Over 70 Years of Legal Experience and Over 400 Jury Trials

Monica R. Khirallah

 
 

“Courage is when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” - Atticus Finch

Ever since I was a child, I knew I would become a lawyer. I was a pretty competitive athlete, played all the sports and played them well. But for multiple ACL injuries in high school and college, I might still be competing in pick up basketball or beach volleyball games around town. 

I also come from a long line of criminal defense attorneys and had the blessing and privilege to work for them during middle and high school summers. My grandfather and uncles, glorified babysitters, mentored me over school breaks in exchange for carrying their brief case to court. In high school, I chauffeured them to court appearances while they handled plea deals and client meetings over the phone. 

Conversations around the dinner table were fraught with stories of adversity, legal drama, and underdogs; many stories of social injustice and political power. I was intrigued by the drama and hopeful that justice would prevail and that the little guy would somehow come out on top. 

After law school, I went to work for the Denton County District Attorneys office. I knew the best place to get training was to work for the other side. In three years as a prosecutor, I tried nearly 65 cases to a jury verdict. In twelve years of practicing law, I have tried 90 cases to a jury and created four beautiful boys in the process. 

My husband's unwavering support and eristic personality have been instrumental in helping me hone my advocacy skills, pushing me to grow and excel during routine debates over meaningless subjects with our boys. Our favorite topic at dinner is “who would win” and the conversation never ends. 

I am driven by a relentless commitment to defending the voiceless and upholding the principles of fairness and equality.  I strive to be a beacon of integrity, standing unwaveringly against injustice and championing the rights of every individual, regardless of their background or circumstance.  If their circumstance demands a trial, I proudly announce to the Court "Ready."

“Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”- To Kill a Mockingbird

 

AWARDS

Super Lawyers, Rising Star 2020-2024

National Trial Lawyers Association, Top 40 Under 40, 2020-2024

Admissions

  • State Bar of Texas

  • Northern District of Texas

  • Western District of Texas

  • Southern District of Texas

Memberships

  • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

  • San Antonio Bar Association

  • National Trial Lawyers Association

Education

  • BA - University of Dallas

  • JD - Ave Maria School of Law

 

Notable Verdicts and Case Outcomes

STATE OF TEXAS V. JG - 06/14/2017

Assault Family Violence. A 911 caller stated that my client was punching a female passenger while driving.  The caller testified at trial that my client also shoved the victim's face against the car window several times and that he dragged her out of the car. 

Result: Acquittal

STATE OF TEXAS V. CS - 12/06/2018

3 counts of Sexual Assault of a Child. High school student alleges that her neighbor sexually assaulted her in his apartment when she played hooky from school. Client suffered from mental deficits and was a very unique person, being taken advantage of by the high school kids in the complex. 

Result: Acquittal

STATE OF TEXAS V. RW - 01/09/2019

Felony Driving While Intoxicated

Result: Reduced to Class B misdemeanor, and probation granted

STATE OF TEXAS V. TM - 04/01/2019

Unlawful Possession of Firearm in Prohibited Place. Client showed up to airport with a handgun in his carry-on backpack. 

Result: Grand Jury returned No Bill after reviewing grand jury packet submitted by defense

STATE OF TEXAS V. EA - 06/27/2019

Assault Family Violence. Client arrested on his way to a baseball game with his kids after his wife called the police to report that he had assaulted her that morning. She showed redness and swelling near her shoulders where he allegedly grabbed her and threw her against the wall before grabbing the keys and leaving.

Result: Acquittal

STATE OF TEXAS V. PM - 05/08/2019

Felony Driving While Intoxicated 3rd or More

Result: Reduced to Class A misdemeanor

STATE OF TEXAS V. AR - 12/09/2019

Driving While Intoxicated. Client arrested for DWI and had DACA status. Set the case for trial.

Result: Dismissed prior to trial

STATE OF TEXAS V. NF - 03/05/2020

Two count indictment for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Family Violence. Client was arrested for pointing a gun at the mother of his baby while she slept, and then grabbing the baby by his neck, putting the gun to the baby's temple and threatening to kill the baby. Client was facing a minimum of 25 years to life in prison. The District Attorney offered him 12 years in exchange for a plea of guilty. Client demanded a trial. 

Result: Mistrial declared on both cases after nearly two full days of jury deliberation.

STATE OF TEXAS V. NS - 04/21/2022

Fraudulent Possession of Identifying Information. Client allowed his friend to direct deposit, by mobile device, a paycheck. Client went to the bank a few days later to withdraw the money. The State alleged The paycheck had been forged. 

Result: Acquittal.

STATE OF TEXAS V. RH - 10/21/2022

Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child. Client was facing a minimum of 25 years and up to life in prison having been accused of sexually assaulting his step daughter for many years. When the complaining witness turned 16, she outcried. 

Result: Mistrial declared after nearly 16 hours of deliberation.