Texas Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer - Attorney Jim Sullivan 281-546-6428

Fort Bend County Child Abuse Lawyer | Sugarland Injury to a Child Attorney

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:51:48 +0000

Fort Bend County Child Abuse

Parents, family members, guardians or caretakers of children are often alarmed or stunned that they are accused of child abuse or neglect in the Greater Houston area. Because of reporting requirements in Texas, law enforcement officers usually will investigate almost all reports of discipline or physical abuse, including slapping, hitting, spanking, kicking, beating, broken bones or any welts, bruises or marks on the child.

Although bruises and marks alone are insufficient evidence for a child abuse conviction, allegations of child neglect or abuse can result in serious consequences if the alleged abuser is convicted or placed on probation, including jail time, fines, irreparable harm to reputation, humiliation, loss of parental rights and/or a permanent criminal record.

Charges or accusations of child neglect or abuse do not have to result in a criminal conviction. To do so, each and every element of the offense has to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt by the state prosecutor. This burden of proof is very high and the State often has difficult in meeting it. If the jury has a reasonable doubt you committed every element of the offense, you will be found not guilty. If the State does not believe they can prove their case at trial, the State may offer to reduce the charges to a misdemeanor or even dismiss the charges outright. Therefore, it is extremely important that you contact an experienced criminal trial lawyer in the Greater Houston area who will investigate your case and suggest the best legal strategy to defend you.

Sugarland Child Abuse Lawyer

Contact James Sullivan & Associates for a consultation at (281) 546-6428 about your allegations of child abuse or child neglect through Texas, including the areas of Harris County (Houston), Montgomery County (Conroe), Fort Bend County (Richmond), Brazoria County (Angleton), Galveston County (Galveston), Matagorda County (Bay City), Waller County (Hempstead), Washington County (Brenham), Liberty County (Liberty), Chambers County (Anahuac) and Jefferson County (Beaumont).

What is Child Abuse in Fort Bend County?

Texas law defines abuse under Texas Family Code §261.001(1) as any of the following acts or omissions:

Mental or emotional injury to a child that results in an observable and material impairment in the child’s growth, development, or psychological functioning;
Allowing a child to be in a situation where the child receives mental or emotional injury;
Physical injury or threat of substantial harm to the child;
Failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent the acts of another person that results in physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child;
Sexual conduct harmful to a child’s emotional, mental or physical welfare including conduct that constitutes the offense of continuous sexual abuse of young child or children (Texas Penal Code §21.02), indecency with a child (TPC § 21.11) sexual assault (TPC §22.011) or aggravated sexual assault (TPC § 22.021);
Failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct harmful to a child;
Compelling or encouraging a child to engage in sexual conduct such as prostitution or pornography;
Using a controlled substance by a person in a way that the use results in mental, emotional or physical injury to a child;
Causing, allowing or encouraging a child to use a controlled substance; and/or
Causing, allowing, encouraging, or engaging in a sexual performance by a child (TPC § 43.25).

What is Child Neglect in Fort Bend County?

Neglect is defined by TFC §261.001(4) as:

Leaving a child in a situation where the child would be exposed to a substantial risk of physical or mental harm, without arranging for necessary care for the child, and the demonstration of an intent not to return by a parent, guardian, or managing or possessory conservator of the child;
Placing a child in or failing to remove a child from a situation that a reasonable person would realize requires judgment or actions beyond the child’s level of maturity, physical condition, or mental abilities and that results in bodily injury or a substantial risk of immediate harm or harmful sexual conduct;
The failure to seek medical care for a child that results in a substantial risk of death, disfigurement or bodily injury or with the failure resulting in an observable and material impairment to the growth, development, or functioning of the child; and/or
The failure to provide a child with food, clothing or shelter necessary to sustain the life or health of the child, excluding failure caused primarily by financial inability unless relief services had been offered and refused.

Sugarland Child Abuse Crimes

According to TPC § 22.04, an individual can be charged with child abuse, injury to a child or child neglect if they intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence cause a child:

Serious bodily injury,
Serious mental deficiency, impairment or injury, or
Bodily injury.

An individual can also be charged with child abuse if they fail to act on behalf of or care for a child the alleged offender had a legal or statutory duty to act on behalf of or if they have assumed care for the child, such as parent or an owner of or an employee of a child day care.

Texas law defines as a child as anyone 14 years of age or younger, according to TPC § 22.04(c)(1). Bodily injury is defined as any physical pain, illness or impairment of any physical condition, according to TPC § 1.07(a)(8) . Serious bodily injury is defined as any bodily injury that causes permanent impairment or loss of any body part or organ, substantial risk of death, or serious permanent disfigurement, according to TPC § 1.07(a)(46).

Sugarland Child Abuse Punishment

The possible punishments and penalties for child abuse offenses are defined in Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code. The degree of conviction and punishment varies depending on the alleged offender’s mental state and the degree of injury caused to the child as a result of the abuse or neglect.

An individual charged with a child abuse offense involving criminal negligence by the alleged offender can be convicted of a state jail felony. A state jail felony is punishable by 180 days to two years in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000.

An individual charged with a child abuse offense involving reckless actions by the alleged offender that resulted in bodily injury can be convicted of state jail felony. A state jail felony is punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or a jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years.

An individual charged with a child abuse offense involving intentional or knowing actions by the alleged offender that resulted in bodily injury can be convicted of a felony of the third degree. A felony of the third degree is punishable by two to ten years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.

An individual charged with a child abuse offense involving reckless actions by the alleged offender that resulted in serious bodily injury or serious mental injury can be convicted of a felony of the second degree. A felony of the second degree is punishable by two to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.

An individual charged with a child abuse offense involving intentional or knowing actions by the alleged offender that resulted in serious mental injury or serious bodily injury can be convicted of a felony of the first degree. A felony of the first degree is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years and/or a fine not more than $10,000.

What are the Duty to Report Child Abuse Laws in Texas?

According to TFC §261.101, anyone who has reason to believe a child’s mental or physical health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect is required to make a report with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Additionally, anyone who is considered a child care professional is required to make the report within 48 hours. A professional in Texas is anyone who is licensed or certified by the state or is an employee of a facility licensed or certified by the state and has direct contact with children in the normal course of their job.

Child care professionals can include

nurses,
doctors,
mental health practitioners,
attorneys,
members of the clergy,
teachers,
reproductive service clinic or facility employees,
juvenile probation officers,
juvenile detention or correctional officers, and/or
day-care employees.

Failure to make a report of child abuse or neglect as provided by Texas law can result in being charged with a misdemeanor or state jail felony offense.

James Sullivan & Associates | Sugarland Child Neglect Attorney

Contact James Sullivan & Associates for a free consultation at (281) 546-6428 about your allegations of child abuse or child neglect in the areas of Harris County (Houston), Montgomery County (Conroe), Fort Bend County (Richmond), Brazoria County (Angleton), Matagorda County (Bay City), Waller County (Hempstead), Washington County (Brenham), Liberty County (Liberty), Chambers County (Anahuac) and Jefferson County (Beaumont). James Sullivan is an experienced Sugarland family crimes lawyer who will work hard to get you the best result for your particular situation.

Brazoria County Child Abuse Lawyer | Angleton Injury to a Child Attorney

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:31:03 +0000

Brazoria County Child Abuse

Angleton Child Abuse Lawyer

What is Child Abuse in Brazoria County?

Texas law defines abuse under Texas Family Code §261.001(1) as any of the following acts or omissions:

Mental or emotional injury to a child that results in an observable and material impairment in the child’s growth, development, or psychological functioning;
Allowing a child to be in a situation where the child receives mental or emotional injury;
Physical injury or threat of substantial harm to the child;
Failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent the acts of another person that results in physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child;
Sexual conduct harmful to a child’s emotional, mental or physical welfare including conduct that constitutes the offense of continuous sexual abuse of young child or children (Texas Penal Code §21.02), indecency with a child (TPC § 21.11) sexual assault (TPC §22.011) or aggravated sexual assault (TPC § 22.021);
Failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct harmful to a child;
Compelling or encouraging a child to engage in sexual conduct such as prostitution or pornography;
Using a controlled substance by a person in a way that the use results in mental, emotional or physical injury to a child;
Causing, allowing or encouraging a child to use a controlled substance; and/or
Causing, allowing, encouraging, or engaging in a sexual performance by a child (TPC § 43.25).

What is Child Neglect in Brazoria County?

Neglect is defined by TFC §261.001(4) as:

Leaving a child in a situation where the child would be exposed to a substantial risk of physical or mental harm, without arranging for necessary care for the child, and the demonstration of an intent not to return by a parent, guardian, or managing or possessory conservator of the child;
Placing a child in or failing to remove a child from a situation that a reasonable person would realize requires judgment or actions beyond the child’s level of maturity, physical condition, or mental abilities and that results in bodily injury or a substantial risk of immediate harm or harmful sexual conduct;
The failure to seek medical care for a child that results in a substantial risk of death, disfigurement or bodily injury or with the failure resulting in an observable and material impairment to the growth, development, or functioning of the child; and/or
The failure to provide a child with food, clothing or shelter necessary to sustain the life or health of the child, excluding failure caused primarily by financial inability unless relief services had been offered and refused.

Angleton Child Abuse Crimes

According to TPC § 22.04, an individual can be charged with child abuse, injury to a child or child neglect if they intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence cause a child:

Serious bodily injury,
Serious mental deficiency, impairment or injury, or
Bodily injury.

Angleton Child Abuse Punishment

What are the Duty to Report Child Abuse Laws in Texas?

Child care professionals can include

nurses,
doctors,
mental health practitioners,
attorneys,
members of the clergy,
teachers,
reproductive service clinic or facility employees,
juvenile probation officers,
juvenile detention or correctional officers, and/or
day-care employees.

Failure to make a report of child abuse or neglect as provided by Texas law can result in being charged with a misdemeanor or state jail felony offense.

James Sullivan & Associates | Angleton Child Neglect Attorney

Contact James Sullivan & Associates for a free consultation at (281) 546-6428 about your allegations of child abuse or child neglect in the areas of Harris County (Houston), Montgomery County (Conroe), Fort Bend County (Richmond), Brazoria County (Angleton), Matagorda County (Bay City), Waller County (Hempstead), Washington County (Brenham), Liberty County (Liberty), Chambers County (Anahuac) and Jefferson County (Beaumont). James Sullivan is an experienced Angleton family crimes lawyer who will work hard to get you the best result for your particular situation.

Montgomery County Family Violence Lawyer | Conroe Texas

admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 01:05:42 +0000

Texas Assault Family Violence Charges Defense

Montgomery County Domestic Assault Lawyers James Sullivan & Associates

Most couples learn to resolve their differences or even end their relationships without resorting to domestic assault or family violence. Sometimes, however, even good people gets so stressed out and feel so overwhelmed that they lose it even for a moment and strike out at their partner or another family member in a physical way.

The Consequences for Assault Family Violence

Depending on the circumstances, the prosecutors can charge Assault Family Violence either as:

a misdemeanor, or
a felony.

A Class A Misdemeanor Assault means that a person caused bodily injury (or pain) to their partner. If the person used a deadly weapon in the domestic assault, then it is a Felony Aggravated Assault. If the person choked their partner or restricted their breathing, then it is also a Felony. No matter the level of the criminal offense charged, you can expect the court to order you out of your home and have no contact until the case is resolved with your partner, spouse or family member. Punishment for those who are found guilty of misdemeanor assault family violence may also include:

Community Supervision (Probation
A fine of up to $4,000.00
Jail confinement of up to one year
Community service
Anger management counseling

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office immediately calls the alleged victim to get their statement as to what happened. The prosecutors lock in the emotional stress of the event by obtaining their immediate statement. However, facts tend to change and the importance of the incidence significantly lessens frequently after a short cooling off time.

Arrested for Assault Family Violence? Call James Sullivan & Associates at (281) 546-6428.

Defending a Conroe Texas Assault Family Violence Charge

Assault against a family member is very serious and can have far reaching consequences. The accused may be permanently barred from working in certain industries. The accused may be denied housing in apartment complexes. If you are charged with assault family violence, you should seek legal advice from a experienced criminal defense lawyers.

The defense lawyers of James Sullivan & Associates fight to get their client’s assault family violence charges dismissed or won at trial. Other domestic assault lawyers may choose to arrange a plea bargain for their clients; however, this may not be in the client’s best interest. While it is true that a defendant who successfully completes a deferred adjudication probation will not have a conviction on their record, it is also true that if that person ever gets arrested again for assault family violence then he or she will be charged with a third degree felony and if found guilty could be sentenced to between 2 to 10 years in prison.

Negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors should be the last resort. A good domestic assault lawyer will first investigate the case, interview witnesses, analyze physical evidence and review witness statements in the offense report for inconsistencies. Such a defense attorney will also consider possible motives for making false allegations, such as jealousy, revenge or child custody issues.

Need Legal Advice? Call James Sullivan & Associates at (281) 546-6428.

Call a Conroe Texas Assault Family Violence Lawyer

The best way to resolve the case is by first talking with an Assault Family Violence Lawyer. Conroe Texas Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan will consider the merits of your case and give you an honest evaluation. He will aggressively defend you. His legal fees are affordable, reasonable and fair.

Call James Sullivan right now at (281) 546-6428.

Waller County Domestic Violence Lawyer | Hempstead Texas Family Violence Attorney

admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:41:50 +0000

Assault Family Violence Charges Defense

Waller County Domestic Assault Lawyers James Sullivan & Associates

The Consequences for Assault Family Violence

Depending on the circumstances, the prosecutors can charge Assault Family Violence either as:

a misdemeanor, or
a felony.

Community Supervision (Probation
A fine of up to $4,000.00
Jail confinement of up to one year
Community service
Anger management counseling

The Waller County District Attorney’s Office immediately calls the alleged victim to get their statement as to what happened. The prosecutors lock in the emotional stress of the event by obtaining their immediate statement. However, facts tend to change and the importance of the incidence significantly lessens frequently after a short cooling off time.

Arrested for Assault Family Violence? Call James Sullivan & Associates at (281) 546-6428.

Defending a Hempstead Texas Assault Family Violence Charge

Need Legal Advice? Call James Sullivan & Associates at (281) 546-6428.

Call a Hempstead Texas Assault Family Violence Lawyer

The best way to resolve the case is by first talking with an Assault Family Violence Lawyer. Hempstead Texas Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan will consider the merits of your case and give you an honest evaluation. He will aggressively defend you. His legal fees are affordable, reasonable and fair.

Call James Sullivan right now at (281) 546-6428.

Brazoria County Family Violence Attorney | Alvin Domestic Assault Lawyer

admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:32:05 +0000

Assault Family Violence Charges Defense

Alvin Domestic Assault Lawyers James Sullivan & Associates

The Consequences for Assault Family Violence

Depending on the circumstances, the prosecutors can charge Assault Family Violence either as:

a misdemeanor, or
a felony.

Community Supervision (Probation)
A fine of up to $4,000.00
Jail confinement of up to one year
Community service
Anger management counseling

The Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office immediately calls the alleged victim to get their statement as to what happened. The prosecutors lock in the emotional stress of the event by obtaining their immediate statement. However, facts tend to change and the importance of the incidence significantly lessens frequently after a short cooling off time.

Arrested for Assault Family Violence? Call James Sullivan & Associates at (281) 546-6428.

Defending a Brazoria County Assault Family Violence Charge

Need Legal Advice? Call James Sullivan & Associates at (281) 546-6428.

Call an Alvin Assault Family Violence Lawyer

The best way to resolve the case is by first talking with an Assault Family Violence Lawyer. Alvin Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan will consider the merits of your case and give you an honest evaluation. He will aggressively defend you. His legal fees are affordable, reasonable and fair.

Call James Sullivan right now at (281) 546-6428.

Fort Bend County Domestic Violence Attorney

admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:17:15 +0000

Assault Family Violence Charges Defense

Fort Bend County Domestic Assault Lawyers James Sullivan & Associates

The Consequences for Assault Family Violence

Depending on the circumstances, the prosecutors can charge Assault Family Violence either as:

a misdemeanor, or
a felony.

Community Supervision (Probation
A fine of up to $4,000.00
Jail confinement of up to one year
Community service
Anger management counseling

The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office immediately calls the alleged victim to get their statement as to what happened. The prosecutors lock in the emotional stress of the event by obtaining their immediate statement. However, facts tend to change and the importance of the incidence significantly lessens frequently after a short cooling off time.

Arrested for Assault Family Violence? Call James Sullivan & Associates at (281) 546-6428.

Defending a Sugarland Assault Family Violence Charge

Need Legal Advice? Call James Sullivan & Associates at (281) 546-6428.

Call a Sugarland Assault Family Violence Lawyer

The best way to resolve the case is by first talking with an Assault Family Violence Lawyer. Sugarland Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan will consider the merits of your case and give you an honest evaluation. He will aggressively defend you. His legal fees are affordable, reasonable and fair.

Call James Sullivan right now at (281) 546-6428.

Liberty County Assault Family Violence Lawyer

admin — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:47:26 +0000

Assault Family Violence Charges Defense

Liberty County Domestic Assault Lawyers James Sullivan & Associates

The Consequences for Assault Family Violence

Depending on the circumstances, the prosecutors can charge Assault Family Violence either as:

a misdemeanor, or
a felony.

Community Supervision (Probation
A fine of up to $4,000.00
Jail confinement of up to one year
Community service
Anger management counseling

The Liberty County District Attorney’s Office immediately calls the alleged victim to get their statement as to what happened. The prosecutors lock in the emotional stress of the event by obtaining their immediate statement. However, facts tend to change and the importance of the incidence significantly lessens frequently after a short cooling off time.

Arrested for Assault Family Violence? Call James Sullivan & Associates at (281) 546-6428.

Defending a Liberty Texas Assault Family Violence Charge

Need Legal Advice? Call James Sullivan & Associates at (281) 546-6428.

Call a Liberty Texas Assault Family Violence Lawyer

The best way to resolve the case is by first talking with an Assault Family Violence Lawyer. Liberty Texas Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan will consider the merits of your case and give you an honest evaluation. He will aggressively defend you. His legal fees are affordable, reasonable and fair.

Call James Sullivan right now at (281) 546-6428.

Arrested in Houston for Assault Family Violence? Attorney James Sullivan Can Defend You

admin — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:07:15 +0000

WHEN LOVE TURNS VIOLENT

Most couples learn to resolve their differences or even end their relationships without resorting to violence. Sometimes, however, even good people gets so stressed out and feel so overwhelmed that they lose it even for a moment and strike out at their partner in a physical way.

