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The Compelling Need for Federal Sentencing Reform

Aug 04 2014
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According to a November 2013 report by the Urban Institute, the federal prison population has increased 790 percent since 1980. All prisons in the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) are over capacity, some as much as 35 to 40 percent. The cost of maintaining this dangerously overcrowded system is staggering: a March 2014 report by the Congressional Research Service put the total fiscal appropriations for the BOP at $6.859 billion for Fiscal Year 2014, for the federal prison system alone. The reason for this crisis: as of July24, 2014, the BOP housed 216,312 inmates—100,549 being drug offenders. Put another way, drug offenders make up 49.7 percent of the federal prison population; its closest crime category competitor being “weapons, explosives, arson” with just 31,784 offenders. Compare these two categories with the mere 80 offenders convicted of threat of national security offenses.

In 2012 alone, more than 23,000 people were committed to the BOP for a drug offense—approximately 60 percent of them subject to a mandatory minimum sentence, even though half of them had no criminal history. Astonishingly, that same year nearly 7,000 people were convicted of marijuana offenses, more than any other drug offense. The Urban Institute report found that many federal drug offenders are serving mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years, 20 years, or life, are low level offenders involved in distribution conspiracies involving large quantities of drugs, medical marijuana distributors, or offenders who did not have enough “snitch information” to negotiate what’s called a “safety valve” plea agreement.

If this does not grab your attention, consider this: in 2010, a total of 10,694 offenders were sentenced to mandatory minimums in federal court—7,212 of whom were convicted of drug offenses. Compare that to the mere 1127 mandatory minimum sentences imposed in child pornography and sex abuse offenses, or the 2,222 mandatory minimum sentences imposed for gun offenses. In a word, selling weed—a practice now legal in two states—is considered by our United States Congress to be a more serious crime than child sex or gun violence offenses.

But Congress has at least three opportunities pending before it to reform the mandatory minimum injustices wrought by our federal drug laws: the Justice Safety Valve Act of 2013, the Smarter Sentencing Act of 2013, and a proposed change by the U.S. Sentencing Commission that would reduce the base offense level for most drug offenders by two points and have it applied retroactively. If approved, these three measures would significantly ease federal prison overcrowding, save hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. Justice Department enforcement priorities, begin to correct the racial disparity so prevalent in federal sentencing for drug offenses, and allow mandatory minimums to be reserved for the most dangerous offenders.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently joined the First, Sixth, Seventh, and Tenth Circuits in holding that a sentencing judge has the discretion absent a “5K11 motion” to consider a defendant’s cooperation in determining whether to impose a downward departure of the Guidelines recommended sentence. In fact, these circuits have held that a sentencing court’s failure to recognize its discretion to consider a defendant’s cooperation under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) is a significant procedural error.

In a 2013 report, Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) said the Justice Safety Valve Act of 2013 would amend § 3553(a) to give judges the authority to sentence offenders below the minimum if those “sentences do not fulfill the goals of punishment listed in § 3553(a). The FAMM said Act would provide the following benefits:

  • Protect Public Safety: Safety valves do not mean that people will avoid prison time, just that they won’t get more prison time than necessary. Safety valves reserve the scarce prison space for people who pose a real threat to the community, and they help prevent prison overcrowding
  • Give courts flexibility to punish enough – but too much: Safety valves allow courts – in some circumstances – to sentence a person below the mandatory minimum if that sentence is too lengthy, unjust or unreasonable, or doesn’t fit the offender or the crime. For example, a safety valve allows the court to avoid unreasonable outcomes, such as a first-time drug courier getting the same sentence as a major drug kingpin. •Save taxpayers money: When courts sentence people below the mandatory minimum, people spend less time in prison than they otherwise would be required to, which costs taxpayers less in corrections costs. These savings can be returned to taxpayers or invested in more effective anti-crime strategies, e.g., more police and investigators on the street.

The goal of the Smarter Sentencing Act is to reduce prison costs through inmate population decreases accomplished through fairer minimum sentences for non-violent federal drug offenders. FAMM lists five goals of this Act:

