Lisa Shapiro Strauss is proud to announce that she has been named to the Super Lawyers list for 2022 in the practice area of criminal defense. About Super Lawyers Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional […]
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 […]
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 […]
How Reasonable Doubt Applies in a Criminal Case
If you’ve ever watched the evening news or one of the many prime time courtroom dramas, you’ve probably heard many times that in order for a jury to convict a person of a crime, they must find them guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt.” But what does that phrase really mean? And how could it affect […]
Video Conferencing, MyCase Portal Make Client Communications Quick, Easy and Secure for Houston Criminal Defense Cases
Houston criminal attorney Lisa Shapiro Strauss has always strived to make keeping in touch with clients as easy and convenient as possible. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, virtual contact has also been critical for keeping criminal cases moving forward while protecting the health of all parties. As part of that effort, Lisa offers video conferencing […]
What’s the Difference Between Arraignment and Trial?
Most defendants arrested and charged with misdemeanor or felony offenses in Harris County will eventually have their cases go to trial, where they will be either convicted or acquitted of the charges against them. In the trial phase of their case, defendants can choose to have either a trial by jury or trial by judge. […]
I Have a Criminal Case in Harris County During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Crisis! What Can I Do?
Do you or your family member or friends have a new criminal case in Harris County during the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic? Perhaps you’ve heard the courthouses are all closed and are worried that will mean you can’t do anything at all with your case? Houston criminal defense attorney Lisa Shapiro Strauss is here to […]
