I am a 42-year veteran Prosecutor (television clips), Chief Prosecutor (newspaper clips) and criminal defense lawyer – and I created this website to acknowledge the excellent efforts of my colleagues who work with felonies and misdemeanors at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center in Houston, Texas.
Show Me The Justice Lawyer Jeff Ross – The “Rosster”
I publish trials in progress, trial verdicts, in-trial pleas and dismissals, trial setting dismissals, trial standings, judge standings, lawyer statistics, lawyer standings, photos and other court news and nuggets.
“My goal is to shine a light on the fine prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges and other courthouse personnel who serve the interest of justice in our community. Our work is the last line of defense for those who will lose their freedom or become free. Thanks to all for your fine work!”
For additions, deletions, corrections or to send a head shot or trial victory in another county please contact me at (cell) 713-582-4462 or (email) jeffross486@gmail.com
Published: Weekly – Every Friday by 5pm – Publishing deadline is 3pm Fridays – First Publication February 2017
“TRIAL IN PROGRESS” – HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE. Trials in Progress are updated twice-a-day and the information is gathered from the Harris County District Clerk’s website – “preview docket sheet” found under the“images” tab of the case summary page
AUG 21st –updated 3p
179th Court
AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD
1828565 – Prosecutors Marie Defretin and Radarius Morrow – Defense Jessica Anderson and Jorge Garcia Diaz(judge Ana Martinez presiding: opening statements 1p August 24th)
209th Court
CAPITAL MURDER
1862632 – Prosecutors Erandy Marquez and Brianna Perry – Defense Paul Morgan(judge Brian Warren presiding: opening statements 9:30a August 24th)
230th Court
EVADING ARREST WITH A VEHICLE
1916217 – Prosecutor Brekeese Pierce – Defense Neil Krugh(judge Chris Morton presiding: opening statements 9:30a August 24th)
232nd Court
MURDER
1851640 – Prosecutor Kimberly Smith – Defense Murray Newman(judge Josh Hill presiding: opening statements 9:30a August 24th)
262nd Court
MURDER
1803868 – Prosecutors Jacob Salinas and Anthony Esparza – Defense Brad Haggard and Jason Luong(judge Lori Chambers Gray presiding: state’s case resumes 10a August 24th)
According to a Houston Police Department press release, Joshua Toliver, 30, was arrested and charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and felon in possession of a weapon following a January 9, 2023 shooting at a convenience store located at 3341 Winbern Street in Houston.
Police reported that Craig Jefferson, 34, was fatally shot, while a second man, 45, was wounded and transported to a hospital in stable condition. Investigators believe Jefferson and the suspect became involved in an argument that escalated into gunfire, after which the shooter fled the scene on foot. HPD homicide investigators subsequently identified Toliver as the suspect. He was arrested without incident and charged in the 262nd State District Court of Harris County
1958216 – Prosecutors Cody Kelemen and Sara Singer – Defense Terrance Jewett and Scott Chapmann(judge Melissa Morris presiding: jury began deliberations 2:15p August 21st)
January 31, 2024 — Houston police have charged Oscar Vasquez-Guzman, 42, with murder in connection with a shooting that killed 19-year-old Otarion Lomax and wounded two women, ages 18 and 19.
According to HPD, the three victims were traveling southbound on the Southwest Freeway (U.S. 59) near Hillcroft Avenue on January 26 when someone in a gray or silver Toyota Tundra opened fire on their vehicle.
The victims were transported by private vehicle to a hospital on Beechnut Street. Lomax suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound and died the following day. The two women sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated and released.
Investigators identified Vasquez-Guzman as a suspect, and he was arrested on January 30. He was booked into the Harris County Jail and charged with murder in the 263rd District Court.