  1. The Act will save billions of dollars currently spent incarcerating nonviolent drug offenders. Reducing prison overcrowding not only saves money but allows for expenditure of money for other vitally needed services such as law enforcement and victims’ programs. While the Act does not repeal any federal mandatory minimum sentences, it does reduce certain 20-year, 10-year, and 5-year mandatory minimum drug sentences to 10, 5, and 2 years, respectively. Unfortunately, the Act will not be applied retroactively, and thus, will create two disparate sentencing classes of nonviolent drug offenders: those with smarter sentences and those with dumber sentences.
  2. 18 U.S.C. §3553(f) provides a “drug safety valve” as way to avoid a mandatory minimum sentence. To qualify for this safety valve, the offender must meet five requirements spelled out in the statute. One of those requirements is that the offender must have a criminal history of no more than a 1 criminal history point as defined under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The Act would allow offenders with 1 or 2 criminal history points to qualify for the safety valve provisions.
  3. The Act would allow nearly 9000 federal inmates (87% of whom are black) convicted of crack cocaine offenses to petition the courts for fairer sentences under the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, which reduced the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine from 100:1 to 18:1. Sentence reduction will not be automatic, leaving the sentencing court with the discretion of determining whether the Act should apply.
  4. The Act attempts to address the bipartisan concern about “over-criminalization;” namely, that too many federal laws and regulations carry unnecessary criminal penalties that send too many innocent people to prison who had no intent to knowingly violate those laws and regulations. The Act would require the U.S. Justice Department and other federal agencies to compile publicly available information on their websites about all their laws and penalties, including the penalty for violation and the requisite intent to constitute a violation.
  5. Amendments to the original version of the Act would add new mandatory minimum sentences when victims are harmed. For example, a 5 year minimum would be added for sexual abuse and a 10 year minimum for interstate domestic violence. Some victims’ rights advocates oppose these suggested mandatory minimums because they say it would make it less likely that the victims would report the abuse and violence.

The Fair Sentencing Act was enacted by Congress on July 28, 2010. The Act was signed into law by the President on August 3, 2010. In response to this Act, the U.S. Sentencing Commission issued an emergency amendment to U.S. Sentencing Guideline 2D1.1(c) which effectively reduced the base offense level for various quantities of crack cocaine. The 100:1 ratio for crack cocaine versus powder cocaine was reduced to 18:1. This amendment became known as Amendment 750. The Commission then amended Amendment 750 to make it retroactive. This amendment became known as Amendment 759. Both amendments became effective November 1, 2011.

A U.S. District Court generally cannot “modify a term of imprisonment once it has been imposed” unless a defendant is eligible for a reduction pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c). Subsection (c) (2) allows for a reduction if: (1) the defendant’s sentence was “based on a sentencing range that has subsequently been changed by the Sentencing Commission; and (2) “a reduction is consistent with applicable policy statements issued by the Sentencing Commission.”

In April 2014, the U.S. Sentencing Commission proposed a change in the Drug Quantity Table spelled out in U.S. Sentencing Guideline § 2D1.1. The proposed change would reduce the base offense level for most drug offenders by two points. In July 2014, the Commission voted to make the proposed change retroactive.

Congress has until November 1, 2014 to approve the proposed changes. Congressional approval would make the changes effective in November 2015. The one-year delay was added to give judges time to determine which eligible offender is suitable for a reduction of sentence and to give the Government an opportunity to determine whether a sentence reduction would pose a threat to public safety.

Early estimates suggest that by November 2015, some 45,000 drug offenders will have their sentences reduced by 25 months. It is believed that judges will grant 80 percent of the requests for sentence reduction. Unlike the changes brought by Amendments 750 and 759, which primarily affected crack cocaine offenders, the latest changes would impact all drug offenders: methamphetamine (28%), powder cocaine (27%), crack cocaine (19%), marijuana (14%), and heroin (3%).

In Fiscal Year 2012, 60 percent of convicted federal drug offenders faced mandatory minimum sentences. Beyond forcing many defendants into “cooperation agreements” with the Government, mandatory minimums give prosecutors leverage to force drug defendants into plea agreements. Human Rights Watch reported in December 2013 that only 3 percent of federal drug offenders elect to face a trial. Those who do exercise their right to a jury trial receive an average prison sentence of 16 years compared to those who plead out and receive an average prison sentence of 5.4 years.

This is why some federal prosecutors and law enforcement officials staunchly defend harsh mandatory minimums because they encourage guilty pleas and compel law enforcement cooperation. This is a mistaken premise. The U.S. Sentencing Commission reports that 97.5 percent of defendants not facing mandatory minimum plead guilty while 94.1 percent of those facing mandatory minimum plead guilty. The Commission noted that 15.2 percent of the sex offenders facing mandatory minimums elected to face trial—twice the rate of those sex offenders not facing mandatory minimums.

According to the Human Rights Watch report, the four Districts of U.S. District Courts in Texas impose some of the harshest drug sentences in the nation: Northern District, 113 months; Eastern District, 99 months; Southern District, 71 months; and Western District, 59 months. The Central District of Illinois has the highest sentence average, 160 months, while federal courts in Arizona imposed the lowest average sentences, 25 months

These sentencing figures alone represent the need for sentencing reform in our federal court system. We join the chorus of voices urging Congress to approve the three measures outlined in this article—measures that would significantly reform federal sentencing in this country.

