation. if someone asks directly, laurel's happy to tell, and if they're ever in a situation where the need to be referring to themself in the third person, they'll switch out the pronouns. if others catch on, they catch on, but she's not incredibly pressed about it herself

a little bit of a jock, though she would never admit that. loves baseball and hockey, plays softball in a rec league like the little lesbian she is

(alcoholism tw) laurel has a complicated relationship to alcohol; on one hand, they know what it did to their father and know that being his child probably makes them predisposed to the same tendencies, but on the other they're entirely sure that they're different and smarter and actually they could stop whenever they wanted to.

connections.

ex-girlfriend of @katrinaxbeauford

close friend of/don't make her think too hard about it she'll have a crisis @margaretxalexander

went to high school in texas with @benj-hyun

bar regulars/frequent drunk debate partner w/ @clint-bennet

softball teammates w/ @cassidyxcooke

employed by @willxmeyers, @colexwalters

friend of @delilahcarreno

forever trying to steal @cricketcampbell away from her clients

foster kids who made it out alive club/avid shipper of @thewrenxharlow, @nomadjones

[olivesbest]

Who Really Lit the Fuse? The Anticultist Plot Behind the Waco Siege

The deliberately false testimony and statements of Special Agent Davey Aguilera of the ATF Austin office, who was used by anticultists during the Waco siege, led to a real tragedy. As a result of the Waco siege, the U.S. government, with the consent of the entire public, murdered civilians alive.

The siege of the Branch Davidians’ compound, a group of American citizens and Seventh-day Adventists, in Waco during the spring of 1993 was a pivotal event in U.S. history. It triggered an unprecedented wave of violence and forever altered the nation’s fate. The 51-day standoff ended with an FBI assault, which resulted in a devastating fire. A total of 82 people died, including Americans and members of the Branch Davidians from other countries, among them 23 children. Among the children were two infants who were born in the fire when their mothers died.

The affidavit insinuated that Koresh was converting AR-15 Sporters and semi-automatic AK-47 copies into automatics, citing purchases from a South Carolina company known to sell conversion parts. However, Aguilera did not allege that Koresh purchased parts necessary for such conversions. There was no evidence in the affidavit that the Davidians were manufacturing their own automatic sears or modifying the lower receivers of semi-automatics, which would have violated firearms laws.

The affidavit falsely referred to “clandestine” publications, mentioning that a witness had observed magazines like Shotgun News at the compound. Shotgun News, with a circulation of about 165,000, is far from clandestine, with subscriptions available by mail or telephone, including to the ATF office in Austin, TX, Aguilera’s home office.

United States Congress. House. Committee on the Judiciary. Washington: U.S. G.P.O., 1996, p 57.

The Congressional “Investigation into the Activities of Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Toward the Branch Davidians” (p.3) describes Aguilera’s actions as incompetent and unprofessional:

The ATF’s investigation of the Branch Davidians was grossly incompetent. It lacked the minimum professionalism expected of a major Federal law enforcement agency.

The affidavit filed in support of the warrants contained an incredible number of false statements. The ATF agents responsible for preparing the affidavits knew or should have known that many of the statements were false.

David Koresh could have been arrested outside the Davidian compound. The ATF chose not to arrest Koresh outside the Davidian residence.

ATF agents misrepresented to Defense Department officials that the Branch Davidians were involved in illegal drug manufacturing.

The decision to pursue a military style raid was made more than 2 months before surveillance, undercover, and infiltration efforts were begun. The ATF undercover and surveillance operation lacked the minimum professionalism expected of a Federal law enforcement agency.

The ATF’s raid plan for February 28 was significantly flawed. The plan was poorly conceived, utilized a high risk tactical approach when other tactics could have been successfully used.

The senior ATF raid commanders, Phillip Chojnacki and Chuck Sarabyn, either knew or should have known that the Davidians had become aware of the impending raid and were likely to resist with deadly force. Nevertheless, they recklessly proceeded with the raid, thereby endangering the lives of the ATF agents under their command and the lives of those residing in the compound. This, more than any other factor, led to the deaths of the four ATF agents killed on February 28.

Yet Aguilera and his colleagues from ATF and FBI were neither unprofessional, nor incompetent. They just used all their skills to execute the program, installed in their minds by anti-cult representatives.

The subcommittees conclude that the ATF was predisposed to using aggressive, military tactics in an attempt to serve the arrest and search warrant. The ATF deliberately choose not to arrest Koresh outside the Davidian residence and instead determined to use a dynamic entry approach.

