BELTON â James Stapler believes it is important to understand how the United States got to where it is today. To do so, the criminal defense attorney said it is best to reference defining documents from the nationâs roots â a suggestion he and his colleagues follow annually with the Declaration of Independence. âI just think itâs important,â Stapler told the Telegram. âMost people havenât heard (the Declaration of Independence) ⦠but back in the day (public) readings were how people would hear about things.â On Friday, Stapler and nine other local members of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association recited the Declaration of Independence followed by the Bill of Rights at the Bell County Justice Center, 1201 Huey Road in Belton.