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John T. Floyd Law Firm IconJohn T. Floyd Law Firm

3730 Kirby Drive # 750, Houston

4.9 108 reviews

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    Mr. Floyd is an incredible attorney and human being. He cares about your case, the facts, the law, and your life! I am sorry for whatever situation you are going through, but choosing … More Mr. Floyd, his firm, and their professional experience to help you, will be the best decision you ever make!
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  • Avatar Mark J ★★★★★ a year ago
    I’ve never been one to write reviews but this time I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to say something. I had some serious legal questions I needed answers to concerning Texas laws. … More Being I’m from another state, I found and reached out to Attorney John Floyd for the answers. Mr Floyd listened to to my requests and told me what he need from me and went out of his way to get me the answers. Very polite, straightforward and professional, I can’t thank him enough for all he’s done. Whatever your legal case may be, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mr Floyd.
  • Avatar Pat Garner ★★★★★ a year ago
    John & Chris helped my family member get a reduced charge and acceptable plea agreement in place. Their compassion, attention to every detail was what helped carry the day.Truly … More the best of the best.P
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    Mr. Floyd is both ethical and loyal to his clients; two qualities that are hard to find specially in lawyers. I'd definitely recommend him to anyone.Positive
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    Mr. John was very helpful and truly was the reason why my case was dismissed. Thank you so much Mr. John I truly recommend everyone in need to work with him.
  • Avatar Hope Fischer ★★★★★ a year ago
    His service to the community and diligence to helping his clients speaks for its self! Not to mention the many articles, papers and TV appearances that speak to his intellect
  • Avatar Faisal Mahmood ★★★★★ a year ago
    John has given Excellent service and have been very friendly and extremely helpful to us. I highly recommend this law firm
  • Avatar Mohammed Nabulsi ★★★★★ a year ago
    This law firm is diligent, responsive and succeeded in getting my case dismissed. 10/10 would recommend.
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    super knowledgeable, good attitude, would definitely recommend him
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    Very helpful, knowledgeable and honest.
  • Avatar Tarek Zaghloul ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    John is an amazing person and lawyer who is actually very understanding of how anxious I got and although it was hard to reach him sometimes because of his schedule, but never worry … More he is on top of things. He is very organized, very smart. I had the experience to go through a trial with him, and he always plans ahead well and is actually open and receptive to any ideas and comments I had and he was quick to decide which is right to use at the moment. I really appreciated working with him and Chris. Great lawyers and great people. As I was reminded by John, I am adding that the Jury reached a not guilty decision on the original charge and on a lesser charge in just 25 minutes. It took more time to write the charge and instructions for the jury than it took them to reach a decision.
  • Avatar Anya Palapa ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Highly recommend John T Floyd law firm, great response time and demeanor.I was researching an on-going criminal case, when I found an informative article written by John Floyd (about … More the perils of expert testimony). I called his office, and was very pleased to receive a timely call back. Not only was Mr. Floyd candid and helpful, but he had the kindest demeanor of any attorney that I've dealt with. I am so glad to have found this firm.
  • Avatar Joffre Cross II (Jeff) ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Although I am not a client, John Floyd contacted me the same day I sent an email requesting advice, answered my questions and even when further to assist with my issue and communicated … More with me the next day. A true credit to his profession and I can only imagine how well he provides services to his actual clients!
  • Avatar jeannette young ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    I give Mr. Floyd 10 Stars if they were available so I'm giving him five that's all that's available. The first time I left a message for him it was on a Friday after … More 5 p.m. and within 15 minutes he called me back I told him I needed to buy a lotto ticket because that has never happened. I knew from our chat and him calling me back that he was different from any attorney I've tried to talk to left messages never got called back they didn't even know what I needed and neither did Mr. Floyd but he did call me back. I was very interested in meeting with mr. Floyd about my case because I felt he was very transparent honest and genuine. If you've ever dealt with attorneys they don't have those traits but Mr. Floyd does. He was very honest with me told me what I could and could not do with my case. He is not egotistical he's very compassionate and he actually reads the documents you sent him unbelievable that's never happened. He will be the only lawyer I refer to anyone that needs his expertise. If you're in need of a criminal defense attorney please give John T Floyd a call you will not be disappointed.
  • Avatar 9salmon ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Mr John is a great human being and a very knowledgeable attorney. He has always called me back promptly,advised me very clearly and never rushed our conversation. i was wrongfully accused … More and Mr John had my case DISMISSED!! on the day of trial after fighting for me for two years. I am very thankful to the John T. Floyd Law Firm. You will not go wrong with John. Mr John you deserve way more then 5 stars.Thank youShaikh.
  • Avatar Ken R ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    John Floyd Law Firm is highly recommended for your legal needs. He and his staff are highly professional in every aspect. Easy and comfortable feeling talking with him, and he understands … More your needs and explains your legal advice in a way you can understand. Enough just cant be said. Thank You Sir.Positive
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    John was kind enough to assist me with legal advise on my firearm gun rights restoration. I highly recommend him and his firm. Very professional and knowledgeable. If I need assistance … More in the future I will definitely go back to him.
  • Avatar Reginald Bell ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    What I liked the most was that he actually returned my phone after leaving a message unlike pretty much everyone else I called prior. He listened and answered my question with the best … More advice that would benefit me the most. I was actually lost from moving to Texas from a different state we’re laws vary and he pointed me toward the right direction to get a understanding of if I need to do business with him now or after I contact a lawyer in my home state.