Depending on the nature of the violent act, the prosecutors can charge it either as a misdemeanor or a felony. A class A misdemeanor assault means that one person caused bodily injury (or pain) to their partner. If the person used a deadly weapon, then it is a felony assault. If the person choked their partner or restricted their breathing, then it is also a felony. No matter the level of the criminal offense charged, you can expect the court to order you out of your home and have no contact until the case is resolved with your partner or spouse.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has a Family Criminal Law Division that focuses solely on domestic violence. The prosecutors immediately call the alleged victim to get their statement as to what happened. The prosecutors lock in the emotional stress of the event by obtaining their immediate statement. However, facts tend to change and the importance of the incidence significantly lessens frequently after a short cooling off time.

The best way to resolve the case is by first talking with a criminal defense attorney. Houston Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan will consider the merits of your case and give you an honest evaluation. He will aggressively defend you. You can call James Sullivan right now at 281-546-6428.

The results below list a few of the Criminal and Juvenile Assault Family Violence cases that James Sullivan has defended in Harris and surrounding counties since 2008. He has represented criminal and juvenile clients since 1994.

CASE #	CT #	TEXAS CRIMINAL OFFENSE	ACTUAL RESULT

1360460	182	ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE ENHANCED (3° Felony)	REDUCED TO CLASS A MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT with time served, 3 days in county jail (Client had 2 previous Assault family violence convictions involving a different complainant)
JUVENILE	351^ST	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (3°) and ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (A)	PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION. CASE WILL BE DISMISSED AFTER COMPLETION OF DIVERSION PROGRAM (Client accused of hitting mother and on a later date threatening her with a steak knife)
1336650	351^st	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER BY IMPEDING BREATHING (3°)	NO BILLED (Dismissed) BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of choking his wife during a physical altercation in which the client was slapped and scratched)
1341002	183^rd	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (2° Felony)	NO BILLED (Dismissed) BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of intentionally trying to drive into and strike her girlfriend)
CC 11-836	WALLER COUNTY	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (A)	DISMISSED WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING (Client accused of injuring ex-wife after divorce was final. Client insisted he was innocent. State dismissed the case “in the interest of justice”)
96222	LIBERTY COUNTY	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (A)	DISMISSED WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING (Client accused of hitting his spouse)
1318813	179^TH	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER 2^ND OFFENDER (Felony Habitual enhanced facing 25 years to Life in TDC)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING AFTER FACING 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON
JUVENILE	314^TH	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1320509	337^TH	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER 2^ND OFFNDER (Enhanced to 2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1736017	7	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER	DISMISSED BY STATE ON JURY TRIAL SETTING
1287564	174^th	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (2° Felony)	PSI HEARING, RECEIVED DADJ PROBATION (Client with mental illness stabbed his girlfriend in the arm and upper back. State only offered prison time)
1290473	338^TH	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (Felony Habitual enhanced facing 25 years to Life in TDC)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT ON TRIAL SETTING AFTER FACING 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON
1270822	176^TH	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (Felony Habitual)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING AFTER FACING 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON
1285290	174^TH	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER BY CHOKING (3° Felony)	DISMISSED BY STATE ON TRIAL SETTING
JUVENILE	315^TH	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (A)	DISMISSED BY STATE ON TRIAL SETTING
JUVENILE	313^TH	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (A)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1290883	183^RD	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER 2^ND OFFENDER (3° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1281428	174^TH	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (Felony Habitual)	NO BILLED (Dismissed) BY GRAND JURY AFTER FACING 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON (Client accused of hitting wife multiple times after both had been drinking)
1267878	339^TH	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER BY CHOKING (3° Felony)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1239319	262^ND	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER BY CHOKING (3° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT
JUVENILE	315^TH	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1194679	179^TH	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1222418	339^TH	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (2°)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR DEADLY CONDUCT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
JUVENILE	315^TH	ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (A)	DISMISSED BY STATE ON TRIAL SETTING
1183601	232^ND	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT ON TRIAL SETTING

Houston Theft Attorney | Theft Crime Defense Lawyer in Houston | Jim Sullivan

admin — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 05:23:00 +0000

Houston Theft Crimes

Theft is the most common crime in Texas. Theft is a crime of dishonesty (moral turpitude). For that reason, a theft conviction can prevent one from landing a good job, and a felony theft conviction can lead to a lengthy prison sentence.

Stealing from one’s employer, also known as employee theft, is prosecuted more severely. The consequences of a theft conviction can be harsh and affect a person the rest of their life. Because a conviction cannot be expunged or sealed (non-disclosed) to the public, it is important to hire the best Houston theft defense attorney possible to represent you.

2009-2013 Houston Theft-Related Case Results

Here are some of Sullivan’s recent theft-related case results:

CASE #	CT #	TEXAS THEFT-RELATED OFFENSE	ACTUAL CASE RESULTS FROM 2009 TO 2013

1861238	7	THEFT	DISMISSED WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING (Client accused of stealing an I-Pad from a restaurant)
JUVENILE	315	AUTO THEFT (3° Felony)	DISMISSED WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING (Client accused of stealing an acquaintance’s car)
08-02655	Jefferson County Criminal District Court	THEFT (SJF) in Jefferson County (Beaumont)	REDUCED TO CLASS B MISDEMEANOR with 20 actual days in county jail and no restitution (Client accused of stealing over $10,000 from his employer and allegedly signed a voluntary confession. Thorough investigation by defense counsel cast serious doubt on the State’s ability to prove their case at trial)
1765259	4	THEFT (B)	DISMISSED WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING (Client accused of shoplifting and successfully completed a Pre-Trial Intervention)
1812130	4	THEFT (A)	DISMISSED WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING (Client accused of stealing a cell phone at a party)
1306891	339^TH	ROBBERY (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT ON JURY TRIAL SETTING (Client accused of stealing cell phone after attacking his girlfriend)(State only offered 4 years in prison before trial)
1321679	184^TH	BURGLARY OF A HABITATION (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused breaking into home while homeowner was home, however client had credible alibi witnesses at the time of the alleged burglary)
1317454	337^th	THEFT FROM A PERSON (SJF)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR THEFT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING and granted 2 years DADJ
1298554	232^ND	BURGLARY OF A HABITATION (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR TRESPASS
JUVENILE	314^TH	BURGLARY OF A HABITATION (2° Felony)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
JUVENILE	313^TH	ROBBERY (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1289876	232^ND	ATTEMPTED BURGLARY OF A HABITATION (3° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR TRESPASS OF A HABITATION WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1261476	338^TH	THEFT (State Jail Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR THEFT AND GRANTED DEFERRED ADJUDICATION
1268926	339^TH	BURGLARY OF A HABITATION (2° Felony)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1277540	232^ND	BURGLARY OF A HABITATION (2° Felony)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
JUVENILE	313^TH	BURGLARY OF A HABITATION (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR TRESPASS AND GRANTED DEFERRED PROSECUTION
1260791	232^ND	ROBBERY (3° Felony)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1252585	262^ND	FORGERY OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT (3° FELONY)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of passing a counterfeit $100 bill at store)
1247461	232^ND	FORGERY OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT (STATE JAIL FELONY)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR FORGERY
1256660	232^ND	ROBBERY (3° Felony)	REDUCED TO SFJ THEFT FROM A PERSON
1238796	262^ND	THEFT (State Jail Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR THEFT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1185502	179^TH	ROBBERY (4 separate cases)(Felony Habitual)	SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS TDC ON TRIAL SETTING AFTER CLIENT FACED 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON; CLIENT STILL HAD 10 YEARS LEFT ON PAROLE WHEN FIRST CHARGED
1205480	177^TH	AGGRAVATED ROBBERY (2 cases)(1 case dismissed)(1° Felony)	REDUCED TO AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (2° Felony) AND GRANTED DEFERRED ADJUDICATION PROBATION
JUVENILE	315^TH	BURGLARY OF A HABITATION (2°)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT TRIAL SETTING
1200321	337^TH	BURGLARY OF A HABITATION (2°)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR TRESPASS TO HABITATION PRIOR TO TRIAL SETTING
1205243	337^TH	FORGERY (State Jail Felony)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT TRIAL SETTING
1558250	13	THEFT (B)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT TRIAL SETTING
1201179	339^TH	THEFT (State Jail Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR THEFT AND GRANTED DEFERRED ADJUDICATION
1194487	179^TH	ROBBERY (3° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR THEFT WITHOUT TRIAL SETTING
1197048	351^ST	THEFT (State Jail Felony)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT TRIAL SETTING
1197049	351^ST	CREDIT CARD ABUSE (State Jail Felony)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT TRIAL SETTING
1202504	178^TH	THEFT (State Jail Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR THEFT AND GRANTED DEFERRED ADJUDICATION
1185149	232^ND	BURGLARY OF A HABITATION (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR TRESPASS WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1182231	179^TH	BURGLARY OF A HABITATION WITH INTENT TO COMMIT ASSAULT (1° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of breaking into house after a drug deal went bad)
1491538	14	THEFT (B)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT TRIAL SETTING
9913348	8	THEFT (B)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT TRIAL SETTING
JUVENILE	315^TH	THEFT (B)	DISMISSED BY STATE ON TRIAL SETTING
1119948	208^TH	INSURANCE FRAUD (SJF)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT TRIAL SETTING

More 2009-2013 Case Results

Category of Offense Based on Value

The punishment range for theft is based on the alleged value taken:

Value of Property Taken	Punishment	Punishment Range
Over $200,000	First Degree Felony	5 to 99 years in TDC
$100,000 to $200,000	Second Degree Felony	2 to 20 years in TDC
$20,000 to $100,000	Third Degree Felony	2-10 years in TDC
$1500 to $20,000	State Jail Felony	6 months to 2 years in State Jail Facility
$500 to $1500	Class A Misdemeanor	up to one year in County Jail
$50 to $500	Class B Misdemeanor	up to 6 months in County Jail

Probation, including deferred adjudication, is also a possible punishment to theft. In some cases, a pretrial diversionary contract with the DA’s office may be possible.

Texas Theft Law (see Texas Penal Code Sec. 31.03)

In Texas, a person commits theft if he unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of the property. “Appropriate” means to acquire or otherwise exercise control over property other than real property.

Appropriation of property is unlawful if it is without the owner’s effective consent. Essentially, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant took or exercised control over property without the owner’s consent.

The offense of theft is broad and includes theft by false pretext, theft from the person, shoplifting, acquisition of property by threat, swindling, passing a bad check, embezzlement, extortion and receiving or concealing stolen property.

Theft Crime Defenses

There are several defenses to theft charges. Each theft case is different based on its own facts and circumstances. For example, whether or not the prosecutor can prove the actual value alleged could mean the difference between a felony or a misdemeanor. In an employee theft case, the employer may not have kept documents proving ownership of the property allegedly taken or may not have persuasive evidence connecting the defendant to the missing property or money.

Houston Theft Lawyer

If you need an experienced theft defense attorney in the greater Houston area, you can call Jim Sullivan at 281-546-6428.

Houston Family Violence Lawyer | Domestic Assault Attorney in Harris County | James Sullivan

admin — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 22:17:30 +0000

WHEN LOVE TURNS VIOLENT

The best way to resolve the case is by first talking with a criminal defense attorney. Houston Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan will consider the merits of your case and give you an honest evaluation. He will aggressively defend you. His legal fees are affordable, reasonable and fair. You can call James Sullivan right now at 281-546-6428.

CASE #	CT #		TEXAS CRIMINAL OFFENSE		ACTUAL RESULT
JUVENILE	315^th		Assault Family Violence by Impeding Breathing (3° Felony), Assault FV (A), Assault FV (A), Resisting Arrest (A)		DEFERRED PROSECUTION ON FELONY and stipulations on 3 misdemeanor cases (Client with severe psychological problems accused of committing assault against her mother on 2 separate occasions and her sister’s boyfriend)
1355748	248^th		MOTION TO ADJUDICATE GUILT (Assault Family Member)(A)		MADJ DISMISSED BY STATE ON FIRST SETTING. CLIENT RE-INSTATED ON PROBATION (Client falsely accused of having contact with complainant without permission of the court)
1356656	180^th		ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER BY IMPEDING (3° Felony)		NO BILLED (DISMISSED) BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of choking his girlfriend)
JUVENILE	315^th		AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (3°) and ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER (A)		PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION. CASE WILL BE DISMISSED AFTER COMPLETION OF DIVERSION PROGRAM (Client accused of hitting mother and on a later date threatening her with a steak knife)
1336650	351^st		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE/IMPEDING BREATHING (3°)		NO BILLED (DISMISSED) BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of choking his wife during a physical altercation in which the client was slapped and scratched)
1341002	183^rd		AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (2° Felony)		NO BILLED (DISMISSED) BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of intentionally trying to drive into and strike her girlfriend)
CC 11-836	WALLERCOUNTY		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (A)		DISMISSED WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING (Client accused of injuring ex-wife after divorce was final. Client insisted he was innocent. State dismissed the case “in the interest of justice”)
96222		LIBERTYCOUNTY		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (A)	DISMISSED WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING (Client accused of hitting his spouse)
1318813		179^TH		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE 2^ND OFFENDER (Felony Habitual enhanced facing 25 years to Life in TDC)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING AFTER FACING 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON
JUVENILE		314^TH		AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1320509		337^TH		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE 2^ND OFFNDER (Enhanced to 2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING AFTER FACING 2-20 YEARS IN PRISON
1736017		7		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE	DISMISSED BY STATE ON JURY TRIAL SETTING
1287564		174^th		AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (2° Felony)	PSI HEARING, RECEIVED DADJ PROBATION (Client with mental illness stabbed his girlfriend in the arm and upper back. State only offered prison time)
1290473		338^TH		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (Felony Habitual enhanced facing 25 years to Life in TDC)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT ON TRIAL SETTING AFTER FACING 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON
1270822		176^TH		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (Felony Habitual)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING AFTER FACING 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON
1285290		174^TH		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE BY CHOKING (3° Felony)	DISMISSED BY STATE ON JURY TRIAL SETTING
JUVENILE		315^TH		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (A)	DISMISSED BY STATE ON JURY TRIAL SETTING
JUVENILE		313^TH		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (A)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1290883		183^RD		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE 2^ND OFFENDER (3° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1281428		174^TH		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (Felony Habitual)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (DISMISSED) AFTER FACING 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON (Client accused of hitting wife multiple times after both had been drinking)
1267878		339^TH		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE BY CHOKING (3° Felony)	DISMISSED BY STATE WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1239319		262^ND		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE BY CHOKING (3° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT
JUVENILE		315^TH		AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1194679		179^TH		AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
1222418		339^TH		AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR DEADLY CONDUCT WITHOUT A TRIAL SETTING
JUVENILE		315^TH		ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (A)	DISMISSED BY STATE ON TRIAL SETTING
1183601		232^ND		AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (2° Felony)	REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT ON TRIAL SETTING

Wharton & Wharton County Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 02:35:31 +0000

Wharton, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer James (Jim) Sullivan is an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney.

Wharton County Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan has successfully fought the government in Jury Trials on behalf of clients in criminal and juvenile courts since 1994.

Jim Sullivan is also Board Certified in Juvenile Law and recognized statewide as a juvenile law expert. He has a proven record of defending people from all walks of life, faiths and countries in courts throughout Texas.

Defending Your Freedom

Jim Sullivan chose to become a criminal lawyer. It was not by accident. Fighting the government and defending people come natural to him—he was born into a diverse, dynamic family of conservative Baptists and liberal social activists. Unlike many colleagues who practice criminal law, Jim Sullivan has never prosecuted anyone and never will. That is not him. His entire career is devoted to defending people accused of crimes and delinquencies.

Proven Results

Jim Sullivan gets results (see Case Results). Over the past 18 years, Jim Sullivan has defended more than 3,000 people charged with every kind of criminal and juvenile case, including murder, aggravated robbery, drug cases, sex offenses, domestic assault and DWI.

Philosophy

Jim Sullivan practices criminal law with a simple philosophy. If a client says he is not guilty, and if the prosecutor will not dismiss the charge, then Jim Sullivan advises his client that they should fight the case at a jury trial. Unlike many other attorneys, Jim Sullivan does not try to convince an innocent person to plead guilty. Instead, Jim Sullivan fights for his clients’ freedom and reputation (see Trial Case Results).

Affordable Legal Services

Jim Sullivan offers a full range of affordable legal services in his criminal and juvenile defense law practice. Unlike many other attorneys, Jim Sullivan charges separate fees on trial and non-trial cases.

Cares About His Clients

Jim Sullivan cares about his adult and juvenile clients and is concerned about their future. He frequently counsels with clients at his office for hours at a time. He listens to their concerns, answers all of their questions and discusses legal strategies. He also explains how a criminal conviction could affect them and how to get on the right path for a successful life. Because Jim Sullivan understands that people need to honor work and family commitments, he offers evening, weekend and same day appointments along with free parking.

Reputation

Jim Sullivan has a good reputation in the legal community. Jim Sullivan is humbled by fine lawyers who endorse him on AVVO. He is also very grateful for clients who write testimonials on his behalf. Most of his business comes from referrals from past clients and other lawyers, although it is not necessary to have a referral for him to defend you. Anyone can call Jim Sullivan to represent them.

The law practice of Jim Sullivan is devoted solely to criminal and juvenile defense. Jim Sullivan has tried many cases in the Harris county criminal and juvenile courthouses. Approximately half of his cases involve criminal charges while the other half involves juvenile charges.

Contact Attorney Jim Sullivan

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime or delinquency, call Houston criminal defense attorney Jim Sullivan to discuss your case.

Jim Sullivan generally tries to answer his own phone so that you can speak to an attorney directly. He wants to hear from you and to help you. Call him right now. Don’t go to court alone. To schedule an appointment or to discuss your case, call 281-546-6428 right now.

Grand Jury Defense

If you are charged with a felony offense, Jim Sullivan may be able to get your case no billed (dismissed) by the grand jury, but you need to hire him before or soon after your first court setting (see Grand Jury). If your felony case is dismissed by the grand jury, you have the immediate right to get your criminal record expunged. Many of Jim Sullivan’s clients have been able to do this within a few months of being arrested.

Board Certified in Juvenile Law (Only 38 in private practice in Texas)

Wharton Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Juvenile law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Note: Among the more than 83,000 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice.

Bilingual

Jim Sullivan is fluent in Spanish and English, having studied Journalism, Latin American and Asian Studies at Baylor University, a nationally ranked Christian school. He graduated with honors in 1990. He then lived in Mexico City and traveled throughout Mexico prior to entering law school. In 1993, he graduated from South Texas College of Law. He and his wife Araceli have been married over 20 years and have two children. They worship at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church. Jim Sullivan is also an Eagle Scout.

NANCY BOTTS

Associate Attorney Nancy Botts has been licensed since 1988 and obtained her law degree from the University of Houston. She concentrates on criminal law and family law and handles all kinds of cases in these areas. As a criminal defense attorney, Nancy Botts’ main interest is in the areas of search and seizure law and drug defense. She has good results in drug defense cases. Other Houston criminal lawyers have consulted her for years about these subjects. She aggressively defends all felony and misdemeanor drug possession and drug delivery cases. She has successfully fought possession and delivery of controlled substance cases for amounts ranging from less than one gram to several kilograms. She has also represented numerous people on child sex abuse cases.

