Blog
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE TIMOTHY COLE ADVISORY PANEL ON WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS
Current Eyewitness Identification Procedure Reinforce False Memories and Lead to Wrongful Convictions
By: Houston Criminal Lawyer John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair
There have been 258 DNA exonerations in this country over the last two decades, according to the New York-based Innocence Project. In approximately 75 percent of those cases, eye misidentification played a significant role. It is an issue we have thus far blogged about four times this year (here, here, here, and here) and four times last year (here, here, here, and here)—the latter two 2009 posts dealing with the wrongful conviction of Timothy Cole.
The wrongful conviction of Cole is a tragic affair no matter how it is viewed. It has had much the same impact on the Texas criminal justice system as the 1999 wrongful conviction of Clarence Elkins, Sr., had on the Ohio criminal justice system. The same year Elkins was wrongfully convicted Cole died in a Texas prison from asthma complications. Fourteen years earlier he had been a 26-year-old student at Texas Tech University. The university and the entire Lubbock community were under siege from a serial rapist who had sexually assaulted five women between December 1984 and April 1985. The fifth woman attacked was 20-year-old Tech student Michele Mallin.
In an effort to apprehend the serial rapist, the local police assigned an undercover female officer to hang around the university campus. One evening the officer walked into a popular pizzeria frequented by students. Timothy Cole happened to be in the pizzeria. After having a coke, the officer got up and walked out of the restaurant. Cole followed. He walked directly to his car, but before driving off, he pulled up alongside the undercover officer who was strolling down the street. Cole struck up a conversation with officer and they traded names, although the officer refused to give him her telephone number. Cole drove off.
Since Cole was the only man who approached the officer that night, she turned his name into investigators working the serial rapist case. They ran Cole’s name and discovered he had reported being robbed at a local pool hall several weeks earlier. When the police went to investigate the robbery report, they noticed he had a weapon that appeared to have been fired. This led to a search of Cole—a search that revealed he had a small amount of marijuana in his possession. He was arrested on misdemeanor drug and weapon charges. One of the arresting officers in this case was the same “undercover” officer who turned his name into the serial rapist investigators.
These two totally unrelated and dissimilar events, somehow in the minds of the Lubbock Police Department, made him a “suspect” in the serial rape case. Investigators took a Polaroid photo from Cole’s misdemeanor file, put five much smaller mug-shots with it, and presented this highly suggestive photo lineup to Michele Mallin who immediately identified Cole as her assailant. The lid on his wrongful conviction was sealed from that point. It would take the Texas justice system more than two decades to fully and completely own up to Timothy Cole’s wrongful conviction, even after the real rapist had been identified and found in the state’s prison system serving time for a series of other rapes.
But, finally, the system did respond to this horrific injustice—a man wrongfully convicted who spent 14 years and eventually died in prison without having his name cleared. In 2009 the Texas Legislature created the Timothy Cole Advisory Panel on Wrongful Convictions (“Panel”) and charged it with the responsibility of providing assistance and advice to the Task Force on Indigent Defense (“Task Force”) which has been charged with the responsibility of conducting a study designed to cover a broad array of issues relating to wrongful convictions. The study will include the following areas:
- The causes of wrongful convictions;
- The procedures and programs that may be implemented to prevent future wrongful convictions;
- The effects of state law on wrongful convictions, as determined based on state statues regarding eyewitness identification procedures, the recording of custodial interrogations, post-conviction DNA testing, and writs of habeas corpus based on relevant scientific evidence; and
- Whether the creation of an innocence commission to investigate wrongful convictions would be appropriate.
On August 26, 2010 the Panel issued its “report” putting forth a comprehensive package of recommendations which, if implemented, would be the first steps toward improving the quality and integrity of the Texas criminal justice system. Perhaps the most significant of these recommendations focuses on methods for improving the way more than 1,000 Texas law enforcement agencies prepare and administer eyewitness identification procedures. These methods include the following five proposals:
- The State of Texas should require Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) to work with scientific experts in eyewitness memory research and law enforcement agencies to develop, adopt, disseminate to all law enforcement agencies, and annually review a model policy and training materials regarding administration of photo and live lineups. That model policy should comport with science in the areas of cautionary instructions, filler selection, double-blind administration, documentation of identification procedures, and other procedures or best practices supported by credible research.
- The State of Texas should require all law enforcement agencies to adopt eyewitness identification procedures that comply with a model policy promulgated by the Bill Blackwood’s LEMIT.
