We had 13 LAWYERS complete 7 TRIALS this week at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. The results were 1 GUILTY VERDICT, 4 NOT GUILTY VERDICTS, 1 IN-TRIAL DISMISSAL, and 2 IN-TRIAL PLEAS. 6 TRIALS are currently in progress.
Congratulations to the trial winners and to the 47 Lawyers below who won their case with a dismissal of charges!
February 16, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Public Defender Chris Self for earning Not Guilty Verdicts for your client in Cause Numbers 1718483 – 1718484 out of the 228th Criminal District Court for the offenses of
Failure to Stop and Render Aid and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
(presiding judge – Frank Aguilar – jury trial) co-counsels Brad Haggard and Martin Flores
February 16, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Public Defender Brad Haggard for earning Not Guilty Verdicts for your client in Cause Numbers 1718483 – 1718484 out of the 228th Criminal District Court for the offenses of
Failure to Stop and Render Aid and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
(presiding judge – Frank Aguilar – jury trial) co-counsels Chris Self and Martin Flores
February 16, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Public Defender Martin Flores for earning Not Guilty Verdicts for your client in Cause Numbers 1718483 – 1718484 out of the 228th Criminal District Court for the offenses of
Failure to Stop and Render Aid and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
(presiding judge – Frank Aguilar – jury trial) co-counsels Chris Self and Brad Haggard
February 15, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Prosecutor Erandy Marquez for earning a Guilty Verdict for the State of Texas in Cause Number 1741275 out of the 338th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Murder – Sentence: 30 Years in Prison
(presiding judge – Jim Anderson – jury trial) co-counsel Cameron Gonzales
ABC 13 NEWS – Man charged with capital murder in tow truck driver’s death
February 15, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Prosecutor Cameron Gonzales for earning a Guilty Verdict for the State of Texas in Cause Number 1741275 out of the 338th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Murder – Sentence: 30 Years in Prison
(presiding judge – Jim Anderson – jury trial) co-counsel Erandy Marquez
ABC 13 NEWS – Man charged with capital murder in tow truck driver’s death
February 15, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Defense Attorney Julio Vela for earning an In Trial Dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2398773 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 4 for the offense of
DWI
(presiding judge – John Clinton – jury trial) co-counsels Jonathan and Jacob Vela
February 15, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Defense Attorney Jonathan Vela for earning an In Trial Dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2398773 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 4 for the offense of
DWI
(presiding judge – John Clinton – jury trial) co-counsels Julio and Jacob Vela
February 15, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Defense Attorney Jacob Vela for earning an In Trial Dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2398773 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 4 for the offense of
DWI
(presiding judge – John Clinton – jury trial) co-counsels Julio and Jonathan Vela
February 14, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Defense Attorney Mike Monks for earning a Not Guilty Verdict for your client in Cause Number 1692102 out of the 183rd Criminal District Court for the offense of
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
(presiding judge – Kristin Guiney – jury trial)
February 14, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Prosecutor Dana Nazarova for earning an In-Trial Plea for the State of Texas in Cause Number 1706410 out of the 337th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child – Sentence: 5 Years Deferred Probation
(presiding judge – Colleen Gaido – jury trial) co-counsel Alyson Almaguer
February 14, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Prosecutor Alyson Almaguer for earning an In-Trial Plea for the State of Texas in Cause Number 1706410 out of the 337th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child – Sentence: 5 Years Deferred Probation
(presiding judge – Colleen Gaido – jury trial) co-counsel Dana Nazarova
February 14, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Prosecutor Bryan Honeycutt for earning an In-Trial Plea for the State of Texas in Cause Number 1556893 out of the 179th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Murder – Sentence: 30 Years in Prison
(presiding judge – Ana Martinez – jury trial) co-counsel Rehaman Merchant
February 14, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Prosecutor Rehaman Merchant for earning an In-Trial Plea for the State of Texas in Cause Number 1556893 out of the 179th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Murder – Sentence: 30 Years in Prison
(presiding judge – Ana Martinez – jury trial) co-counsel Bryan Honeycutt
February 14, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Prosecutor Donald Epperson for earning an In-Trial Plea for the State of Texas in Cause Number 2371314 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 4 for the offense of
DWI >.15 – Sentence: 1 year Probation
(presiding judge – Natalie Fleming – jury trial)
February 13, 2023 – Show Me The Justice Congratulations to Defense Attorney Maria Guadalupe De Leon for earning a Not Guilty Verdict for your client in Cause Number 2408547 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 4 for the offense of
Assault Family Member
(presiding judge – Natalie Fleming – jury trial)
Note: The following spreadsheets, standings, charts, graphs and compilations are NOT 100% accurate and should not be relied upon as authoritative information.