As a family law attorney, Nancy Botts has good results in child custody and divorce cases. She also has a strong commitment to offering each client the best possible representation.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Arson, Assault, Bank Burglary, Computer Crime, Cruelty to Animals, Domestic Violence, DUI/DWI, Drug Defense, Drug Possession, Drug Delivery, Evading, Felony, Fraud, Indecency iwth a Child, Insurance Fraud, Harassment, Homicide, Manslaughter, Misdemeanor, Online Solicitation of a Minor, Prostitution, Probation Violation, Record Sealing, Record Expungement, Robbery, Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault of a Child, Shoplifting, Theft, White Collar Crime, and all Juvenile Crime, Juvenile Certification, Juvenile Record Sealing and Juvenile Sex Offenses.

________________________________

WHARTON / WHARTON COUNTY TEXAS COURT INFORMATION

23rd District Court

Judge Ben Hardin

111 E. Locust, Room 402

Angleton, TX 77515-4678

Tel: 979-864-1205

329th District Court

Judge Randy Clapp

100 S. Fulton, Suite 200

Wharton, TX 77488

Tel: 979-532-1514

Fax: 979-532-4752

Cassie Ritter, Court Administrator cassie@329th.com
Joy Wuthrich, Official Court Reporter joy@329th.com

District Attorney

Josh McCown

100 S. Fulton Street

Wharton, TX 77488

Tel: 979-532-8051

Fax: 979-532-8467

District Clerk

Nerissa House

P. O. Drawer 391

Wharton, TX 77488

Tel: 979-532-5542

Fax: 979-532-1299

Wharton County Court

Judge Phillip Spenrath

309 E. Milam

Wharton, TX 77488

Tel: 979-532-4612

Fax: 979-532-1970

Wharton County Attorney

G.A. “Trey” Maffett

309 East Milam

Wharton, Texas 77488

Tel: 979-532-2591

Fax: 979-532-1251

Wharton County Clerk

Sandra K. Sanders

P.O. Box 69

Wharton, Texas 77488

Tel: 979-532-2381

Fax: 979-532-8426

Wharton County Sheriff

Jess Howell

P.O. Box 726

Wharton, TX 77488

Tel: 979-532-1550

Fax: 979-282-2849

Livingston / Polk County Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Can Defend You

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 02:24:14 +0000

Polk County Criminal Attorney Jim Sullivan has successfully fought the government in Jury Trials on behalf of clients in criminal and juvenile courts.

Defending Your Freedom

Proven Results

Philosophy

Affordable Legal Services

Cares About His Clients

Reputation

Contact Attorney Jim Sullivan

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime or delinquency, call Houston criminal defense attorney Jim Sullivan to discuss your case.

Grand Jury Defense

Board Certified in Juvenile Law (Only 38 in private practice in Texas)

Polk County Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Juvenile law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Note: Among the more than 83,000 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice.

Bilingual

NANCY BOTTS

As a family law attorney, Nancy Botts has good results in child custody and divorce cases. She also has a strong commitment to offering each client the best possible representation.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

___________________________________

POLK COUNTY TEXAS COURT INFORMATION

Judge Elizabeth E. Coker

258th District Court
101 West Mill Street, Suite 286
Livingston, Texas 77351

936-327-6847 – phone
936-327-6881 – fax

Judge Robert Hill Trapp

411th District Court
1 State Hwy. 150, Room 23
Coldspring, TX 77331

Phone: 936-653-5470
Fax: 936-653-4786

Kathy E. Clifton

District Clerk
101 West Mill Street, Suite 216
Livingston, TX 77351

Phone: 936-327-6814
Fax: 936-327-6851

Lee Hon

District Attorney
101 West Mill, P.O. Box 1717
Livingston, TX 77351

Phone: 936-327-6868
Fax: 936-327-6875

Judge Stephen Phillips

County Court at Law
Polk County, Texas
101. W. Mill, Suite 157
Livingston, Texas 77351
(936) 327 6856 Fax (936) 327 6857

Court Coordinator Joanna Brown
Court Reporter Sondra Hensarling

Jurisdiction:

The County Court at Law of Polk County is a statutory Court exercising civil and criminal jurisdiction concurrent with the Constitutional County Court of Polk County. This includes probate matters, jurisdiction over Class A and B misdemeanors and appeals from Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts. Additionally, the County Court at Law exercises concurrent jurisdiction with the District Courts of Polk County in civil cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds $500 but does not exceed $100,000, cases and proceedings involving the collection of delinquent taxes, penalties, interest and costs and the foreclosure of tax liens, and family law cases and proceedings, including Juvenile matters.

Schelana Walker

County Clerk
P. O. Drawer 2119
Livingston, TX 77351

Phone: 936-327-6804 & 936-327-6805
Fax: 936-327-6874

Huntsville & Walker County Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 02:12:31 +0000

Huntsville, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer

James (Jim) Sullivan is an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. Walker County Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan has successfully fought the government in Jury Trials on behalf of clients in criminal and juvenile courts since 1994.

Defending Your Freedom

Proven Results

Philosophy

Affordable Legal Services

Cares About His Clients

Reputation

Contact Attorney Jim Sullivan

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime or delinquency, call Houston criminal defense attorney Jim Sullivan to discuss your case.

Grand Jury Defense

Board Certified in Juvenile Law (Only 38 in private practice in Texas)

Huntsville, Texas Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Juvenile law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Note: Among the more than 83,000 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice.

Bilingual

NANCY BOTTS

As a family law attorney, Nancy Botts has good results in child custody and divorce cases. She also has a strong commitment to offering each client the best possible representation.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

______________________________

HUNTSVILLE / WALKER COUNTY TEXAS COURT INFORMATION

12^th Judicial District

Donald L. Kraemer, Judge

1100 University Ave., Room 202

Huntsville, TX 77340

Tel: 936-436-4915

Fax: 936-435-8025

Standley, Carroll Court Administrator Tel: 936-436-4915 Fax: 936-435-8025

Mills, Jackie Official Reporter Tel: 936-436-4915 Fax: 935-435-8025

Judge Donald Kraemer of the 12th Judicial District presides over civil and felony criminal matters in Walker, Grimes Leon and Madison Counties.

278^th Judicial District

Kenneth H. Keeling, Judge

1100 University Ave., Room 303

Huntsville, TX 77340

Tel: 936-436-4916

Fax: 936-436-4917

Murray, Loretta Court Administrator Tel: 936-436-4916 Fax: 936-436-4917

Robertson, Casey Coordinator, Leon & Madison Cos. Tel: 936-436-4639 Fax: 936-436-4917

West, Johnny Official Reporter for 278th Judicial District Tel: 936-436-4679 Fax: 936-436-4917

Judge Kenneth H. Keeling of the 278th Judicial District presides over civil and felony criminal matters in Walker, Leon and Madison Counties.

County Court at Law

1100 University Ave., Ste. 102

Huntsville, TX 77320

Tel: 936-436-4919

Fax: 936-436-4920

Labay, Dolores Court Administrator / Criminal Court Coordinator Tel: 936-436-4695 Fax: 936-436-4920

Byers, Vicki Civil Court Coordinator 936-436-4921 936-436-4920

JURISDICTION OF THE WALKER COUNTY COURT AT LAW

This court has jurisdiction in civil cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds $500 but does not exceed $100,000, excluding interest, statutory or punitive damages and penalties and attorney fees and costs, as alleged on the face of the petition and appeals of final rulings and decisions of the division of workers’ compensation of the Texas Department of Insurance regarding workers’ compensation claims, regardless of the amount in controversy.

This court has concurrent with the county court, the probate jurisdiction provided by general law for county courts.

This court has concurrent jurisdiction with the district courts in family law cases and proceedings and cases and proceedings involving justiciable controversies and differences between spouses, between parents, or between parent and child or between any of these and third persons. This court is also the assigned court for hearing any matters relating to juvenile justice proceedings.

This court has exclusive jurisdiction for hearing all Class A and Class B misdemeanor charges.

This court has appellate jurisdiction for cases appealed from the municipal court or from the justices of the peace, in civil and criminal proceedings and appeals from a finding by an administrative judge as provided by law.

District Attorney

David Weeks

1036 11th St.

Huntsville, TX 77340

Tel: 936-435-2441

Fax: 936-435-2449

The Walker County Criminal District Attorney’s Office is one of the statutory prosecuting authorities in the State of Texas. The primary prosecuting officers are: The County Attorney which generally prosecutes misdemeanor crimes and advises the county on all civil matters; a District Attorney who prosecutes felonies only, and; a Criminal District Attorney which combines the offices of County and District Attorney. Walker County has a Criminal District Attorney with the responsibility of prosecuting all misdemeanors and felonies while advising and representing the county in civil matters. The authority of the Criminal District Attorney is extremely broad. Within his/her jurisdiction, in this case Walker County, the Criminal District Attorney has sole discretion as to whether or not a case is prosecuted. A prosecutor can dismiss a charge or refuse to accept a charge on his own volition and there is no appeal.

The District Attorney’s Office handles civil matters in addition to its criminal responsibilities. In Walker County the Criminal District Attorney’s Office advises the county on civil issues and represents the county in some civil matters. Some civil litigation is handled by private firms. The Criminal District Attorney handles all mental commitments, protective orders, extraditions, renders legal opinions to all elected officials in the county and reviews all contracts entered into by the county. This office also has the responsibility of representing the state in matters involving child abuse and neglect and all juvenile matters before the court.

The criminal responsibilities of the Criminal District Attorney’s Office are to prepare arrest warrants and search warrants; accept or reject all criminal cases Class “B” and above. This office prepares warrants and presents felony cases to the grand jury at its discretion. Class “C” misdemeanors, which are punishable by fine only, are the only criminal cases that are filed directly with the Justices of the Peace or the Municipal Court without the involvement of the District Attorney’s Office. Class “B” and Class “A” misdemeanors are filed by the District Attorney’s Office. It is the policy of the District Attorney’s Office that all arrest warrants will be prepared and issued through this office. Felony cases (state jail, 3rd, 2nd, 1st degree) and capital cases are all prosecuted by this office.

The Criminal District Attorney’s Office consists of the Criminal District Attorney, six assistants, three investigators, a victim/witness coordinator, and support staff. The county pays the salaries of all staff while the Criminal District Attorney is paid by the State. Expenses of the office are provided by monies collected on collection of hot checks by the Criminal District Attorney’s Office and forfeited funds.

The Criminal District Attorney’s Office provides a 24 hour on call system for law enforcement. This allows law enforcement to have access to legal advice at any time. Our office encourages such consultation regarding arrests, searches and the filing of appropriate charges to ensure that crimes may be prosecuted and punished. It is only through such cooperation that our legal system can function to serve and protect our community.

Columbus & Colorado County Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 01:57:51 +0000

Columbus, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer James (Jim) Sullivan is an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney.

Colorado County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan has successfully fought the government in Jury Trials on behalf of clients in criminal and juvenile courts since 1994.

Defending Your Freedom

Proven Results

Philosophy

Affordable Legal Services

Cares About His Clients

Reputation

Contact Attorney Jim Sullivan

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime or delinquency, call Houston criminal defense attorney Jim Sullivan to discuss your case.

Grand Jury Defense

Board Certified in Juvenile Law (Only 38 in private practice in Texas)

Columbus, Texas Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Juvenile law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Note: Among the more than 83,000 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice.

Bilingual

NANCY BOTTS

As a family law attorney, Nancy Botts has good results in child custody and divorce cases. She also has a strong commitment to offering each client the best possible representation.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

________________________________

COLUMBUS / COLORADO COUNTY TEXAS COURT INFORMATION

25th District Court

Judge Dwight Peschel

101 E. Court Street, #203

Seguin, Texas 78155-5779

Tel: 830-303-4188 Ext. 265

Fax: 830-379-0633

2nd 25th District Court

Judge William C. Kirkendall

113 S. River Road, Suite 102

Seguin, Texas 78155

Tel: 830-303-4188 Ext. 300

Fax: 830-303-0847

Court Coordinator

Dianne Chambers

District Clerk

Harvey Vornsand

Colorado County Courthouse Annex

318 Spring Street, Rm. 111

Columbus, Texas 78934

Tel: 979-732-2536

Fax: 979-732-2591

Colorado County Judge

Judge Ty Prause

P.O.Box 236

Colorado County Courthouse Annex

318 Spring Street, Room 101

Columbus, Texas 78934

Tel: 979-732-2604

Fax: 979-732-9389

Colorado County Attorney

Ken Sparks

Colorado County Agriculture Building

316 Spring, Room 106

Columbus, Texas 78934

Tel: 979-732-8203

Fax: 979-732-9115

Colorado County Sheriff

Sheriff R. H. “Curly” Wied

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 607

Columbus, Texas 78934

Physical

2215 Walnut Street

Columbus, Texas 78934

Tel: 979-732-2388

Fax: 979-732-6431

Coldspring & San Jacinto County Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 01:48:04 +0000

Coldspring, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer

James (Jim) Sullivan is an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. San Jacinto County Criminal Attorney Jim Sullivan has successfully fought the government in Jury Trials on behalf of clients in criminal and juvenile courts since 1994.

Defending Your Freedom

Proven Results

Philosophy

Affordable Legal Services

Cares About His Clients

Reputation

Contact Attorney Jim Sullivan

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime or delinquency, call Houston criminal defense attorney Jim Sullivan to discuss your case.

Grand Jury Defense

Board Certified in Juvenile Law (Only 38 in private practice in Texas)

San Jacinto County Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Juvenile law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Note: Among the more than 83,000 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice.

Bilingual

NANCY BOTTS

As a family law attorney, Nancy Botts has good results in child custody and divorce cases. She also has a strong commitment to offering each client the best possible representation.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

_______________________________

COLDSPRING / SAN JACINTO COUNTY TEXAS COURT INFORMATION

258th District Court

Judge Elizabeth E. Coker

P.O. Box 1079

Livingston, Texas 77351

Tel: 936-327-6847

Fax: 936-327-6881

411th District Court

Judge Robert Hill Trapp

1 State Hwy. 150 Room 23

Coldspring, TX 77331

Tel: 936-653-5470

Fax: 936-653-4786

Criminal District Attorney

Richard Countiss

1 State Hwy 150, Room 21

Coldspring, TX 77331

Tel: 936-653-2601

District Clerk

Rebecca “Becky” Capers

1 State Hwy 150, Room 4

Coldspring, TX 77331

Tel: 936-653-2909

Fax: 936-653-4659

County Judge

Fritz Faulkner

1 State Hwy 150, Room 5

Coldspring, TX 77331

Tel: 936-653-4331

Fax: 936-653-3970

County Sheriff

Sheriff James Walters

75 W. Cedar Avenue

Coldspring, TX 77331

Tel: 936-653-4367

Fax: 936-653-5058

Brenham & Washington County Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 01:40:16 +0000

Brenham, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer

Washington County Criminal Attorney James (Jim) Sullivan is an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. Since 1994, Jim Sullivan has successfully fought the government in Jury Trials on behalf of clients in criminal and juvenile courts.

Defending Your Freedom

Proven Results

Philosophy

Affordable Legal Services

Cares About His Clients

Reputation

Contact Attorney Jim Sullivan

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime or delinquency, call Houston criminal defense attorney Jim Sullivan to discuss your case.

Grand Jury Defense

Board Certified in Juvenile Law (Only 38 in private practice in Texas)

Brenham, Texas Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Juvenile law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Note: Among the more than 83,000 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice.

Bilingual

NANCY BOTTS

As a family law attorney, Nancy Botts has good results in child custody and divorce cases. She also has a strong commitment to offering each client the best possible representation.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

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BRENHAM / WASHINGTON COUNTY TEXAS COURT INFORMATION

21st District Court

Judge Terry Flenniken

Washington County Courthouse

105 W. Main Street, Suite 305

Brenham, TX 77833

335th District Court

Judge Reva L. Towslee Corbett

100 W. Buck, Ste. 307

Caldwell, TX 77836

Tel: 979-567-2335

csee@burlesoncounty.org

Washington County District Clerk

Tammy Brauner

100 E. Main, Suite 304

Brenham, TX 77833

Tel: 979-277-6200

Washington County Sheriff’s Department

1206 Old Independence Rd.

Brenham, TX 77833

Tel: 979-277-6251

Bellville & Austin County Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 01:28:37 +0000

Bellville, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer

James (Jim) Sullivan is an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. Austin County Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan has successfully fought the government in Jury Trials on behalf of clients in criminal and juvenile courts since 1994.

Defending Your Freedom

Proven Results

Philosophy

Affordable Legal Services

Cares About His Clients

Reputation

Contact Attorney Jim Sullivan

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime or delinquency, call Houston criminal defense attorney Jim Sullivan to discuss your case.

Grand Jury Defense

Board Certified in Juvenile Law (Only 38 in private practice in Texas)

Bellville, Texas Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Juvenile law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Note: Among the more than 83,000 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice.

Bilingual

NANCY BOTTS

As a family law attorney, Nancy Botts has good results in child custody and divorce cases. She also has a strong commitment to offering each client the best possible representation.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

_________________________________

BELLVILLE / AUSTIN COUNTY TEXAS COURT INFORMATION

155^th District Court

Judge Jeff Steinhauser

Fayette County Courthouse

151 N. Washington

LaGrange, TX 78945

Tel: 979-968-8500

Fax: 979-966-0799

Caroline Mazoch, Court Coordinator

E-Mail : 155disct@co.fayette.tx.us

Criminal District Attorney

Travis Koehn

One East Main

Bellville, TX 77418-1521

Tel: 979-865-5933

Fax: 979-865-5828

Austin County Court At Law

Judge Daniel W. Leedy

One East Main

Bellville, Texas 77418

Tel: 979-865-5911

Fax: 979-865-8350

The County Court at Law of Austin County was established January 1, 1986 by § 25.0101 of the Texas Government Code and has jurisdiction over:

• Family Law cases[1] (filed with the District Clerk, Sue Murphy)

• All others cases (filed with the County Clerk, Carrie Gregor):

Civil cases exceeding $500.00 but not exceeding $200,000.00

Eminent Domain cases

Juvenile Justice Code cases

Mental Health and Chemical Dependency cases

Misdemeanor Criminal cases

Probate Code cases

Appeals from the Justice Courts and Municipal Courts of Austin County

Appeals from Administrative Hearings suspending a driver’s license

Appeals of rulings from the Workers’ Compensation Division of the Texas Department of Insurance

Austin County Sheriff

R. DeWayne Burger

417 N. Chesley

Bellville, TX 77418

Tel: 979-865-3112

Fax: 979-865-5911

Bay City & Matagorda County Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 01:15:46 +0000

Bay City, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer James (Jim) Sullivan is an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney.