1941840 – Prosecutors R.J. Martinez and Elizabeth Russell – Defense Julie Ketterman and Arienna Toh(judge Michele Oncken presiding: voir dire process afternoon of August 21st)
351st Court
MURDER
1703697 – Prosecutors Ellie Fossier and Rachel Barlow – Defense Nancy Knox-Bierman and William Cheadle(judge Nata Cornelio presiding: state’s evidence resumes August 21st)
Kelly Slayton, 24, has been charged with murder after missing Houston man Joshua Pavey, 30, was found fatally shot inside her northwest Harris County apartment.
According to court records, Pavey suffered a gunshot wound to the neck. Investigators were led to Slayton after she was arrested near Fort Worth following an alleged road-rage shooting and police chase while driving Pavey’s vehicle.
Surveillance video reportedly showed Slayton and Pavey entering the apartment, but Pavey was never seen leaving. Slayton was later recorded removing items from the apartment and eventually leaving in Pavey’s vehicle.
Pavey was last seen December 19 and was reported missing after he failed to show up for work. Investigators subsequently searched Slayton’s apartment and discovered his body in a bedroom.
Slayton is charged with murder. The charge is an allegation, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
1908051 – Prosecutors R.G. and Morgan Kline – Defense Allison Mathis and Stephen Touchstone(visiting judge Susan Brown presiding, 4th floor Family Law Center: punishment evidence continues 9a August 21st)
ERD Court
SEXUAL ASSAULT
1797634 – Prosecutors Jay Gordon and Lisa Calligan – Defense Wilvin Carter and Teresa Lakho(visiting judge Kaycee Jones presiding, 4th floor Family Law Center: opening statements 9a August 24th)
Court 16
DWI
2595605 – Prosecutor Meher Iqbal – Defense Sarah Gaucher and Duncan Isaac(judge Linda Garcia presiding: state’s case to resume August 24th)
THIS WEEK’S TRIAL WINNERS – Lawyers who won their trial at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse: Prosecutors Traemon Anderson, Radarius Morrow, Danielle Oxford, Jayelle Lozoya, Heather Erickson, Maria Juarez, Jayden Hoang, Samantha Knecht, Garrett Moore, Selah Lile, Mikeala Morris, Nidia Ventura, Morgan Kline, Jonathan Hardegree, Elijah Smith, Aliyah Miller, Keegan Childers, Blue McCreary, Heather Erickson, Skylar Detjen and Defense Attorneys Coby Dubose, Alli Cannon, John Paul Cedillo, Stephanie Pimentel, Malachi Ledbetter. Congratulations on a job well done!
This week’s Harris County criminal jury trial results include guilty verdicts, not guilty verdicts, and other trial outcomes from courts throughout the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. ShowMeTheJustice.com updates these trial results weekly as part of its ongoing coverage of criminal justice in Houston, Texas.
Congratulations to Prosecutor Danielle Oxford for earning a Guilty Verdict for the State of Texas.
Murder
Sentence: Life in Prison
(judge Hazel Jones presiding – 174th Criminal District Court – bench trial – Cause #1788838) co-counsel Jayelle Lozoya
Congratulations to Prosecutor Jayelle Lozoya for earning a Guilty Verdict for the State of Texas.
Murder
Sentence: Life in Prison
(judge Hazel Jones presiding – 174th Criminal District Court – bench trial – Cause #1788838) co-counsel Danielle Oxford
Congratulations to Prosecutor Traemon Anderson for earning a Guilty Verdict for the State of Texas.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
Sentence: Life in Prison without Parole
(judge Ana Martinez presiding – 179th Criminal District Court – jury trial – Cause #1879041) co-counsel Radarius Morrow
Congratulations to Prosecutor Radarius Morrow for earning a Guilty Verdict for the State of Texas.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
Sentence: Life in Prison without Parole
(judge Ana Martinez presiding – 179th Criminal District Court – jury trial – Cause #1879041) co-counsel Traemon Anderson
Congratulations to Prosecutor Maria Juarez for earning a Guilty Verdict for the State of Texas.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
Sentence: 25 Years in Prison
(visiting judge Kaycee Jones presiding – 495th Criminal District Court – jury trial – Cause #1746369) co-counsel Jayden Hoang
Congratulations to Prosecutor Jayden Hoang for earning a Guilty Verdict for the State of Texas.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
Sentence: 25 Years in Prison
(visiting judge Kaycee Jones presiding – 495th Criminal District Court – jury trial – Cause #1746369) co-counsel Maria Juarez
Congratulations to Prosecutor Samantha Knecht for earning a Guilty Verdict for the State of Texas.
