Cold Texting Prospective Houston Misdemeanor Clients Is Unethical

Introduction

In our fast-paced digital age, the methods of advertising and marketing have evolved significantly. However, there are lines that should not be crossed, especially when it comes to the legal profession. Cold texting criminal defense attorney ads to prospective clients immediately after they are arrested and post bond raises a multitude of ethical and practical concerns. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons why this practice is problematic, considering the vulnerable and anxious state of mind of someone who has just been released from jail.

Exploitation of Vulnerability

One of the most significant ethical concerns surrounding cold texting criminal clients is the exploitation of vulnerability. Individuals who have just been released from jail are often in an emotionally fragile state, grappling with anxiety, fear, and confusion. Receiving unsolicited texts from defense attorneys in this state can be perceived as manipulative and predatory, taking advantage of people during their most trying times.

Informed Decision Making

Cold texting leaves little room for individuals to make informed decisions about their legal representation. The rushed and impulsive nature of these messages can hinder clients’ ability to thoroughly research and vet potential attorneys. Informed decision-making is crucial in the legal process, as the choice of a defense attorney can have a profound impact on one’s case.

Privacy Concerns

Sending unsolicited text messages can be seen as an invasion of privacy. Many individuals may not want their legal matters to be discussed or solicited through text messages, especially when they are unsure of the sender’s credibility. This breach of privacy can create discomfort and distrust in the attorney-client relationship.

Encouraging Impulsive Choices

The immediacy of cold texting can lead to impulsive decision-making. Criminal defense is a highly sensitive matter, and making hasty choices based on a text message may not be in the client’s best interest. It is essential for individuals to have time to consider their options carefully and choose an attorney who is the best fit for their needs.

Quality of Representation

Clients who are pressured into choosing an attorney through unsolicited texts may not end up with the best legal representation. Cold texting focuses on quantity over quality, as attorneys are more interested in securing clients quickly rather than ensuring the client-attorney relationship is a good fit. This approach can ultimately affect the quality of legal representation provided.

Negative Public Perception

This practice also reflects poorly on the legal profession as a whole. It can contribute to a negative public perception of lawyers, making them appear as opportunistic and unscrupulous individuals who prey on the misfortunes of others.

Conclusion

Cold texting criminal clients right after their arrest and release from jail is fraught with ethical and practical issues. It exploits vulnerable individuals, inhibits informed decision-making, encourages impulsive choices, affects the quality of representation, and can lead to ethical violations. This practice does a disservice to both clients and the legal profession, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and ethical considerations when it comes to attorney advertising and client solicitation. Instead, individuals facing legal issues should be given the time and space to make well-informed decisions about their legal representation, ensuring their rights and interests are protected.

The lawyers at James G. Sullivan and Associates will neither text you nor send you mail. We stand by our reputation and receive many referrals from satisfied clients. If you want to speak with lawyers who have your best interests at heart, call us at 281-546-6428 for a free initial consultation.

Texas Criminal Process

If you have been arrested in the Greater Houston / Harris County area for a Class A or B misdemeanor or felony offense, it is important to consult with a reputable criminal trial attorney who understands the Texas criminal process in Houston. You want to hire someone who will show you their actual case results and how likely they are to be successful in your case.

If you have an open warrant for your arrest in Harris County, it is important to hire a criminal defense attorney in Houston, TX to represent you throughout all crucial elements of your case. The attorney may be able to represent you in court to get a bond set so you can do a walk through in the processing center, so that you do not have to turn yourself in first at the processing center and wait for a judge to set the bond and then be processed out as that can take many hours.

In most cases, criminal defendants want an aggressive lawyer who will go to trial and fight on their behalf if their case requires it, who will try to negotiate an agreement to get the case dismissed so it can later be expunged, or who will suggest their client enter a plea deal if that is the best option for their case.