Matagorda County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan has successfully fought the government in Jury Trials on behalf of clients in criminal and juvenile courts since 1994.

Defending Your Freedom

Proven Results

Philosophy

Affordable Legal Services

Cares About His Clients

Reputation

Contact Attorney Jim Sullivan

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime or delinquency, call Houston criminal defense attorney Jim Sullivan to discuss your case.

Grand Jury Defense

Board Certified in Juvenile Law (Only 38 in private practice in Texas)

Bay City, Texas Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Juvenile law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Note: Among the more than 83,000 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice.

Bilingual

NANCY BOTTS

As a family law attorney, Nancy Botts has good results in child custody and divorce cases. She also has a strong commitment to offering each client the best possible representation.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

_________________________________

BAY CITY / MATAGORDA COUNTY TEXAS COURT INFORMATION

23rd District Court

Judge Ben Hardin

1700 7th Street, Room 317

Bay City, TX 77414-5094

Tel: 979-864-1205

130th District Court

Judge Craig Estlinbaum

1700 7th Street, Room 317

Bay City, TX 77414-5094

Tel: 979-244-7635

District Clerk

Becky Denn

1700 7th Street, Room 307

Bay City, Texas 77414-5092

Tel: 979-244-7621

Melanie Martin – Chief Deputy Clerk

Renda Schuelke – Sr. Deputy Clerk

Leanne Johnson – Deputy Clerk

Stacey Johnson – Deputy Clerk

District Attorney

Steven Reis

1700 7th Street, Room 325

Bay City, TX 77414-5094

Tel: 979-244-7657

Fax: 979-245-9409

Matagorda County Court

Judge Nate McDonald

1700 7th Street, Room 301

Bay City, Texas 77414-5094

Tel: 979-244-7605

Fax: 979-245-3697

Matagorda County Attorney

Jill Cornelius

1700 7th Street, Room 305

Bay City, TX 77414-5091

Tel: 979-244-7645

Fax: 979-244-7647

Matagorda County Clerk

Janet Hickl

1700 7th Street, Room 202

Bay City, TX 77414-5094

Tel: 979-244-7680

Fax: 979-244-7688

Matagorda County Sheriff

Gary L. Mathis

2323 Avenue E

Bay City, TX 77414

Tel: 979-245-55

Houston Petition for Non-Disclosure Attorney | Texas Criminal Record Sealing Lawyer Jim Sullivan

admin — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:27:53 +0000

Houston Criminal Record Sealing Lawyer Jim Sullivan frequently helps people to get their criminal records sealed (non-disclosed) by filing Petitions for Non-Disclosure. This is extremely important, especially in these tough economic times. It is not a surprise that employers are more likely to hire a job applicant who has never been arrested than someone who has been arrested and successfully completed a deferred adjudication probation. Perception can be everything in this process. Not having to list an arrest on a job application or to try to explain it away definitely can give that applicant a better chance at being hired.

Houston Criminal Attorney Jim Sullivan cares about people. He wants everyone to have an opportunity to get ahead and to be able to provide for their family. An arrest without a conviction has negative consequences on a person’s opportunity in life. A check in the “Have you ever been arrested?” box gives an employer a easy way to narrow down a stack of job applications.

Attorney Jim Sullivan

If you were arrested and you successfully completed a deferred adjudication probation, call Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan about getting your criminal record sealed (non-disclosed) to the public. Depending on the circumstances, you may have to wait a period of time after the deferred probation is over before you can seek a non-disclosure and some cases are not eligible for sealing.

In Harris County, a Petition for Non-Disclosure is filed in the court which granted the original deferred adjudication probation. It is important to hire a lawyer who has experience in getting criminal records sealed and expunged properly. It can be a time consuming process. All of the information must be correct. Attorney Jim Sullivan has worked to get criminal records sealed and expunged for many of his clients.

Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan has served the Greater Houston area since 1994 and is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. You can call him right now at 281-546-6428 to discuss your situation.

Houston Petition for Expunction Lawyer Jim Sullivan Helps People Expunge Their Criminal Record

admin — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 16:05:04 +0000

Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan frequently helps people to get their criminal records expunged by filing Petitions for Expunction. This is extremely important, especially in these tough economic times. It is not a surprise that employers are more likely to hire a job applicant who has never been arrested than someone who has been arrested even when their criminal case was dismissed by the government or their felony case was dismissed (no billed) by the Grand Jury. Perception can be everything in this process. Not having to list an arrest on a job application or to try to explain it away definitely can give that applicant a better chance at being hired.

Attorney Jim Sullivan

If you were arrested and your criminal case was dismissed, call Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan about getting your criminal record expunged. Depending on the circumstances and the reason why your case was dismissed, you may have to wait until the statute of limitations has expired on the case. If the grand jury no billed your case, however, you have the immediate right to get your case expunged. Once your case is expunged, neither the public nor law enforcement has access to your record.

In Harris County, a Petition for Expunction is filed in the civil district courts. The government charges charges approximately $260 in filing fees and service fees. These fees are in addition to the legal fees. The petition must be done correctly, or the petitioner may have to pay the filing fee a second time, therefore it is important to hire a lawyer who has experience in getting criminal records expunged properly. It can be a time consuming process. All of the information must be correct and all of the legal agencies which have the records must be included in the lawsuit. Attorney Jim Sullivan has worked to get criminal records expunged for many of his clients.

Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan is also successful in getting felony cases no billed by the grand jury, having had more than 20 such cases no billed in just the past 3 years. You can see those results here. Jim Sullivan has served the Greater Houston area since 1994 and is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. You can call him right now at 281-546-6428 to discuss your situation.

Texas’ Romeo and Juliet Law Allows More Exemptions from Sex Offender Registration

admin — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 03:59:30 +0000

Romeo and Juliet (1968 film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)The label “sex offender” creates different pictures or meanings in the minds of people. Thoughts of lifetime sex offender registration and social stigma may come to the mind of those accused. For the general public, the label might convey thoughts of men who rape women or adults who prey on young children.

Teenagers who engage in consensual sexual relations, however, rarely come to mind when thinking of what constitutes a sex offender. Until last September, teenagers or young adults who had such a relationship, usually with their high school boyfriend or girlfriend, and were then convicted of the related sex crimes were required to register as sex offenders.

Texas’ Former Law

Under Texas’ former law, if two teenagers engaged in consensual sexual relations and one of the teens was 17 or older and more than 3 years older than their partner, then the older partner could be charged in criminal court with statutory rape. If convicted, the older teen would be required under the law to register as a sex offender for life.

Romeo and Juliet Law

In Texas, a new law took effect on September 1, 2011, that prevents teenagers and young adults who engage in consensual sexual relations with a teenager under the age of 17 from being labeled as sex offenders. Ofter referred to as a “Romeo and Juliet” law, this new law is designed to exempt teenagers and young adults from having to register as sex offenders and being labeled as such just because their consenting partner is under the age of 17.

This exemption only applies if there is no more than a 4 year age difference between the two young people and if the consensual sexual relations are between a teenager or young adult over the age of 17 and a teenager under the age of 17. Additionally, for the new law to apply, the purported “victim” of the sexual encounter must be at least 15 years of age.

Significantly, this new Romeo and Juliet law will not prevent the adult individual from facing prosecution for an underlying crime such as sexual assault of a child, but it does exempt the accused from registering as a sex offender.

Additionally, the new law allows people already required to register as sex offenders as a result of consensual sexual encounters with teenagers under the age of 17 under the former law to petition courts to review their cases for de-registration. Judges will hold hearings to review the testimony and evidence of the cases against the petitioners to determine whether the sexual relations between the “victim” and petitioner were consensual. The judges will also determine if the petitioner is a “threat” to public safety and whether it is in the best interests of the “victim” and of justice. If the judges so determines that the facts allow for it, petitioners will be allowed to de-register and to be exempt from future sex offender registration requirements

For young people already required to register as sex offenders following consensual sexual encounters with teenagers under 17-years-old under the previous law, the new law permits them to petition courts to review their cases. To determine whether the relationship between the petitioner and the “victim” was consensual, courts will hold hearings to review the testimony and evidence of the cases against the petitioners. Also, courts will determine if the petitioner is a “threat” to the public; if not, and if the facts of the cases allow, petitioners will be exempt from future sex offender registration requirements.

How the Law Changed

Introduced by Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas) and Rep. Todd Smith (R-Euless), the Romeo and Juliet law was signed by the governor and enacted after its second introduction to the Texas Legislature. A similar bill passed both houses of the Texas Legislature in 2009 but was vetoed by Governor Rick Perry because he claimed that it did not “adequately protect young victims” because it had a lower threshold age of 13 for the purported victim.

The intention of sex offender registries is mainly to keep the public and local authorities aware of the locations of sexual predators whom the state believes may pose a threat to the public — the registries are not intended to encompass teenagers and who engage in consensual sex.

The Romeo and Juliet law is meant to distinguish between teenagers who made a mistake and actual sexual predators.

Those labeled as sex offenders, including teenagers, could face a lifetime of sex offender registration and many other collateral consequences, such as difficulty in finding good employment, housing, negative social stigmas and being unable to attend their children’s church or to spend time with young family members.

Therefore, the new Romeo and Juliet law in Texas provides an opportunity for teenagers and young adults facing the possibility of or who are already forced to register as sex offenders an opportunity for a productive future. It is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about petitioning for a case review and possibly having the sex offender registration requirement removed if you or a family member has already been required to register as a sex offender for engaging in sexual relations with a partner under age 17 and may fit the requirements of the new law.

Houston Criminal Attorney Jim Sullivan represents adults and juveniles accused of sex offenses. He has successfully petitioned juvenile clients to be allowed to de-register from the sex offender registry and looks forward to helping adult clients do the same under the new law. You can call Jim Sullivan right now at 281-546-6428 for a free consultation.

Houston Probation Violation Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Fights to Keep Clients on Probation

admin — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 04:12:57 +0000

Attorney Jim Sullivan defends people accused of violating their misdemeanor or felony probation in Harris and surrounding counties. Since 1994, Jim Sullivan has kept hundreds of people on regular and deferred adjudication probation (see Case Results). On most misdemeanor cases, if a person successfully completes their deferred adjudication probation, then they can seek to get their criminal record sealed (non-disclosed) to the public. For felony cases that qualify, the person can do this 5 years after successfully completing their deferred probation.

If the State has filed a Motion to Revoke your Probation or to Adjudicate your Guilt, you can call defense Attorney Jim Sullivan at 281-546-6428 to discuss your case.

According to a recent article in the Houston Chronicle, The Harris County Probation Department has recently come under fire for serious problems in the handling of drug testing for people on probation or on bond. According to evidence uncovered and brought to light in a recent hearing, the integrity of drug testing in the department may not be trusted due to clerical errors, faulty record keeping, mislabeling of samples and a sloppy chain of custody. Because of these serious problems, many people may have been arrested or had their probation revoked based on false positives. A local defense attorney alleges a systemic problem and calls for sweeping overhauls.

Witness: Error ruined his life

By Brian Rogers

A man who spent 10 days in jail last year because of a clerical error in Harris County’s probation department testified Friday that the mistake cost him his driver’s license, his job and his home. “I’m devastated,” Richard Youst said on the witness stand. “It devastated my life.” The 28-year-old said his life fell apart after a false positive on a drug test in April 2011. He had been on probation for driving while intoxicated. “I had to move back in with my mother,” the 28-year-old said. “I sleep on an air mattress on the floor.” Youst’s story is one of several that [his] attorney… said she uncovered while investigating the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department. “It’s hard to quantify all of the hurt and the wrong that’s been done to him because of this simple mistake that they refused to fix… His case did not have to happen. They knew about these types of mistakes a year before.”

Evidence uncontested

[The attorney] is putting the county’s probation department on trial in an unconventional hearing that was supposed to be a routine probation revocation for one of her clients. The evidence that Youst’s test was false was uncontested Friday. [The] broader point is that clerical errors, faulty record keeping and other problems may mean no urine tests done by the probation department can be trusted. The division tests more than 25,000 urine samples a month for suspects out on bail and others who are on probation. Some of the problems include mislabeling samples, data entry problems and a lack of audits or oversights to catch mistakes. A supervisor who testified Friday said finding 3-month-old urine samples in the back of the division’s unlocked refrigerators was not uncommon. The old samples would simply be sent out as though they had been collected that day, said Donald Martin, a supervisor at the department. As part of the court-mandated “chain of custody” that ensures the integrity of evidence, law enforcement has to show that an appropriate custodian has kept evidence from being tampered with before it can be admitted in court. “When it comes to chain of custody,” Martin testified, “there are more holes than Swiss cheese.”

False positives found

Deputy Director of Operations Kim Ballentine declined to answer questions about the allegations because of the ongoing hearing and the pending underlying criminal case… The agency also released a statement saying there would be no comment Friday on the situation. [The attorney] said she believes an untold number of probationers and people who are awaiting trial may have been jailed or sanctioned for false positives. “One source testified that there are at least 32 cases that they recently discovered,” she said. “And that’s just scratching the surface.” Besides keeping her client out of jail, [the attorney] wants supervisors at the probation department fired and the agency revamped. She also questioned how prosecutors can now legally revoke probationers for positive tests. “You want to know that there is integrity in the evidence… I don’t know how the district attorney’s office can rely on any urinalysis from this probation department.” The Harris County District Attorney’s Office released a statement that it plans to review all of the allegations after the hearing ends…

Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Gets Injury to a Child Felony Case Dismissed by the Grand Jury

admin — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 21:42:21 +0000

An Injury to a Child charge was no billed (dismissed) by Grand Jury based on a defense packet by Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan. The client was referred to Jim Sullivan by the court-appointed lawyer who represents him in the related CPS case.

Upon meeting with his client, Jim Sullivan explained how he intended to fight the case at the grand jury level and try to get his case dismissed quickly. Like most people, his client had never heard of this process, so it took a while for him to understand it and the advantages. His client said that he previously had talked to several other lawyers who were going to charge him a minimum fee of $20,000 (which did not include a jury trial) and none them had suggested this strategy to him. Jim Sullivan charged a fraction of that amount and got his case dismissed in three months time.

About one year earlier, the client and his wife noticed that their infant son was very irritable and fussy. They did not know what was wrong with their child. The next day they took their son to be examined at the local children’s hospital. The doctor discovered that the child had a broken leg and several ribs that had been fractured one to two months earlier and were in the process of healing. The parents could not explain how the child received the injuries, although the father was the only parent caring for the child at the time of the injuries. The doctor opined that only the coordination of an adult could have caused the leg fracture. CPS got involved and removed their three children from the home and placed them with grandparents.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Type V in 11 months kid. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

About one year later, after the CPS case was set for trial, the DA’s office charged the father with the serious first degree felony of Injury to a Child. The father faced between five years to a lifetime in prison. After posting bond, the father hired Jim Sullivan to represent him. Jim Sullivan immediately called the prosecutor to hold the case from the grand jury so he could prepare and present a defense packet.

Attorney Jim Sullivan conducted extensive medical research and learned that osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) was a possible explanation for the child’s injuries. However, the child was too young to be tested for it. Sullivan’s research also indicated that the few medical tests that the doctor performed at the hospital do not diagnose the condition.

One month after being retained, Jim Sullivan turned in his 20 page defense packet for the grand jury. The prosecutor was surprised to even receive it, believing that the case was indefensible. Upon reading it, the prosecutor realized that she would need to get the full medical records from the hospital in case the grand jury had any questions. Because the hospital lost the first subpoena for records, it took a full two months to obtain them and to then present the case to the grand jury.

Both the client and his wife were willing to testify before the grand jury. Without hearing from them, the grand jury did the right thing and voted to no bill (dismiss) the case. Now, the father can get his criminal records expunged.

English: The classic blue sclera of a person with osteogenesis imperfecta (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The father has been forced to live separately from his wife and children for over a year. He has had only limited supervised visitation with them. CPS sought to terminate his legal rights. Before Jim Sullivan was hired, the father and mother were led to believe that their only hope was for the father to relinquish his rights to his children so that they could be placed with the mother. What an impossible choice to make–to give up your children forever because of a false and heinous accusation made against you.

The father can now get his criminal records expunged and the government ought to do the right thing and dismiss the CPS case against them. The case was prosecuted in the 184th District Court of Harris County in cause number 1340646. It was no billed on August 17, 2012.

Attorney Jim Sullivan regularly gets felony cases no billed by the grand jury. Unlike other attorneys who only try to negotiate the best plea bargain, Jim Sullivan fights to get his clients’ felony cases dismissed at the grand jury level. If the case has already been indicted, then he fights the case at trial. As seen by this case, he thinks outside the box and seeks creative solutions to his clients’ problems.

Houston Assault Family Member by Impeding Breathing Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Can Defend You

admin — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 03:18:15 +0000

Harris County, Texas District Attorney’s Building

Houston criminal lawyer Jim Sullivan has successfully represented a number of men falsely accused of the serious felony of assault of a family or household member by impeding breathing (strangulation). By way of detailed defense packets, Jim Sullivan has persuaded the grand jury to no bill (dismiss) such charges (see Grand Jury Results). Jim Sullivan has also prepared and set such cases for jury trial which the prosecutor then wisely chose to dismiss on the trial setting.

One wonders if police officers may sometimes suggest to an alleged victim that she was choked in order to make a felony arrest. An alleged victim who is already mad at her boyfriend or husband may go along with the suggestion, not realizing the seriousness of such an allegation. It does seem odd that in some cases the only so-called objective evidence in the police offense report suggesting that such an assault occurred is the officer’s purported observation of “redness” on the person’s neck, yet no photos were taken of this redness and the victim refused medical treatment.

According to a recent Houston Chronicle blog post by reporter Erin Mulvaney entitled “Harris County prosecutors see increase in choking charges” (see below), the number of felony cases filed for Assault Family Member by Impeding Breathing (strangulation) has increased by 40 percent in the first 6 months of 2012 over the same time period as last year.

Harris County prosecutors have seen an uptick in recent weeks in the number of felony charges against those who choke victims during an attacks, several years after state lawmakers passed a law to stiffen penalties for the offense…

In September of 2009, penalties for assaulting a family member by choking or impeding breathing became more severe, raising the offense level to a third degree felony. In the first six months of this year, there have been approximately 40 percent more cases filed under this statute than in the same time period last year, said Donna Hawkins a spokeswoman for the Harris County District Attorney’s office.

“As people become more aware of the dangers of cutting off a person’s air supply, it is more likely that victims will report this offense, police will arrest defendants, and prosecutors will file these charges,” Hawkins said…

In 2009, a bill sponsored by Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, became law. It made a choking an assault a third-degree felony if it included strangulation or suffocation against someone the suspect had been dating or someone in the suspect’s family and a second-degree felony for a second offense.

Proponents of the bill argued that strangling in domestic violence cases was not taken being taken seriously or punished harshly enough. The offense previously was charged as a form of assault, which can be a Class A misdemeanor and does not require a minimum jail time.