- The State of Texas should integrate training on eyewitness identification procedures into required curricula of the Bill Blackwood’s LEMIT and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education (TCLESE).
- The State of Texas should permit evidence of compliance or noncompliance with the model policy to be admissible in court.
- The State of Texas should allow law enforcement agencies discretion on the adoption of sequential procedures.
The first proposal contains the “red meat” of the changes that need to be made in law enforcement’s witness identification procedures. We will discuss each of these proposed changes.
Memory Research
In 1999, Stanford Law School Professor Laura Engelhardt, writing in the Stanford Journal of Legal Studies, discussed a presentation given to the law school by memory researchers Barbara Tversky, Professor of Psychology, and George Fisher, Professor of Law, about the problems associated with eyewitness testimony. Professor Engelhardt succinctly opened the discussion with this preliminary observation: “The bedrock of the American judicial process is the honesty of witnesses in trial. Eyewitness testimony can make a deep impression on a jury, which is often exclusively assigned the role of sorting out credibility issues and making judgments about the truth of witness statements. Perjury is a crime, because lying under oath can subvert the integrity of a trial and the legitimacy of the judicial system. However, perjury is defined asknowingly making a false statement—merely misremembering is not a crime. Moreover, the jury makes its determinations of witness credibility and veracity in secret, without revealing the reason for its final judgment. Recognizing the fallibility of witness memories, then, is especially important to participants in the judicial process, since many trials revolve around factual determinations of whom to believe. Rarely will a factual question result in a successful appeal—effectively giving many parties only one chance at justice. Arriving at a just result and a correct determination of truth is difficult enough without the added possibility that witnesses themselves may not be aware of inaccuracies in their testimony.”
Studies on eyewitness testimony are replete with examples of groups of subjects simultaneously witnessing a staged crime only to present widely divergent accounts short after the episode. For example, Professor Engelhardt wrote about studies conducted in the 1970s by University of California psychologist Elizabeth Lofus who conducted experiments dealing with the effects of third parties injecting false facts into memory. In one experiment the subjects were shown a “yield sign” but asked about a “stop sign” while other subjects were shown “stop signs” but asked about “yield signs.” The results revealed the subjects remembered the false image. “In the initial part of the experiment,” Englehardt wrote, “subjects also viewed a slide showing a car accident. Some subjects were later asked how fast the cars were traveling when they ‘hit’ each other, others were asked how fast the cars were traveling when they ‘smashed’ into each other. Those subjects questioned using the word ‘smashed’ were more likely to report having seen broken glass in the original slide. The introduction of false cues altered participants’memories.”
Earlier this year we posted a blog about a Scientific American (Jan. 6, 2010) article titled “Why Science Tells Us Not to Rely on Eyewitness Accounts ” written by Hal Arkowitz and Scott Lilienfeld. The researchers informed us that: “ … many people believe that human memory works like a video recorder: the mind records the event and then, on cue, plays back an exact replica of them. On the contrary, psychologists have found that memories are reconstructed rather than played back each time we recall them.” The two authors also called upon Elizabeth Loftus who explained the act of remembering is “more skin to putting puzzle pieces together than retrieving a video recording.”
This “reconstruction” process produces a slew of false memories. “Many researchers have [even] created false memories in normal individuals,” Arkowitz and Lilienfeld wrote. “What is more, many of these subjects are certain that the memories are real. In one well-known study, Loftus and her colleague Jacqueline Pickrell gave subjects written accounts of four events, three of which they had actually experienced. The fourth story was fiction; it centered on the subject being lost in a mall or another public place when he or she was between four and six years old. A relative provided realistic details for the false story, such as a description of the mall at which the subject’s parents shopped. After reading each story, subjects were asked to write down what they remembered about the incident or indicate that they did not remember it all. Remarkably about one third of the subjects reported partially or fully remembering the false event. In two follow-up interviews, 25 percent still claimed that they remembered the untrue story, a figure consistent with the findings of similar studies.”
We’ve all heard the great “fish story” where the fish grows larger with each retelling of the story. Like most repeated exaggerations, the fisherman soon believes the embellished stories. And that’s exactly what happens with most eyewitness identifications, as the one Ms. Mallin made of Timothy Cole. “Once witnesses state facts in a particular way or identify a particular person as the perpetrator, they are unwilling or even unable—due to the reconstruction of their memory—to reconsider their initial understanding. When a witness identifies a person in a lineup, he is likely to identify that same person in later line-ups, even when the person identified is not the perpetrator. Although juries and decision-makers place great reliance on eyewitness identification, they are often unaware of false memories.”
