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BIG BROTHER’S WATCHING!

Mar 05 2010
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Law Enforcement Seeks Cell Phone Surveillance in Continued War on Crime; But Who’s Watching Them? …Federal Judges

In an article titled “The Snitch In Your Pocket,”NewsweekMagazine (March 1, 2010) reported that in recent years Federal prosecutors have been “seeking what seemed to be unusually sensitive records, internal data from telecommunications companies that showed the locations of their customers’ cell phones—sometimes in real time, sometimes after the fact.” The prosecutors justified their pursuit of this individualized personal information “to trace the movements of suspected drug traffickers, human smugglers, even corrupt public officials” through their cell phones.

These Federal prosecutors have been using theStored Communications Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2703(d), to get Federal magistrates to issue what’s called “2703(d)” orders which allows prosecutors intrusive access into the private lives of this nation’s citizens. Federal prosecutors prefer using theStored Communications Actover the more stringentPen Registers Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3121, which requires them to support their court order requests with an affidavit articulating the probable cause necessary for law enforcement officials to install any sort of tracking device on cell phones.

ButNewsweekreported that “the FBI and other law enforcement outfits have been obtaining more and more records of cell-phone locations—without notifying the targets or getting judicial warrants establishing ‘probable cause,’ according to law enforcement officials, court records and telecommunication executives.”

While these Orwellian law enforcement types have historically gone after private information such as e-mails, bank records, and credit card transactions, they have more recently made “cell-phone tracking” their sport of choice in the individual privacy snooping game. Cell-phone tracking allows these “covert operations” specialists to track the movements of not only those they suspect of criminal wrongdoing but also of those who may simply pose a non-criminal point of interest to them. Jack Killorin, who heads a Federal task force in Atlanta, toldNewsweekthat “cell-phone records have helped his agents crack many cases, such as the brutal slaying of a DeKalb County sheriff; agents got the cell-phone records of key suspects—and then showed that they were all within a one-mile area of the murder at the time it occurred, he said. In the fall of 2008, Killorin says, his agents were able to follow a Mexican drug cartel truck carrying 2,200 kilograms of cocaine by watching the real time as the driver’s cell phone ‘shook hands’ with each cell-phone tower it passed on the highway. ‘It’s a tremendous investigative tool,’ says Killorin. And not that unusual: ‘This is pretty workday stuff for us.”

And it’s that casual attitude about impinging upon individual privacy rights which has generated serious concern among some Federal magistrates, including Stephen W. Smith who presides in Houston. Smith toldNewsweekthat some prosecutors have been “using the cell phone as a surreptitious tracking device. [So] I started asking the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ‘What is the legal authority for this? What is the legal standard for getting this information?’”

The legal standard for cell phone tracking was discussed in the case ofIn re Order Authorizing and Use of Pen Register.1/In that case Federal prosecutors in Maryland submitted an application for a court order in July 2006 which would have allowed the “use of a pen register to capture and report prospective cell site information for the purpose of tracking a fugitive.”2/Federal magistrate James K. Bredar found the application contained sufficient probable cause and informally conveyed this information to prosecutors. Magistrate Bredar, however, informed the prosecutors that he would issue warrant under Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure only if they provided him with an affidavit supporting the facts stated in their application.3/

The prosecutors balked, saying they could establish of probable cause under either or both §§ 3121 and 2703(d) by simply providing the court with “specific and articulable facts showing that there are reasonable grounds to believe that … the records or other information sought, are relevant and material to any ongoing criminal investigation.” Magistrate Bredar informed prosecutors he had twice before rejected such request for warrants for “prospective cell site information” absent an affidavit—a rule most courts share and one that is required under Rule 41.4/

But, for the sake of balance, we must point out that not all judges agree with Magistrate Bredar. U.S. District Court Judge Louis A. Kaplan, sitting in the Southern District of New York, in October 2006 discussed the increasing conflict in the federal judiciary dealing with requests by U.S. attorneys for “2703(d)” orders. In the case ofIn re United States for Order for Prospective Cell Site Location Info, Judge Kaplan wrote:

