Kat McClain

Attorney · University of Houston Law Center

Kat McClain writes on the topic of criminal law for Nolo. She’s licensed to practice law in Arizona and Wisconsin, as well as the Western District Court of Wisconsin and the Central District Court of California.

Education. Originally from the Midwest, Kat moved to Texas and attended the University of Texas, where she received her B.A. in Political Science and minored in Pre-Law. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a child advocate in dependency court for East Texas Child Advocates.

Legal training. Kat moved to Houston, one of the largest legal markets in the nation, to attend law school. While at the University of Houston Law Center, Kat actively pursued many different opportunities, including clerking for a family law judge and a nationally-known attorney, Rusty Hardin.

Areas of experience. After graduating from law school, Kat began practicing family law. While in Texas, she was a certified mediator and conducted mediations for small claims courts and the Better Business Bureau. Always looking to improve her knowledge and skills, she next moved to Southern California to get her LL.M. in Trial Advocacy at California Western School of Law. While on the West Coast, she added landlord-tenant law to her repertoire. Additionally, she worked with the California Innocence Project. Kat eventually landed back in the Midwest, where she currently practices criminal defense and family law.

Personal interests. When not working in her law practice, Kat enjoys politics, writing, reading, and watching her favorite sports teams.

Articles By Kat McClain

Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking Laws in Oklahoma
Oklahoma treats cyberbullying seriously. A person who harasses, stalks, or threatens another online or in an electronic communication can face misdemeanor or even felony charges.
Burglary, Illegal Entry, and Criminal Trespass in Oklahoma
Oklahoma protects people and their property from intruders with the state's burglary and criminal trespass laws. A person who commits burglary in Oklahoma can face serious felony penalties, including lengthy terms of imprisonment and substantial fines.
Georgia Family Violence Laws
Georgia defines family violence as a felony or certain misdemeanors committed by a family member. Family violence offenses typically carry greater potential penalties than identical violent acts committed by non-family members.
Washington Theft and Shoplifting Laws
Learn just how quickly stealing property or services in Washington can add up to a felony.
Maine Theft and Shoplifting Laws
Maine classifies its theft offenses primarily by the value of the property or services stolen. Learn how quickly stealing adds up to a felony-level offense in Maine.
Tennessee Domestic Abuse Crimes
A person who commits domestic assault in Tennessee can face serious criminal penalties, including lengthy prison terms, substantial fines, firearm restrictions, and immigration consequences.
Auto Theft Laws in New York
Motor vehicle theft is a serious crime in the state of New York. In addition to theft, New York penalizes several other behaviors involving motor vehicles.
Oklahoma Laws on Petit and Grand Larceny
Learn how Oklahoma defines, classifies, and punishes petit and grand larceny offenses.
Auto Theft Laws in Oklahoma
Like many states, a conviction for motor vehicle larceny or a related crime in Oklahoma can result in a serious prison sentence and substantial fines.
Burglary, Home Invasions, and Trespassing in Wisconsin
Learn how Wisconsin defines and punishes the crimes of burglary, aggravated burglary, home invasion, and criminal trespass.