Capital Murder
Sentence: Life without Parole
(visiting judge Wayne Mallia presiding – 262nd Criminal District Court – jury trial – Cause #1970743) co-counsels Garrett Moore and Selah Lile
Congratulations to the Defense Attorney Coby Dubose for earning a Not Guilty Verdict for your client.
Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon
(judge Shannon Baldwin presiding – CCL4 – jury trial – Cause Number 2582120) second chair Alli Cannon – Sandra Johnson assisting
Congratulations to the Defense Attorney Alli Cannon for earning a Not Guilty Verdict for your client.
Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon
(judge Shannon Baldwin presiding – CCL4 – jury trial – Cause Number 2582120) first chair Coby Dubose – Sandra Johnson assisting
Congratulations to Defense Attorney John Paul Cedillo for earning an In-Trial Dismissal(after a successful Motion to Suppress Hearing) for your client
DWI>.15
(judge David Fleischer presiding – CCL5 – jury trial – Cause Number 2579698) co-counsels Stephanie Pimentel and Malachi Ledbetter
Congratulations to Defense Attorney Stephanie Pimentel for earning an In-Trial Dismissal(after a successful Motion to Suppress Hearing) for your client
DWI>.15
(judge David Fleischer presiding – CCL5 – jury trial – Cause Number 2579698) co-counsels John Paul Cedillo and Malachi Ledbetter
Congratulations to Defense Attorney Malachi Ledbetter for earning an In-Trial Dismissal(after a successful Motion to Suppress Hearing) for your client
DWI>.15
(judge David Fleischer presiding – CCL5 – jury trial – Cause Number 2579698) co-counsels Stephanie Pimentel and John Paul Cedillo
Congratulations to Prosecutor Keegan Childers for earning a Guilty Verdict for the State of Texas.
Reckless Injury to a Child
Sentence: 6 Years Probation
(judge Dan Simons presiding – 496th Criminal District Court – jury trial – Cause #1878712) co-counsel Blue McCreary
Congratulations to Prosecutor Blue McCreary for earning a Guilty Verdict for the State of Texas.
Reckless Injury to a Child
Sentence: 6 Years Probation
(judge Dan Simons presiding – 496th Criminal District Court – jury trial – Cause #1878712) co-counsel Keegan Childers
Show Me The Justice acknowledges the hard work and dedication from Prosecutor Abraham Chopin and Defense Attorneys Wilvin Carter and Teresa Lakho in Cause Numbers 1966574 – 1945075 – 1945076 out of the 208th Criminal District Court which resulted in a Hung Jury for the offense of
Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance
(judge Beverly Armstrong presiding – jury trial)
Show Me The Justice acknowledges the hard work and dedication from Prosecutors Blaise Jurisich and Elizabeth Hayes and Defense Attorney Eric Clay in Cause Number 1974507 out of the 183rd Criminal District Court which resulted in a Hung Jury for the offense of
Theft $150K – $300K
(judge Lance Long presiding – jury trial)
ShowMeTheJustice.com is the leading independent source for Harris County criminal trial statistics, jury verdicts, attorney leaderboards, judicial activity, trial-setting dismissals, sentencing data, and courthouse news. Our database tracks thousands of criminal jury trials and continues to grow with weekly updates from the Harris County Criminal Courthouse.