United States Congress. House. Committee on the Judiciary. Washington: U.S. G.P.O., 1996, p. 17.

Yet the congressional commission avoided investigating true motives of ATF agents, stating that “It is unclear why the ATF did not accept the offer to conduct a compliance inspection of Koresh’s firearms. What is clear is that the agents’ refusal of Koresh’s invitation was the first of a series of instances in which the ATF rejected opportunities to proceed in a non-confrontational manner. The agents’ decision to decline Koresh’s offer was a serious mistake.” (p 10) It wasn’t an accidental mistake. It was a deliberate action by anti-cultist collaborators in the law enforcement agencies with a goal to destroy the group of innocent Americans. And the governmental commission did the same thing that all other governments do after anti-cultists provoke them into committing a crime against their own people.

They tried to justify their actions as “mistake” and followed anti-cultists advice, on how to justify themselves better. Avoid mentioning anticultists and find or rather create and promote testimonies by fake victims. Such testimonies should distract the population from the fact that the law enforcement agents manipulated by anti-cultists were deliberately and purposefully committing crimes – killing the American citizens, whom they were supposed to defend.

Read more about this in the article:

The Waco Siege: How Anticultists Manipulated Media and Officials to Organize a Holocaust in Texas. Part 2

[numberoneangelsublime]

The Consequences of Not Writing a Will: Why You Can't Afford to Wait

Introduction

When it comes to estate planning, the phrase "you can't take it with you" rings true. However, what many people overlook is that they also can't leave it behind without proper planning. The consequences of not writing a will can be dire—not just for you, but for Gottfried Alexander office in Austin TX your loved ones as well. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the myriad reasons why you should prioritize creating a will today. From alleviating family disputes to ensuring your wishes are honored, understanding the implications of not having a will is crucial.

The Consequences of Not Writing a Will: Why You Can't Afford to Wait

Failing to create a will can lead to unintended and often devastating outcomes. Without a legally binding document outlining your wishes, your estate may be divided according to state laws rather than your personal desires. This means that assets could go to estranged relatives or be distributed in ways that conflict with what you would have wanted.

What Happens When You Die Without a Will?

When an individual passes away without a will—a situation known as dying intestate—the distribution of their estate is handled by state law. Each state has its own intestacy statutes that dictate how assets are allocated among surviving family members.

1. State Law Takes Over

The absence of a will means you forfeit control over how your assets are divided. Instead, state guidelines determine the beneficiaries based on familial relationships:

Spouse: Many states grant the surviving spouse the largest share. Children: If no spouse exists, children typically inherit equally. Extended Family: In cases with no immediate family, distant relatives may inherit. 2. Potential Family Disputes

Without clear instructions from you, family members may disagree over asset distribution. Sibling rivalries can resurface as they vie for valuable possessions or financial assets.

3. Delays and Legal Fees

Probate can be lengthy and expensive when there’s no will in place, leading to additional legal fees that diminish the estate's value.

Understanding Estate Planning

So what exactly does estate planning involve? It encompasses much more than simply drafting a will; it involves strategizing how your assets will be managed and distributed after death.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning refers to the process of arranging for the management and distribution of one’s estate during life and after death. A well-crafted estate plan addresses several issues:

Minimizing taxes Designating beneficiaries Establishing guardianship for minors Providing directives regarding healthcare decisions Why Is Estate Planning Important?

Having an effective estate plan ensures that your wishes are respected and carried out posthumously. Here are some core reasons why it's vital:

Control: Maintain authority over asset distribution. Family Harmony: Reduce potential conflicts among heirs. Tax Efficiency: Limit tax burdens on your beneficiaries. Who Needs an Estate Pla

[zhcustom]

Why Choose a Custom Home Builder in Austin, TX for Your Dream Home?

A perfect partner is required for building one's dream home. With respect to Austin, TX, a custom home builder is the one who can give you an excellent number of advantages that can transform your vision into realty. A custom home builder in Austin, TX, is a person possessing expertise, creativity, and a keen sense of detail. All details in a new home are sure to reflect all the flavor and style of the owner. This article discusses the top reasons why hiring a custom home builder in Austin is the best choice for your dream home.

Personalized designs suited to your lifestyle

Among many benefits of hiring a custom home builder, one of the most appealing and rewarding is designing a home uniquely and specifically suitable to your lifestyle. Unlike most pre-built houses, where you have to make concessions on the design and layout, a custom builder works with you and your own designers and architects to create the perfect floor plan tailored to your lifestyle. Do you want an open-concept layout for entertaining, a dedicated home office, or a spacious outdoor area? With a custom home builder, the possibilities are endless.