Texas Criminal Process Defense Lawyer in Cypress, Jersey Village, Tomball, Katy, Northwest Houston, TX

If you have been arrested for any criminal offense in Houston, James Sullivan is an experienced trial attorney who will make every effort to help you obtain the most desirable outcome in your specific situation by representing you throughout every important phase of the criminal process.

Call James G. Sullivan & Associates today at 281-546-6428 for a consultation about your alleged criminal offense in Houston, Cypress, Katy, Tomball, and surrounding areas of Harris County, Texas. Our firm will work to potentially get your criminal charges dismissed or reduced.

Houston Booking and Case Filing

After an alleged criminal offender has been arrested for a criminal offense in Houston, they will be held in jail until they appear before a judge. Immediately after the arrest, criminal defendants are taken to booking where their photographs and fingerprints are taken. Additionally, a fingerprint report, or rap sheet, is prepared that shows the defendant’s criminal history.

In misdemeanor cases, while the defendant is held in jail, the arresting officer files the criminal charges with the district attorney’s (DA) office. If the district attorney wants to pursue the case, the DA will prepare a charging instrument called an “information.” This is a written statement that is filed and presented on behalf of the state of Texas that charges the defendant with a crime. The information also puts the defendant on notice that they have been charged with a criminal offense.  After the information is processed, the case is assigned to one of the 16 misdemeanor courts in Houston through a random process.

In felony cases, the arresting law enforcement agency will also file charges with the DA’s office.

If a defendant is formally charged with a felony offense, their case will be assigned to one of the 26 felony (district) courts in Harris County.

Initial Appearance, Bail, and Arraignment in Houston

While the criminal defendant is held in jail, the jail will determine whether to set bail, to release the defendant from jail without bail (personal recognizance), or to hold the defendant in jail without bail. If bail is set, it can be posted at any time while the defendant is held in jail.

If bail is set, the amount can be posted by a bail bondsman, or another person. After the amount of bail has been posted, the defendant is guaranteed they will appear at any subsequent hearings or at trial. If they do appear as ordered, the amount of the bond, less any fees paid to secure the bond, will be returned to the individual who posted it. If the defendant does not appear, the amount of the bond will be forfeited.

After an information has been filed and the judge has decided whether to set bail or not, the defendant is entitled to an initial appearance, which is also known as the arraignment, where they will be advised of the charges that have been brought against them. The judge will also conduct a probable cause hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against the defendant. If the judge finds probable cause, the case continues. If the judge finds no probable cause, the prosecutor may decide to present the case to the grand jury or dismiss the charge.

The judge will also identify the defendant’s lawyer if one was hired or may appoint a lawyer to represent the defendant and set bail conditions at the arraignment.

Additionally, your attorney will have an opportunity to argue the amount of bail that should be set, and if the prosecutor has requested the defendant be held in jail, your attorney will also argue for your release. At the end of the arraignment, the defendant will enter a plea of not guilty, nolo contendere, or guilty, and will be informed of the date of their next court appearance.

Between the first and second court settings, these charges usually will then be presented to the grand jury to decide if there is enough evidence to charge the defendant with the crime. If the grand jury does decide there is enough evidence, they will file an indictment. This charging instrument is a written statement that formally accuses the person named of the criminal offense. The grand jury is a private proceeding that is comprised of a panel of citizens who are randomly selected to review criminal complaints provided by the police.

If the grand jury decides to true bill the alleged offender, or formally charge them, the grand jury has determined there is sufficient evidence (probable cause) to charge the defendant with the alleged criminal offense and will issue an indictment. If the grand jury decides to no bill the alleged offender, the defendant will not be charged with a criminal offense because the grand jury did not find probable cause to proceed with the case.

Criminal Process and Pre-Trial Negotiations in Houston

Prior to any appearances, hearing, or trial for the defendant’s criminal charges, the defendant’s attorney and the prosecutor will have an opportunity to discuss any pretrial negotiations or enter a plea deal. They will also be able to enter a plea deal at the arraignment if this is in the defendant’s best interest.