TRIAL WIN LEADERS from the Harris County Criminal Courthouse (February 7, 2017 through This Current Post Date). Congratulations to these fine Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys for earning verdicts for the state and your clients over the last 5+ years! Note: Trial wins consist of trial verdicts – sometimes more than 1 verdict per trial – 10 wins minimum for Prosecutors and 4 wins minimum for Defense Attorneys (Source: Show Me The Justice “Lawyers in Trial” Spreadsheet)
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Maverick Ray for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1716745 out of the 179th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Felon in Possession of a Weapon
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Mark Lipkin for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1638659 out of the 179th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Burglary of a Habitation
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Jerome Godinich for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1703937 out of the 185th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Burglary of a Habitation
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Adam Muldrow for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1757731 out of the 232nd Criminal District Court for the offense of
Aggravated Kidnapping
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Lott Brooks for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1729130 out of the 248th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Assault on a Pregnant Person
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Cordt Akers for an excellent job earning a felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1777465 out of the 176th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Theft $30K – $150K
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Rand Mintzer for an excellent job earning a felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1694645 out of the 178th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Possession of Marijuana 5lbs – 50lbs
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Maritza Antu for an excellent job earning a felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1800894 out of the 337th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney BreAnna Schwartz for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1775620 out of the 179th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Carrying a Weapon in a Prohibited Place
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Jimmy Ortiz Jr. for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1723780 out of the 174th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Possession of Child Pornography
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Riddhi Desai for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1651741 out of the 338th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Samuel Cammack III for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1588531 out of the 338th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Aggravated Assault Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Christopher Carlson for an excellent job earning a felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1683006 out of the 482nd Criminal District Court for the offense of
Sexual Assault
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Jill Lansden for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1744621 out of the 183rd Criminal District Court for the offense of
Indecency with a Child
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Erinn Brown for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1672185 out of the 180th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Philip Gommels for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1773087 out of the 183rd Criminal District Court for the offense of
Assault Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Paul Tu for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1751750 out of the 228th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Indecency with a Child
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Christian Capitaine for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1655454 out of the 338th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Assault Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Jesse Rios for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1645184 out of the 262nd Criminal District Court for the offense of
Continuous Violence Against the Family
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Cruz Cervantes for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1681806 out of the 351st Criminal District Court for the offense of
Murder
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Brennen Dunn for an excellent job earning a felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1740663 out of the 351st Criminal District Court for the offense of
Murder
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Chris Denuna for an excellent job earning a felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1752943 out of the 262nd Criminal District Court for the offense of
DWI – 3rd Offense
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Charles Johnson for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1759105 out of the 209th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Assault on a Pregnant Person
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Ed Chernoff for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1637070 out of the 230th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Murder
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Vik Vij for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1723225 out of the 248th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Assault Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Martina Longoria for an excellent job earning a felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1617002 out of the 482nd Criminal District Court for the offense of
Indecency with a Child
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Hans Nielsen for an excellent job earning a trial setting felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1688521 out of the 248th Criminal District Court for the offense of
Indecency with a Child
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Sanam Mirfattah for an excellent job earning a felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1761464 out of the 482nd Criminal District Court for the offense of
Assault Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Mekisha Walker for an excellent job earning a felony dismissal for your client in Cause Number 1795530 out of the 183rd Criminal District Court for the offense of