“To date, at least three district and eleven magistrate judges have issued opinions addressing applications for orders authorizing the disclosure of prospective cell cite information pursuant to the Pen Register Statute and the Store Communications Act. The majority of the magistrate judges, as well as district judge in the Northern District of Indiana and the Eastern District of Wisconsin, denied the government’s requests, concluding that ‘statutory authority for prospective cell site location is lacking.’ Three of the magistrate judge opinions, however, including a comprehensive analysis by Magistrate Judge Gorenstein in this district, held that the Pen Register Statute and the Stored Communications act, read in conjunction, authorize the disclosure of prospective cell site information. At least one district judge has reached the same conclusion.”5/

But what is “cell site information” and why do law enforcement officials like Jack Killorin want it so much? Judge Kaplan explained:

“Cellular telephone networks are divided into geographic coverage areas known as ‘cells,’ which range in diameter from many miles in suburban or rural areas to several hundred feet in urban areas. Each contains an antenna tower, one function of which is to receive signals from and transmit signalsto cellular telephones.

”Whenever a cellular telephone is in the ‘on’ condition, regardless of whether it is making or receiving a voice or data call, it periodically transmits a unique identification number to register its presence and location in the network. That signal, as well as calls made from the cellular phone, are received by every antenna tower within range of the phone. When the signal is received by more than one tower, the network’s switching capability temporarily ‘assigns’ the phone to the tower that is receiving the strongest signal from it. As a cellular telephone moves about, the antenna tower receiving the strongest signal may change as, for example, often occurs when a cellular phone moves closer to a different antenna tower. At that point, the cellular telephone, including any call in progress, is assigned to thenew antenna tower.

”The location of the antenna tower receiving a signal from a given cellular telephone at any given moment inherently fixes the general location of the phone. Indeed, in some instances, depending upon the characteristics of the particular network and its equipment and software, it is possible to determine not only the tower receiving a signal from a particular phone at any given moment, but also in which of the three 120-degree arcs of the 360-degree circle surrounding the tower the particular phone is located. In some cases, however, the available information is even more precise.

”Often, especially in urban and suburban areas, the signal transmitted by a cellular telephone is received by two or more antenna towers simultaneously. Knowledge of the locations of multiple towers receiving signals from a particular telephone at a given moment permits the determination, by simple mathematics, of the location of the telephone with a fair degree of precision through the long established process known as triangulation. Real time information concerning the location permits the geographic movements of the phone to be tracked as they occur.

”Cellular telephone service providers record the identity and location of the antenna towers receiving signals from each phone at every point in time. As noted, some record also which 120-degree face or sector of the tower faces the phone. Some record also the identities and locations of all antenna towers receiving signals from each phone at every moment.

”This information, referred to collectively here as ‘cell site information,’ usually serves rather benign purposes, such as determining whether roaming charges apply and tracking call volume by location. But the information is capable of another use.

”In recent years, law enforcement officials have begun to seek cell site information in applications for the installationand use of pen registers and trap and trace devices (i.e., devices that record the numbers dialed from or calling a particular telephone). According to the government, ‘cell site information is an important investigatory tool which is used . . . to, among other things, help determine where to establish physical surveillance and to help locate kidnapping victims, fugitives, and targets of criminal investigations.’

“Its usefulness for these purposes depends largely upon the number of antenna towers from which the government obtains information at a given time. Where the law enforcement agents obtain information from only one tower at a time, they can determine that a cell phone is in the cell served by that tower and, in some cases, which sector of the tower faces the cell phone; but they can neither pinpoint the precise location of the cell phone nor track its movements. Where, however, the government obtains information from multiple towers simultaneously, it often can triangulate the caller’s precise location and movements by comparing the strength, angle, and timing of the cell phone’s signal measured from each of the sites.