Fort Bend County Affordable Criminal Attorney Jim Sullivan Can Fight for Your Freedom

admin — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 05:29:40 +0000

Attorney Jim Sullivan

Fort Bend County Affordable Criminal Defense Lawyer

James (Jim) Sullivan is an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. For over 18 years, Jim Sullivan has successfully fought the government in Jury Trials on behalf of clients in criminal and juvenile courts.

Defending Your Freedom

Proven Results

Philosophy

Affordable Legal Services

Cares About His Clients

Reputation

Contact Attorney Jim Sullivan

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime or delinquency, call Richmond Texas criminal defense attorney Jim Sullivan to discuss your case.

Grand Jury Defense

Board Certified in Juvenile Law (Only 38 in private practice in Texas)

Richmond Texas Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Juvenile law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Note: Among the more than 83,000 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice.

Bilingual

NANCY BOTTS

As a family law attorney, Nancy Botts has good results in child custody and divorce cases. She also has a strong commitment to offering each client the best possible representation.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Choose Your Houston Juvenile Defense Lawyer Carefully

admin — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 01:00:06 +0000

Ethical, Honest, Reliable, Reputable, Competent.

In an ideal world, these qualities would describe all Houston juvenile attorneys, but as so many dissatisfied, disheartened and disrespected former clients of some other lawyers have learned to their peril, it simply does not.

There is absolutely no substitute for substantial jury trial experience. A Houston juvenile lawyer who has a reputation for fighting and winning juvenile and criminal jury trials will always have an advantage in–

forcing the State to dismiss cases,
to reduce felony cases to a misdemeanor, and
obtaining an acquittal at a jury trial.

In recent years, with the explosion of on-line advertising, any attorney with access to the Internet can claim to be the best or most experienced Houston juvenile attorney with zero proof. Unlike criminal records, juvenile records are not public records, so there is no way to verify–

how many juvenile cases, if any, the attorney has gotten dismissed,
how many felony cases, if any, the attorney has forced the State to reduce to a misdemeanor, and
how many jury trials, if any, the attorney has tried and has won.

Houston juvenile defense attorneys may claim

having 20 or more years of experience,
having handled 1000s of cases, and
having had 100s of cases dismissed;

but, there is simply no way to confirm it, however, there are several independent and objective ways to evaluate a potential attorney–

1) Is the Houston juvenile attorney board certified in juvenile law? If not, why not?

The Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) is the only governing board to certify lawyers in legal specialty areas. The Board was was established in 1974 by the Supreme Court of Texas at the request of State Bar of Texas.

There are over 70,000 lawyers licensed to practice law in Texas, and only 7,000 have earned the right to be publicly recognized as Board Certified specialists in one of 21 select areas of law.

Board Certified lawyers earn the right to publicly represent themselves as a specialist in a select area of the law. In fact, they are the only attorneys allowed by the State Bar of Texas to do so. This designation sets them apart as being an attorney with the highest, public commitment to excellence in their area of law.

In Texas, there are only 65 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law, and only 38 of those are in private practice.

To become Board Certified in a specialty area, an attorney must have been licensed to practice law for at least five years, devoted a required percentage of practice to a specialty area for at least three years, handled a wide variety of matters in the area (including jury trials and certification hearings) to demonstrate experience and involvement, attended continuing education seminars regularly to keep legal training up to date, been evaluated by fellow lawyers and judges, and passed a 6-hour written examination.

2) What is the Houston juvenile attorney’s reputation in the legal community?

One well known company AVVO maintains a list of lawyers, doctors and dentists. Fellow professionals in their respective community can endorse them and actual clients can submit reviews. Their website gives some insight into the reputation of local professionals. Houston juvenile lawyers can be checked here and attorneys can be searched by name here.

3) Does the Houston juvenile lawyer have any disciplinary history by the Texas Bar?

This can be checked at the Texas State Bar website. The lawyer can be checked by name here.

4) Does the attorney have any negative publicity on-line?

This can be checked by Googling their name.

The Defense Attorneys at Jim Sullivan and Associates are not interested in publicity, public accolades or recognition. Even in high profile cases, they seek to shield their clients from publicity. They are only interested in getting the best possible result for their clients. Their fees are affordable and they are approachable.

Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Juvenile Law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Jim Sullivan has also received reviews by fellow attorneys and clients on AVVO.

Attorney Jim Sullivan

Attorney Jim Sullivan attended Baylor University and South Texas College of Law. He has been married over 20 years, is a Christian and worships at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church. Sullivan earned his Eagle Scout award at age 14. If you need a Houston criminal or juvenile defense attorney, you can call him right now at 281-546-6428.

HOUSTON CRIMINAL LAWYERS
Serving clients throughout Texas, including Houston, Galveston, Angleton, Pearland, Alvin, Sugar Land, Bellville, Clear Lake, Conroe, Pasadena, La Porte, Missouri City, Texas City, Friendswood, Richmond, Rosenberg, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, San Antonio, Laredo, El Paso, El Campo, Austin, San Marcos, Dallas, Denton, Plano, Lubbock, Midland, Anahuac, Beaumont, Hempstead, Huntsville, Liberty, The Woodlands, Humble, Tomball, League City, Bellaire, Deer Park, and Katy and other communities in Austin County, Brazoria County, Chambers County, Colorado County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, Harris County, Jefferson County, Liberty County, Montgomery County, Waller County, Walker County and Wharton County.

Houston Juvenile Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights to Defend Children Accused of Delinquency(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Sexual Assault of a Child – Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Can Help(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Choose Your Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Wisely(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Believes His Clients(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Choose Your Houston Juvenile Attorney Wisely(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Juvenile Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights to Defend Children Accused of Delinquency(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Texas Castle Doctrine Defense Leads to More Justifiable Killings(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan Counsels Youth to Seek Better Path(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)

Texas Laws

admin — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 03:53:01 +0000

TEXAS PENAL CODE, TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

and TEXAS JUVENILE JUSTICE CODE

Courtesy, Attorney Jim Sullivan, Criminal Defense Lawyer and Board Certified in Juvenile Law.

Free Initial Consultation. 281-546-6428. Contact us today.

This is a local copy of the Texas Penal Code. The official state copy is located here.

TEXAS PENAL CODE

TITLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 2. BURDEN OF PROOF

CHAPTER 3. MULTIPLE PROSECUTIONS

TITLE 2. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY

CHAPTER 6. CULPABILITY GENERALLY

CHAPTER 7. CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONDUCT OF ANOTHER

CHAPTER 8. GENERAL DEFENSES TO CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY

CHAPTER 9. JUSTIFICATION EXCLUDING CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY

TITLE 3. PUNISHMENTS

CHAPTER 12. PUNISHMENTS

TITLE 4. INCHOATE OFFENSES

CHAPTER 15. PREPARATORY OFFENSES

CHAPTER 16. CRIMINAL INSTRUMENTS, INTERCEPTION OF WIRE OR ORAL COMMUNICATION, AND INSTALLATION OF TRACKING DEVICE

TITLE 5. OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON

CHAPTER 19. CRIMINAL HOMICIDE

CHAPTER 20. KIDNAPPING AND UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT

CHAPTER 20A. TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS

CHAPTER 21. SEXUAL OFFENSES

CHAPTER 22. ASSAULTIVE OFFENSES

TITLE 6. OFFENSES AGAINST THE FAMILY

CHAPTER 25. OFFENSES AGAINST THE FAMILY

TITLE 7. OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY

CHAPTER 28. ARSON, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, AND OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION

CHAPTER 29. ROBBERY

CHAPTER 30. BURGLARY AND CRIMINAL TRESPASS

CHAPTER 31. THEFT

CHAPTER 32. FRAUD

CHAPTER 33. COMPUTER CRIMES

CHAPTER 33A. TELECOMMUNICATIONS CRIMES

CHAPTER 34. MONEY LAUNDERING

CHAPTER 35. INSURANCE FRAUD

CHAPTER 35A. MEDICAID FRAUD

TITLE 8. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

CHAPTER 36. BRIBERY AND CORRUPT INFLUENCE

CHAPTER 37. PERJURY AND OTHER FALSIFICATION

CHAPTER 38. OBSTRUCTING GOVERNMENTAL OPERATION

CHAPTER 39. ABUSE OF OFFICE

TITLE 9. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY

CHAPTER 42. DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND RELATED OFFENSES

CHAPTER 43. PUBLIC INDECENCY

TITLE 10. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH, AND MORALS

CHAPTER 46. WEAPONS

CHAPTER 47. GAMBLING

CHAPTER 48. CONDUCT AFFECTING PUBLIC HEALTH

CHAPTER 49. INTOXICATION AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OFFENSES

TITLE 11. ORGANIZED CRIME

CHAPTER 71. ORGANIZED CRIME

_________________________________________________________________________

TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

Courtesy, Attorney Jim Sullivan, Criminal Defense Lawyer and Board Certified in Juvenile Law.

Free Initial Consultation. 281-546-6428. Contact us today.

This is a local copy of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The official state copy is located here.

TITLE 1. CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 2. GENERAL DUTIES OF OFFICERS

CHAPTER 3. DEFINITIONS

CHAPTER 4. COURTS AND CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

CHAPTER 5. FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION

CHAPTER 6. PREVENTING OFFENSES BY THE ACT OF MAGISTRATES AND OTHER OFFICERS

CHAPTER 7. PROCEEDINGS BEFORE MAGISTRATES TO PREVENT OFFENSES

CHAPTER 7A. PROTECTIVE ORDER FOR VICTIM OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

CHAPTER 8. SUPPRESSION OF RIOTS AND OTHER DISTURBANCES

CHAPTER 9. OFFENSES INJURIOUS TO PUBLIC HEALTH

CHAPTER 10. OBSTRUCTIONS OF PUBLIC HIGHWAYS

CHAPTER 11. HABEAS CORPUS

CHAPTER 12. LIMITATION

CHAPTER 13. VENUE

CHAPTER 14. ARREST WITHOUT WARRANT

CHAPTER 15. ARREST UNDER WARRANT

CHAPTER 16. THE COMMITMENT OR DISCHARGE OF THE ACCUSED

CHAPTER 17. BAIL

CHAPTER 17A. CORPORATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS

CHAPTER 18. SEARCH WARRANTS

CHAPTER 19. ORGANIZATION OF THE GRAND JURY

CHAPTER 20. DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE GRAND JURY

CHAPTER 21. INDICTMENT AND INFORMATION

CHAPTER 22. FORFEITURE OF BAIL

CHAPTER 23. THE CAPIAS

CHAPTER 24. SUBPOENA AND ATTACHMENT

CHAPTER 25. SERVICE OF A COPY OF THE INDICTMENT

CHAPTER 26. ARRAIGNMENT

CHAPTER 27. THE PLEADING IN CRIMINAL ACTIONS

CHAPTER 28. MOTIONS, PLEADINGS AND EXCEPTIONS

CHAPTER 29. CONTINUANCE

CHAPTER 30. DISQUALIFICATION OF THE JUDGE

CHAPTER 31. CHANGE OF VENUE

CHAPTER 32. DISMISSING PROSECUTIONS

CHAPTER 33. THE MODE OF TRIAL

CHAPTER 34. SPECIAL VENIRE IN CAPITAL CASES

CHAPTER 35. FORMATION OF THE JURY

CHAPTER 36. THE TRIAL BEFORE THE JURY

CHAPTER 37. THE VERDICT

CHAPTER 38. EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL ACTIONS

CHAPTER 39. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY

CHAPTER 40. NEW TRIALS

CHAPTER 42. JUDGMENT AND SENTENCE

CHAPTER 43. EXECUTION OF JUDGMENT

CHAPTER 44. APPEAL AND WRIT OF ERROR

CHAPTER 45. JUSTICE AND MUNICIPAL COURTS

CHAPTER 46. INSANITY AS DEFENSE

CHAPTER 46A. AIDS AND HIV TESTING IN COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL JAILS

CHAPTER 46B. INCOMPETENCY TO STAND TRIAL

CHAPTER 46C. INSANITY DEFENSE

CHAPTER 47. DISPOSITION OF STOLEN PROPERTY

CHAPTER 48. PARDON AND PAROLE

CHAPTER 49. INQUESTS UPON DEAD BODIES

CHAPTER 50. FIRE INQUESTS

CHAPTER 51. FUGITIVES FROM JUSTICE

CHAPTER 52. COURT OF INQUIRY

CHAPTER 54. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 55. EXPUNCTION OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

CHAPTER 56. RIGHTS OF CRIME VICTIMS

CHAPTER 57. CONFIDENTIALITY OF IDENTIFYING INFORMATION OF SEX OFFENSE VICTIMS

CHAPTER 57B. CONFIDENTIALITY OF IDENTIFYING INFORMATION OF FAMILY VIOLENCE VICTIMS

CHAPTER 57C. SEALING OF COURT RECORDS CONTAINING MEDICAL INFORMATION FOR CERTAIN CHILD VICTIMS

CHAPTER 59. FORFEITURE OF CONTRABAND

CHAPTER 60. CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD SYSTEM

CHAPTER 61. COMPILATION OF INFORMATION PERTAINING TO CRIMINAL COMBINATIONS AND CRIMINAL STREET GANGS

CHAPTER 62. SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION PROGRAM

CHAPTER 63. MISSING CHILDREN AND MISSING PERSONS

CHAPTER 64. MOTION FOR FORENSIC DNA TESTING

CHAPTER 101. GENERAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 102. COSTS PAID BY DEFENDANTS

CHAPTER 103. COLLECTION AND RECORDKEEPING

CHAPTER 104. CERTAIN EXPENSES PAID BY STATE OR COUNTY

_________________________________________________________________________

TEXAS JUVENILE JUSTICE CODE

Courtesy, Attorney Jim Sullivan, Criminal Defense Lawyer and Board Certified in Juvenile Law.

Free Initial Consultation. 281-546-6428. Contact us today.

This is a local copy of the Texas Penal Code. The official state copy is located here.

FAMILY CODE

TITLE 3. JUVENILE JUSTICE CODE

CHAPTER 51. GENERAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 52. PROCEEDINGS BEFORE AND INCLUDING REFERRAL TO JUVENILE COURT

CHAPTER 53. PROCEEDINGS PRIOR TO JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS

CHAPTER 54. JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS

CHAPTER 55. PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING CHILDREN WITH MENTAL ILLNESS OR MENTAL RETARDATION

CHAPTER 56. APPEAL

CHAPTER 57. RIGHTS OF VICTIMS

CHAPTER 58. RECORDS; JUVENILE JUSTICE INFORMATION SYSTEM

CHAPTER 59. PROGRESSIVE SANCTIONS MODEL

CHAPTER 60. UNIFORM INTERSTATE COMPACT ON JUVENILES

CHAPTER 61. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS AND OTHER ELIGIBLE PERSONS

Sexual Assault of a Child – Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Can Help(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Texas Castle Doctrine Defense Leads to More Justifiable Killings(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Choose Your Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Wisely(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan Counsels Youth to Seek Better Path(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Believes His Clients(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Juvenile Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights to Defend Children Accused of Delinquency(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)

Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Believes His Clients

admin — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 05:08:41 +0000

Attorney Jim Sullivan

Houston Criminal Attorney Jim Sullivan believes his clients. He advises his clients to tell him what happened and develops a specific defense strategy based on that story. Many such stories may seem unbelievable or incredible to the layperson or even other attorneys, but Sullivan is a true believer and investigates and defends cases based on those versions of events.

As a result, Jim Sullivan has been successful at trial in what others term “hopeless” cases. In his very first felony jury trial in April 1997, in the 209th District Court in Cause Number 745708, Jim Sullivan represented a 21 year old black man accused of killing a young white man in a head-on car accident on Eldridge Parkway in northwest Houston. The decedent attended Texas A&M and belonged to a wealthy family. A large group of white male retirees from the victim’s rights organization Justice for All attended every court setting. A successful black prosecutor, who later became an Assistant U.S. Attorney (federal prosecutor), handled the prosecution.

The accused allegedly had cocaine in his system, was driving over the speed limit in the rain, on the wrong side of the road and with “bald” tires. The force of the impact caused the engine from one of the cars to be ejected and thrown about 50 feet from the car. Unfortunately, the late model Corvette the decedent was driving did not have an air bag, and the driver was killed instantly when his head hit the steering wheel.

The accused insisted that he did not do drugs and that it was just an accident that resulted in the death of the decedent. Even so, if the State had offered him probation, he said he would take it so that he could continue to work to support his family. Because the State only offered prison time, five years at TDC, the accused chose to go to trial. Other attorneys, including the original attorney appointed to represent him, predicted a guilty verdict and 10 years in prison, the maximum prison sentence available.

The accused denied using drugs and testified he was on his way to work for a local service station. The accused had auto insurance. Sullivan hired a drug toxicologist expert who conducted his own lab tests and who questioned the validity of the blood tests conducted by the Houston Police Lab. Photographs that crime scene investigators took of his client’s tires (and which did not surface until the day of trial) reflected that they had sufficient tread and the inspection sticker was current on his car. The defendant’s stepfather, a local mechanic, testified as to the tire tread. Due to the heavy rain, the client’s car hydroplaned across lanes and struck the decedent’s car head on. On cross examination, a State’s eyewitness testified the accused was only going 5-10 miles above the speed limit. The accused and his wife testified that he did not use drugs.

Right before closing arguments, the large courtroom in the former criminal courthouse (now the Harris County Juvenile Justice Center) filled up with high school students who were visiting the courthouse that day. No pressure. To be guilty of negligent homicide, Sullivan argued to the jury, requires gross negligence and not simple negligence. What happened to the accused could have happened to any of us–an unforeseeable accident tragically claims the life of a young man. A tragedy yes, a crime no. The case belonged in the civil courthouse, not the criminal. After about 10 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a not guilty verdict.

Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan went on to win acquittals and dismissals in many other serious felony criminal and juvenile cases. As a Christian, Sullivan strives to be affordable to most people and counsels his clients to get on a better path. In fact, many of his clients have overcome their difficulties in life and become successful in their chosen endeavors. Sullivan may not see the end results and how the lives of his many exonerated clients unfold, but he strives to do well for all of his clients and get the best results possible. If you need a defense attorney, you can call him right now at 281-546-6428.

As one of the late, great religious leaders who courageously struggled and died for social justice and in whom Jim Sullivan was greatly inspired once said,

Archbishop Oscar Romero

Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Goldámez was Archbishop of the Catholic Church in San Salvador, El Salvador. In the late 1970s and 1980s, a civil war waged. In all, at least 75,000 – 80,000 Salvadorans would be slaughtered; 300,000 would disappear and never be seen again; a million would flee their homeland; and an additional million would become homeless fugitives, constantly fleeing the military and police. All of this occurred in a nation of only 5.5 million people.