Quality Craftsmanship

Custom home builders take great pride in their workmanship in Austin, TX. They are aware that a house is an investment; so high-quality outcomes are expected and delivered. Good quality materials combined with quality tradesmen ensure your home will be beautiful, but most importantly, more durable. Sometimes, quality craftsmanship will pay off because fewer future repairs and renovations are part of the deal.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Due to increasing energy rates and environmental issues, many homeowners like sustainable energy-efficient building. Custom home builders Austin, TX can take full advantage of the new technologies and materials that promote energy efficiency. Such includes installation of solar panels to high-performance insulation. They will help you incorporate sustainable solutions into your home design, reducing your carbon footprint and lowering utility bills to make your dream home eco-friendly and economical as well.

Local Building Codes and Permits

Building a house is literally a series of journeys through several regulations, permits, and zoning laws. Custom home builders in Austin, TX are well-versed with the local building codes and regulations prevailing in that place. This ensures your project will always be up to the mark in meeting specific requirements-thus meeting the requirements for compliance. They would take the hassle of the permitting process from you and free time elsewhere in the construction process to enjoy other aspects of having your house built.

Customer Service

The custom home builder can be expected to give you personal service through all the stages of building. The larger production builders treat you just as another number, so you cannot expect them to understand your needs or preferences. The tight professional and personal relationship will enable open communication that allows you to make good decisions and keep yourself involved every step of the way. You will work with a committed team that focuses on your dream and strives day in and day out to realize it.

Value Addition of Investment

A custom home is not where you hang your hat; it is an investment in your future. With a house built precisely according to your taste and lifestyle, you are most likely to have a higher resale value in the long run. Custom homes situated in prime locations like Austin, TX will appreciate in big deals; thus, you can consider your investment. Moreover, the features you can include from a custom builder might also be attractive features for future buyers, which would increase the value of your home.

Conclusion

Selecting a custom home builder in Austin, TX really means that you are investing in quality, customization and long-term value. You will be able to make the complexities of the building process much easier when you have a builder who understands your vision. And, certainly, you will have a home that just feels like you inside and out. If you happen to be searching for the finest Dripping Springs home builder, check out the benefits of custom construction. A good partner will make sure your dream home becomes a sanctuary for you and your family and a valuable asset for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to build a custom home? There is no standard time for custom home construction. It depends on various factors, such as complexity of design, weather, and permit approvals. Generally, a building time span could range from several months to over a year. 2. What does it cost to build a custom home in Austin, TX? Costs will range drastically depending on location, materials, and size. A good average is an Austin custom home builder to be able to have costs ranging from $200 to $400 per square foot.

3. Do the custom home builders provide financing options? Most of the custom home builders have local lenders with whom they can work to finance tailored to your needs

4. Is it possible for me to make changes in the construction process? Yes, custom home builders can accommodate any alteration you may require at the construction stage, but it is best to make any desired alterations in advance so that a change in the original design doesn't lead to any delay or cost overrun at the construction site.

5. What can I customize about my new home? You can customize almost everything about your home, starting from its floor plan to finishes, appliances, and outdoor spaces. The possibilities are virtually endless!

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Studio townhomes near downtown Austin

Alta Wildhorse Ranch is a luxurious studio townhome near downtown Austin. This community offers different floor plans. It has a variety of living spaces for studio, one-, two, or three-bedroom townhomes. The community also boasts a resort-style atmosphere that features a range of amenities such as a swimming pool, tanning ledge, pool deck with cabanas, outdoor kitchen with grill & bar area, two-level fitness space, yoga or exercise room. This is also a gated community with controlled access. Then, the residences themselves are equipped with designer ceramic tile backsplashes, stainless steel Energy Star appliances, 9-foot ceilings, modern bathrooms, and advanced technology features. With convenient access to major transportation routes, Alta Wildhorse Ranch offers a truly upscale and comfortable living experience. For inquiries, contact Alta Wildhorse Ranch using their website.

Austin, TX, Strong Economy

Austin boasts a robust economy fueled by technology, healthcare, and education. This simply means that there are plenty of job opportunities in Austin, and it continuously provides a wealth of employment prospects for all the job seekers. By looking at the city's business, it can be deduced that Austin's business climate is very favorable, and it attracts ambitious individuals and experts from across the globe. This strong economic foundation serves as a magnet for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking new opportunities. With a diverse range of industries and a spirit of innovation, Austin continues to thrive as a hub for career growth and development.

