[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame]
06/29/17
Congratulations to Prosecutors CHANDLER RAINE (top) and DREW ROUNTREE (bottom) for a Guilty verdict in the 183rd District Court – Cause #1491611
Aggravated Assault
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame]the charge – unlawfully, intentionally and knowingly cause bodily injury to the complainant by striking the complainant with a motor vehicle and the defendant used and exhibited a deadly weapon, namely a motor vehicle
[su_highlight]Sentence – 7.5 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Vanessa Velasquez [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/29/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney STEPHEN TOUCHSTONE for a Not Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #5 – Cause #2071483
Driving While Intoxicated (.11)
the charge – unlawfully operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Margaret Harris [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame]
06/28/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor SARA SIEGEL for a Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #2 – Cause #2102412
Indecent Exposure
the charge – unlawfully expose his genitals to the complainant, with the intent to arouse and gratify his sexual desire, and the defendant was reckless about whether another person was present who would be offended and alarmed by the act, to wit: the defendant exposed his male sexual organ and masturbated in a public place
[su_highlight]Sentence – 20 Days in Jail [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Bill Harmon [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame]
06/28/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor STEVE BELT for a Guilty verdict in the 180th District Court – Cause #1509512 and Cause #1509513
Felon in Possession of a Weapon
Possession of a Controlled Substance
the charges – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly possess a firearm at a location other than the premises at which the defendant lived, after being convicted of the felony offense of felon in possession of a firearm on July 11, 2007 AND unlawfully knowingly possess a controlled substance, namely cocaine weighing more than 4 grams and less than 200 grams by aggregate weight, including any adulterants and dilutants
[su_highlight]Sentence – 8 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Catherine Evans [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame]
06/28/17
Congratulations to Prosecutors JENNIFER STABE (top) and JANNA OSWALD (bottom) for a Guilty verdict in the 232nd District Court – Cause #1435999
Sexual Abuse of a Child
the charge – unlawfully, during a period of time or 30 days or more in duration, commit at least two acts of sexual abuse of a child younger than 14 years of age, including an act constituting the [su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame]offense of aggravated sexual assault of a child, committed against the complainant on or about April 13, 2012, and an act constituting the offense of aggravated sexual assault committed against complainant on or about June 8, 2013 and the defendant was at least 17 years of age at the time of the commission of each of those acts
[su_highlight]Sentence – 35 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Mike Wilkinson [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame]
06/28/17
Congratulations to Prosecutors LINDSEY HOVLAND (pictured) and ROBERT DE LOS REYES for a Guilty verdict in the 177th District Court – Cause #1513928
Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance
the charge – unlawfully knowingly possess with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, namely methamphetamine, weighing more than 4 grams and less than 200 grams by aggregate weight, including any adulterants and dilutants
[su_highlight]Sentence – 25 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Robert Johnson [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/28/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney JAYSON BOOTH for a Not Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #12 – Cause #2097680
Possession of a Gambling Device
the charge – unlawfully with intent to further gambling, knowingly possess a gambling device, namely Pot-O-Gold, that he knows is designed for gambling purposes
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Sherman Ross [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame]
06/28/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor DANNY WERLINGER for a Guilty verdict in the 208th District Court – Cause #1540170
Capital Murder
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause the death of the complainant, a person under 10 years of age, by striking the complainant with a deadly weapon, namely a blunt object, by striking the complainant against a deadly weapon, namely a blunt object, and by striking the complainant with a deadly weapon, namely a hand
[su_highlight]Sentence – Life in Prison [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Denise Collins [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/27/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney JORGE CANTU for a Not Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #2 – Cause #2071293
Assault of a Family Member
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause bodily injury to the complainant, a person with whom the defendant had a dating relationship, by striking the complainant with his hand
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Bill Harmon [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame]
06/27/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor SHARICA GRAY for a Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #10 – Cause #2127814
Fraud – Price Tag Switching
the charge – unlawfully with the intent to defraud and harm another, namely the complainant, substitute the verity of a writing, other than a government record, to wit: a price tag by switching the price tag with merchandise with less value
[su_highlight]Sentence – 3 Days in Jail [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Dan Spjut [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/27/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney EMILY DETOTO for a Not Guilty verdict in the 263rd District Court – Cause #1375123. Her client – represented by a different attorney – originally plead GUILTY to the charge and without an agreed recommendation received 15 years TDC after a PSI Hearing. Emily then signed onto the case, filed a motion for a new trial and got that new trial. With the assistance of Defense Attorney PAUL MORGAN they were able to secure a Not Guilty verdict!