Professor Engelhardt further explained that it is the actual “retelling” of story that affects memory because stories are rarely told in a “neutral fashion.” Stories are tailored for the listener, particularly by our own biases or a bias recognized in the person listening to the story. And even when the police and prosecutors do not assist or manipulate a witness into an identification, “the mere act of telling prosecutors what happened [by the witness] may bias and distort the witness’s memory,” said Engelhardt. “Eyewitness testimony, then, is innately suspect.”
That is precisely why law enforcement authorities must understand the dynamics of memory, particularly its “reconstruction” process and its innate tendency to distort or misremember. Because a witness’ bias inevitably influences the accuracy of any identification, good or bad, it is crucial that law enforcement not give, no matter how inadvertent, misleading or suggestive information to a witness. As Engelhardt pointed out: “ … the very act of forming a memory creates distortion.” Crime eyewitnesses, therefore, do not need any corrupting influences from either the police or prosecutors—like the highly suggestive photo lineup employed in the Timothy Cole case.
SEQUENTIAL PRESENTATION
A sequential lineup is one where an eyewitness is shown each photo individually and asked specifically if that photo is the perpetrator. Many researchers have concluded based on preliminary data that (here) this is a superior method over the simultaneous method (displaying all the photos in one array). But there is a drawback as pointed out by the Panel: while the sequential method may reduce the number of false identifications, it may also reduce the number of correct identifications. At least one study has shown that witnesses who view a simultaneous lineup identify the suspect more often than those who view a sequential lineup, 59.9 to 45 percent; choose a filler less often than those who view a sequential lineup, 2.8 to 9.2 percent; and are less likely to choose no one than those who view a sequential lineup, 37.6 to 47.2 percent.
The latter drawback must be acceptable. The simultaneous method simply does not lend itself to independent recollection. The eyewitness knows that one of the photos is the perpetrator. He/she will then look for a photo that matches the witness’ biased recollection, thus, any photo which remotely resembles the initial biased recollection will become the perpetrator. In the sequential method, the witness must make a decision on the single photo before him/her—there is no opportunity to “shop” among the array to find the photo that matches the initial biased recollection. In a sequential photo lineup, the identification process is narrowed: it either is or isn’t. There is no “wait and let me see all of them first.” The sequential method, therefore, forces the very process of memory to focus, to sharpen its recollection of details that may assist in a reliable identification.
DOUBLE BLIND METHOD
The administrator of the lineup does not know who the suspect is. Prior to the actual lineup, the administrator collects a “confidence statement” from the witness. The Panel reported the double blind method is important because the witness’ identification will not be contaminated by any feedback from the administrator. If the administrator knows who the suspect is, he/she can influence the witness’ identification, perhaps unintentional, with both verbal and nonverbal cues. To make sure the administrator does not attempt to influence the lineup deliberately or inadvertently, he/she should know that one of the “fillers” in the lineup is a police officer but the administrator doesn’t know which one is the actual officer. The Panel reported that “researchers have found that these measures all but eliminate administrator influence from the procedures.”
CONCLUSION
We warmly embrace the recommendations made by the Panel. Having said that, let us say that we strongly urge the Task Force to follow the lead of the excellent “concurring report” prepared by University of Houston law professor Sandra Guerra Thompson who recommends that “single suspect” show-ups be completely eliminated in the State of Texas through legislation. A single suspect show-up is the procedure used when a law enforcement officer brings a potential suspect to the witness and asks “is this the person.” Thompson’s recommendation makes the most sense because, as the Panel itself pointed out, 20 percent of the nation’s DNA exonerations involved the highly suggestive “single suspect” show-ups. The panel’s recommendation that the legislature enact a “training bill” is not enough to cure this tragic problem.
But if the Task Force elects not embrace Thompson’s recommendation that there be a statutory elimination of “single suspect” show-ups, then it should at the very least strongly recommend that law enforcement agencies follow the lead of a 1999 U.S. Justice Department Report titled “Eyewitness Evidence: A Guide for Law Enforcement ” governing such show-ups, and cited by Professor Thompson, which require lineup administrators to “(1) document a witness’ description of the suspect prior to a show-up and (2) separate witnesses during a show-up. It recommends that if a witness makes a positive identification [sic], investigators should consider using other types of identification procedures for all subsequent confirmatory identifications, rather than this highly suggestive method. As with lineups and photo arrays, the DOJ report also requires investigators to give cautionary instructions to the witness that the person in the show-up may or may not be the perpetrator, and it urges investigators to obtain a statement of the witness’s certainty following a positive identification and maintain written documentation of that statement. Specifically, the DOJ report requires written documentation of the time, place, and result of the show-up. The Innocence Project further recommends that the show-ups occur in a neutral, non-law enforcement location, without handcuffs (when practicable), and with the suspect removed from the squad car. It also recommends that show-ups be videotaped when practicable.”