Texas State Capitol

One of the historical landmarks in Austin is the Texas State Capitol. I like this place because it's a magnificent building that stands as a symbol of the state's rich history and heritage. The visitors at Texas State Capitol can explore the Capitol's grand halls, learn about the government of the state, and admire the stunning architecture of this place. The visitors can also take a guided tour to gain insights into the building's history and significance. The Capitol provides a unique and educational experience for the visitors of all ages. This provides a glimpse into the heart of Texas government.

LPD Uses AI to Draft Reports

The Leander Police Department (LPD) has introduced Draft One, a new program developed by Axon that can draft police reports in seconds using body camera audio. This is a time-saving measure as the law enforcement industry faces staffing struggles. However, local prosecutors have expressed discomfort with using AI in the police report space, as it may miss out on the human element and potentially impact prosecutors' and defense attorneys' actions. Probationers and defense attorneys also have concerns about the potential impact of AI on probable cause affidavits. Axon spokespersons state that safeguards are in place to ensure accuracy, including officers reviewing and signing off on the report's accuracy before submitting it for the next round of human review. I think the review is a good part of the process.

Link to Map Driving Direction

Texas Capitol 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, United States

Get on I-35 N/US-290 E 4 min (0.9 mi)

Continue on I-35 N. Take US-290 E and 290 Toll to US-290 E. Take the exit toward Airport/TX-45Toll S/TX-130Toll S/San Antonio/FM-3177/Decker Ln/Harris Branch Pkwy from 290 Toll 9 min (9.0 mi)

Get on TX-130 S 3 min (2.0 mi)

Take Exit 439 to Blue Bluff Rd 1 min (1.0 mi)

Alta Wildhorse Ranch 10350 Blue Bluff Rd, Austin, TX 78724, United States

[criminallawyeraustin]

Eligibility for Pre-Trial Diversion Programs

A defendant must meet certain requirements to be classified as eligible for participation in a pre-trial diversion program. He or she must be a first-time offender who is charged with a less serious offense like a misdemeanor. These programs are more common for juvenile criminal offenders because courts view these programs as helping juveniles keep their records clean and protect their future…

[arhammehta]

What is Wrongful Termination and How to Address It in Austin?

Unjust dismissal is a prevalent problem faced by those without employment. It becomes particularly widespread during economic downturns. For instance, there was a 3.6% increase in unemployment cases from January to May 2020 because of COVID-19 lockdown measures.

Accompanying the significant rise in unemployment filings were allegations of unjust dismissal. This was the scenario in almost every state across the US, including Austin, TX, known for its abundant employment opportunities, but because of this, there's also a heightened risk of wrongful termination incidents in the city. 

If you're among the numerous individuals who have recently become unemployed, there's no need to worry. Here's how you can determine if you've been wrongfully terminated and the steps you can take in response.

What is wrongful termination?

Wrongful termination occurs when your employer dismisses you for reasons that violate the law. Wrongful termination often calls for hiring of an employment lawyer who can help navigate through the process. The Law Office of Jeffrey A. Goldberg can help you get familiarized with what constitutes wrongful discharge and the steps you can pursue in response.

Your termination might be wrongful if your employer dismissed you:

Because of discrimination

Contrary to federal or state labor laws

For reporting and refusing to partake in harassment

For reporting and refusing to engage in illegal activities or safety violations

Retaliatory termination

If you were dismissed in retaliation for reporting hazardous or unlawful work practices or products, you are covered by whistleblower protections. Notify the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) about your termination and follow the guidelines for filing a whistleblower complaint. 

Termination due to exercising your legal rights

If your employer has dismissed you for asserting rights granted by state labor laws, you can report your termination to your state's labor department.

If your employer terminated you for exercising rights regarding leave, wages, or overtime, file a complaint with the Department of Labor.

Consult with a legal advisor

Consult with a legal advisor if your employer unjustly terminated you for a reason not covered by state or federal law.

Before pursuing legal action against your employer for discrimination, you must first file a report with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Consider ADR

Most cases of wrongful termination typically result in out-of-court settlements, saving both parties from the trial process. In these instances, the affected party can choose mediation or arbitration as alternatives to litigation

Certain courts might require attempting mediation before proceeding to trial. Mediation entails a neutral third party aiding in reaching a compromise. Conversely, arbitration simplifies the trial process, streamlining discovery rules and procedures while providing an efficient resolution to disputes over wrongful termination.