Note: This scoreboard may not be 100% accurate as I could have missed some mistrials that occurred at the early stages of the trial or a quick court trial that lasted a couple of hours….. but it is close to 100%.
Search and compare Harris County criminal trial results for prosecutors and defense attorneys from 2017 to the present. This easy-to-read spreadsheet tracks guilty and not guilty verdicts from Harris County criminal courts and allows users to quickly review individual attorney trial records and courtroom results. Find prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers by name and compare their reported jury and judge trial outcomes compiled by ShowMeTheJustice.com.
Search Harris County felony and misdemeanor criminal court trial and verdict results by judge from 2019 to the present. This easy-to-read spreadsheet tracks guilty and not guilty verdicts in criminal cases and allows users to compare trial outcomes before individual Harris County criminal court judges. Search judges by name and review their reported jury and judge trial results compiled by ShowMeTheJustice.com.
Show Me The Justice congratulates Defense Attorney Shannon Davis for earning 10 “Not Guilty” Verdicts since 2017
Shannon is tied for NUMBER 19 on the “Rosster” of TRIAL LAWYERS WITH THE MOST WINSSINCE 2017
Leading Defense Attorneys for Winning Felony and Misdemeanor Verdicts since February 2017 – OVER 2,000 PRACTICING DEFENSE ATTORNEYS at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse (stats taken from above spreadsheet)
Note: The following spreadsheets, standings, charts, graphs and compilations may NOT be 100% accurate and should not be relied upon as authoritative information.
Weekly Harris County Trial-Setting Dismissals
ShowMeTheJustice.com recognizes the following Harris County criminal defense attorneys who obtained trial-setting dismissals this week. A trial-setting dismissal occurs when a criminal case is dismissed before jury selection, often after negotiations, further investigation, or other developments leading to dismissal of the charges.
This week’s GOLD STAR winning lawyers are: Frederick Wilson II, Cory Roth, Neil Krugh and Asha Reddi.
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Frederick Wilson II for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1928683 out of the 208th Criminal District Court for the offense of
AGGRAVATED SEXUAL Assault of a Child
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Dulce Toledo for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1916848 out of the 262nd Criminal District Court for the offense of
AGGRAVATEDASSAULT Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Carlos Aguayo for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1916848 out of the 262nd Criminal District Court for the offense of
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Cole Leonard for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2571409 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 10 for the offense of
UNLAWFULLY Carrying a Weapon
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Bryant Daniels for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1926212 out of the 174th Criminal District Court for the offense of
ASSAULT Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Juan Aguirre for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2572157 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 06 for the offense of
DWI
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Hugh Brasher for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2581516 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 10 for the offense of
UNLAWFULLY Carrying a Weapon
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney David Maly for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2604766 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 15 for the offense of
DWI
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney David Vuong for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2593122 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 02 for the offense of
DRIVING While License Suspended
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Coby Dubose for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2597959 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 2 for the offense of
DWI
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Bianca Almaguer for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2603581 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 9 for the offense of
DWI
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Harold Landreneau for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2546311 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 11 for the offense of
DWI
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Stacey Morgan for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2597350 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 10 for the offense of
DWI
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Bryant Daniels for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1942144 out of the 248th Criminal District Court for the offense of
ASSAULT Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Austen Hobbs for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1950546 out of the 248th Criminal District Court for the offense of
ASSAULT Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Danielle Broussard for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1930336 out of the 487th Criminal District Court for the offense of
ASSAULT Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Renee Thomason for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1926644 out of the 248th Criminal District Court for the offense of
THEFT $2500 – $30K