The defendant’s attorney and the prosecutor will determine if there are any immediate reasons to dismiss the case. More commonly discussed prior to trial, a plea deal is a resolution of the case where both the prosecutor and the defendant agree to a certain punishment without ultimately having a trial to determine the defendant’s guilt. Additionally, at any of these pretrial negotiations, the case may be reset, postponed, rescheduled, or a continuance may be requested by either party.

Houston Hearings, Appearances, and Pre-Trial Motions

After the defendant is released from jail on bail or bond, they will be informed of their next hearing date at their arraignment. The defendant is required to appear on the date and time where they were instructed to appear, or else they will risk losing the amount of bond and a warrant will be issued for their arrest.

After any pretrial negotiations, but before trial, the court will set a date to hear all pretrial motions filed by both sides. The defendant’s attorney can file any motions arguing why the case should be dismissed or to suppress certain evidence. The most common pre-trial motions filed on behalf of a defendant can include any of the following:

• Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Probable Cause
• Motion to Exclude a Non-credible Witnesses’ Testimony
• Motion to Exclude the Defendant’s Confession
• Motion to Strike Prior Convictions
• Motion to Suppress Illegally Obtained Evidence

Houston Criminal Trial

If a defendant has rejected all pre-trial negotiations, the case has not been dismissed, and the defendant has pleaded not guilty to an alleged criminal offense, the case will be set for trial. The defendant can choose to have a bench trial or a jury trial.

A bench trial is a trial without a jury where only the judge determines if the defendant is guilty or innocent. Additionally, in bench trials, the defendant waives any error in the case upon any subsequent appeals.  A jury trial is comprised of a panel of 12 jury members for felony cases and six jury members for misdemeanor cases. The jury members are citizens in the county where the trial is held and are chosen through a process called voir dire (jury selection).

After the jurors are seated, the guilt/innocence phase of the trial will begin. This phase involves the presentation of all evidence, and all witnesses are called to testify. The prosecutor has the burden of proving the defendant committed every element to the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a very high burden of proof and often difficult to meet. The defense does not have to prove anything.

In order to convict a defendant, all jurors must unanimously agree the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If they do not all agree, the jury is called a hung jury and the judge must declare a mistrial. The case will then later be retried if the prosecutor believes another jury will be able to reach a unanimous decision. The prosecutor also could dismiss the charge or offer the defendant a deal on a reduced charge instead of having another trial.

If the defendant is found guilty, the punishment phase of the trial will occur next. This phase is used to determine the defendant’s punishment for their alleged offense. Prior to the beginning of trial, the defendant must choose whether to go to the judge or the jury to determine their punishment.

If the defendant believes a legal error occurred in the trial based on the judge’s instructions to the jury or for permitting inadmissible evidence, they can file an appeal to the next highest court. The criminal appeal is not a pre-trial rehearing of the evidence.

Find a Houston Criminal Trial Attorney | James G. Sullivan & Associates

Contact us today for a consultation about your arrest and criminal charges in Harris County in Texas. James Sullivan is a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Houston who will make every effort to fight for you at every stage of the criminal process.

Contact James G. Sullivan & Associates today at 281-546-6428 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Houston, Cypress, Katy, Tomball, and surrounding areas of Harris County, Texas. Our firm will work with the goal to get your criminal charges dismissed, won at trial, or reduced.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS & HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Serving Houston, Cypress, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, Pasadena, La Porte, Missouri City, Friendswood, Richmond, Hempstead, Humble, Tomball, Bellaire, Deer Park, Katy and other communities in Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Waller County.

Our Houston criminal lawyers defend clients charged with crimes in district courts and county criminal courts, including domestic violence (assault of a family member), drug possession or drug delivery, violent crimes, and juvenile delinquency.

College Student Arrests

Houston Criminal Lawyer Defends College Students

In Texas, when college students are arrested and charged with crimes, they have more at stake than just their freedom and reputation, they could also lose out on receiving an education at their institution of higher learning. A college or university may suspend or expel such students if they are convicted of crimes.

