You get home from a long night in jail and are bombarded with hundreds of flyers from lawyers. Your bonding company suggested someone for you to call (which is against the law for them to do). Your friend tells you he has a great, cheap lawyer. What do you do?
Blog Category: General Criminal Defense Information
Difference Between Deferred Adjudication and Pretrial Diversion
If you have a clear record and are charged with a case such as a theft or drug possession, there are two ways- deferred adjudication, and pretrial diversion- to keep these off your criminal record. There are benefits to both, and you should talk with a criminal defense attorney about which of these is right […]
Statute of Limitations for Criminal Charges
In Texas, the majority of crimes have a statute of limitations. This is a limit on the time period a prosecutor has to file formal charges against a suspect. Under most circumstances, if this time has passed, you cannot be prosecuted for the crime. Generally, the criminal statute of limitations is shorter for misdemeanors than […]
Should I Accept a Plea Agreement for an Assault Charge in Houston?
In a lot of assault cases in Houston, it’s not unusual for the prosecutor to offer the defendant a plea agreement for a lighter sentence or a lesser charge in exchange for a plea of guilty or no contest. But if you’re in this situation, you may be wondering if you should take the deal. […]
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 […]
Can Law Enforcement Search Your Person or Property Without a Search Warrant?
Your Constitutional Right to Privacy in Houston It is a scenario many people in Houston and Harris County fear: being stopped by the police and asked for permission to be searched or to have your car or home searched. In these high-stress moments, it can be difficult to know your rights. Do you have to […]
Getting a Theft Case Dismissed in Houston
Being accused of theft can be a frightening ordeal. The fear of a criminal record, fines, or even jail time can cloud your judgment. However, it’s important to remember that a theft charge doesn’t necessarily mean a conviction. Getting a theft case dismissed in Houston is possible under some circumstances. Common Defenses for Getting a […]
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 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) brush […]