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Cory Roth for earning a non trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1958989 out of the 185th Criminal District Court for the offense of
SEXUALASSAULT
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Jacob Vela for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1920562 out of the 184th Criminal District Court for the offense of
UNAUTHORIZED USE of a Motor Vehicle
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Franklin Bynum for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1941599 out of the 177th Criminal District Court for the offense of
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT with a Deadly Weapon
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney April Lopez for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1955019 out of the 178th Criminal District Court for the offense of
DELIVERY OF A SIMULATED DRUG
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Neil Krugh for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1911215 out of the 185th Criminal District Court for the offense of
AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT of a Child
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Asha Reddi for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1931208 out of the 228th Criminal District Court for the offense of
UNLAWFUL DISCLOSURE of Intimate Visual Material
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Jerome Godinich for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1906460 out of the 174th Criminal District Court for the offense of
BURGLARY with Intent to Commit a Felony
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Charles Johnson Jr. for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1945750 out of the 183rd Criminal District Court for the offense of
ASSAULT Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Francisco Fernandez for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2579460 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 3 for the offense of
ASSAULT Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Rick Detoto for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2611245 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 15 for the offense of
ASSAULT Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Alyssa Craze Awbrey for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2604186 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 15 for the offense of
HARASSMENT
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Trinidad Zamora III for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2607931 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 15 for the offense of
ASSAULT Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Marisa Ayala for earning a trial setting dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2598456 out of Criminal Court at Law Number 16 for the offense of
ASSAULT Family Member
ShowMeTheJustice.com provides weekly coverage of Harris County Criminal Courts, including jury trials, trial-setting dismissals, attorney leaderboards, courtroom statistics, judicial activity, and criminal justice trends.
PROSECUTOR LEADER BOARD 2026
Leading Prosecutors for Winning Felony and Misdemeanor Verdicts for 2026
August 21, 2026 – The race for the top spot continues! Congratulations toHarrisCounty prosecutors Traemon Anderson, Mikeala Morris and Nidia Ventura who currently lead all prosecutors with eight (8) guilty verdicts in 2026. Following closely with seven (7) guilty verdicts are Samantha Barnhart, Tieranee Jones and Peter Uli III. Rankings are updated regularly by ShowMeTheJustice.com, featuring Harris County criminal trials in progress, criminal trial statistics, attorney leaderboards, verdicts, and courtroom news.
Visit ShowMeTheJustice.com for Harris County criminal jury trial results, attorney leaderboards, judge statistics, verdict trends, courthouse news, and comprehensive courtroom analytics.
DEFENSE LEADER BOARD 2026
Leading Defense Attorneys for Winning Felony and Misdemeanor Verdicts for 2026
August 21, 2026 – The competition among Harris County’s top criminal defense attorneys continues to intensify. Arienna Toh currently leads the field with four (4) jury trial victories in 2026. Close behind are Brianne Boiarsky, Alyssa Craze-Awbrey, Tyler Flood, Paul Morgan, and Jordan Schuck, each with three (3) trial wins. The remaining attorneys on the leaderboard have each earned two (2) jury trial victories, reflecting the depth of trial talent in the Harris County criminal courthouse. Rankings are updated regularly by ShowMeTheJustice.com based on publicly available jury trial verdicts.
Visit ShowMeTheJustice.com for Harris County criminal jury trial results, attorney leaderboards, judge statistics, verdict trends, courthouse news, and comprehensive courtroom analytics.
TOP RANKED TRIAL JUDGE – HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
Dan Simons – 496th Criminal District Court
JUDGE DAN SIMONS SETS THE PACE IN HARRIS COUNTY
When it comes to jury trials in the Harris County Criminal Courthouse in 2026, Judge Dan Simons of the 496th Criminal District Court is in a league of his own.
According to trial statistics compiled by Show Me The Justice, Judge Simons has presided over 25 trials so far this year, easily placing him at the top of the felony court rankings.
Just how significant is that number?
The next two busiest felony judges have presided over 13 and 12 trials, respectively. That means Judge Simons has conducted as many trials as those two judges combined.
And his 25 trials aren’t just impressive among the felony courts. They exceed the 19 trials conducted by Judge Andrew Wright of County Criminal Court at Law No. 7, who currently leads all Harris County misdemeanor judges.