On March 24, 1980, while performing a funeral mass in the Chapel of Divine Providence Hospital, Archbishop Oscar Romero was shot to death by a paid assassin. Only moments before his death, he had reminded the mourners of the parable of wheat. His prophetic words:

Nicaraguan Contras training in Honduras

In the summer 1988, at age 20, Jim Sullivan traveled with a Christian organization to the war zone areas of northern Nicaragua to offer support to poor refugee families. Although Americans in Nicaragua were not targeted by the contras, the refugee camp which Sullivan visited was frequently attacked by contras. The camp was located about 50 kilometers south of the Honduran border in the corridor which the contras used to invade the country.

After graduating from Baylor University in May 1990, Jim Sullivan lived in Mexico City and traveled throughout the country. His experiences in seeing the horrific suffering in Nicaragua and the social injustice in Mexico and elsewhere were just a few of his significant life experiences which led to his becoming a defense attorney and his strong passion in representing the accused, especially juveniles who he has been able to guide onto a better path and a successful life.

Houston Robbery Attorney | Houston Theft Defense Lawyer(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Online Solicitation Defense Attorneys(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Texas Castle Doctrine Defense Leads to More Justifiable Killings(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan Counsels Youth to Seek Better Path(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Misdemeanor Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Knows the Value of a Good Defense(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Defender Jim Sullivan Defends All People and Condemns Religious Persecution(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Sexual Assault of a Child – Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Can Help(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Choose Your Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Wisely(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Supports the Public Defenders Office in Representing Indigent Juveniles(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Juvenile Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights to Defend Children Accused of Delinquency(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)

Choose Your Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Wisely

admin — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 05:28:53 +0000

Attorney Jim Sullivan

Ethics, Integrity, Honesty, Reliable, Reputable, Competent.
In an ideal world, these qualities would describe all attorneys, but as so many dissatisfied, disheartened and disrespected former clients of some other lawyers have learned to their peril, it simply does not.

Suggestions on how to screen Houston juvenile attorneys:

1) Is the attorney Board Certified in Juvenile Law? This can be checked at the Texas Board of Legal Specialization website.

2) Is the juvenile attorney rated well by other attorneys and clients? This can be checked at the AVVO website.

3) Has the attorney been sanctioned for misconduct by the Texas State Bar? This can be checked at the Texas State Bar website.

4) Does the attorney have any negative publicity on-line? This can be checked by searching their name with Google or searching their name with the word attorney.

5) Does the attorney receive large sums of money each year from handling court-appointed cases? This can be checked at the website of the Harris County Auditor. You can enter the attorney’s name in the window for Vendor Name.

6) Does the attorney who receives income on court-appointed cases also contribute to the judicial campaigns of the judges? This can be checked at the website of the Texas Ethics Commission. You can also learn much by reading articles in the Houston Chronicle or Houston Press.

Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Juvenile Law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Note: Among the more than 83,000 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice. The other 27 such lawyers work for the government. Sullivan has received reviews by fellow attorneys and clients on AVVO, does not handle juvenile court-appointed cases and is not contributing to local juvenile judicial campaigns.

Attorney Jim Sullivan attended Baylor University and South Texas College of Law. He has been married over 20 years, is a Christian and worships at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church. Sullivan earned his Eagle Scout award at age 14. If you need a Houston, Texas criminal or juvenile defense attorney, you can call him right now at 281-546-6428.

Sexual Assault of a Child – Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Can Help(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Juvenile Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights to Defend Children Accused of Delinquency(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Supports the Public Defenders Office in Representing Indigent Juveniles(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Theft Crime Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Encourages Learning How to Live(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan Counsels Youth to Seek Better Path(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Texas Castle Doctrine Defense Leads to More Justifiable Killings(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Hempstead Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Knows the Value of a Good Legal Defense(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Defender Jim Sullivan Defends All People and Condemns Religious Persecution(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)

Houston Defender Jim Sullivan Defends All People and Condemns Religious Persecution

admin — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 20:59:10 +0000

Attorney Jim Sullivan

Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan is Christian (Catholic) and a strong supporter of religious freedom. He has friends from all faiths. He fights for all people no matter their background or circumstances. As a Christian, he believes that God blesses us to be a blessing to others. Sullivan uses his talents in the law and in public speaking to defend adult and juvenile accused from governmental prosecution. Sullivan also believes that many times what man meant for evil that God uses for good.

Unfortunately, throughout the world, there is religious hatred and persecution. Christians are a minority in some countries and are sometimes targeted for death or serious injury (see Voice of the Martyrs).

In the Houston Chronicle today, the story of Julie Aftab is a good example. At age 16, Aftab was attacked with battery acid in her native Pakistan for being a Christian. Her attackers lied against her, falsely claiming she blasphemed Islam to justify their vicious and violent attack. Fortunately, thanks to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, she was able to come to Houston for treatment. Over time, She was able to forgive her attackers.

“Those people, they think they did a bad thing to me, but they brought me closer to God,” Aftab said. “They helped me fulfill my dreams. I never imagined I could be the person I am today.” She is now studying accounting in college and also plans to become a pastor and to raise money for a safe house for persecuted girls in Pakistan.

Her cross to bear

They threw acid on her face and poured it down her throat because she was a Christian. But after dozens of surgeries, this Pakistani woman has found a new life in Houston.

By Susan Carroll

She was 16 years old, working as an operator in a tiny, public call office in Pakistan, when a man walked in and saw the silver cross dangling around her neck. He asked her three times: “Are you a Christian?” Julie Aftab answered, “Yes, sir,” the first two times, and then got frustrated. “Didn’t you hear me?” she asked. They argued, and the man abruptly left the little office, returning 30 or 40 minutes later with a turquoise bottle. Aftab tried to block the arc of battery acid, but it melted much of the right side of her face and left her with swirling, bone-deep burns on her chest and arms. She ran for the door, but a second man grabbed her hair, and they poured the acid down her throat, searing her esophagus.

A decade and 31 surgeries later, Aftab is an accounting major at the University of Houston-Clear Lake with a melodic laugh. She spoke no English when she arrived in Houston in February 2004, but is poised to take her citizenship test later this month.

Doctors in Houston have donated their time to painstakingly reconstruct her cheek, nose, upper lip and replace her eyelids. Over time, her scars have faded from hues of deep wine to mocha.

And, with time, the 26-year-old said, she has learned to forgive.

“Those people, they think they did a bad thing to me, but they brought me closer to God,” Aftab said. “They helped me fulfill my dreams. I never imagined I could be the person I am today.”

Eldest of seven

Aftab was born in Faisalabad, Pakistan, the eldest of seven children in a Christian working-class family.

She dreamed of becoming a doctor, but dropped out of school at age 12 to work in a sewing factory after her father, a bus driver and the family’s sole breadwinner, broke his back in an accident. After the sewing factory closed when Aftab was 16, she took a job as a telephone operator helping people place phone calls from the small office in the city’s center.

It was June 15, 2002, two weeks into her new job, when the customer spotted her silver cross, a gift from her grandfather. She wore it despite knowing it branded her as Christian, a tiny minority in the Muslim-majority country.

You are living life in the gutter, the Muslim man told her.

She tried to ignore him, remembering what her mother had taught her since she was a child: “You are no one to insult someone’s religion. If someone is insulting religion, they have to answer to God.”

You are going to hell, the man told her. You are living in darkness.

“I am living in the light,” Aftab replied.

So you think Islam is in darkness? the man demanded.

Aftab was frightened. She knew Christians had been accused of violating Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws in the past when others had twisted their words, to make it sound as though they had attacked Islam.

“No, you said that,” she replied. “Not me.”

But the man was enraged and returned with the battery acid and his friend. When she finally broke away from them, the acid searing her skin and throat, she ran down the street. As she screamed, teeth fell from her mouth and hit the ground.

A woman heard her screams and threw her head cover on Aftab so she could touch her without getting burned. The woman took Aftab to her home and poured water on her. Others eventually came to help take her to the hospital.

People in the neighborhood detained the two men who assaulted her until police arrived.

Why did you do that? the men were asked.

They said Aftab insulted Islam, that she said Muslims are living in the darkness and are going to hell.

“They all turned against me,” she said. “Even the people who took me to the hospital. They told the doctor they were going to set the hospital on fire if they treated me.”

The police let the two men go, and did not even file an official report on the assault until Christian leaders complained, she said.

Family persecuted

Aftab’s family was turned away from one hospital, and then another. Her mother begged a doctor at a third hospital to treat her, and he relented.

Aftab could not speak or move her arms. Doctors said 67 percent of her esophagus was burned. She was missing an eye and eyelids. Her remaining teeth could be seen through her missing cheek. The doctors predicted she would die any day. She was angry at first, she said. “God, why did you do this to me? Why did you put me through this?”

Slowly, she started to heal. Three months and 17 days after being burned, she spoke again and was able to see through her left eye. She spent almost a year in the hospital.

Aftab quickly learned that in her old neighborhood, she was a pariah. Her mutilated face was plastered on the news, associated with insulting Islam. Her family was persecuted, and their house was burned down.

“They wanted to hang me,” she said. “They thought it would be an insult to Islam if I lived.”

Aftab and her parents went to a nondenominational bishop in Pakistan, who said he would try to help. He took her in, contacted Shriners Hospitals for Children, and arranged for her treatment in Houston.

He gave her one piece of advice before she left Pakistan in 2004: “If you forgive them,” he said, “your wound will heal without any medication. You can heal from the inside out.”

Shy and speechless

Lee and Gloria Ervin prayed together on the night they heard that a young Pakistani girl undergoing medical treatment in Houston needed a place to stay. The Ervins, active in their congregation at Deer Park United Methodist Church, had raised four children of their own, and had a spare bedroom.

They offered to take Aftab in for six months.

When she first arrived, Aftab was painfully shy, stared at the floor and dressed head-to-toe in black, Gloria said. They quickly realized she spoke no English.

Lee, a retired Shell worker, taught Aftab how to read and write using the children’s picture books from the church library.

The couple would sit with Aftab when she woke up scared in the middle of the night, screaming and crying.

Doctors ‘gave me a life’

Aftab enrolled in Deer Park High School, and endured surgery after surgery at Shriners and at Methodist hospitals. She credits a list of doctors with the careful reconstruction of her face, neck and ears — all done on donated time.

“Maybe those doctors don’t know what they did. Maybe they think they just did their jobs,” she said. “But for me, they gave me a life.”

She graduated from high school and went to San Jacinto College on a full scholarship, courtesy of the Deer Park Rotary Club.

In 2007, Aftab applied for and received asylum. She is scheduled for her naturalization interview on July 17.

Over time, she became part of the fabric of the Ervin family, standing at the center of the group portrait shot at the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary. She still lives in the couple’s spare bedroom, and calls them “Auntie Gloria” and “Uncle Lee.” She says she is unspeakably grateful for them, for their kindness.

She stopped wearing all black, and now calls her scars “my jewel, my gift from God.”

“You don’t even see the scars anymore,” said Lee, 71. “You see so much beauty.”

“We are very proud of her,” said Gloria, 72. “We’re very proud of all of our kids.”

Aftab works at Lowe’s in the mornings and takes classes at UH-Clear Lake in the evenings. She plans to someday become a pastor, and raises money for a safe house for persecuted girls in Pakistan.

“There is a reason God gave me life,” she said. “I don’t want to miss one second of it.” susan.carroll@chron.com

Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle Julie Aftab arrived in Houston for surgery in 2004 and now calls the scars from the attack “my gift from God.”

Melissa Phillip photos / Houston Chronicle Julie Aftab, a Pakistani refugee who was attacked with battery acid in 2002 when she was 16 years old, was welcomed into the Deer Park home of Gloria Ervin and her husband, Lee, in 2004. They taught her to read and write English and continue to give her a loving home.

Aftab, 26, leaves the library at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where she is studying accounting. She also plans to someday become a pastor.

Her photo featured in the Ervin home, Aftab has become a part of the family. “We are very proud of her,” says Auntie Gloria, as Aftab has come to call her.

Houston Criminal Attorney Jim Sullivan Defends All People and Condemns Religious Persecution(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Sexual Assault of a Child – Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Can Help(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Angleton / Brazoria County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Keeps His Ideals(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
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Texas Castle Doctrine Defense Leads to More Justifiable Killings

admin — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 19:27:21 +0000

Since Texas expanded its “Castle Doctrine” in 2007, justifiable killings in Texas have increased 50% from 32 in 2006 to 48 in 2010, according to an article today in the Houston Chronicle (see below). This article, however, does not cite killings where the Castle Doctrine (also known as the “Stand Your Ground” doctrine in some states) was unsuccessfully relied on by the shooter as justification. It sometimes can be a fine line between legally and illegally using deadly force in situations of arguable self defense. And, in these fine line cases, the decision as to legality often comes down to the vote of the grand jury or the vote of the jury at trial.

In a recent jury trial in Houston, Raul Rodriguez was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison. In that case, a juror member later said in an interview with the Houston Chronicle that the initial voting during deliberations was 8 – 4 for guilt. Such a difference in initial voting demonstrates how difficult this law can be to apply in real life situations. Unlike most murder trials, the case of Rodriguez featured a homemade video that he made as he was purportedly recording evidence of the neighbor’s late night party that may have constituted a public disturbance. Rodriguez had a concealed handgun license and carried a pistol on his person when he went to document the loud party. A later confrontation between him and party goers led to a deadly shooting.

The choice to arm oneself with a firearm carries with it great responsibility and should not be taken lightly. The use of deadly force should always be the last option. In almost every case, a defense attorney is involved, whether it be in counseling the police officer or the public citizen who did the shooting.

If you or someone you know is being investigated for or charged with an unlawful use of deadly force, whether it be an aggravated assault, negligent homicide or murder, you can call Jim Sullivan and Associates at 281-546-6428 for a free initial consultation.

Killings deemed justified on rise

‘Castle Doctrine’ cited in 48 deaths in 2010

By Yang Wang and Dane Schiller

For $20.29 stolen from the tip jar of a Houston taco truck, 24-year-old Benito Pantoja was shot with a .357 Colt and killed. The owner of Tacos Del Indio, parked near the Ship Channel, ran him down as he tried to escape with the cash, fired into the getaway car and hit Pantoja in the back.

The death was ruled a justifiable homicide, one of 48 involving citizens across Texas in 2010, with 27 in Houston, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis of FBI data. Since Texas in 2007 expanded its “Castle Doctrine” — in some states known as “Stand Your Ground” — justifiable killings have steadily increased, from 32 statewide in 2006 to 48 in the 2010, the Chronicle’s review shows.

Texas law always has allowed deadly force against intruders and thieves to protect lives and property, but where it once required a duty to try to retreat if possible when facing imminent danger, it no longer does.

“Traditionally, if you felt your life was threatened, you could use deadly force to protect yourself, except if you could get away safely where nobody got hurt, then you were required to do that,” said Sandra Thompson, a professor at the University of Houston Law Center. The law always has allowed deadly force to protect your property, even $20.29 from a tip jar.

“Even if somebody is just stealing from your front yard, and they are not threatening anybody, (and) there’s no threat of being hurt at all, you can kill them, if it’s reasonably necessary protecting your property,” Thompson added.

Killings by civilians long have piqued national outcries over the use of deadly force and whether it was necessary — or feigned to be necessary — to protect lives or property. Few have reached the fevered pitch of former neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman’s killing of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Florida teenager as he walked to his cousin’s house. Zimmerman, who was indicted, claims he was in fear for his life.

A range of emotions

About half of the killings in Texas occurred in the greater Houston area, the state’s largest metropolis. Dallas, with nine, and San Antonio, with eight, also showed increases.

“Things police can’t shoot you for, your fellow citizens can,” said Marsha McCartney of the Texas Chapter of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. “This is just appalling.”

Clashes with adrenaline flowing and deadly consequences leave a range of emotions in the aftermath; relatives of the dead question the bloodshed; those who did the killing wrestle with remorse, even if they had the right to use deadly force.

“I hate that the guy’s life was taken, I really do,” said Rodrick Batiste, a longshoreman who bolted awake when someone tripped his burglar alarm by kicking in the French doors to his backyard. “I try and tell people with the ‘You should have shot him again’ attitude, that it is not really what you think. If you haven’t been there before, you don’t know what type of feelings overtake you.

“It changed me. There is nothing cool about taking somebody’s life.”

On a dark winter morning, a naked Batiste grabbed his .38-caliber revolver from his bedside and charged to confront the home invader who was trying to steal his flat-screen television.

“Although I have all kinds of remorse, that doesn’t change the world,” Batiste said. “This type (of) thing is still out there, and you should be able to defend yourself and your property without the risk of turning into a victim, if not by the person trying to victimize you, then by the law.”

Texas law goes further than other states in allowing deadly force not only to protect property, but also to stop rape, arson, burglary, robbery, theft at night and criminal mischief at night.

Castle Doctrine

A grand jury in Lavaca County in June declined to indict a 5-year-old girl’s father who found a man molesting her behind a barn in Shiner — and beat him to death. The father, the grand jury determined, was within his right to use deadly force to protect his daughter.

In Houston early Friday, a 19-year-old convenience store clerk shot and killed a 52-yearold man who stole beer, according to police. The matter remains under investigation, but the clerk was not arrested.

In Texas and elsewhere, each time someone is shot dead with a claim of self-defense, a grand jury must decide if an indictment is warranted. However, deliberations by grand juries are secret and the basis of their decisions is seldom public.

The Chronicle also examined times of death, gender and race of both the shooters and the dead. Citizen shootings most often happen after dark, and involve a male shooting a handgun during a home invasion.

The person doing the killing is most often a minority, as is the person killed, according to the Chronicle analysis.

But the exchanges play out in an array of settings: From the taco truck parked on the corner of a street packed with tiny cantinas to the outside of a liquor store in Montrose, from the bedroom of a one-story house in northwest Houston to a gentrifying neighborhood northeast of downtown where townhouses tower over decaying shacks.

“The Castle Doctrine is now the law, and this is Texas,” said Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos. “If someone is invading your home or your place of business, you should not be obligated to retreat.

“At the same time, people should never seek a confrontation,” she said.

‘A losing situation’

Mark Brown had just returned home from a morning trip to the grocery store when he realized his home was being burglarized. He grabbed a.12-gauge shotgun, headed to the bedroom, where he saw his rings, watches, cuff links and bracelets piled in the middle of a bed. He heard a noise in the closet behind the closed door and fired one shot. As the thief pushed the door open, Brown fired off more blasts, killing the man. Holes were blown in the wall behind the body, blood splattered on clothes in the closet.

“It was a horrible experience, I just want to put it behind me,” Brown said. “I hated it happened. For him, it wasn’t worth it. For me, it wasn’t worth it — a losing situation for both people.”

Brown even had a note by his back windows warning would-be burglars. “My neighborhood was getting rough. I was giving people a warning that whatever was going to happen, was going to happen,” he said.

Emotions also run raw for those who lose family.

“Nobody knows what happened because my son has already gone,” said Edyth Moss, the mother of David McDaniel, who was shot and killed by a cab driver during a fight touched off by an argument over change.