  • Avatar Debby Griffin ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    John T Floyd handled my sons case & got a dismissal for us! He is great to work with, gets back to you promptly & knows what he’s doing. Definitely one of the best we have had … More to deal with!Positive
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  • Avatar Gabriela ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    John is honestly the best! The whole team is. He answered me in a timely manner and helped me when my friend was going through a situation in Houston, Texas as an inmate. He was so … More thorough, honest, and without charging me sent me so much information because I was out of the loop. He never once tried to take you for your money, he did all that he could to. help me and I can't thank him enough.
  • Avatar Randy Rich ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    I have used John on two occasions and found him to have full knowledge of Texas law, diligent, creative in plan, and aggressive in defense. He is the best criminal defense attorney … More in the State of Texas. No reason to look elsewhere.
  • Avatar Robert Robinson ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    I have been calling to get some legal advice pertaining to gun rights. A few legal offices would not even take my call because quote " your not a client and Im losing money. … More I I called John T. Floyd Law Firm and they were not only able to answer my question, but gave great detail information, and further elaborated on their answer. I hope I do not have to use them in the future, but if I do need to, they will be my first call.
  • Avatar Tyler Barr ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Great lawyer! Needed some advice and gave me a Consultation, and advice for steps to take, without any hassle l, Was a honest guy and actually wanted to help me and not just take my … More money! Highly recommend!!Positive
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    Attorney Floyd replied very timely to my inquiry and he provided practical advice. I will not hesitate to contact him in the future if I need additional legal counsel.
  • Avatar Huey B ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Highly recommend, down to earth lawyer. Talked to me about my legal issues without being super money hungry and genuinely wanted to help me with my legal problems. 5 stars ⭐️.
  • Avatar Ben Blackman ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Very knowledgeable and professional. I called and left a message Friday morning and before end of business that day I received a call back.Positive
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  • Avatar Manny Figueroa:: ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Very helpful highly recommended for any Question / case will definitely keep he's name and number for any other legal advice
  • Avatar Rosalinda Garcia ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Excellent service and a lawyer that doesn't lie. He does what he says. JW recommends him.
  • Avatar Cord Ary ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    One of the best services Ive used in awhile. Thank you for all the help and answers. You got my life back. Thank youPositive
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  • Avatar William Shaw (Bill) ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Im impressed. This guy was polite and professional and most important...he listened.
  • Avatar Mohammed Masood ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Good experience and very good lawyer
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  • Avatar Tylor St. Clair ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    It was a pleasure speaking with John. He is knowledgeable and has a true desire to help the people of society. I turned to him for some guidance of a long-standing issue. He never … More rushed our conversation and went out of his way to look into the details to provide the right answer as well as assist me anyway he could. Thank you for our conversations and I wish your and your firm the best. If you need a lawyer, John Floyd is your guy!
  • Avatar Andrew Vo ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    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.
  • Avatar Banning Lary ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    One of the few honest lawyers I have ever talked to. His complimentary consultation was knowledgeable and thorough. He knew exactly what the issue was and how to handle it. His candid … More appraisal of the situation and how to proceed saved me thousands of dollars in legal fees. If you have a case requiring expertise in John's area of practice, look no further. Hire this man!
  • Avatar Larry Green ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    I had the opportunity to read an article that Mr. Floyd wrote and it was very interesting. I called him about the article and advice concerning a similar situation. He not only gave … More me excellent advice, he pointed out not just what I wanted to hear but what I needed to hear concerning my situation. The Good, The Bad and The ugly in a manner or speaking. He spoke with an open and honest heart with information to help me and not just to get a client.
  • Avatar Jackie Cohen ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    If you are in trouble and need a lawyer, contact the John T. Floyd law firm. Some of the best lawyers in Texas work there! Understanding and helpful lawyers and staff that will do all … More they can to help you 😊
  • 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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    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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    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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    He was very truthful and honest with us very great man I would recommend him and we would use him again
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    Very professional honest and works hard currently working my husband’s appeal I pray he does his best workPositive
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    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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    He explained my case better then any other lawyerPositive
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  • Avatar Barry Lewis ★★★★ 3 years ago
    Very informative
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  • 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
    Responsiveness, Professionalism …More
  • 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
    Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value …More
  • 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
    Responsiveness, Professionalism, Value …More
  • 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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