”Many of the initial applications for cell site information sought information that could be used for triangulation. After these applications were rejected by many courts, however, the government began to request information regarding only one tower at a time, apparently in the hope that applications for less detailed and invasive information would meet with a warmer judicial reception. This application is part of the latter group, seeking the identity of only one tower receiving transmissions — presumably the tower receiving the strongest signal—from the subject telephone at a particular time. The government’s arguments for statutory authorization, however, apply equally whether information is obtained from one antenna tower at a time or from many simultaneously. In other words, if the Pen Register Statute and the Stored Communications Act together authorize the disclosure of cell site information from a single antenna tower, there is no reason to believe that they would not authorize disclosure of such information from multiple antenna towers simultaneously.”Id., at 6.

There is little wonder why law enforcement officials like Killorin and Federal prosecutors want to “full throttle ahead” into this area of individual privacy, and while Judge Kaplan went on to criticize Magistrate Bredar’s reasoning in this area, an increasing number of judges, both magistrate and district, have joined the ranks of Magistrate Bredar in trying to check the callous invasion of individual privacy rights by the likes of Killorin. The potential for abuse is disturbing and the fact that some abuses have already occurred is frightening.Newsweekdiscussed the abuse issue:

“Some abuse has already occurred at the local level, according to telecom lawyer [Al] Gidari. One of his clients, he says, was aghast a few years ago when an agitated Alabama sheriff called the company’s employees. After shouting that his daughter had been kidnapped, the sheriff demanded they ping her cell phone every few minutes to identify her location. In fact, there was no kidnapping; the daughter had been out on the town all night. A potentially more sinister request came from some Michigan cops who, purportedly concerned about a possible ‘riot,’ pressed another telecom for information on all the cell phones that were congregating in an area where a labor union protest was expected. ‘We haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of abuse on this,’ says Gidari.”

Federal judges like Smith and Bredar are truly concerned about these kinds of law enforcement abuses. That’s precisely why Magistrate Smith has consistently balked at issuing “2703(d)” orders for whatNewsweekcalled “real-time information” and why other federal judges have balked at issuing 2703(d) orders for “historical data on cell-phone locations.” Magistrate Smith toldNewsweekthe § 2703(d) court order requests are often “flimsy” which is why Federal prosecutors request them under theStored Communications Actbecause that statute, standing alone, requires only a showing that the information sought is “relevant” to an “ongoing criminal investigation” whereas thePen Registers Actrequires prosecutors to support their request for a warrant with a sworn affidavit substantiating probable cause.

But, asNewsweekpointed out, Magistrate Smith’s refusal to rubber stamp prosecutors’ § 2703(d) requests is only a stop gap measure. Prosecutors have embraced a new strategy to get around the more stringentPen Registers Actprobable cause requirements by “judge shopping” to find other judges who will sign off on their “flimsy” requests. Still, the independent actions of judges like Smith and Bredar have gained traction in the legal community.

“Facing a request for historical cell-phone tracking records in a drug smuggling case,”Newsweekreported, “U.S. Magistrate Lisa Pupo Lenihan in Pittsburgh wrote a 56-page opinion two years ago that turned prosecutors down, noting that the data they were seeking could easily be misused to collect information about sexual liaisons and other matters of an ‘extremely personal’ nature. In an unusual show of solidarity—and to prevent judge shopping—Lenihan’s opinion was signed by every other magistrate in western Pennsylvania.”

Just last month, according toNewsweek, a U.S. Justice Department attorney named Mark Eckenwiler tried to get a three-judge panel of a federal appeals court to overturn Magistrate’s Lenihan’s ruling by telling the panel that prosecutors were only seeking “routine business records.” At least one judge on the panel, Delores Sloviter, was not impressed by the argument. She told Eckenwiler that governments like the one in Iran would love to get their hands on such records to use against protestors. She asked Eckenwiler if our own government could assure its citizens, especially those inclined to protest, that the collection of such privacy data would not be used against them.Newsweeksaid Eckenwiler tried to deflect Judge Sloviter question but eventually was forced to admit that: “Yes, your honor. It can be used constitutionally for that purpose.”