Trial totals alone don’t tell us whether a judge is fair, efficient or effective. Different courts have different caseloads, case complexities and circumstances.
But trials remain the centerpiece of our criminal justice system. They require prosecutors to be prepared, defense lawyers to be ready, jurors to be summoned and judges to keep their courtrooms moving.
Judge Dan Simons isn’t just leading the Harris County felony courts in trials — he’s setting the pace for the entire Harris County Criminal Courthouse.
Trial statistics compiled by Show Me The Justice.
FELONY JUDGE LEADER BOARD 2026
All Elected Felony Judges and their trial totals for 2026
Visit ShowMeTheJustice.com for the latest Harris County criminal jury trial statistics, felony and misdemeanor judge leaderboards, prosecutor and defense attorney rankings, verdict trends, court dockets, and daily courthouse action.
MISDEMEANOR JUDGE LEADER BOARD 2026
All Elected Misdemeanor Judges and their trial totals for 2026
August 21, 2026 – 2026 Harris County Misdemeanor Trial Activity – Jury trial activity remains robust in the Harris County misdemeanor courts. Judge Andrew Wright has presided over more misdemeanor criminal jury trials than any other county criminal court judge in 2026, with 19 trials completed. Judge Erika Ramirez follows with 14 trials, while Judges Shannon Baldwin has 13 trials and JudgeLinda Garcia with 11 trials. The remaining judges on this leaderboard continue to maintain active misdemeanor trial dockets as they move criminal cases through the Harris County justice system.
Andrew Wright (CCL7) leads all Harris County misdemeanor judges with 19 jury trials in 2026.
Three misdemeanor judges have conducted 11 or more jury trials this year.
Six county criminal court judges have completed at least 10 jury trials, reflecting a high level of courtroom activity.
These rankings are updated regularly as additional Harris County criminal jury trials conclude.
Visit ShowMeTheJustice.com for the latest Harris County criminal jury trial results, misdemeanor and felony judge leaderboards, prosecutor and defense attorney rankings, verdict statistics, court dockets, and daily courthouse action.
VISITING JUDGE LEADER BOARD 2026
Visiting Judges and their trial totals for 2026
August 21, 2026 – 2026 Harris County Visiting Judge Trial Activity – Visiting judges remain an essential part of the Harris County criminal justice system, presiding over numerous jury trials throughout the year. Vanessa Velasquez (who is now the appointed judge of the 486th Criminal District Court) and Lisa Burkhalter share the top spot with 10 criminal jury trials each, while Marc Brown and Christi Kennedy have each completed seven trials. Their service helps ensure that criminal cases continue moving efficiently through one of the nation’s busiest court systems.
Vanessa Velasquez and Lisa Burkhalter are tied for the lead with 10 jury trials each in 2026.
Four visiting judges have presided over seven or more criminal jury trials this year.
Visiting judges provide valuable judicial support by helping Harris County manage its high volume of criminal jury trials.
Rankings are updated regularly using publicly available Harris County criminal court records.
Visit ShowMeTheJustice.com for the latest Harris County criminal jury trial results, felony and misdemeanor judge leaderboards, visiting judge statistics, prosecutor and defense attorney rankings, verdict trends, court dockets, and daily courthouse action.
PROSECUTOR LEADER BOARD – Last 9 Years
Harris County Career Prosecutor Leaderboard for Winning Felony and Misdemeanor Verdicts since February 2017 Note: Prosecutors listed may no longer be working at the District Attorney’s Office
August 21, 2026 – Harris County Prosecutor Career Leaderboard – Since February 2017, hundreds of prosecutors have tried criminal jury cases in the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. Danielle Oxford currently holds the top position with 44 guilty verdicts, followed by Heather Axline with 34 guilty verdicts. Keaton Forcht(former Prosecutor) and Helen Le(now with the Feds) are tied with 29 guilty verdicts, and Abraham Chopin on their tails, while several other prosecutors continue to build impressive trial records. This leaderboard reflects sustained jury trial experience over nearly a decade and is updated regularly by ShowMeTheJustice.com.