[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame]
Injury to a Chlld
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause serious bodily injury to the complainant, a child younger than 15 years of age, by shaking the complainant with his hand and by a manner and means unknown
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Jim Wallace [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame]
06/27/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor KIMBERLY SMITH for a Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #8 – Cause #2120891
Assault of a Family Member
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause bodily injury to the complainant, a person with whom the defendant had a dating relationship, by striking the complainant with his hand
[su_highlight]Sentence – MAXIMUM – 1 Year in Jail [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Jay Karahan [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
NEWSWORTHY CASE 06/27/17
[su_box title=”Defendant: Carlos Ayala” radius=”4″]
INDECENCY WITH A CHILD
Cause #1544296 – 184th District Court
Carlos Jose Ayala is accused of groping girls ages 7 to 15 in the Denver Harbor area
[su_animate type=”flash” duration=”5″ delay=”1″]sexually assaulting 10 young girls walking to and from school[/su_animate]
Court Date: 06/27/17 DISPOSITION: reset to 08/04/17
[/su_box]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
Circa 2010 – Remember when our very own Houston Defense Lawyer Ed Chernoff represented Dr. Conrad Murray – the person held responsible for the death of Michael Jackson? Here is an interview Ed had with Matt Lauer concerning his client, Dr. Conrad Murray.
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpZfg9UZ8bg&t=241s”]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame]
06/22/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor LAUREN CLEMONS for a Guilty verdict in the 262nd District Court – Cause #1522818
Murder
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly commit the felony offense of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle by intentionally and knowingly operating an automobile owned by complainant, without the effective consent of the complainant, and while in the course of and in furtherance of the commission and immediate flight from the commission of said offense did commit an act clearly dangerous to human life, to wit: failing to control speed, disregarding a traffic control device, failing to yield right of way, failing to yield to emergency vehicles, by driving his motor vehicle into and causing it to collide with a motor vehicle occupied by complainant #2 causing the death of complainant #2, and defendant used and exhibited a deadly weapon, namely an automobile during the commission of said offense (more alleged in indictment)
[su_highlight]Sentence – 18 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Belinda Hill [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame]
06/21/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor STEPHANY URREA for a Guilty verdict in the 177th District Court – Cause #1471654
Aggravated Sexual Assault
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause the penetration of the sexual organ of the complainant, by placing his sexual organ in the sexual organ of the complainant, without the consent of the complainant, namely the defendant compelled the complainant to submit and participate by the use of physical force and violence
[su_highlight]Sentence – 99 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Terry Flenniken [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT [/su_frame]
06/21/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor RYAN KENT for a Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #6 – Cause #2110236
Driving While Intoxicated (.10)
the charge – unlawfully operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated
[su_highlight]Sentence – 1 Year Probation/$300 Fine [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Larry Standley [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame]
06/20/17
Congratulations to Prosecutors COURTNEY KOVACH (pictured) and BRITNEY JACKSON for a Guilty verdict in the 339th District Court – Cause #1448558
Murder
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause the death of the complainant by stabbing the complainant with a deadly weapon, namely a knife
[su_highlight]Sentence – 55 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Maria Jackson [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame]
06/20/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor BRADEN RILEY for a Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #9 – Cause #2109477
Assault
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause bodily injury to the complainant by striking the complainant with his hand
[su_highlight]Sentence – 30 Days in Jail then 2 Years Probation/$500 Fine/$1000 restitution to the Complainant [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Analia Wilkerson [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame]
06/20/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor KAITLIN KAUFMANN for a Guilty verdict in the 178th District Court – Cause #1435636
Possession of a Controlled Substance
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly possess a controlled substance, namely phencyclidine, weighing at least 400 grams by aggregate weight including any adulterants and dilutants
[su_highlight]Sentence – 10 Years Probation and a $100,000 Fine [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Wayne Mallia [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame]
06/20/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor STEWANNA MISKELL for a Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #7 – Cause #2145707
Assault of a Family Member