Any conviction, even those that result in nothing more than time served in jail and a small fine, can result in painful and unforeseen life-long consequences. Certain crimes can lead to a college student being expelled or denied the opportunity to be licensed in their chosen profession. For any student currently enrolled in college that is charged with a crime, it is vital to have reputable legal representation ready to fight for the best possible result that protects their academic and future professional career.

Criminal Defense Attorney for College Student Arrests in Houston, TX

If you are currently enrolled in a college or university in or around the Greater Houston area, it is important that you hire experienced legal counsel with the knowledge and skill necessary to preserve your future. The lawyers of James G. Sullivan & Associates have a proven record of helping their clients to stay in college and on path to graduate. The lawyers defend students from a wide range of colleges—from two-year community colleges to state and private universities, including medical school and law school.

With our office in northwest Houston, our legal team provides quality legal services to clients throughout the Greater Houston area. Call James G. Sullivan & Associates at (281) 546-6428 for a free consultation.

Common Arrests for College Students in Southeast Texas

Any person can be arrested for alleged violations of state laws. Some of the crimes for which college students frequently face criminal charges include:

• Theft;
• Burglary;
• Drug Offenses;
• Assault;
• Misdemeanor Offenses;
• Criminal Mischief.

Colleges and Universities in the Houston area

The attorneys of James G. Sullivan & Associates represent students from all the institutions of higher learning in and around the Greater Houston area, including:

• Houston Community College;
• Lone Star College;
• San Jacinto College;
• University of Houston;
• University of Houston--Clear lake;
• University of Houston--Downtown;
• Texas Southern University;
• Rice University;
• Houston Baptist University;
• University of St. Thomas;
• Prairie View A&M University
• South Texas College of Law;
• Baylor College of Medicine;
• University of Texas Health Science Center.

Find an Attorney for College Student Arrests in Houston, Texas

When a college student is accused of a crime, hiring an experience defense attorney may mean the difference between being able to remain in school and being expelled.

The dedicated Houston criminal lawyers at James G. Sullivan & Associates have the experience, knowledge and resources to help protect the future of you or a loved one. Contact them today at (281) 546-6428 for a free confidential consultation.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS & HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Serving Houston, Cypress, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, Pasadena, La Porte, Missouri City, Friendswood, Richmond, Hempstead, Humble, Tomball, Bellaire, Deer Park, Katy and other communities in Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Waller County.

Our Houston criminal lawyers defend clients charged with crimes in district courts and county criminal courts, including domestic violence (assault of a family member), drug possession or drug delivery, violent crimes, and juvenile delinquency.

Harris County Pre-Trial Diversion Program

Harris County Pre-Trial Diversion (Intervention) Program

In Texas, there are two kinds of probation (community supervision): probation and deferred adjudication. With probation, the person receives a criminal conviction but his jail or prison sentence is probated. With deferred adjudication, the person does not receive a conviction so long as he successfully completes the terms of the deferred adjudication. In both instances, the person is supervised by the probation department.

Another option to avoid a conviction is Pre-Trial Diversion. This option is more difficult to obtain, however if it is successfully completed a person’s criminal case will be dismissed, and he will have an opportunity at some point to get his record expunged. In order to qualify for a Pre-Trial Diversion, the most important requirement for a person seeking entry into the program is to have a clear criminal record. Usually, even a previously dismissed criminal case will prevent someone from being accepted into the program.

Community Service Requirements for Pre-Trial Diversion

The Pre-Trial Diversion program is extremely difficult to obtain in felony cases. If accepted, the contract with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office is for 1-3 years and the amount of community service is much greater than for misdemeanors.

In misdemeanor cases (other than the Divert Program for DWI cases which is very different), the contract for the Pre-Trial Diversion program is for 6 months. The amount of community service on the misdemeanor contracts is only 16 hours.

