In a lot of assault cases in Houston, it’s not unusual for the prosecutor to offer the defendant a lighter sentence or a lesser charge in exchange for a plea of guilty or no contest. This is what is called a plea bargain or plea agreement. Being charged with assault in Houston is a serious […]
The Judge Ed Emmett Mental Health Diversion Center Provides Treatment Instead of Punishment for Mentally Ill Offenders
Inmates suffering from mental illnesses make up a significant percentage of the U.S. prison population. Common mental disorders among inmates include depression/manic depression, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and personality disorders. Over the past several years, there’s been a growing concern about the high rates of incarceration for individuals with mental illnesses […]
Videotaping Your Traffic Stop in Houston Is Legal and Smart
If you are being tried for a misdemeanor or felony charge in Texas, the outcome of your case will depend on the evidence presented by both the prosecutor and defense team. If your arrest followed a traffic stop in Houston, any video recordings of the event can be powerful evidence in showing what actually happened […]
Will an Arrest in Texas Remain on Your Record for the Rest of Your Life?
These days, getting a job, a mortgage, applying for college or even renting an apartment often requires the applicant to undergo a personal background check. This includes looking at the applicant’s financial and criminal history (if they have one). Depending on the policies of the company conducting the check, an applicant may be rejected based […]
Can Law Enforcement Search Your Person or Property Without a Search Warrant?
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution Bill of Rights was written to protect private citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement and other government officials: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants […]
Take Care of Any Outstanding Warrant in Houston Before the Round-up Begins
If you have been contacted by the Harris County or Houston Municipal Courts about an outstanding warrant for traffic violations or other minor penal code or ordinance violations, now is this time to take care of it, because the 2018 Great Texas Warrant Round-Up is underway. The City of Houston and Harris County are among […]
Getting a Theft Case Dismissed in Houston
Making a mistake and being hit with a theft charge like burglary or workplace theft can be an embarrassing lapse in judgment. However, a theft charge does not automatically mean a court trial or plea deal. Getting a theft case dismissed in Houston can occur for a few reasons, including: Lack of Probable Cause Illegal […]
What Happens If The Police Forget To Read My Rights?
The flashing lights, sirens, and verbal orders – this is the nightmare scenario. And my rights – what about my rights? After the noise stops and the colored strobes dim, an unfortunate arrest means seeking legal counsel from a Houston criminal attorney to help sort through the details. And your Miranda Rights are a significant […]
Criminal Defense FAQ: Part 2
Lisa Shapiro Strauss has been successfully representing defendants charged with a wide range of felony and misdemeanor charges in Houston for over 25 years. Our clients know they can depend on Lisa’s extensive experience to deliver the best possible resolution for their cases. For many of our clients, this is their first (and hopefully, last) […]
Criminal Defense FAQ: Part 1
Have you been charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Houston? If so, you and your family probably have a lot of questions and concerns about the legal process you face. At the law offices of Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Lisa Shapiro Strauss, we’ve been helping clients navigate the criminal justice system in Houston for […]