Continuous Violence Against the Family
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Shannon Davis for an excellent job earning a misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2396398 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 4 for the offense of
DWI – 2nd Offense
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Cheryl Swisher for an excellent job earning a misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2425860 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 9 for the offense of
Illuminating an Aircraft with a Laser Pointer
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Brian Overstreet for an excellent job earning a trial setting misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2377008 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 15 for the offense of
Reckless Driving
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Matthew Perez for an excellent job earning a misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2419550 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 14 for the offense of
DWI – 2nd Offense
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Chabli Hall for an excellent job earning a trial setting misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2339430 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 8 for the offense of
Assault Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Lonnie Knowles for an excellent job earning a trial setting misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2409892 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 16 for the offense of
DWI – 2nd Offense
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Drew Darnell for an excellent job earning a misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2420273 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 11 for the offense of
Racing on the Highway
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Kelly Benavides for an excellent job earning a trial setting misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2400043 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 9 for the offense of
Assault
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Ericon Garza for an excellent job earning a trial setting misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2400040 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 9 for the offense of
Assault
Show Me The Justice recognizes Public Defender Hannah Herzog for an excellent job earning a trial setting misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2382872 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 8 for the offense of
Indecent Exposure
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney James Magown for an excellent job earning a trial setting misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2397999 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 6 for the offense of
Assault Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Roland Mosher for an excellent job earning a trial setting misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2400041 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 9 for the offense of
Assault
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Scott Siscoe for an excellent job earning a misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2389760 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 3 for the offense of
DWI – 2nd Offense
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Sara Davis for an excellent job earning a misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2383241 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 10 for the offense of
Game Room Violation
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Sam Adamo Jr. for an excellent job earning a trial setting misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2347144 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 5 for the offense of
DWI
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Kate Ferrell for an excellent job earning a trial setting misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2384760 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 8 for the offense of
Assault Family Member
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Jim Butler for an excellent job earning a trial setting misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2348011 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 9 for the offense of
DWI
Show Me The Justice recognizes Defense Attorney Diana Sims for an excellent job earning a trial setting misdemeanor dismissal for your client in Cause Number 2357277 out of County Criminal Court at Law Number 2 for the offense of
Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon
Trials consist of a jury selected or a court trial initiated.
Great tips from the Harris County Court Reporters! I interviewed 12 of some of the best court reporters working the Harris County Criminal Courts and got their “inside information” on how jurors, lawyers, witnesses and judges can improve in trial to make it easier for the court reporter to take down ALL the information required of them for an excellent record.
Judge Raul Rodriguez County Criminal Court 13 – 9am-12p
Judge Darrell Jordan County Criminal Court 16 – 9am-12p
Judge David Fleischer County Criminal Court 5 – 9am-12p
Judge Genesis Draper County Criminal Court 12 – 11am-1p
Judge Kelley Andrews County Criminal Court 6 – 9am-12p
Harris County Felony Courts Dashboard
Learn about BAIL trends in Harris County Criminal Courts
HARRIS COUNTY BAIL BOND DASHBOARD
What does CHAT GPT think? (Artificial Intelligence)
ChatGPT’s Answer: During voir dire, which is the process of questioning potential jurors in a criminal case to determine their suitability to serve on a jury, a lawyer should gather information that will help them determine which jurors are likely to be most sympathetic to their client’s case. Here are some examples of information that a lawyer may want to gather during voir dire:
- Personal information: A lawyer may want to gather basic personal information about each juror, such as their occupation, education level, marital status, and whether they have children.
- Prejudices or biases: A lawyer may want to ask questions to determine if a juror has any prejudices or biases that may affect their ability to be fair and impartial. For example, a lawyer may ask if a juror has had any negative experiences with law enforcement, or if they have any strong opinions about the type of crime that is being tried.
- Experience with the legal system: A lawyer may want to ask if a juror has ever been involved in a criminal case, or if they have any experience with the legal system that could influence their decision-making.