Pre-Trial Diversion and Expunction of Criminal Records

Individuals accepted into the Pre-Trial Diversion program on most class B misdemeanor cases (such as a typical shoplifting case) can seek an expunction of their criminal case record right after they finish the program and their case is dismissed. As it usually takes about 60-90 days from the arrest date to be accepted into the program, this means that a person could get their record expunged within 8-9 months of being arrested.

Certain misdemeanor offenses require a 2 year waiting period to seek an expunction after completion of the program. These misdemeanors are:

• Assault
• Assault of a Family Member
• Resisting Arrest
• Deadly Conduct
• Terroristic Threat
• DWI (under the DWI PTI Program)

All other class A misdemeanor cases not mentioned above have a 1 year waiting period.

All other class B misdemeanor cases not mentioned above do not have a waiting period.

Contact James G. Sullivan and Associates

If you were charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Harris County, contact Attorney James Sullivan at 281-546-6428 to discuss your case and whether or not it is suitable to seek entry into the Pre-Trial Diversion program.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS & HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Serving Houston, Cypress, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, Pasadena, La Porte, Missouri City, Friendswood, Richmond, Hempstead, Humble, Tomball, Bellaire, Deer Park, Katy and other communities in Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Waller County.

Our Houston criminal lawyers defend clients charged with crimes in district courts and county criminal courts, including domestic violence (assault of a family member), drug possession or drug delivery, violent crimes, and juvenile delinquency.

Facing Prostitution Charges in Harris County? Contact Houston Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan to Defend You

Prostitution / Solicitation

In Houston, allegations of prostitution or solicitation often stem from intricate sting operations conducted by law enforcement. These operations target adult entertainment clubs, massage parlors, escort services and other adult establishments. In addition, law enforcement frequently operate reverse sting operations by having an undercover police officer pose as a street walker or call girl. Prostitution or solicitation charges can result in serious penalties and consequences, including public embarrassment, jail or prison sentences, a criminal record and/or hefty fines.

Keep in mind that before you can be convicted of this crime of moral turpitude the state prosecutor must prove to a judge or jury every element of your alleged prostitution or solicitation offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Against an experienced defense attorney, it can be very hard for a prosecutor to meet this burden of proof at trial, and if the judge or jury has any reasonable doubt you committed every element of the offense, you could be found not guilty or the prosecutor could dismiss or reduce the charges prior to trial. Therefore, it is crucial to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney who can craft the best possible defense strategy for your case.

Houston Prostitution Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with the criminal offense of prostitution or solicitation in Harris county (Houston) or Fort Bend county (Richmond), contact James G. Sullivan and Associates for a free consultation at (281) 546-6428.  Attorney James Sullivan is an experienced trial lawyer who will fight for your rights, freedom and future.

James Sullivan graduated from the Trial Lawyers College founded by Legendary lawyer Gerry Spence. Sullivan has a proven record of defending people from all walks of life, faiths and countries in courts throughout Texas.

Houston Prostitution Offenses

Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.02, a person commits this offense if he knowingly:

1) Offers to engage in, agrees to engage in or engages in sexual conduct for a fee; or

2) Solicits another person in a public place to engage in sexual conduct for hire.

Promotion of Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.03, a person commits this offense if he knowingly:

1) Receive money or other property pursuant to an agreement to participate in the proceeds of prostitution; or

2) Solicits another to engage in sexual conduct with another person for compensation.

Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.04, a person commits this offense if he knowingly owns, invests in, controls, supervises or manages a prostitution enterprise that uses two or more prostitutes.

Compelling Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.05, a person commits this offense if he knowingly:

1) Causes another by force, threat or fraud to commit prostitution; or

2) Causes by any means a child younger than 18 years to commit prostitution, regardless of whether that person knows the age of the child at the time of the offense.