If that’s not a government embrace of the “big brother’ ideology, then Louisiana Cajuns don’t suck the heads of crawfish. What’s even more alarming is that at least one telecommunications company, Sprint Nextel, has created a Web “portal” which allows law enforcement officials to access the records of its customers from the luxury of their desks. Sprint executive tried to justify the company’s unholy alliance with law enforcement by tellingNewsweekthat the agents requesting records access must be “authenticated” through a password and must provide the company with a court order in all non-emergency requests.

Just remember: the next time you input that “best friend’s” number into the Blackberry or flip open the cheaper prepaid mobile to “share scandal” about the local school teacher being too friendly with the football players, or to discuss your most private medical issues with your loved ones, you better look over your shoulder because “big brother” may be watching.

SOURCES:

1/ 439 F.Supp.2d 456 (DC Md. 2006)
2/ Id.
3/ Id.
4/ Id.
5/ 460 F.Supp.2d 448 (S.D. N.Y. 2006)
6/ Id., at 452-54
http://www.newsweek.com/id/233916

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    John represented me in court for roughly 2 years. I won't (and shouldn't) get into any serious details, but let me tell you that I couldn't have chosen anyone better. … More Seriously.Every appearance in court I felt very comfortable. The judge and DA's had a high regard for his reputation. There is a time I recall where simply his presence greatly impacted the court's interpretation of my case and persons. We were in front of the stand and the judge could not stop talking about John's prestige and past accomplishments and how that took in relation to my case. I kept silent in front of the judge, but I observed then that John's popularity and reputation within the court had already given me a better looking rapport with the judge. Let me tell you, I never had more confidence then, knowing that the judge held him in such high regard.This is not to mention how personable John is. I'll be honest that during the stress of court, sharing a laugh with your lawyer helps a lot. This may sound a lot, but I really appreciated the relationship we had then. This is also not to mention that he was able to deal very well with any DA that rotated over the years. Seriously, John was great, prompt with information and very hands on with my case. I had great peace those 2 years until everything wrapped up.If you're looking for a lawyer, I highly, HIGHLY recommend the John T. Floyd Law Firm. He IS nationally renowned, you know. He'll get the job done to the utmost confidence. He's very experienced and has a great record to boot. I am glad to have had him represent me in court and trust me that I never thought I'd ever say that (and whoever does?). We explored every avenue of victory together and I personally enjoyed the experience, despite the seriousness of the accusation.If you have a case that needs to be represented at the highest levels, choose John T. Floyd. He's a good man and very good at what he does. Him and his team has the experience you need to make the best decisions and options to get the best outcome for your case. We got the best result I could possibly ask for, thank God.Seriously. Hire John. He knows what he's doing.Seriously.
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  • Avatar It’s Me ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    He gave me one of the most honest answers I have received in a very long time about any issue I was having with anything. Legal or not legal. I highly recommend giving him a call and … More will be referring him to friends and family if they have any issues in the future.Positive
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  • Avatar I’m Home ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    He took time out of his day to answer my legal questions and didn’t even charge me. I would definitely recommend him to you.
  • Avatar Tad Nieschwietz ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Gave free consultation on getting gun rights back. He truly cares about gun rights and getting you the help you deserve. 100% worth a callPositive
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  • Avatar Maher Abbara ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Very professional, great quality work, and very friendly and helpful. Overall, their service is phenomenal. I recommend Mr. Floyd to anyone.
  • Avatar Thomas McLaughlin ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Mr. Floyd took the time to explain his experience with the law to me in layman's terms. Definitely give him a call.Positive
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  • Avatar Zarrie Adkins ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    He was honest , knowledgeable , and professional about what we talked about. Most lawyers are just about the money , but not john.Positive
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  • Avatar Keisha Gaches ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    He was very truthful and honest with us very great man I would recommend him and we would use him again
  • Avatar Samyra Carrasquillo ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Very professional honest and works hard currently working my husband’s appeal I pray he does his best workPositive
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  • Avatar Raul Perez ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    I contacted John T. Floyd Law firm and I was very satisfied with service extremely helpful and friendly thank you Mr. FloydPositive