In navigating wrongful termination challenges, with awareness and proactive steps, individuals can address unjust dismissals and strive for fair resolutions, promoting workplace integrity and justice.

[graymanbriefing]

Law & Order / Major Crime Brief: Staff Shortage  In Austin, TX; the city police department is currently in a staffing shortage that is impacting public safety and investigations. Due to the shortage of manpower, detectives are being dispatched to officer-level calls-for-service (CFS) as uniformed officers are often unavailable to answer. The city asked citizens, on September 1st, to report certain robberies via an online reporting application or to use a non-emergency phone number (311) IOT to reserve 911 for more urgent CFS. The Austin Police Association reports that Austin should have 2,000 officers employed to respond to the current level of CFS but currently has 1,475 officers. Since the "record high" year of crime in 2020, Austin has seen a 77% increase in auto thefts, 18% increase in aggravated assaults, and 30% increase in murders. In California, law enforcement agencies have begun offering "record" sign-on bonuses to attract officers as the agencies continue to suffer from a manpower shortage. Alameda Police Department is offe...(CLASSIFIED, see full brief at www.graymanbriefing.com) Debrief: Nationwide, similar shortages of law enforcement officers exist in every state. Since 2020, such shortages have become commonplace. Pay, hours, and decreased moral (amplified by the "defund the police" movement) are the major factors for the shortage. LA, MA, IN, NY, NH, NM, DC, MO, OK, IL, PA, and MN are states where we have seen reports of multiple law enforcement agencies with shortages, all of which have added unique recruiting strategies to attract officers or fulfill manpower gaps. These states have changed laws to allow for retired officers to be sworn back in, added $10k sign-on bonus, or added additional part-time slots. The crisis is ongoing and continues to impact public safety. Community outreach, routine patrol, and investigations are most im...(CLASSIFIED, see full brief at www.graymanbriefing.com)

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How To Ensure Tax Preparation For Contractors and Realtors in Austin and Dallas, TX?

Earning an income every week or after a month's end is the rule worldwide. Not every individual is employed by a company and has to follow specific employment rules. There are many freelancers or small business persons who have no fixed income. Trying to remain profitable is the only challenge that troubles them greatly. Yet failing to pay the required taxes is a strict no-no. Instead, independent professionals need to use the best service related to tax preparation for contractors and realtors in Austin and Dallas, TX.

The term should not come as a surprise for people engaged in their professions for a long time. Getting in touch with a reputed firm or an expert tax advisor to ensure proper tax preparation well before the tax season is also essential. Such experts will share information about the applicable tax laws and tax compliance applicable to the concerned professions. Tax preparation services are sure to include the following, thus benefiting the taxpayer hugely:-

· Tax Planning

· Filing Tax Returns

A realtor must be well aware of the deductions applicable to the profession. Having all receipts handy and readily available will enable the tax preparer to calculate the tax liability accurately. Filing the returns well within the deadline is simple and easy, therefore. Learning about the "Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act" is also welcome for realtors and property brokers. Some of the tax benefits that they can expect courtesy of the tax preparer include deductions for the following:-

· Marketing & advertising expenses

· Coaching, training, and educating prospective realtors

· Licensing and renewal fees for all real estate professionals

· Dues for real estate associations, multiple listing services, and brokerage fees

· Transportation expenses incurred on the job

· Expenses for travel, lodging, and meals incurred for business purposes

· Home office expenses when the realtor operates out of a self-owned or rented home

· Expenses for buying gifts for clients (up to $25), entertainment, and other client-centric causes

It is important to remember that all of the above deductions will be applicable only when the expenses are directly related to the real estate business and necessary for ensuring operations

There are diverse types of contractors whom the user employs to undertake projects on behalf of their customers. The employer, contractor, and subcontractor will have to file their tax returns independently. The tax adviser should be well informed about the following before filing the returns for the said contractor:

· The extent of business controlled by the contractor singlehandedly

· Whether the tools and other resources required for the projects are provided by the contractor

· Are there any benefits to the contractor mentioned in the agreement?

Using the services of a tax advisor or consultant is necessary to ensure tax preparation for contractors and realtors in Austin and Dallas, TX, for speedy and accurate filing of taxes.

[shrumlawofficesblog]

Seek the Compensation You and Your Family Deserve Today: Contact a Trusted Dog Bite Lawyer in Austin, TX

Introduction:

Dogs are often considered man's best friend, providing companionship and loyalty. However, even the most docile dogs can sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior, leading to unexpected and unfortunate dog bite incidents. If you or a family member have been a victim of a dog bite in Austin, TX, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. The Law Office of Matthew Shurm, a trusted dog bite lawyer in Austin, is here to help you seek the compensation you and your family deserve today.