Prostitution Penalties in Houston

Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code defines the penalties for prostitution and solicitation offenses. These penalties can vary depending on the age of the individual involved in the offense, the type of offense and whether or not the accused has any prior convictions. In Texas, the possible punishments for prostitution and solicitation offenses are:

• A person charged with compelling prostitution of a child under the age of 18 can face a conviction for a felony of the first degree, which is usually punishable by a prison sentence ranging from five years to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.
• A person charged with any other compelling prostitution offense or solicitation of a child under the age of 14 can face a conviction for a felony of the second degree, which is usually punishable by two years to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
• A person charged with aggravated promotion of prostitution or solicitation of a person between the ages of 14 and 17 can face a conviction for a felony of the third degree, which is usually punishable by two years to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
• A person charged with a fourth or subsequent conviction for a prostitution offense can face a conviction for a state jail felony, which is usually punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or a state jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years.
• A person charged with promotion of prostitution or a second or third prostitution offense can face a conviction for a Class A misdemeanor, which is usually punishable by jail sentence up to one year and/or a fine up to $4,000.
• A person charged with a first prostitution offense can face a conviction for a state jail felony, which is usually punishable by a state jail sentence up to 2 years and/or a fine up to $10,000.

James G. Sullivan and Associates | Houston Solicitation Attorney

Contact James G. Sullivan and Associates at (281) 546-6428 for a free initial consultation about your prostitution or solicitation charges. Attorney James Sullivan is an experienced Houston sex crimes attorney who will fight for your rights, freedom and future.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS & HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Serving Houston, Cypress, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, Pasadena, La Porte, Missouri City, Friendswood, Richmond, Hempstead, Humble, Tomball, Bellaire, Deer Park, Katy and other communities in Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Waller County.

Our Houston criminal lawyers defend clients charged with crimes in district courts and county criminal courts, including domestic violence (assault of a family member), drug possession or drug delivery, violent crimes, and juvenile delinquency.

Houston Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer James Sullivan

Harris County Sexual Assault Defense

In Texas, Statutory Rape is charged as Sexual Assault of a Child, a serious felony offense. If convicted as an adult, the defendant is required to register as a sex offender for life. If the alleged child victim is between 14 to 16 years of age, the crime is a second degree felony and punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison for each count in the indictment. If the alleged child victim is under 14 years of age, the crime is a first degree felony and punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison for each count in the indictment.

Arrested?  Call Houston Sexual Assault Defense Attorney James Sullivan at (281) 546-6428.

These cases seem to be more and more common. A 23 year old male name "John" goes to a friend's house party and meets an attractive, willing woman who says she is 18 years of age. They have consensual sex in one of the bedrooms. Several days later, he learns that she is really 14 years of age and that her mother found out about it and called the police.

John now faces serious sex offense charges. There are several important legal issues to consider:

• In Texas, for purposes of the Sexual Assault of a Child and Indecency with a Child crimes, a child does not become an adult until age 17. For other sexual-related offenses, including Possession of Child Pornography and Sexual Performance of a Child, the age of an adult is 18 years.

• In Texas, it is not a defense that the accused did not know the child's real age. So, the alleged victim could have lied about her age to the accused and the accused will still face criminal charges.

• The alleged victim cannot legally consent to sexual relations unless the alleged victim is 14 years of age or older and there is only a 3 year or less difference between the ages of the alleged victim and the accused.

• In Texas, only one eye-witness, the alleged victim, is sufficient for conviction, so long as the jury believes the alleged victim beyond a reasonable doubt.

• In Texas, neither genital trauma nor DNA evidence is required for a conviction.

• In Texas, voluntary intoxication is not a defense. So, if the accused goes to a party, gets drunk and sleeps with an underage girl, he cannot use his intoxication as a defense to the crime of Sexual Assault of a Child.

• In Texas, each separate sexual act can be separately charged within one indictment and, if there is a conviction, each Count can be stacked or served consecutively.

With these types of sexual offenses, there are many other legal issues involved. If a person is charged with sexual assault of a child, possession of child pornography or any type of sex offense, it is important to retain a criminal defense attorney who is experienced defending Texas sex offenses.