Danielle Oxford leads all Harris County prosecutors with 44 jury trial guilty verdicts since February 2017.
Heather Axline ranks second with 34 guilty verdicts.
Five prosecutors have earned at least 28 jury trial guilty verdicts during the tracking period.
The rankings include felony and misdemeanor jury trial verdicts from Harris County criminal courts.
Statistics are updated regularly as new jury verdicts are recorded.
These standings reflect the total number of guilty jury verdicts recorded for each prosecutor during the tracking period. They are intended as historical statistical information and do not measure conviction rates, overall case performance, or prosecutorial effectiveness.
Visit ShowMeTheJustice.com for Harris County criminal jury trial results, prosecutor and defense attorney leaderboards, judge statistics, verdict trends, courtroom news, and comprehensive criminal courthouse analytics.
2026 Harris County Misdemeanor Docket Report
Top 10 Misdemeanor Courts (out of 16 courts) for LOWEST docket totals through July 2026 (non pretrial intervention cases) – source: Harris County Courts Active Cases Report
August 2026 – 2026 Harris County Misdemeanor Docket Report – Pending criminal caseloads vary considerably among the County Criminal Courts at Law. Judge Jessica Padilla currently maintains the smallest pending misdemeanor docket with 780 active cases, while the largest misdemeanor docket contains 1,517 pending cases. Differences in docket size may result from numerous factors, including case assignments, filing volume, court scheduling, transfers, and the timing of case dispositions. These rankings provide a current snapshot of pending misdemeanor caseloads across the Harris County criminal courts.
Key Takeaways
Jessica Padilla (CCL14) has the smallest pending misdemeanor docket with 780 active cases.
Leslie Johnson (CCL3) and Paula Goodhart (CCL2) also have fewer than 1,000 pending cases.
The largest pending misdemeanor docket currently contains 1,517 active criminal cases.
Docket sizes fluctuate throughout the year as new cases are filed and existing cases are resolved.
Rankings are updated regularly using publicly available Harris County court records.
Note:Pending case totals represent a snapshot of each court’s active criminal docket on the date indicated. Docket size alone should not be interpreted as a measure of judicial performance or courtroom efficiency, as caseloads are influenced by factors such as new filings, case complexity, transfers, specialty court assignments, staffing, and the timing of case dispositions.
Visit ShowMeTheJustice.com for Harris County criminal court statistics, misdemeanor and felony docket reports, judge leaderboards, jury trial results, prosecutor and defense attorney rankings, verdict trends, and daily courthouse action.
2026 Harris County Felony Caseload Report
Top 10 Felony Courts (out of 29 courts) for LOWEST docket totals through July 2026 – source: Harris County District Criminal District Courts Dashboard
August 2026 – The 2026 Harris County Felony Docket Leaderboard ranks the Criminal District Courts by the number of active pending felony cases. As of this update, Judge Matt Peneguy maintains the lowest pending felony caseload, followed by Judge Nata Cornelio and Judge Veronica Nelson. Felony docket totals fluctuate throughout the year as new indictments are filed, cases are transferred, trials conclude, pleas are entered, and other matters are resolved. These rankings are updated regularly using publicly available Harris County court statistics.
Key Highlights
Matt Peneguy (488th District Court) currently has the lowest pending felony docket with 193 active cases.
Nata Cornelio (351st) and Veronica Nelson (482nd) round out the top three lowest felony dockets.
The largest felony docket currently contains 995 pending cases.
Pending felony caseloads change regularly as cases are filed, transferred, disposed of, or set for trial.
Rankings are updated periodically using publicly available Harris County court records.