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause bodily injury to the complainant, a person with whom the defendant had a dating relationship, by grabbing the complainant’s arm with his hand and by pushing the complainant with his hand
[su_highlight]Sentence – 140 Days in Jail [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Pam Derbyshire [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
NEWSWORTHY CASE 06/20/17
[su_box title=”Defendant: Laquita Lewis ” radius=”4″]
CAPITAL MURDER
Cause #1555746 – 339th District Court
[su_animate type=”flash” duration=”5″ delay=”1″]Mom allegedly stabs and kills her 4-year-old daughter[/su_animate]
Next Court date: 06/20/17 DISPOSITION: reset to 08/02/17
[/su_box]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] Mandate Affirmance
[/su_frame]
06/19/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor BRIDGET HOLLOWAY for writing the appellate brief that resulted in the affirmance of a conviction in the 185th District Court – Cause #1450961
Arson No. 14-15-00834-CR
[su_highlight]Sentence – 6 Years in Prison Reinstated [/su_highlight]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
June 19, 2017 COURTHOUSE NUGGET
NEW COURTHOUSE BIKE STATION OPENS
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee along with Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniels on hand to dedicate the new bike station located across the street from the Harris County Criminal Courthouse.
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″][su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame]
06/16/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor MARIO CICCONETTI for a Guilty verdict in the 174th District Court – Cause #1470978
Burglary of a Habitation
the charge – unlawfully with the intent to commit an assault, enter a habitation owned by the complainant, a person having a greater right to possession of the habitation than the defendant, and without the effective consent of the complainant, without any consent of any kind
[su_highlight]Sentence – 45 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
[su_frame] Presiding Judge – Hazel Jones [/su_frame]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT [/su_frame]
06/16/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor RACHELL HUNT for a Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #16 – Cause #2121646
Driving While Intoxicated (.14)
the charge – unlawfully operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated
[su_highlight]Sentence – 11 Days in Jail [/su_highlight]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame]
06/16/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor VANESSA GOUSSEN for a Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #8 -Cause #2124534
Failure to Stop and Give Information
the charge – unlawfully while driving and operating a vehicle, was involved in an accident resulting only in damage to another vehicle which was driven by the complainant, and the defendant intentionally and knowingly failed to stop his vehicle at the scene of the accident, and as close to the scene of the accident as possible, failed to return to the scene of the accident and failed to remain at the scene of the accident until the defendant had given his name and address to the complainant, and the damage to the vehicle involved in the accident resulted in the pecuniary loss of the value of at least two hundred dollars
[su_highlight]Sentence – 2 Days in Jail [/su_highlight]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame] 06/16/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor STEPHEN DRIVER for a Guilty verdict in the 178th District Court – Cause #1451265
Capital Murder
the charge – unlawfully while in the course of committing and attempting to commit the burglary of a building owned by the complainant intentionally cause the death of the complainant by shooting the complainant with a deadly weapon, namely a firearm
[su_highlight]Sentence – Life in Prison [/su_highlight]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/16/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney BRIAN BENKEN for a Not Guilty verdict in the 208th District Court – Cause #1460804
Sexual Assault
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause the penetration of the sexual organ of the complainant, by placing his penis in the sexual organ of the complainant, without the consent of the complainant, namely the defendant compelled the complainant to submit and participate by the use of physical force and violence
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/16/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor JANIE KORAH for a Guilty verdict in the 182nd District Court – Cause #1500184
Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance
the charge – unlawfully knowingly possess with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, namely methamphetamine weighing more than 200 grams and less than 400 grams by aggregate weight, including any adulterants and dilutants
[su_highlight]Sentence – 25 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT [/su_frame] 06/16/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor CRISTINA PLATTER for a Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #3 – Cause #2103685
Driving While Intoxicated (.152)
the charge – unlawfully operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated
[su_highlight]Sentence – 1 Year Probation and a $500 Fine [/su_highlight]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
NEWSWORTHY CASE 06/16/17
[su_box title=”Defendant: David Temple ” radius=”4″]
MURDER
Cause #1008763 – 178th District Court
Katy football star and Alief coach David Temple was found guilty of the cold-blooded murder of Belinda and her unborn 8-month-old baby Erin. He won his appeal and is on bond waiting for a decision by the DA on retrial.