James Sullivan and Associates are Houston Criminal Defense and Houston Juvenile Defense Attorneys with over 55 combined years of defense experience. Call James Sullivan and Associates at (281) 546-6428 for a free consultation.

Houston Sex Crimes Lawyer James Sullivan Fights Cases at the Grand Jury Level

Houston Sex Crimes Defense Attorney James Sullivan has been very successful in getting Sexual Assault of a Child cases No Billed (dismissed) by the Grand Jury. In just the past three years, Sullivan has fought these cases and prevailed in 5 such cases in Harris County as detailed below.  When a case is No Billed by the Grand Jury, the accused has the right to immediately seek an expunction of his criminal record.  Because prosecutors generally seek to present the case to the Grand Jury between the first and setting court setting, it is extremely important to hire a defense attorney right away.  Unless a defense attorney requests that the prosecutor hold the case from the Grand Jury in order to prepare a defense packet, the prosecutor will seek an indictment from the Grand Jury.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS & HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Serving Houston, Cypress, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, Pasadena, La Porte, Missouri City, Friendswood, Richmond, Hempstead, Humble, Tomball, Bellaire, Deer Park, Katy and other communities in Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Waller County.

Our Houston criminal lawyers defend clients charged with crimes in district courts and county criminal courts, including domestic violence (assault of a family member), drug possession or drug delivery, violent crimes, and juvenile delinquency.

Once an accused is indicted, this option is no longer available. If found guilty by a jury or if placed on deferred adjudication probation for this type of offense, the accused would be required to register as a sex offender for life. Time is of the essence in retaining a knowledgeable Houston sexual assault defense attorney.

DATE	CASE #	CT #	TEXAS CRIMINAL OFFENSE	ACTUAL RESULT
04/19/12	1332791	185th	SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of having consensual sex with underage girl he met on online after she falsely claimed that she was 18)
12/03/10	1283460	232nd	SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of consensual sex with underage female)
08/24/10	1264919	232ND	SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of consensual sex with underage female)
04/28/10	1220515	179TH	SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD (2° Felony)	DISMISSED BY STATE PRIOR TO TRIAL SETTING (Client accused of committing sexual assault against a young relative)
11/23/09	1231727	179TH	SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of consensual sex with underage female)

Houston Criminal Lawyer for Burglary of a Habitation

Harris County Burglary Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with burglary of a habitation, take immediate action and call an attorney. Even if you are being investigated by the police and charges have not yet been filed, you should not wait. An experienced Houston criminal attorney may be able to fight and win your case at the grand jury level.  If that happens, you would have the immediate right to get the criminal records expunged.

If you wait until you are arrested, this option may no longer be available.  Also, burglary cases are complex and punishment is severe. The court could impose huge fines. You could lose your freedom. You need the counseling, guidance and defense of an experienced Houston criminal trial lawyer to fight for the best result.

Houston Attorney for Burglary of a Habitation

At the Law Office of James Sullivan & Associates, we know what is at stake when our clients face serious felony charges.   Our job is to fight for your rights, freedom and future.  We have experience fighting burglary cases at the grand jury level and at jury trial.

Contact James Sullivan & Associates for a free initial consultation at (281) 546-6428 about your burglary charges in Harris County (Houston), Fort Bend County (Richmond), or Waller County (Hempstead).

What is Burglary of a Habitation in Houston?

Texas law defines burglary under Texas Penal Code §30.02 as unlawful entry into (or remaining concealed within) a home, business or any type of enclosed structure with the intent to commit a felony, theft or an assault.  Although most burglary cases involve theft, the act itself is not limited to theft.  For example, if a person breaks into an apartment in order to attack someone, that person would be charged with burglary of a habitation.

Burglary of a habitation is a second degree felony.  You could be sentenced to 2 to 20 years in prison. The burglary is enhanced to a first degree felony with imprisonment up to 99 years or life if you entered the habitation with the intent to commit or actual commission of a felony other than felony theft (for example, aggravated assault or sexual assault).  In addition, you could be fined $10,000.