We understand that the Panel’s report was not warmly embraced by everyone. Attorney Jeff Blackburn, who has worked closely with the Innocence Project of Texas, had pointed criticism of report in a guest column for the Grits for Breakfast website. “Intention and effort aside,” Blackburn wrote, “what the panel finally came up with was a largely watered-down version of what has already been in play in prior legislative sessions. The panel could have gone much further. Instead, it chose to take a predictable path of limited resistance and avoid controversy.”
While we share in the sentiment, we must also consider the report in the political arena in which it evolved. If what the Panel has recommended did not make it through “prior legislative sessions,” it is unlikely that going “much further,” with more comprehensive recommendations, would anything other than diminish the chances of success. At least these recommendations, which concededly have failed in prior legislative sessions, are now coming from an “advisory panel” set up by the Legislature itself. Even a Republican-dominated legislature will have some serious explaining to do if it rejects, in effect, its own recommendations. Even conservative, law-and-order minded Texans have grown weary and disgusted with repeated, highly publicized cases of innocent people being wrongfully convicted and who have spent decades in prison.
We are grateful that the Panel took its recommendations as far as it politically could and we truly admire the courageous “concurring report” by Professor Thompson. The issue of wrongful convictions is not easy bronc to saddle and ride in the State of Texas. The state leads the nation in such convictions. It is both a dubious and highly sensitive political distinction. We were buoyed when the Legislature created the Panel and we are encouraged that lawmakers may now be willing to put forth a legal, moral and financial effort to reduce the state’s number of wrongful convictions through the Panel’s efforts. And if, at the end of the day, the only thing we get on the identification issue is a “training bill” as suggested by attorney Blackburn, then we will consider that a first step, albeit a minor one, in the right direction.
And, fittingly, it may be the lasting legacy of Timothy Cole, who this past March was posthumously pardoned by Texas Gov. Rick Perry, to have these “baby steps” taken in his name. Our prayer and hope is that no future governor has to issue such a pardon—saying “we forgive” over the grave of a person who did no wrong has a hollow ring. A pardon is an official act of forgiveness. We can only hope that the soul of Timothy Cole has forgiven us.
By: Houston Criminal Attorney John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair
Take the first step toward protecting your freedom by contacting us now
Testimonials
John T. Floyd Law Firm
3730 Kirby Drive # 750, Houston
-
If you have hired attorneys that meet the Webster dictionary definition, ie: "Attorney " is a person that has a law degree, will not be totally honest, can take your money … More and not earn it, will put you off until he is ready to talk to you, and/or never study your case to be able to defend you. Mr. Floyd is the only attorney that doesn't fit that definition!! You will be delighted to have Mr. John Floyd in your corner! Not one attorney that I have ever met that would ever return a check that I sent to him, because he said I paid him too much! Wow! That right there should tell you something about his integrity!!!!! He has a very calm demeanor and doesn't stretch the truth even if you don't want to hear it, he will tell you the truth. Call and set up an appointment with him and judge for yourself. You are wasting time and money on any other attorney, just hire the best, Mr. Floyd.
-
John T. Floyd and his team are some of the best people! I was able to get a second opinion from them on legal advice. His team has been honest, kind, and very informative which has … More been a huge blesssing.
-
I highly recommend John T. Floyd Lawfirm. They are truly knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to defend your innocence. Psalms 35
-
Outstanding!Professional knowledge. Rich experiences. Good outcome.
-
-
The best lawyer I ever encounter with a very good personality. He’s very professional and he will go far and beyond for his clients best interest. He’s definitely a 5 star attorney … More when it comes to delivering. I couldn’t be more happier that I hired him !! 👏👏👏👏
-
-
I can honestly say from what I have seen so far, Floyd is a compassionate soul who cares for his client's. Floyd is by far very knowledgeable in this area. He's currently … More assisting my [Father] on a sex assault. We are all suffering so much as my father is an elder man, but we have faith in God, and Mr. Floyd he can dismissed this outrageous allegation soon. Thank you, yoli
-
I had wonderful experience with this law firm. They were so helpful and knowledgeable of the process.my case was dismissed because of Mr John T Floyd,thank you for everything .
