Being convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime in Harris County can have serious consequences. You could find yourself facing hefty fines as well as jail time. In addition, the conviction will appear on your permanent record. This could make it challenging to find a job, get credit, or attend the school of your choice. […]
Should a Defendant Talk To Their Alleged Victim?
You’ve been arrested and charged with a crime in Houston. You know it’s all a big misunderstanding that could be cleared up if you just had a chance to talk to the alleged victim. Does Texas state law allow this? It’s A Good Idea To Avoid Contact With A Victim In a lot of criminal […]
How Should I Dress For A Court Appearance?
A defendant’s personal appearance can have a big impact on their case. At the law offices of Houston criminal defense attorney Lisa Shapiro Strauss, we always advise our clients to be well dressed and groomed when they appear for their scheduled court dates. Conservative, professional attire shows that a defendant respects the court and takes […]
When Is Bail Considered Excessive in Texas?
In most situations, when a person is arrested and charged with a misdemeanor or felony charge in Houston, they are required to post bail before they can be released from jail. For some, the amount of bail the court asks for can be too steep to pay. What is considered excessive bail in Texas? And […]
What Is the Difference Between Stacked and Concurrent Sentences in Texas?
Houston criminal defense attorney Lisa Shapiro Strauss has represented many clients who have been arrested and charged with multiple misdemeanors and/or felonies. One of their biggest concerns is how long of a sentence they will have to serve if convicted of all the charges. Will their sentences be served concurrently, or cumulatively — stacked one […]
What Evidence Does a Prosecutor Have to Disclose to the Defense?
If you’re awaiting trial after being arrested on a misdemeanor or felony charge in Houston or Harris County, the outcome of your trial will depend on the evidence the state uses to make their case for conviction. In order to obtain a conviction in Texas, prosecutors must convince a jury, beyond a reasonable doubt, that […]
Who’s Knocking At Your Door? Don’t Fall For A Houston Knock and Talk Search
Is it legal for law enforcement to search a private residence or business without a search warrant? It is if they have consent from the owners or occupants to do so. This is the basis of the “knock and talk,” a popular investigative technique used by Houston law enforcement. Knock and talk allow law enforcement […]
Look out for the 2021 Houston Warrant Roundup
If you have an outstanding warrant in Houston or Harris County, March 2021 could turn out to be a very bad month for you. That’s because March is the month Texas law enforcement conducts their annual Texas Warrant Roundup. During the 2021 Warrant Roundup, the Houston Police Department, Harris County Constables, and other participating state […]
Houston’s CAR Program: You May Not Get Arrested, But You Can Still Go to Jail
Under Houston’s new Cite and Release program, if you are suspected of committing certain Class A or B misdemeanors, police officers will issue you a citation, rather than arrest you and place you in jail. However, just because you didn’t get arrested, doesn’t mean you won’t be paying big fines or be sentenced to jail […]
Common Criminal Charges Against College Students
College years can be a magical time. Years spent in lecture halls absorbing the knowledge of tenured professors, all while working towards a coveted degree. Late study nights, coffee breaks and falling asleep on the books. Then there is the other side of the college years. Study by day and let loose at night. Many […]