[su_animate type=”flash” duration=”5″ delay=”1″]Katy coach David Temple murder conviction and possible retrial[/su_animate]
Next Court date: 06/16/17 DISPOSITION: reset to 07/14/17
[/su_box]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/15/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor MIKEYIA DAWKINS for a Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #14 – Cause #2122592
Possession of Prohibited Weapon
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly possess knuckles
[su_highlight]Sentence – 1 Year Probation – $300 Fine [/su_highlight]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/15/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney EMILY SHELTON for a Not Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #14-Cause #2122591
Racing
the charge – unlawfully while operating a motor vehicle on a highway intentionally and knowingly participate in a drag race, to wit: the operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/15/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney BETSY STUKES for a Not Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #11-Cause #2114517
Assault of a Family Member
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause bodily injury to the complainant, a member of the defendant’s family, a member of the defendant’s household and a person with whom the defendant had a dating relationship by striking the complainant with his hand
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame] 06/15/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney JAVIER MARTINEZ for a Not Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #11-Cause #2114517
Assault of a Family Member
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause bodily injury to the complainant, a member of the defendant’s family, a member of the defendant’s household and a person with whom the defendant had a dating relationship by striking the complainant with his hand
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/15/17
Congratulations to Switch-Hitting Prosecutor GILBERT SAWTELLE for a Not Guilty verdict on his Municipal Parking Violation. With the assistance from some of his friends at the DA’s office he was able to beat the rap and get a taste of how it feels to hear those two magical words – NOT GUILTY! Gilbert, on this one bright and shining day, the defense lawyers of Houston are proud of you!
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame] 06/14/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney BRANDON BALL for a Not Guilty verdict in the 178th District Court-Cause #1466030
Burglary of a Habitation
the charge – unlawfully without the effective consent of the owner, namely without any consent of any kind, intentionally enter a habitation owned by the complainant, a person having a greater right of possession of the habitation than the defendant, and commit and attempt to commit assault of the complainant
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT [/su_frame] 06/14/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor RYAN VOLKMER for a Guilty verdict in the 180th District Court-Cause #1481651
Robbery
the charge – unlawfully while in the course of committing theft of property owned by the complainant and with the intent to obtain and maintain control over the property, intentionally and knowingly threaten and place the complainant in fear of imminent bodily injury and death by passing the complainant a demand note, redirecting the complainant to the demand note and obscuring the defendant’s hand in the defendant’s clothes as if possessing a weapon
[su_highlight]Sentence – 35 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
June 14, 2017 COURTHOUSE NUGGET
I have known Judge Jay Karahan (Harris County Criminal Court at Law #8) for over 30 years and in all that time I had no idea he had such a beautiful singing voice. Mild-mannered in the courtroom, he can belt out the national anthem as well as Jim Nabors used to sing in the “Gomer Pyle” TV series. Apparently, Judge has been taking lessons since high school and is still taking voice lessons to keep his singing voice ready for the next invitation to sing. If you feel patriotic and love the Astros, listen to Judge Jay Karahan’s rendition of our national anthem sung at Minutemaid Park.