-
I am very happy today my case dismissed God bless Mr John T Floyd very good lawyer thanks you so mush sir
-
I had a great experience with this Law Firm, the kind staff helped me locate a Lawyer even though they were unable to take my case.
They were very helpful, kind and returned my call … More in a timely manner. I would definitely recommend them and use them in the future. -
I can tell that Jone is an excellent attorney in Houston. Personally, he is a great man. In addition to great service and amazing results. Recommended
-
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!
-
John T Floyd is a straight shooter! He was very direct and responsive to my phone calls and questions. I was in awe of his knowledge, and professional decorum! The best decision that … More you could make is to schedule a consultation with him before considering anyone else!
-
I asked the Law Office of John T. Floyd a very important question regarding the legal aspects of purchasing a firearm with a deferred adjudication charge. They answered the question … More very professionally and accurately and I was quite pleased with the information that was shared. I recommend this law firm because they are very honest and will work for you and with you.
-
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.
-
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
-
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
Professionalism …More … More -
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.
-
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
-
John has given Excellent service and have been very friendly and extremely helpful to us. I highly recommend this law firm
-
This law firm is diligent, responsive and succeeded in getting my case dismissed. 10/10 would recommend.
-
super knowledgeable, good attitude, would definitely recommend him
-
Very helpful, knowledgeable and honest.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value …More -
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.
-
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.
-
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
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value …More -
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value …More -
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.
-
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 ⭐️.
-
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
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism … More …More -
Very helpful highly recommended for any Question / case will definitely keep he's name and number for any other legal advice
-
Excellent service and a lawyer that doesn't lie. He does what he says. JW recommends him.
-
One of the best services Ive used in awhile. Thank you for all the help and answers. You got my life back. Thank youPositive
Quality …More -
Im impressed. This guy was polite and professional and most important...he listened.
-
Good experience and very good lawyer
-
-
-
Positive
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, ValueMore -
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!
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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 😊
-
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
Responsiveness, Professionalism …More -
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.
-
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
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, … More Value …More -
Very professional, great quality work, and very friendly and helpful. Overall, their service is phenomenal. I recommend Mr. Floyd to anyone.
-
Mr. Floyd took the time to explain his experience with the law to me in layman's terms. Definitely give him a call.Positive
Responsiveness, Professionalism …More -
He was honest , knowledgeable , and professional about what we talked about. Most lawyers are just about the money , but not john.Positive
Professionalism …More -
He was very truthful and honest with us very great man I would recommend him and we would use him again
-
Very professional honest and works hard currently working my husband’s appeal I pray he does his best workPositive
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value …More -
I contacted John T. Floyd Law firm and I was very satisfied with service extremely helpful and friendly thank you Mr. FloydPositive
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value …More … More -
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
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value …More -
I would highly recommend Mr Floyd. He was very helpful and knowledge with a legal question I had.Positive
Professionalism …More -
He explained my case better then any other lawyerPositive
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value …More -
Very informative
-
-
-
-
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.
-
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🙏🏼🙏🏼
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 -
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.
-
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 -
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 -
Knows his stuff and well respected with DA and judges. I have referred him a couple times and every client has been satisfied
-
John is beyond knowledgeable! If I decide to pursue my case any further I would only have him represent me.
-
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
Professionalism …More -
Absolutely a very professional lawyer. Very well read in the current law and more than willing to help if needed.
-
Mr. John he’s a professional he knows what he’s doing and he’s patient they recommend Him stronglyPositive
Professionalism …More -
Great service, very knowledgable and happy to help with any questions I had
-
Quick to action and helpful and knowledgeable with entertainment industry based issues!
-
Responded on a holiday week. Very knowledgeable and reassuring.
-
Very professional
-
-
-
-
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!!!!!!
-
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.
-
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!!!
-
I really felt like the team cared about my case and am super satisfied with the outcome. Would not recommend anyone else!
-
These guys do amazing work and have phenomenal service! Hands down best in the Houston area!!
-
John and Chris are true professionals! Love those guys like family!
-
Mr. Floyd and his team are very knowledgeable, informative, and helpful.
-
A team you can depend on to stand up and fight for you to prove the truth the whole truth!
-
-
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!
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
Extremely helpful!!! Helping me understand the law.
John T. Floyd is Board Certified in Criminal Law By the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Request A Confidential Consultation
Fields marked with an * are required
"*" indicates required fields
Copyright © 2024 John T. Floyd Law Firm • All rights reserved.
Designed & Developed by