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  • Avatar Johnny Johnson Jr ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    This law frim was informative,great response time ,and the attorney called back not some secretary or legal assistant thank u guys for all your help wish it was more like youPositive … More
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  • Avatar Dana Adkison ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    I would highly recommend Mr Floyd. He was very helpful and knowledge with a legal question I had.Positive
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  • Avatar Crecencio Fabian ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    He explained my case better then any other lawyerPositive
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  • Avatar Barry Lewis ★★★★ 3 years ago
    Very informative
  • Avatar Ismael Flores ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  • Avatar Haley Danielle Lummus ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  • Avatar Eddie Villarreal ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  • Avatar Neil Productions ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Had the pleasure speaking with John Floyd on a personal matter, he was very responsive, nothing but exceptional, and he really cares about you with sincerity and most importantly knows … More what is he talking about! No games or bs, his approach to my situation even though I knew it was probably way smaller then what he normally takes on, he was extremely helpful and didn't care about the size of the matter like other attorneys do. He really looked out for my best interests. You can tell he has decades of experience doing what he does just by chatting with him. I would highly recommend him.
  • Avatar S A ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Words can’t describe how grateful I am for working with John, he went above and beyond my expectation. I was wrongly accused and hired many lawyers before hiring John Floyd but they … More all disappointed me, I had lost hope until a friend of mine referred me to John. From the start he had my best interest in mind and gave helpful advice, he explained the process and guided me. He put more work and time than all my previous lawyers that cost me thousands of dollars. He was constantly communicating with court and defended me more than all lawyer i had hired before him. Don’t waste your time and money like I did, believe me when I say I hired countless lawyers before him and no one came close to John. I’m forever thankful for him for fighting for my innocence and getting my case dismissed. Thank you so much🙏🏼🙏🏼
  • Avatar Gary Watch ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I called Mr Floyd and left a message, with in the hour I received a call back with much more information then I could have ever expected. Mr Floyd was very informative on every question … More I had for him. He seemed like he cared, instead of like most attorneys that you talk to that are just out for a quick buck. If you want someone that is going to shoot strait with you, and has your best interest in hand, this is you guy. This was the best experience that I have ever had with an lawyer.
  • Avatar Saman Daftarian ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I can state with confidence that Mr. Floyd and his team are the most competent and professional lawyers one can hope for. My case was quite complex and I admit that as a law student … More I was not the most patient client. Mr. Floyd did a phenomenal job of managing the bench, prosecution and myself! The result was above expectation, and I will never hesitate to recommend this firm regardless of the caliber of the case at issue.
  • Avatar calvin robinson ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    It was a pleasure working with Mr. Floyd. I contacted him regarding a legal matter and he was extremely knowledgeable about the law, and responded in a timely manner. I appreciated … More the fact I did not feel rushed, and he made sure he thoroughly answered all questions I had. I would highly recommend him!Positive
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  • Avatar Alan Howk ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Spoke with John Floyd about a 45 year old criminal case I was involved in. I had very little information about the case and John helped me search what records were available and gave … More me guidance to find more information. He was very professional and took his time helping me. I may need to hire a lawyer on this case and Mr. Floyd will be the man.Thanks John.
  • Avatar CMCustom Cycles ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Very professional and straight forward. He's not going to waste your time or money. Very knowledgeable in a large range of possible matters one could face living in these days … More and times. If ever you need legal assistance, this is who I would suggest. Awesome!Positive
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  • Avatar Greg Page ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I called about some legal questions I needed to get clarified and John was able to give me clarification and sound advice. I will definitely contact John for all future legal questions … More and issues.Thank you John!Positive
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  • Avatar Kristen Rankin ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Knows his stuff and well respected with DA and judges. I have referred him a couple times and every client has been satisfied