Houston Criminal Attorney James Sullivan has been fighting the State on felony criminal cases since 1994 and gets proven results.  With an available team of experienced investigators and experts, Sullivan prepares a strong defense and fights to get you the best result.  Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, that could include reduced charges, dismissal or acquittal at trial.

James Sullivan & Associates | Houston Burglary Defense Lawyer

Contact James Sullivan & Associates for a free consultation at (281) 546-6428 about your burglary charges. Our principal office is in northwest Houston near FM 1960 and Jones Road. 

James Sullivan & Associates are experienced Houston felony lawyers who will work hard to get you the best result for your particular situation.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS & HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Serving Houston, Cypress, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, Pasadena, La Porte, Missouri City, Friendswood, Richmond, Hempstead, Humble, Tomball, Bellaire, Deer Park, Katy and other communities in Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Waller County.

Our Houston criminal lawyers defend clients charged with crimes in district courts and county criminal courts, including domestic violence (assault of a family member), drug possession or drug delivery, violent crimes, and juvenile delinquency.

Houston Auto Theft Lawyer James Sullivan

Houston Auto Theft Defense Lawyers

Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys Fighting for Your Rights, Freedom and Future

Harris County Auto Theft Attorney James Sullivan represents people charged with all types of misdemeanor and felony offenses.  If you are charged with any felony crime in the State of Texas, then you need an experienced Harris County criminal lawyer because all felony offenses are serious.

How Is Auto Theft Charged in Texas?

From a legal standpoint, there is no charge for “Auto Theft” or “Grand Theft Auto” because all theft crimes are charged as either misdemeanors or felonies based on the value of the item or items stolen. Since most cars or trucks are worth at least $2,500, it is most likely that you would be charged for a felony offense for stealing a car or other motor vehicle. However, even being charged with stealing an old clunker worth less than $2,500 is a serious misdemeanor crime because any theft conviction of your record can result in the loss of a job or not being able to work in certain professions which require a professional license.

Contact Houston Criminal Defense Attorney James Sullivan at (281) 546-6428 for a free confidential consultation.

Is Auto Theft Charged as a Misdemeanor or a Felony?

If the value of the motor vehicle stolen is worth $2,500 or more, you will be charged with a felony offense and will face time in jail, state jail or prison if you are convicted.  Depending on the value of the motor vehicle stolen, you will be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony offense.

If you are charged with a felony, it may be possible for your defense attorney to investigate and present a winning defense at the grand jury level.  If successful, this is usually the best way to win a felony case because if the grand jury votes to no bill the case then you have the immediate right to seek an expunction of the charge from your record.  Time is of the essence to take this approach because prosecutors either seek an indictment from the grand jury before an arrest warrant is issued or between the first and second court settings.  If an experienced defense attorney is not retained early on then the accused may not have an opportunity to do this.  Houston Criminal Attorney James Sullivan has a very successful record at winning felony cases at the grand jury level.

If you or a family member has been charged in Harris County with a misdemeanor or felony theft crime, call the law office of James Sullivan and Associates today at (281) 546-6428.

Contact a Harris County Criminal Lawyer

James Sullivan & Associates | Houston Texas Auto Theft Attorney

Contact James Sullivan and Associates for a free consultation at (281) 546-6428 about your allegations of auto theft in the areas of Harris County (Houston), Fort Bend County (Richmond), or Waller County (Hempstead), . 

James Sullivan is an experienced Houston criminal trial lawyer who gets results and will work hard to get you the best result for your particular situation.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS & HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Serving Houston, Cypress, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, Pasadena, La Porte, Missouri City, Friendswood, Richmond, Hempstead, Humble, Tomball, Bellaire, Deer Park, Katy and other communities in Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Waller County.

Our Houston criminal lawyers defend clients charged with crimes in district courts and county criminal courts, including domestic violence (assault of a family member), drug possession or drug delivery, violent crimes, and juvenile delinquency.