- Media exposure: A lawyer may want to ask if a juror has seen or heard any news coverage of the case, and whether they have formed any opinions about the case as a result.
- Attitudes toward the criminal justice system: A lawyer may want to ask if a juror has any strong opinions about the criminal justice system, such as whether they believe it is generally fair or unfair.
By gathering this information, a lawyer can make more informed decisions about which jurors to select or dismiss from the jury pool. Ultimately, the goal is to select a jury that is fair, impartial, and likely to be sympathetic to their client’s case.
ChatGPT’s Answer: A potential juror should be stricken for cause in a criminal case if they demonstrate that they cannot be fair and impartial or if they are otherwise unfit to serve as a juror. Here are some common reasons why a potential juror might be stricken for cause:
- Bias or prejudice: If a potential juror expresses bias or prejudice that would prevent them from being impartial, they may be stricken for cause. For example, if a potential juror states that they believe all people accused of a certain crime are guilty, they may be stricken for cause.
- Prior knowledge of the case: If a potential juror has prior knowledge of the case that would prevent them from being impartial, they may be stricken for cause. For example, if a potential juror has a personal connection to the victim or the defendant, they may be stricken for cause.
- Inability to be fair: If a potential juror expresses that they cannot be fair and impartial, they may be stricken for cause. For example, if a potential juror expresses a strong opinion about the case and is unable to set aside that opinion, they may be stricken for cause.
- Inability to understand or follow the law: If a potential juror is unable to understand or follow the law, they may be stricken for cause. For example, if a potential juror cannot understand the instructions given by the judge or cannot understand the concept of reasonable doubt, they may be stricken for cause.
- Physical or mental incapacity: If a potential juror has a physical or mental incapacity that would prevent them from serving as a juror, they may be stricken for cause. For example, if a potential juror is deaf and cannot understand the proceedings, they may be stricken for cause.
In general, a potential juror should be stricken for cause if there is any reason to believe that they cannot be fair and impartial or if they are otherwise unfit to serve as a juror. The goal is to select a jury that can make an unbiased decision based on the evidence presented in court.
ChatGPT’s Answer: Peremptory challenges allow attorneys in a criminal case to strike a limited number of potential jurors without providing a specific reason. However, there are some limitations on the use of peremptory challenges, and it is important to use them wisely. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which jurors to strike on your peremptory challenges:
- Jurors who are likely to be unsympathetic to your client’s case: Peremptory challenges are often used to strike potential jurors who are likely to be unsympathetic to your client’s case. For example, if your client is accused of a violent crime, you may want to strike potential jurors who have a strong opinion about violent crime or who have been the victim of a violent crime.
- Jurors who have a personal connection to the case: Peremptory challenges can also be used to strike potential jurors who have a personal connection to the case, such as a family member or friend of the victim or the defendant. These jurors may be more likely to have a bias or prejudice that would affect their ability to be impartial.
- Jurors who have expressed bias or prejudice: While potential jurors who have expressed bias or prejudice can be struck for cause, peremptory challenges can also be used to strike these jurors without having to provide a specific reason. For example, if a potential juror has expressed a strong opinion about the case or has a bias against your client’s race or gender, you may want to strike them on a peremptory challenge.
- Jurors who have a specific occupation or background: Peremptory challenges can also be used to strike potential jurors who have a specific occupation or background that may make them less likely to be sympathetic to your client’s case. For example, if your client is accused of a white-collar crime, you may want to strike potential jurors who work in the financial industry or who have a background in law enforcement.
It is important to use peremptory challenges wisely, as they are limited in number and should be reserved for the potential jurors who are most likely to be unsympathetic to your client’s case. It is also important to avoid using peremptory challenges in a way that could be considered discriminatory or in violation of the juror’s constitutional rights.
Show Me The Justice assumes no liability for damages incurred directly or indirectly as a result of errors, omissions or discrepancies. Moreover, Show Me The Justice does not endorse any particular lawyer for hire nor endorses any site which has a link from these pages. For more information see The Making of This Blog