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2KAijI6Ga0″]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] MID-TRIAL DISMISSAL
[/su_frame] 06/13/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney MARK THIESSEN for a mid-trial dismissal after the jury was seated and two witnesses called to the stand in County Court at Law #8-Cause #2116770
Driving While Intoxicated (.10)
the charge – unlawfully operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
June 13, 2017 COURTHOUSE NEWS
Protestors rally outside the Harris County Criminal Courthouse for their deceased friend John Hernandez. Deputy Chauna Thompson and her husband Terry Thompson are being arraigned in the 178th District Court this morning for the alleged murder of John. (See below Newsworthy Case).
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_yK0czh4JM”]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
NEWSWORTHY CASE 06/13/17
[su_box title=”Defendant: Chauna and Terry Thompson” radius=”4″]
MURDER
Cause #1554589 (Chauna) and #1554590 (Terry) 178th District Court
An fight between Terry Thompson and John Hernandez ensues over John urinating outside a Denny’s restaurant. Terry’s wife, deputy Chauna Thompson arrives at the scene in a different vehicle
[su_animate type=”flash” duration=”5″ delay=”1″] deputy and husband charged with choking John Hernandez to death [/su_animate]
Court Date: 06/12/17 DISPOSITiON: reset to 07/14/17
[/su_box]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
June 12, 2017 NUGGET
Judge and Brother Edge Out Young-Gun Prosecutors
County Court at Law #10 Judge Dan Spjut (far right) and his brother, HPD Lt. Tom Spjut (far left) beat County Court at Law #10 Prosecutors DeJean Cleggett (second left) and former high-school basketball star Sarah Massoud (back middle) in a friendly game of basketball by the score of 11-9. The prosecutors are looking for a rematch after the relatively older brother duo spanked them with some lucky 3’s. Also playing in the second game were Chief Prosecutors Lindsey Hovland (second right) and Christine Lu (front and center – with the best shorts) and Christine’s boyfriend Ryan (not pictured). All fun and games until you get beat by a couple of dads. You’ll get’em next time DeJean and Sarah! (Thanks for the picture DeJean!)
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/09/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor STEVE WALSH for a Guilty verdict in the 176th District Court-Cause #1488875
Aggravated Assault
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause bodily injury to the complainant by shooting the complainant with a firearm, and the defendant used and exhibited a deadly weapon, namely a firearm
[su_highlight]Sentence – 4 Years Probation [/su_highlight]
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
June 9, 2017 COURTHOUSE NUGGET
Harris County Assistant DA Enters Private Practice
Jante’ Langan, an assistant district attorney for Harris County for the past two years has entered private practice. After leaving the DA’s office she took a break from work and spent some quality time with her two lovely daughters. Jante’ has fourteen trials under her belt and looks forward to experiencing trial work on the other side of the fence. I saw Jante’ on her second day as a private attorney and she was gracious enough to allow me to take a photo. Jante’, I wish you all the best in your next chapter! Enjoy the freedom!
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
NUGGET – From the TDCAA weekly case summaries
Issue:
Does a warrantless search of a college dorm room at the request of the dorm’s RA who discovered the drugs in the room during a routine inspection, constitute a violation of the Fourth Amendment?
Holding:
Yes. Students enjoy the same Fourth Amendment protection in their dorm rooms as any other citizen in a private home. Although dorm personnel have the authority to enter dorm rooms themselves to perform health and safety inspections, they do not have the authority to give police officers consent to enter dorm rooms.
