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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
Fifteen New Laws in Texas That Affect Criminal Defense Cases in Houston
820 bills passed by the latest session of Texas State Legislature became law on September 1, 2019. Many of these laws will have a profound impact — good and bad — for those charged with criminal felonies and misdemeanors in Houston and Harris County. Here’s a list of 15 of these new laws that could […]
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 […]
