Attorney Amanda Bolin

I am a former long time prosecutor with almost nineteen years (19) years of experience. I have handled thousands of criminal law cases throughout my career.  I have been a law enforcement instructor and tried more than 50 cases to a jury verdict including murder and capital murder cases. Visit our Practice Areas to learn more about how I can help you with your case.

Attorney Amanda Bolin was brought up in a diverse array of locations across the U.S. and abroad. Initially moving frequently due to her military family background and later due to her parents’ involvement in the oil and gas industry, she eventually settled in the panhandle of Texas, where she completed her high school education. Pursuing her academic interests, Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science with a minor in speech communication from Texas A&M University in 2001, graduating with honors. Subsequently, she pursued her legal education at Baylor University on a full scholarship, obtaining her Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 2004.

Throughout her career, Amanda Bolin demonstrated her legal acumen by prosecuting numerous misdemeanor and felony cases, successfully trying over 50 cases before juries or judges. Her dedication and expertise led to her appointment as Chief Prosecutor of the Family Violence Division in 2015, where she oversaw a team of eight prosecutors and personally handled complex family-related homicide cases. Known for her fervor, determination, and adeptness at navigating intricate legal scenarios, Amanda prosecuted a significant number of murder cases, including several capital murder cases where the death penalty was sought.

In 2019, Attorney Amanda Bolin transitioned from prosecution to criminal defense, partnering with former adversaries to establish the law firm of Smith McDonald Bolin. Drawing on her extensive experience as a prosecutor, law enforcement instructor, and trial attorney, Amanda possesses a deep understanding of prosecutorial strategies and case evaluation. Her ability to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments enables her to provide dedicated and zealous representation for her clients in criminal cases, offering personalized attention and unwavering advocacy.

EDUCATION

Baylor University School of Law  Waco, TX   2004

Doctorate of Jurisprudence
Class Rank: Top 18%

Texas A&M University  College Station, TX   2001

Bachelor of Science, PoliticalScience
Graduated Magna Cum Laude

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SMITH | McDONALD | BOLIN   Sugar Land, TX       Jan. 2019 – Present

Partner

• Represent clients in a variety of criminal law matters
• Appear in court on behalf of clients and negotiate plea agreements
• Try criminal cases to Jury or Bench on behalf of criminal clients

District Attorney’s Office – Fort Bend County        Richmond, TX       Dec. 2006 – Dec. 2018

Assistant District Attorney                                 

Chief Prosecutor – Family Violence Division (9/2015 – 12/2018)

• Supervise eight prosecutors handling family violence criminal charges and applications for protective orders by family violence victims as well as 2 dedicated family violence investigators and 3 protective order clerks
• Personally handle all high-profile family violence cases as well as family violence related homicides
• Write, manage, and report State funded Violence Against Women Act(VAWA) Grant award
• Create and maintain division procedures, protocols and training
• Assist law enforcement agencies throughout the county 24/7 with arrest and search warrants on family violence related cases

Other positions held:

• Trial Prosecutor – Felony Gang & Narcotics Division (2/13 – 9/15)
• Trial Prosecutor – General Felony Division (11/07 – 2/13)
• Intake Prosecutor – Grand Jury (6/07 – 11/07)
• Trial Prosecutor – General Misdemeanor Division (12/06 – 6/07)

Skills:

• Experience in managing, negotiating and/or trying a heavy case load
• Tried over 50 Jury Trials
• Responsible for prosecuting 7 capital murder cases and over 20 murder cases

State Attorney’s Office–10th Judicial Circuit         Bartow, FL                                              Jan. 2005 – Nov. 2006

Assistant State Attorney                        

• Prosecution of various felony and misdemeanor crimes
• Responsible for managing, negotiating and/or trying approximately 100 open cases
• Tried over 20 Jury trials and over 30BenchTrials 

Law Offices of J.David Pobjecky, P.A.   WinterHaven, FL   Aug. 2004 – Jan. 2005

Associate

• Litigation and transactional research
• Drafted complaints, answers, motions and discovery
• Meetings and phone conversations with clients

Other Legal clerkships/internships:

• Hirsch & Westheimer– Houston, TX – Summer 2003
• Sheehy, Lovelace & Mayfield– Waco, TX – Summer 2003
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas– Waco, TX – Fall 2002
• Conoco, Inc. Legal Department– Houston, TX Summers 1999-2001

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Gus George Law Enforcement Academy– Guest Instructor
Since 2007 taught a variety of topics to new police academy cadets

• Arrest, Search & Seizure
• Courtroom Demeanor & Testimony
• Health & Safety Code
• Family Violence
• Use of Force

Legislative Updates for Law Enforcement– Presenter
Since 2011 taught a variety of topics to police officers regarding new laws

• Penal Code
• Health & Safety Code
• Gang Crime
• Family Violence

Brady for Law Enforcement– Presenter
In 2013 educated law enforcement officers on the State’s duties under Brady v. Marylandand CCP 39.14

District Attorney Internal Training– Presenter
In 2015 educated new prosecutors on pre-trial preparation

Human Trafficking Awareness– Presenter
Since 2015 educated community organizations, churches and elected officials on Human Trafficking laws

Fort Bend County Women’s Center– Guest Instructor
Since 2015 educated volunteers on family violence law and protective orders

Sugar Land Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy– Guest Instructor
Since 2016 educating citizens on the role and make-up of the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office

Texas Division of the International Association for Identification– Presenter
In 2017 educated crime scene investigators on testifying as an expert in blood stain analysis