A very interesting and thorough read from our Court of Criminal Appeals concerning search and seizure laws. No. PD-1391-15
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#130f0f” size=”7″]
NEWSWORTHY CASE 06/09/17
[su_box title=”Defendant: Harvey Jones” radius=”4″]
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
Cause #1545601 338th District Court
An argument over people sitting on stairs sparked the shooting that left two dead and four in critical condition — including
[su_animate type=”flash” duration=”5″ delay=”1″]a former “America’s Next Top Model” contestant[/su_animate]
Next Court Date: 06/09/17 DISPOSITiON: reset to 07/10/17
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[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/08/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor CHERYL CHAPPELL for a Guilty verdict in the 180th District Court-Cause #1470980
Aggravated Robbery
the charge – unlawfully while in the course of committing theft of property owned by the complainant, and with the intent to obtain and maintain control of the property, intentionally and knowingly threaten and place the complainant in fear of imminent bodily injury and death, and the defendant did then and there use and exhibit a deadly weapon, namely a firearm
[su_highlight]Sentence – 30 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
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[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame] 06/08/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorneys DIANA OLVERA and JANE VARA (pictured) for a Not Guilty verdict in the 338th District Court-Cause #1302581
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause the penetration of the female sexual organ of the complainant, a person younger than 14 years of age and not the spouse of the defendant, by placing his sexual organ into the sexual organ of the complainant
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June 8, 2017 COURTHOUSE NUGGET
Well-Respected and Seasoned ADA enters Private Practice
Dan Simons, an assistant district attorney in Harris County for the past 3 1/2 years just entered private practice this week. Dan has taken a job with famed DWI expert and Houston Defense Attorney Mark Thiessen and will be handling criminal cases for Mark’s firm. Dan always treated me tough but fair, he dismissed cases when warranted and proceeded with cases that he believed to be in the best interests of the state. Dan tried 30 misdemeanor and 13 felony cases during his tenure with the DA’s office. He brings a lot of experience to the other side of the fence. I wish him well in his new career.
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[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/07/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney TONYA ROLLAND-MCLAUGHLIN for a Not Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #9-Cause #2100716
Driving While Intoxicated (.17)
the charge – unlawfully operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated
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[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame] 06/07/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney LIZET DIAZ for a Not Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #8-Cause #2117713
Assault of a Family Member
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause bodily injury to the complainant, a person with whom the defendant had a dating relationship, by striking the complainant with his hand
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[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT [/su_frame] 06/07/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney CARLOS RODRIGUEZ for a Not Guilty verdict in the 208th District Court – Cause #1473033
Aggravated Assault
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly threaten the complainant with imminent bodily injury by using and exhibiting a deadly weapon, namely an axe
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[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame] 06/06/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor TIFFANY DUPREE for a Guilty verdict in the 263rd District Court-Cause #1507959
Capital Murder
the charge – unlawfully during the same criminal transaction, intentionally and knowingly cause the death of complainant #1 and complainant #2 by shooting with a deadly weapon, namely a firearm
[su_highlight]Sentence – Life in Prison [/su_highlight]
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[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame] 06/06/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor GAVIN ELLIS for a Guilty verdict in the 263rd District Court- Cause #1507959
Capital Murder
the charge – unlawfully during the same criminal transaction, intentionally and knowingly cause the death of complainant #1 and complainant #2 by shooting with a deadly weapon, namely a firearm
[su_highlight]Sentence – Life in Prison [/su_highlight]
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[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT [/su_frame] 06/06/17
Congratulations to Prosecutors JOHN CRUMP and NICOLE CLARK for a Guilty verdict in the 351st District Court – Cause #1493328
Aggravated Robbery
the charge – unlawfully while in the course of committing theft of property owned by the complainant, and with the intent to obtain and maintain control of the property, intentionally, knowingly and recklessly cause bodily injury to the complainant and the defendant did then and there use and exhibit a deadly weapon, namely a knife
[su_highlight]Sentence – 20 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
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[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT [/su_frame] 06/06/17
Congratulations to Prosecutors CASEY GOODMAN and RYAN MCLEAREN for a Guilty verdict in the 209th District Court – Cause #1458269
Aggravated Robbery
the charge – unlawfully while in the course of committing theft of property owned by the complainant, and with the intent to obtain and maintain control of the property, intentionally and knowingly threaten and place the complainant in fear of imminent bodily injury and death, and the defendant did then and there use and exhibit a deadly weapon, namely a firearm
[su_highlight]Sentence – 35 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
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[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/06/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney MELISSA MORRIS-CROCKROM for a Not Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #3 – Cause #2094799
Driving While Intoxicated (.11)
the charge – unlawfully operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated
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[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/06/17
Congratulations to Prosecutors CLAIRE O’DONNELL (pictured) and LUIS BATARSE (not pictured) for a Guilty verdict in the 179th District Court – Cause #1460616
Aggravated Robbery
the charge – unlawfully while in the course of committing theft of property owned by the complainant, and with the intent to obtain and maintain control of the property, intentionally threaten and place the complainant in fear of imminent bodily injury and death, and the defendant did then and there use and exhibit a deadly weapon, namely a firearm
[su_highlight]Sentence – 180 Days in Jail and 10 Years of Probation [/su_highlight]
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NEWSWORTHY CASE 06/06/17
[su_box title=”Defendant: David Temple ” radius=”4″]
MURDER
Cause #1008763 – 178th District Court
Katy football star and Alief coach David Temple was found guilty of the cold-blooded murder of Belinda and her unborn 8-month-old baby Erin. He won his appeal and is on bond waiting for a decision by the DA on retrial.