“But they know he didn’t have a weapon. He didn’t have a knife. He didn’t have a gun.”

Texas Rep. Garnet Coleman is among a handful of lawmakers who voted against the Castle Law amendment back in 2007. He calls it the “shoot-first-and-ask-questions-later” law.

“Some people call them ‘justifiable homicide,’ but it’s not justifiable, it’s the law (that) made something that’s wrong legal,” Coleman said.

Batiste, who shot the man who broke into his townhouse, said he’s prayed a lot about what happened and has considered reaching out to the dead man’s family.

“I’d just tell them I am sorry for their loss, I didn’t mean for it to go that way,” he said. “I did want to stop him from doing what he was doing. I did not mean to take his life.”

Houston Misdemeanor Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Knows the Value of a Good Defense(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Gets Proven Results(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Record Sealing Expungement(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Trial Case Results(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Sexual Assault of a Child – Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Can Help(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
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Houston Online Solicitation Defense Attorneys

admin — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 00:04:10 +0000

Protecting Your Teen’s Future

Did you know that if your 17-year-old son received a nude photo of his 15-year-old girlfriend from her via cell phone, your son could be charged with possession of child pornography in Texas? This behavior is called “sexting”, an increasingly common phenomenon that can have devastating consequences for teenagers and young adults.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia

Attorney Jim Sullivan aggressively defends teens and young adults accused of online solicitation of a minor, possession of child pornography and related sex crimes. Sullivan believes that one mistake should not a teen’s life. His goal is keep the charge from affecting your son or daughter’s future.

Houston Sexting Defense Lawyers

Sexting involves receiving or sending a sexually explicit text message or photo via a mobile phone. Even if your son or daughter consented to the sexting, he or she could end up in jail and be forced to register as a sex offender for the rest of his or her life. In addition to alerting the public about the sex offense, sex offender registration will impact your son or daughter’s ability to get a job, travel freely and to live in certain areas.

Houston Online Solicitation Defense Lawyers

Online solicitation involves sending sexually explicit messages to a minor through the Internet. This can include social networking sites, chat rooms, e-mail and text messaging. Even if your son or daughter were just role playing or thought the person on the other end was of age and later found out that person was a minor, he or she can be charged with a sex offense.

Aggressive Defense

Most people and even some grand jurors understand the difference between a teen making a bad decision by flirting through technology and an adult possessing child pornography. However, if the teen is 17 years or older, Texas law does not distinguish the two. Because your teen’s future is at stake, it is essential that you fight the charges.

Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Conveys His Clients’ Humanity to the Jury(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Juveniles Charged with Sex Offenses in Harris County Are on the Rise(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Supports the Public Defenders Office(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)

Sexual Assault of a Child – Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Can Help

admin — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 19:50:42 +0000

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

: (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

These cases seem to be more and more common. A 23 year old male name “John” goes to a friend’s house party and meets an attractive, willing woman who says she is 18 years of age. They have consensual sex in one of the bedrooms. Several days later, he learns that she is really 14 years of age and that her mother found out about it and called the police.
John now faces serious sex offense charges. There are several important legal issues to consider:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jim Sullivan and Associates are Houston Criminal Defense and Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney with over 40 combined years of defense experience. Jim Sullivan is also board certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Juvenile Law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Note: Among the more than 83,000 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice. You can call Jim Sullivan and Associates right now at 281-546-6428.

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

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

DATE	CASE #	CT #	TEXAS CRIMINAL OFFENSE	ACTUAL RESULT

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

Grand Jury – Call Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Before Your Felony Case Is Indicted(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Conveys His Clients’ Humanity to the Jury(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Juvenile Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights to Defend Children Accused of Delinquency(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Angleton / Brazoria County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights Cases at Trial(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Trial Case Results(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight for You at a Jury Trial(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)

Houston Juvenile Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights to Defend Children Accused of Delinquency

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:48:35 +0000

Attorney Jim Sullivan

Houston Juvenile Defense Trial Attorney Jim Sullivan is a recognized expert in juvenile law and fights to defend children accused of delinquency offenses. Since 1994, Jim Sullivan has fought to defend thousands of children accused of delinquency. He has defended children in juvenile court on virtually every kind of delinquency case, ranging from misdemeanor possession of marihuana to felony murder.

Attorney Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a recognized expert in the highly specialized area of juvenile law. Note: Among the more than 83,000 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice. The other 27 board certified lawyers work for the government.

Juvenile Law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Many criminal defense lawyers advertise that they are also juvenile defense lawyers, yet they may never have tried a juvenile case to a jury. In order to hold oneself out as a true expert in Juvenile Law, a lawyer has to be Board Certified in juvenile law (see requirements). To become Board Certified in a specialty area, an attorney must

have been licensed to practice law for at least five years,
devoted a required percentage of practice to a specialty area for at least three years,
handled a wide variety of matters in the area to demonstrate experience and involvement (including at least 3 jury trials, 5 non-jury trials and 3 certification hearings),
attended continuing education seminars regularly to keep legal training up to date,
been evaluated by fellow lawyers and judges, and
passed a 6-hour written examination.

The parents of children caught up in the juvenile justice system are very concerned about how their child’s misdemeanor or felony delinquency case could impact their future. This is a very valid concern. Colleges and universities have access to juvenile records. Clearly, a juvenile delinquent is less likely to receive a highly coveted admission to a top school. Also, law enforcement has access to juvenile records. When juveniles are stopped by the police, they may be treated differently when the police know that they have a record. There are several other ways that a juvenile record could impact your child.

If your child needs a juvenile defense lawyer, you can call Attorney Jim Sullivan right now at 281-546-6428.

Great are those who do not lose their child’s heart. ~Mencius, Chinese philosopher, 4th century B.C.

Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight for You at a Jury Trial(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)

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Katy Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys Jim Sullivan and Associates Can Help (texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
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Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Defends Teenagers at Trial

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 06:14:40 +0000

Defending Your Freedom

Proven Results

Philosophy

Affordable Legal Services

Cares About His Clients

Reputation

Contact Attorney Jim Sullivan

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime or delinquency, call Houston criminal defense attorney Jim Sullivan to discuss your case.

Grand Jury Defense

Board Certified in Juvenile Law (Only 38 in private practice in Texas)

Houston Juvenile Attorney Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Juvenile law is different than criminal law (see Juvenile Crime). Note: Among the more than 83,000 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice.

Bilingual

Angleton / Brazoria County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Keeps His Ideals

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:59:00 +0000

Anne Frank (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. -Anne Frank, Holocaust diarist (1929-1945)

Angleton / Brazoria County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan is still an idealist after 19 years of practicing criminal and juvenile law throughout the state of Texas. In spite of everything, like Anne Frank, he still believes that people are really good at heart. As a Christian, he believes in repentance, forgiveness and redemption. As a trial lawyer, he defends those who have fallen short of perfection from the wrath of prosecutors who believe they have obtained it. In many cases, jurors also feel that–there but for the grace of God, go I. If you need an Angleton Criminal Lawyer to , you can call Jim Sullivan right now at 281-546-6428.

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Angleton / Brazoria County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Knows the Value of a Good Defense

admin — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:48:20 +0000

Oscar Wilde (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. -Oscar Wilde, writer (1854-1900)

Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan knows the value of a good legal defense. With over 18 years of legal experience, he has represented thousands of clients and caused hundreds of cases to be dismissed, no billed by the grand jury or found not guilty by a jury.

The countless clients who were satisfied with his representation know the value of a good legal defense because their freedom, livelihood and family life were saved. Too many accused pay little for their legal defense, get what they pay for and it ultimately costs them more than they can afford. Others pay too much for their legal defense by lawyers who base their legal fees on the potential client’s income or residential area code or who charge an inflated flat fee which includes a trial, knowing that most criminal cases will not need a trial.

Attorney Jim Sullivan offer legal services that are affordable to most people, but he is definitely not the least expensive criminal attorneys in town. Jim Sullivan cares about his clients and works hard to get the best result for them. If you need a Houston criminal lawyer, you can call Attorney Jim Sullivan right now at 281-546-6428.

ANGLETON, TEXAS & BRAZORIA COUNTY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Serving clients throughout Texas, including Houston, Galveston, Angleton, Pearland, Alvin, Sugar Land, Bellville, Clear Lake, Conroe, Pasadena, La Grange, La Porte, Missouri City, Texas City, Friendswood, Richmond, Rosenberg, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, San Antonio, Laredo, El Paso, El Campo, Austin, San Marcos, Dallas, Denton, Plano, Lubbock, Midland, Anahuac, Beaumont, Hempstead, Huntsville, Liberty, The Woodlands, Humble, Tomball, League City, Bellaire, Deer Park, and Katy and other communities in Austin County, Brazoria County, Chambers County, Colorado County, Fayette County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, Harris County, Jefferson County, Liberty County, Montgomery County, Waller County, Walker County and Wharton County.

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Angleton / Brazoria County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights Cases at Trial

admin — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:25:18 +0000

John Kenneth Galbraith, Canadian-American economist (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Faced with the choice between changing one’s mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof. -John Kenneth Galbraith, economist (1908-2006)

When fighting the government on behalf of clients, Angleton Texas criminal lawyer Jim Sullivan often faces prosecutors who will not change their minds no matter how illogical or unreasonable their theory of the case seems. Much like what happened to Amanda Knox in Perugia Italy, there are prosecutors in some cases that just continue to hold on to their untenable theories even when physical evidence and testimonial evidence does not support it.

Prosecutors take an oath to see that justice is done. Justice frequently requires that criminal and juvenile cases be dismissed. When prosecutors do not see the light and dismiss the case, then good defense lawyers take the case to a jury trial.

Attorneys Jim Sullivan and Nancy Botts are enthusiastic about trying felony and misdemeanor cases to a jury at trial. Attorney Jim Sullivan is also Board Certified in Juvenile Law. You can call them right now at 281-546-6428.

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Harris County Judges Should Approve More Personal Recognizance Bonds

admin — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 02:28:59 +0000

701 Jail of the Harris County Sheriff's Office - Houston, TX Español: 701 Jail ("Carcel 701") de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Harris (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

More indigent defendants should receive PR bonds in Harris County Texas. The poor accused must choose between taking a plea deal so that they can get out of jail and go back to work or to languish in jail for months on end waiting for trial. Few innocent accused are willing to do that. As a result, many undeserving people get saddled with criminal records that impact them and their families for the rest of their lives.

Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan ran unsuccessfully for judge of the 248th Criminal District Court in 2010. Jim Sullivan ran for judge in order to reform the local system that ran contrary to other jurisdictions in the state and across the nation (see his Judicial Q&A). Sullivan supported the granting of more PR bonds, pretrial diversions and a public defenders office. Sullivan was endorsed by the Houston Chronicle.

Although many lawyers encouraged him to run for judge again in 2012, Attorney Jim Sullivan chose to continue his first passion–defending the accused in criminal and juvenile courts throughout Texas. Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law and has fought for the rights of fellow Texans and immigrants since 1994. He has sought PR bonds for many of his clients and continues to urge Harris County judges to grant more PR bonds for defendants in jail.

Two years later, the local situation remains the same. PR bonds are not granted often and accused continue to languish in jail. In today’s edition of the Houston Chronicle, Patricia Kilday Hart published an article squarely on point. Entitled “In Harris County, a guilty plea is often the best choice“, Hart wrote,

I’ve come to think of the Harris County Criminal Justice Center as Grand Central Station for Houston’s misery, an opinion that was only hardened when I recently spent a few mornings observing our courts handle jail inmates charged with misdemeanors.

Every day about mid-morning in Harris County’s 15 Criminal Courts-at-law, a door swings open and six to 10 men wearing orange jail jumpsuits, usually shackled together in a long train, are directed by a sheriff’s deputy to march in front of the judge’s bench.

(Women are handled separately, and often appear alone.) Responding to a (frequently bored-sounding) judge who appears to be reading from a script, they all plead guilty. The question—“How do you plead?” — is a rhetorical one, of course.

The judge, the prosecutors, the court-appointed lawyers, in fact, everyone in the courthouse knows that these criminal defendants have been offered a Hobson’s choice. That is, no choice at all: Take a guilty plea, or sit in jail until you can have a trial and plead not guilty. When that time rolls around, you’ll have spent more time in the slammer than if you pled guilty. “It doesn’t look very good, does it?” observed Earl Musick, president of the Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association. A former Houston police officer, Musick is well-acquainted with the tsunami of petty crime in our town, and yet he thinks our system shortchanges the rights of the accused.

“The pressure to do things rapidly should never get in the way of justice,” he said. “When you are taking someone’s liberty away, it should be more individualized.”

7.5% get personal bond

According to a recently released report by Harris County’s Pretrial Services Department, bonds are set for about 54 percent of jailed inmates charged with misdemeanors. Only 7.5 percent, though, are given personal bonds— the type of bond permitting someone to get out of jail on a promise to return to court, without having to put up cash. That statistic is why Musick and his fellow criminal defense attorneys believe that defendants are under pressure to accept guilty pleas— even when circumstances don’t support it.

“What is going through their minds is to get out of jail as quickly as possible,” Musick said of the defendants.

Staying in jail longer will bring a cascade of consequences from a minor criminal screw-up: They will lose jobs, or fail to make their rent or child support payments. They will lose their cars.

Besides that, attorney David A. Jones dryly observes, “That is not a good place to be, the Harris County Jail. They are willing to take anything. The whole thing is organized for the benefit of lawyers and judges.”

Expediency triumphs?

Jones participated in a recent report by Houston Ministers Against Crime, which concluded that the county’s bail bond schedule fails to take into account the dire economic circumstances that prevent a wide swath of Houstonians from posting a cash bond.

The report concluded that expediency seems to dominate equity. Instead of taking into account a defendant’s economic circumstances, as required by the state “Harris County rarely deviates from its predetermined bail schedules.” Jailing people who have not yet been convicted of even a petty crime is unjust — and costly to taxpayers, the report said. “The rigidity of these rules contributes to high pre-trial detention rates in Harris County and exacerbates the County’s budget woes.”

Worse, the problem is old news. As Jones’ 2011 report pointed out, an October 2009 report by the Justice Management Institute noted that the Harris County Jail population is made up of mostly pre-trial detainees. In October 2010, the jail count showed 5,908 of the 10,401 county jail inmates were detained pending trial.

State law would have permitted many of those cited with tickets, released and required to show up in court at a later date.

In 2009, Travis County released 18,257 defendants on personal bond while Harris County, with a much larger population, released approximately 6,000.

Misdemeanor Court Judge Sherman Ross, who chairs the judges’ administration committee, cautioned me that I observed only the public part of the plea. Each defendant is assigned a court-appointed attorney who advises defendants of the ramifications of a guilty plea. Attorneys are allowed to represent up to seven defendants each day. “The attorney has to make sure the facts support the case and the plea bargain is such that this defendant is being treated in a manner that is just,” Sherman said. He believes there’s ample time for all that to occur and for defendants to choose the best course available to them.

Chews up the innocent

Like every judge in Harris County, Sherman presides over a courtroom awash with the bad decisions made with so many people living chaotic lives, anchored by drugs and alcohol. Steady employment and a clean lifestyle are underrepresented in the demographic showing up at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center.

But the criminal justice system can chew up the innocent along with the guilty. Right now, Harris County indiscriminately holds people in jail before they obtain trials, whether or not they are a threat to public safety. Until that changes, our courthouse will be the epicenter of misery, both self-inflicted and senseless.

Juveniles Charged with Sex Offenses in Harris County Are on the Rise(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights for the Rights of Everyone Including the Mentally Ill(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Katy Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys Jim Sullivan and Associates Can Help(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight for You at a Jury Trial(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Domestic Assault Criminal Defense Lawyer in Houston / Harris County Texas(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)

Juveniles Charged with Sex Offenses in Harris County Are on the Rise

admin — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:23:06 +0000

Houston Board Certified Juvenile Lawyer Jim Sullivan frequently represents juveniles accused with committing sex offenses (see Texas Juvenile Sex Crimes). Attorney Jim Sullivan also represents accused when they are being investigated by CPS (Children’s Protective Services). He has success in both representing juveniles in court and in indirectly persuading authorities not to file charges against the juvenile suspect. He represents juveniles and adults accused of sex offenses and other offenses in Harris, Fort Bend, Waller, Montgomery, Liberty, Chambers, Brazoria and Galveston counties and throughout the state of Texas.

Juvenile sex offenses are serious offenses. The consequences can be extremely serious. A convicted juvenile sex offender could be made to register as a public sex offender until age 28. The convicted juvenile could be facing years of confinement as a juvenile and possibly even later as an adult under the Determinate Sentencing laws. If old enough and the allegations serious enough, the State could even seek certification of the juvenile to be charged as an adult and transfer proceedings to criminal district court.

According to an article by Cindy Horswell printed in the April 21, 2012 edition of the Houston Chronicle (see below), juvenile sex offenses are on the rise–

HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Sex crimes by juvenile offenders on the rise

In Harris County, those offenses are up 17%, while others are rapidly declining

By Cindy Horswell

Last fall, a Houston mother grew perplexed as to why her 8-year-old son was constantly crying and having trouble sleeping.

Then she received a phone call from a Houston policeman, who informed her that a surveillance camera had captured her son being sexually assaulted by two 10-year-old classmates on the school bus. The two older boys are set for a hearing on the assault in May.

Two more boys, ages 10 and 11, also are awaiting trial on accusations that they sexually assaulted an 8-year-old boy at a shelter for immigrant children in north Houston.

Similarly, six juveniles— including one middle school student— were accused of being among the 20 boys and men who gang-raped an 11-year-old girl in Cleveland in 2010.

Five of those juveniles have since admitted their guilt.

In the last five years, the number of juveniles committing sexual assaults has increased 17 percent in Harris County while most other major juvenile crimes have shown significant declines, probation records show.

Reasons not clear

Sex offenses climbed from 121 to 142 during that period, while other violent juvenile crimes such as murder and robbery declined, dropping by 28 percent and 24 percent.

Terrance Windham, chief of the juvenile division of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, is unsure what’s provoking the rise in sex offenses. But in such a highly sexualized media world, where pornography is an Internet click away and MTV shows and music videos glamorize risky youth behaviors, Windham isn’t surprised, either. “When I was growing up, kids didn’t have the kind of access to what they do now,” he said.

Two therapists certified to treat juvenile sex offenders in Harris County, Robert McLaughlin and Ramon Alvarez, say the vast majority of the youths they treat have been exposed to pornography at an early age— sometimes as young as 7 years old.

Alvarez recalled treating one 7-year-old who was accidentally exposed to a porn star who popped up on the Internet when his mother typed in the word “Disney.”

“It stuck inhis head and then he later, trying to copy it, got into trouble with wrongful touching while playing with a neighbor’s child,” Alvarez said. “These days youdon’t have to seek out porn. It seeks you.”