Note:Pending felony case totals represent a snapshot of each court’s active docket on the date shown. Docket size alone should not be interpreted as a measure of judicial performance or efficiency. Caseloads are influenced by numerous factors, including new felony filings, case complexity, court assignments, transfers, staffing, and the timing of case dispositions.
Visit ShowMeTheJustice.com for Harris County criminal jury trial results, prosecutor and defense attorney leaderboards, judge statistics, verdict trends, courtroom news, and comprehensive criminal courthouse analytics.
I interviewed 12 experienced court reporters working the Harris County Criminal Courts and got their “inside information” on how jurors, lawyers and witnesses could improve in trial to make it easier for the court reporter to take down ALL the information required of them for a good record. THESE ARE SOME GREAT TIPS! (Interviews took place in 2019)
Visit ShowMeTheJustice.com for daily Harris County criminal trial results, attorney rankings, verdict statistics, judge leaderboards, and the latest courthouse action.
We had – 8- lawyers complete – 6- trials this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results: -5- Guilty Verdicts, -0- Not Guilty Verdicts, -0- In-Trial Dismissals, -1- In-Trial Plea and -1- Hung Jury/Mistrials.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 45 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
We had 24 lawyers complete 17 trials this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results – 9 Guilty Verdicts, 8 Not Guilty Verdicts, 1 In-Trial Dismissal, 0 In-Trial Pleas and 0 Hung Jury/Mistrials.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 33 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
We had 10 lawyers complete 5 trials this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results – 5 Guilty Verdicts, 0 Not Guilty Verdicts, 1 In-Trial Dismissal, 0 In-Trial Pleas and 0 Hung Jury/Mistrials.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 25 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
We had 23 lawyers complete 12 trials this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results – 7 Guilty Verdicts, 3 Not Guilty Verdicts, 0 In-Trial Dismissals, 1 In-Trial Plea and 3 Hung Jury/Mistrials.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 25 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
We had 21 lawyers complete 11 trials this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results – 7 Guilty Verdicts, 2 Not Guilty Verdicts, 2 In-Trial Dismissals, 1 In-Trial Plea and 3 Hung Jury/Mistrials.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 18 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
We had 20 lawyers complete 11 trials this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results – 3 Guilty Verdicts, 4 Not Guilty Verdicts, 2 In-Trial Dismissals, 0 In-Trial Pleas and 3 Hung Jury/Mistrials.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 18 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
We had 22 lawyers complete 11 trials this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results – 6 Guilty Verdicts, 1 Not Guilty Verdict, 2 In-Trial Dismissals, 1 In-Trial Plea and 1 Hung Jury.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 21 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
We had 15 lawyers complete 9 trials this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results – 5 Guilty Verdicts, 2 Not Guilty Verdicts, 1 In-Trial Dismissal, and 1 In-Trial Plea.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 31 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
We had 15 lawyers complete 8 trials this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results – 3 Guilty Verdicts, 2 Not Guilty Verdicts, 1 In-Trial Dismissal, 1 In-Trial Plea and 1 Hung Jury.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 19 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
We had 22 lawyers complete 13 trials this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results – 10 Guilty Verdicts, 4 Not Guilty Verdicts, and 1 In-Trial Plea.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 27 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
We had 19 lawyers complete 12 trials this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results – 7 Guilty Verdicts, 4 Not Guilty Verdicts, and 1 In-Trial Dismissal.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 17 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
We had 15 lawyers complete 9 trials this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results – 3 Guilty Verdicts, 4 Not Guilty Verdicts, 1 In-Trial Dismissal, 1 In-Trial Plea and 1 Hung Jury/Mistrial/Other.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 14 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
We had 33 lawyers complete 18 trials this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results – 9 Guilty Verdicts, 5 Not Guilty Verdicts, 2 In-Trial Dismissals, 2 In-Trial Pleas and 1 Hung Jury/Mistrial/Other.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 26 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