[su_animate type=”flash” duration=”5″ delay=”1″]Katy coach David Temple murder conviction and possible retrial[/su_animate]
Next Court date: 06/06/17 DISPOSITION: reset to 06/16/17
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NEWSWORTHY CASE 06/06/17
[su_box title=”Defendant: Denise Coronado” radius=”4″]
COMPELLING PROSTITUTION
Cause #1544489 – 176th District Court
A 14-year-old girl was taken off the street, held against her will then forced into prostitution with at least 12 men [su_animate type=”flash” duration=”5″ delay=”1″] 14-year old forced into prostitution [/su_animate]
Court Date: 06/06/17 DISPOSITION: reset to 07/06/17
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[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame] 06/02/17
Congratulations to Prosecutors WILL COWARDIN (pictured) and AARON CHAPMAN for a Guilty verdict in the 177th District Court – Cause #1510607
Directing Activities of Certain Criminal Street Gang
the charge – on or about June 30, 2014 continuing through June 18, 2015 unlawfully as part of the identifiable leadership of a criminal street gang, knowingly finance, direct, and supervise the commission of the offenses of aggravated robbery and a felony, during the commission of which a deadly weapon was used and exhibited, and a felony, during the immediate flight from which a deadly weapon was used and exhibited by members of said criminal street gang
[su_highlight]Sentence – 55 Years in Prison [/su_highlight]
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NUGGET
06/02/17 – Of the 2181 defendants set on the misdemeanor and felony court dockets on Friday, June 2, 2017 441 defendants appeared in court WITHOUT legal representation. That is 20%!
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[su_frame] GUILTY VERDICT [/su_frame] 06/01/17
Congratulations to Prosecutor JAMES HU for a Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #16-Cause #2143940
Theft – $100 – $750
the charge – unlawfully appropriate by acquiring and otherwise exercising control over property, namely one thermostat and one lighting hub owned by complainant of the value of over $100 and less than $750 with the intent to deprive the complainant of the property
[su_highlight]Sentence – 2 Years Probation [/su_highlight]
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[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT
[/su_frame] 06/01/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney SEAN DARVISHI for a Not Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #4-Cause #2140127
Assault
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause bodily injury to the complainant by striking the complainant with his hand
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[su_frame] NOT GUILTY VERDICT 
[/su_frame] 06/01/17
Congratulations to Defense Attorney JUSTIN HARRIS for a Not Guilty verdict in County Court at Law #4-Cause #2140127
Assault
the charge – unlawfully intentionally and knowingly cause bodily injury to the complainant by striking the complainant with his hand
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NUGGET 06/01/17
On June 1, 2017 48 defendants failed to appear in the county or district courts for their criminal cases. Their bonds were forfeited and warrants issued for their arrest. The total amount of bonds forfeited was $332,500.
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NEWSWORTHY CASE 06/01/17
[su_box title=”Defendant: Antonio Armstrong, Jr.” radius=”4″]
CAPITAL MURDER
Case #1546111 – 178th District Court
a 16-year-old accused of killing his parents
[su_animate type=”flash” duration=”5″ delay=”1″]Texas A&M University football star Antonio Armstrong and wife, Dawn Armstrong[/su_animate]
Next Court Date: 06/1/17 DISPOSITION: reset to 07/26/17
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