But since most juveniles often have some exposure to porn, McLaughlin said it’s difficult to show any clear linkage to sexual assaults because not everyone will react aggressively to it.

Yet he and Alvarez believe some youths may be more vulnerable when exposed at a very early age, before puberty when their brain is still developing.

“Those who act out sexually may have more trouble with impulse regulation or anticipating consequences. They want to experiment,” McLaughlin said.

‘Real red flag’

Harris County juvenile court judge Mike Schneider said the juvenile sex offenders who attack strangers are rare and that would be a “real red flag” of a predator type.

“Usually, the perpetrator has had a relationship with the victim, such as a cousin, sibling or friend,” he said.

The U.S. Justice Department says 36 percent of sex crimes against children are committed by other children. Five percent of all sex offenders are younger than 9, and 16 percent are younger than 12, records show.

One of the latest studies disputes the stereotype that juvenile sex offenders are like the typical young delinquent who comes from a broken home with a criminal history, poor attitude, lacking social skills and substance abuse problems.

“Rather, our review of thousands of cases found juveniles who committed sex crimes were overall much less antisocial than those committing other offenses,” said Michael Seto, one of the foremost authorities on adolescent sex offenders, who coauthored the study.

Seto, with the Royal Ottawa Healthy Care Group in Canada, found the average sex offender was generally a socially isolated individual who had developed an “atypical” interest in sex (from coercion to incest), been abused sexually and exposed early to pornography.

“The single biggest surprise to me from this study was how incredibly young the first exposure was to porn. Now we’re talking about hard-core porn with fetish content and unusual stuff being exposed to elementary students,” he said, adding that more research is needed into the role porn plays.

The good news, according to therapists, is that early intervention is effective with children.

After treatment, the recidivism rate averages 14 percent nationally for adolescent sex offenders, compared to 40 percent for similar adult offenders.

Houston Sex Crime Lawyer – Statutory Rape (Sexual Assault of a Child) in Texas(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Katy Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys Jim Sullivan and Associates Can Help(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Grand Jury(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Domestic Assault Criminal Defense Lawyer in Houston / Harris County Texas(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight for You at a Jury Trial(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Juvenile Lawyer Jim Sullivan Was Featured in the Houston Press(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)

Grand Jury

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:34:15 +0000

Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan has a proven record (see below) in getting felony cases no billed (dismissed) by the Grand Jury. When a person is accused of a felony offense, there may be the possibility of his defense attorney winning his felony case at the Grand Jury level. Depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, this may or may not be a viable option, so it is important to talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney. By utilizing this strategy, the accused in effect has two opportunities to win his case before a jury:

Grand Jury and, if indicted,
Jury Trial

If the Grand Jury votes that probable cause (i.e. a probability) does not exist to believe that the accused committed the offense, then the case is no billed (dismissed). If the Grand Jury votes that probable cause does exist, then the case is true billed (indicted). If a case is indicted, then the accused may have to have a Jury Trial in order to get the best result. A Jury Trial is more expensive and involves much more time and legal work.

Because prosecutors generally seek to present felony cases to the Grand Jury between the first and second court setting, it is extremely important to hire a defense attorney right away. Unless a defense attorney requests that the prosecutor hold the case from the Grand Jury in order to prepare a defense packet, the prosecutor will seek an indictment from the Grand Jury soon after the felony charge is filed.

Once an accused is indicted, this option is no longer available. Therefore, time is of the essence in retaining a knowledgeable defense attorney.

Since 1994, Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan has worked to get countless felony cases no billed by the Grand Jury. These felony cases include Sexual Assault of a Child, Attempted Murder, Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, Aggravated Assault, Forgery and Burglary of a Habitation. The graph below lists just those felony cases that were no billed over the past 3 years.

DATE	CASE #	CT #	TEXAS CRIMINAL OFFENSE	ACTUAL RESULT
04/19/12	1332791	185^th	SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of having sex with 16 year old girl that falsely claimed she was 18)
12/07/11	1321679	184^TH	BURGLARY OF A HABITATION (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused breaking into home while homeowner was home, however client had credible alibi witnesses at the time of the alleged burglary)
07/15/11	1302447	232^ND	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of intentionally driving into and hitting the new girlfriend of her ex-boyfriend)
05/27/11	1302814	232^nd	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of hitting man in head with beer bottle outside a bar; client claimed self-defense)
05/20/11	1291937	263^RD	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AGAINST PUBLIC SERVANT (1° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Police Officer shot at 4 unarmed teenagers in a truck and claimed that client pointed a gun at him)
01/06/11	1281977	174^TH	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of hitting other woman in head with metal pole)
01/05/11	1281428	174^TH	ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE (Felony Habitual)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY AFTER FACING 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON (Client accused of hitting wife multiple times after both had been drinking)
12/03/10	1283460	232^nd	SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of consensual sex with underage female)
10/21/10	1275771	180^TH	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY
09/23/10	1270564	176^TH	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY
08/24/10	1264919	232^ND	SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of consensual sex with underage female)
04/08/10	1252585	262^ND	FORGERY OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT (3° FELONY)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of passing a counterfeit $100 bill at store)
02/24/10	1241754	177^TH	AGG SEXUAL ASSAULT CHILD (1° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of molesting his sister-in-law)
02/24/10	1241755	177^TH	AGG SEXUAL ASSAULT CHILD (1° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of molesting his sister-in-law)
11/23/09	1231727	179^TH	SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of consensual sex with underage female)
05/20/09	1203539	337^TH	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (2° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY
11/13/08	1182231	179^TH	BURGLARY OF A HABITATION WITH INTENT TO COMMIT ASSAULT (1° Felony)	NO BILLED BY GRAND JURY (Client accused of breaking into house after a drug deal went bad)

Attorneys Jim Sullivan and Associates are Houston Criminal Defense and Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney with over 42 combined years of defense experience. Jim Sullivan is also Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. You can call Jim Sullivan and Associates right now at 281-546-6428.

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight to Get You Justice(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight for You at a Jury Trial(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Conveys His Clients’ Humanity to the Jury(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Fort Bend County Domestic Assault Lawyer Jim Sullivan Can Defend You in Court(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan Gets Robbery Case Reduced to Misdemeanor Assault on Jury Trial setting(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Call Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Because Experience Matters(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)

Katy Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys Jim Sullivan and Associates Can Help

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:15:15 +0000

Map of Katy, Texas (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Katy, Texas / Harris County Criminal Lawyers Jim Sullivan and Associates

The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure. ~Sven-Goran Eriksson, Swedish football manager, present day.

Katy / Harris County Criminal Attorney Jim Sullivan can represent you well in court. He will fight the government for you all the way to a jury trial. Take some advice–

Don’t be afraid of failure.
Pleading guilty to false charges is failure.
Confessing to a crime you did not commit is failure.

If you want to succeed in criminal court, you must be bold, brave and courageous. Be willing to take your case to trial. Make the government prove their case against you. It is the only way to have a chance at receiving a not guilty. No one was ever found not guilty who pled guilty in court. The only way to receive an acquittal from a jury is to go to trial.

Do not go to court alone.
Do not be intimidated.
A conviction could ruin your life.

If you want a dedicated Katy Texas Criminal Lawyer to fight for you in court, you can call Jim Sullivan and Associates right now at 281-546-6428.

Jim Sullivan is also Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Note: Among the 83,596 active lawyers in Texas, there are only 38 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law in private practice. The other 27 such lawyers work for the government. Other attorneys have consulted Jim Sullivan for years about this subject.

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Honors His Agreements(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Waller County/Hempstead Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Encourages Moderation(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Domestic Assault Criminal Defense Lawyer in Houston / Harris County Texas(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Hot Check Defense in Fort Bend County(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Conveys His Clients’ Humanity to the Jury(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Criminal Law Attorney Jim Sullivan Defends Clients from Rogue Prosecutors(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)

Magnolia Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight for You at Trial

admin — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 22:25:22 +0000

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Magnolia Criminal Defense Lawyers Jim Sullivan and Associates

The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure. ~Sven-Goran Eriksson, Swedish football manager, present day.

Magnolia / Harris County Criminal Attorney Jim Sullivan can represent you well in court. He will fight the government for you all the way to a jury trial. Take some advice–

Don’t be afraid of failure.
Pleading guilty to false charges is failure.
Confessing to a crime you did not commit is failure.

Do not go to court alone.
Do not be intimidated.
A conviction could ruin your life.

If you want a dedicated Magnolia Texas Criminal Lawyer to fight for you in court, you can call Jim Sullivan and Associates right now at 281-546-6428.

Call Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Because Experience Matters(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights for Those Accused of Domestic Assault(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight to Get You Justice(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Magnolia Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight for You at Trial(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)

Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Conveys His Clients’ Humanity to the Jury

admin — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 03:38:34 +0000

DSC_4311_MOD (Photo credit: werthmedia)

Houston Criminal Lawyers Jim Sullivan and Associates defend clients at trial. Jim Sullivan has represented criminal clients at trial since 1994 and Nancy Botts since 1988. The attorneys have over four decades of criminal defense trial experience. What is critically important during trial is to “humanize” the accused. Ideally, attorneys should not just convey their clients’ humanity to the jury, but also give the jury a reason to protect their clients from the government.

What many believe happened to Trayvon Martin in Florida is what good trial lawyers fear might happen to their clients–that juries will not see them, but will substitute their own fears and prejudices. When this happens, it is almost a foregone conclusion what the result will be–a verdict of guilty.

Jim Sullivan and Nancy Botts have secured acquittals for many minority clients–not just African American, but also Latino immigrants, Asian, Muslim and others. It takes time, talent and dedication to prepare a complex criminal case for trial and to secure an acquittal or some other acceptable result.

In his column describing the recent deadly shooting of an unarmed 17 year old black teen by the captain of the Neighborhood Watch, Leonard Pitts writes,

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight to Get You Justice(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Conveys His Clients’ Humanity to the Jury(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight for You at Trial(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Call Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Because Experience Matters(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Does Not Give Up Fighting

admin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:19:03 +0000

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Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyers Jim Sullivan and Associates

Life is a long lesson in humility. ~James M. Barrie, novelist (author of “Peter Pan”), short-story writer and playwright (1860-1937).

Waller County Criminal Lawyers should never give up on fighting to get the best possible result for their clients. Every day brings new challenges and trials. The key is to look at each challenge as an opportunity. Yes, life can be humbling. And, humbling experiences are often life’s greatest teachers. Real people struggling in the highways and byways of life call on criminal defense attorneys to represent them. They have been knocked down, spun around and fight to remain on their feet. They are facing real life emergencies—criminal charges or juvenile charges—and they need a lawyer who will stand by their side and fight like hell to keep them in the free world. They have family obligations and they cannot risk losing their job by going to jail or prison.

Do not go to court alone.
Talk to a criminal lawyer before talking to the police or prosecution.
Do not be intimidated. Hire a good criminal lawyer.

If you want a dedicated Hempstead Texas Criminal Lawyer to fight for you, you can call Jim Sullivan and Associates right now at 281-546-6428.

Call Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Because Experience Matters(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights for Those Accused of Domestic Assault(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Waller County/Hempstead Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Encourages Moderation(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Is Professional and Kind to Others(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Domestic Assault Criminal Defense Lawyer in Houston / Harris County Texas(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Hot Check Defense in Fort Bend County(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights for the Rights of Everyone Including the Mentally Ill

admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:36:38 +0000

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Hempstead/Waller County Texas Criminal Lawyers Jim Sullivan and Associates

Dreaming permits each and every one of us to be quietly and safely insane every night of our lives. ~William C. Dement, professor of psychiatry (b. 1928).

Hempstead Criminal Lawyers Jim Sullivan and Associates fight for the rights of every one including the mentally ill. Dreams may allow most folks to be “quietly and safely insane”, but unfortunately there are many thousands of mentally ill languishing in jails throughout the state of Texas. Harris County Jail is the largest provider of mental health services in the state, and that speaks volumes about the priorities and humanity of the Texas state government.

A number of Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys proudly represent and fight for the mentally ill in the criminal and juvenile justice system. They are truly the unsung heroes of the local defense bar.

Do not go to court alone.
Always talk to a Criminal Lawyer before talking to the police or prosecutor.
Do not be intimidated. Call a Criminal Lawyer.

Attorney Jim Sullivan is also Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

If you need a Hempstead Criminal Defense Lawyer, you can call Jim Sullivan and Associates right now at 281-546-6428.

Waiting in Waller County Jail? Call Hempstead Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan to Defend You(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Help You Go Far in Life(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Call Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Because Experience Matters(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Domestic Assault Criminal Defense Lawyer in Houston / Harris County Texas(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Fort Bend County Domestic Assault Lawyer Jim Sullivan Can Defend You in Court(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Hot Check Defense in Fort Bend County(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)

Waller County/Hempstead Texas Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Encourages Moderation

admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:29:11 +0000

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Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyers Jim Sullivan and Associates

The excesses of our youth are drafts upon our old age, payable with interest, about thirty years after date. ~Charles Caleb Colton, author and clergyman (1780-1832).

Waller County Criminal Defense Lawyers Jim Sullivan and Associates live by the principles of moderation and counsel others to do the same. Moderation saves, excesses shorten life. Attorney Jim Sullivan represents many who are unable to do so–be it from too much alcohol, illegal drugs, gambling and engaging in risky behaviors such as prostitution, racing cars on the highway and theft related offenses. Many people experience a momentary lapse of reason and impulsively engage in shoplifting or other risky behaviors. These brief moments of lunacy can carry lifelong consequences with a criminal record for theft–a serious crime of moral turpitude–or other more serious crimes, such as negligent homicide or manslaughter.

Attorneys Jim Sullivan and Associates have over 40 years of combined legal experience and have represented over 4,000 clients in criminal and juvenile courts in Texas. Attorney Jim Sullivan is also Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

If you need a Hempstead Texas Criminal or Juvenile Defense Lawyer to represent you or your child, you can call Jim Sullivan and Associates right now at 281-546-6428.

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights for Those Accused of Domestic Assault(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Call Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Because Experience Matters(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight for You at Trial(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Fort Bend County Domestic Assault Lawyer Jim Sullivan Can Defend You in Court(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Domestic Assault Criminal Defense Lawyer in Houston / Harris County Texas(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Juvenile Lawyer Jim Sullivan Won a Jury Trial that Was Featured in the Houston Press(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Encourages Clients to Set Goals

admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:11:08 +0000

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The tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn’t a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim is sin. ~Benjamin Elijah Mays (1894-1984), minister, educator and social activist.

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Defense Attorneys Jim Sullivan and Associates encourage all their clients to set high goals to achieve in life. Many first time offenders had previously set high goals for themselves, but then stumbled and risked their futures they had heavily invested in because of a criminal offense, such as a DWI, a drug possession or a shoplifting case. The attorneys work hard to save their clients from a criminal conviction that will haunt them for life.

Attorneys Jim Sullivan and Associates have over 40 years of combined legal experience and have represented over 4,000 clients in criminal and juvenile courts throughout Texas. Attorney Jim Sullivan is also Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Do not go to court alone.
Do not be intimidated.
Call a good lawyer.

If you need a Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Defense Lawyer to represent you or your child, you can call Jim Sullivan and Associates right now at 281-546-6428.

Call Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Because Experience Matters(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights for Those Accused of Domestic Assault(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight for You at Trial(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Domestic Assault Criminal Defense Lawyer in Houston / Harris County Texas(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Hot Check Defense in Fort Bend County(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Arrested in Fort Bend County? Needville Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Can Defend You(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Fights for Clients from Around the World

admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:33:44 +0000

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It is well to know something of the manners of various peoples, in order more sanely to judge our own, and that we do not think that everything against our modes is ridiculous, and against reason, as those who have seen nothing are accustomed to think. ~Rene Descartes, philosopher and mathematician (1596-1650).

Houston attracts people from around the world, from many diverse cultures, religious backgrounds and customs. Because of these cultural misunderstandings, it sometimes happens that an immigrant finds himself in trouble for conduct that he did not know was illegal or was a serious offense.

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Attorney Jim Sullivan has extensive experience representing immigrants from around the world. Furthermore, he has studied and traveled in many other cultures. He graduated from Baylor University with minors in Latin American studies, Asian studies, Spanish and Japanese. He has traveled throughout Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Italy. He is fluent in English and Spanish. He has many friends from Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and throughout Asia. His intimate knowledge of these many different cultures is a huge benefit to his many immigrant clients.

Waller County Criminal Lawyers Jim Sullivan and Associates have over 40 years of legal experience in defending immigrants and fellow Texans against governmental prosecution. If you need a Waller County Criminal Defense Attorney, you can call Jim Sullivan and Associates right now at 281-546-6428.

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Attorney Jim Sullivan Will Protect You from the Legal Storms Coming Your Way(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight to Get You Justice(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight for You at Trial(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Domestic Assault Criminal Defense Lawyer in Houston / Harris County Texas(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Houston Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Is Professional and Kind to Others (houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)
Hot Check Defense in Fort Bend County(houstoncriminaltriallawyer.net)

Waller County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan Cares About All People

admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 04:16:45 +0000

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A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization. ~Samuel Johnson, lexicographer (1709-1784).

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Defense Lawyers Jim Sullivan and Associates understand the strong correlation between poverty and crime. Many people become poor through no fault of their own. Companies transfer their jobs overseas and they join the swelling ranks of the unemployed. Once feeling like they could keep their heads above water, now they have no where to live. Their homes fall into foreclosure and their dreams and aspirations for themselves and their children vanish before their eyes. The safety net of unemployment benefits runs out and they grow desperate. There are many reasons people become poor.

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan has represented and fought for the legal rights of countless poor clients over the past 17 years. He willingly accepted court appointments and fought for his appointed clients just as hard as he did for his retained clients. In addition, he offered to reduce his legal fees on retained cases so that he could be accessible to more people. If you want a Hempstead Criminal Lawyer who cares about all people, you can call Jim Sullivan and Associates right now at 281-546-6428.

Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight to Get You Justice(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Fight for You at Trial(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)
Hempstead/Waller County Criminal Lawyer Jim Sullivan Will Stand Firm in Defending Your Case(texascriminaltriallawyer.org)

Texas Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer - Attorney Jim Sullivan 281-546-6428

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Defending a Sugarland Assault Family Violence Charge

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Liberty County Assault Family Violence Lawyer

Arrested for Assault Family Violence? Call James Sullivan & Associates at (281) 546-6428.

Defending a Liberty Texas Assault Family Violence Charge

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Arrested in Houston for Assault Family Violence? Attorney James Sullivan Can Defend You

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Houston Theft Attorney | Theft Crime Defense Lawyer in Houston | Jim Sullivan

Houston Theft Crimes

2009-2013 Houston Theft-Related Case Results

Category of Offense Based on Value

Texas Theft Law (see Texas Penal Code Sec. 31.03)

Theft Crime Defenses

Houston Theft Lawyer

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Texas Laws

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