  • Avatar Kedar Puranik ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    John is beyond knowledgeable! If I decide to pursue my case any further I would only have him represent me.
  • Avatar Joseph Sivadon ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    What a great attorney, this guy really took time out of his day to answer my questions and explain my case to me. Very grateful, thank you so muchPositive
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  • Avatar Lex Strider ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Absolutely a very professional lawyer. Very well read in the current law and more than willing to help if needed.
  • Avatar karim khalifa ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Mr. John he’s a professional he knows what he’s doing and he’s patient they recommend Him stronglyPositive
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  • Avatar James Haggard ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Great service, very knowledgable and happy to help with any questions I had
  • Avatar David Sustaita ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Quick to action and helpful and knowledgeable with entertainment industry based issues!
  • Avatar Chad Groves ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Responded on a holiday week. Very knowledgeable and reassuring.
  • Avatar Mark Fein ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Very professional
  • Avatar Bthomason903 Bthomason903 ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  • Avatar Anton Jasser ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  • Avatar Alma Garza ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  • Avatar Victory 2020 ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    I want to thank John T. Floyd and all of his team. He is the best lawyer who cares aboutHis clients and fights really hard to get the best outcome. He is a fighter and he is awesome!!!I … More recommend if any one needs criminal defense , he is the BEST. We had a really serious caseAnd we are very thankful for the outcome. Thank you John!!!!! God bless you!!!!!!
  • Avatar Alma Garcia Cunningham ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    The attorneys at John T. Floyd Law Firm work diligently to achieve the best possible results for their clients. They are caring and knowledgeable professionals. Their expertise in the … More law and their experience as trial attorneys makes them the right choice as a defense attorney. I recommend this law firm highly.
  • Avatar Rajiv Patel ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    From beginning to end this firm handled my case like the top tier professionals they are. I would not trust ANYONE else with my legal needs after having less than stellar experiences … More with other teams. Thank you Floyd!!!
  • Avatar Jose Tapia ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    I really felt like the team cared about my case and am super satisfied with the outcome. Would not recommend anyone else!
  • Avatar Sagar Patel ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    These guys do amazing work and have phenomenal service! Hands down best in the Houston area!!
  • Avatar RAYNINN ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    John and Chris are true professionals! Love those guys like family!
  • Avatar Virginia Martin ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    Mr. Floyd and his team are very knowledgeable, informative, and helpful.
  • Avatar Darla Latham ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    A team you can depend on to stand up and fight for you to prove the truth the whole truth!
  • Avatar Veronica Elorza ★★★★★ 6 years ago
  • Avatar Karetta Lux ★★★★★ 7 years ago
    Mr. John T. Floyd represented me.I couldn't be happier with the outcome he managed to achieve on an VERY Important case that was dismissed the day of Trial. He is patient & … More very knowledgeable of the legal system. I HIGHLY recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer!John, I am forever grateful & satisfied with the effort you put forth & all you did for me. Thank you isn't enough!God bless you & your family!
  • Avatar GM ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    The John T. Floyd Law Firm assisted me, and I can tell you that the attorney took the time to answer my questions, and I didn't feel rushed or dismissed as I have experienced in … More the past with attorneys. The attorney was very nice and extremely knowledgeable. Initial impressions and continued excellent customer service are big factors for me and as such I would highly recommend this firm.
  • Avatar Sandra Bivens ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    I thank you for your efforts to help Felons regain their Civil rights, and for the information on possession , I am A convicted Felon, no violent history. I am an expert shot, I am … More 76 yoa, and very concerned about the present lake of Security in our State and Country. God Bless and Prosper you in your efforts, Your friend, Sonny Bivens
  • Avatar Mike Kittelson ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    I really appreciated both Chris and John helping with my legal questions and concerns. Both are good guys and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
  • Avatar Robert Hair ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    Extremely helpful!!! Helping me understand the law.

John T. Floyd is Board Certified in Criminal Law By the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

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