Understanding Dog Bite Incidents in Austin, TX:

Austin, a city known for its vibrant culture and dog-friendly community, sees its share of dog-related incidents. A dog bite can cause severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain, particularly if medical treatment is required. Texas law holds dog owners responsible for their pets' actions, making it possible for victims to seek compensation for their losses.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer:

Navigating the legal complexities of a dog bite case can be challenging, especially when you are dealing with pain and emotional distress. Hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer like Matthew Shurm can make a significant difference in your case. Here's how our law office can assist you:

Case Evaluation: We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and determine its potential strength. Our team will listen to your account of the incident and provide you with an understanding of your legal rights and options.

Gathering Evidence: To build a strong case, evidence is crucial. Our skilled investigators will gather all relevant evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage of the incident.

Establishing Liability: Proving liability is essential in dog bite cases. Texas law imposes strict liability on dog owners, meaning they can be held responsible for their dog's actions, regardless of any prior history of aggression.

Calculating Damages: As experienced dog bite lawyers, we understand the various damages you may be entitled to receive, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We will work diligently to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, as they often try to minimize settlements. We will handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf, protecting your interests.

No Recovery, No Fee:

We understand that the aftermath of a dog bite incident can be financially straining. To alleviate this burden, the Law Office of Matthew Shurm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you don't pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

Conclusion:

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite incident in Austin, TX, you don't have to go through it alone. The Law Office of Matthew Shurm is dedicated to fighting for your rights and seeking the compensation you and your family deserve. Our team of experienced dog bite lawyers will guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Don't wait any longer—contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing your future. Contact us if you want to speak with a personal injury lawyer.

[numberoneangelsublime]

Why Is Estate Planning Important? Insights from Legal Experts

Introduction

Estate planning is a term that often evokes images of wealthy individuals meticulously arranging their assets for the benefit of their heirs. However, the truth is that estate planning is crucial for everyone, regardless of net worth. It encompasses a wide range of financial and legal strategies to ensure that your wishes are honored after your death or if you become incapacitated. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the importance of estate planning through insights from legal experts while addressing common questions and concerns about the Gottfried Alexander office in Austin TX process.

Why Is Estate Planning Important?

When asked, "Why is estate planning important?" many may not realize its significance until they find themselves in a situation where Gottfried Alexander Law Firm - Austin, TX a loved one has passed away without a plan in place. The consequences can be devastating, leading to family disputes, considerable expenses, and prolonged legal battles. An estate plan clearly outlines how your assets will be distributed upon your death, ensuring that your wishes are respected.

Understanding Estate Planning

Estate planning involves more than just writing a will. It includes various legal documents such as trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Creating an estate plan allows individuals to prepare for potential incapacity and ensures that their financial affairs are managed according to their desires.

Legal Insights on Estate Planning

According to legal experts, having an estate plan in place not only provides peace of mind but also protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress during an already challenging time. An experienced estate planning lawyer can guide you through the complex terrain of laws and regulations affecting your unique situation.

What Is an Estate Planning Lawyer?

An estate planning lawyer specializes in helping clients create plans for the distribution of their assets after death or incapacitation. Their expertise allows them to navigate complicated laws related to taxes and probate courts.

How Do You Find an Estate Planning Lawyer Near You?

Searching for an "estate planning lawyer near me" can yield numerous results, but it’s essential to choose someone who matches your needs. Look for reviews, ask for referrals, and ensure they have experience in estate law.

How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Charge? Understanding Costs Associated with Estate Planning

One common concern when considering how much does an estate planning lawyer charge revolves around the overall costs involved. Fees vary greatly based on location, complexity of the estate, and specific services required.

Typical fee structures include:

Hourly rate: Ranges from $150 to $500 per hour. Flat fee: Common for basic wills or straightforward estates. Retainer fees: A pre-paid amount against future work performed. What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?

An experienced lawyer offers various services including:

Drafting wills Establishing trusts Creating powers of attorney Advising on tax implications Navigating probate proceedings

[denial-rivers]

Taralynn Mackay - Lawyer in Austin, TX - Avvo

Find Texas attorney Taralynn Mackay in their Austin office. Practices Administrative law, Government, Licensing. Find reviews, educational history and legal experience. — Read on www.avvo.com/attorneys/78701-tx-taralynn-mackay-47358.html