Blog
THE JUNK SCIENCE OF DOG SCENT LINEUPS
Popular Law Enforcement Dog Handler Discredited After False Results, Exaggerated Claims of Accuracy Exposed
By: Houston Criminal Defense Attorney John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair
We have blogged ( False Forensics: An Attorney’s Worst Nightmare , May 1, 2009) in the past about the dangers of “false forensic” evidence being used in courtrooms to convict innocent people. The New York-based Innocence Project reported in 2007 that 65% of the nation’s first 200 DNA exonerations in this country involved fraudulent, unreliable or limited forensic science. Wrongful convictions based on false forensics—or what is commonly referred to as “junk science”—in the State of Texas occur with the same or at a greater frequency.
And what is “junk science?”
In an September 21, 2009 special report titled “ Dog Scent Lineups: A Junk Science Injustice ,” the Texas Innocence Project (TIP) provided the following illustrative definition: “Even before the television show ‘CSI’ became popular, juries and judges have tended to believe what ‘scientific experts’ say in criminal cases—especially if these ‘experts’ are police officers or prosecution witnesses. One study found that ‘about one quarter of jurors who were presented with scientific evidence believed that had such evidence been absent, they would have changed their verdicts—from guilty to not guilty.’ In the hands of a skilled prosecutor, scientific-sounding testimony from any source, no matter how fraudulent, can be played to great dramatic effect and win convictions.
“Prosecutors have taken full advantage of the gullibility of jurors and the willingness of courts to allow the use of these techniques. In case after case, prosecutors have used phony ‘experts’ with little or no training or education, false results from shoddy labs and dubious ‘theories’ with no basis in fact to get convictions. Taken together, these abusive practices have come to be known as the use of ‘junk science.’ The use of this ‘evidence’ is not limited to the courtroom: law enforcement agencies have come more and more to rely on it in making arrests and getting indictments.”
There is no greater “junk science” than “dog scent lineups” and the phoniest “expert” involved in this particular junk science is a Fort Bend County deputy sheriff named Keith Pikett. A native of New York, Pikett served six years in the Navy after he graduated from high school before taking a job at a ship yard in the early 1970s in Mobile, Alabama, according to TIP. He then graduated from the University of South Alabama with a chemistry degree and in 1984 received a master’s degree in “Sport Science” at an Alabama institution called United States Sports Academy.
That’s the extent of Pikett’s educational background. TIP reported that at some point after Pikett earned his “master’s degree,” he and his wife moved to Texas where they bought a bloodhound. TIP said the Piketts decided to train the bloodhound on their own, “without using any known or established program” to be a police dog. He was soon offering his services, and the scent nose of his bloodhound, to area law enforcement agencies. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department in 1990 started using Pikett and his got on search and rescue missions.
Keith Pikett quickly grew fond and proud of his increasing reputation as the “hound dog” handler with law enforcement agencies. He decided to expand his “expert” dog handling operation with the 1992 purchase of yet another bloodhound named “Colombo.” TIP reported that by 1994 Pikett was boasting that Colombo could not only track, detect and rescue but could also perform scent lineups.
And just what is a “scent lineup”? Again, TIP provides an excellent definition:
“Virtually all dogs have a heightened sense of smell. This is why they have proven to be very useful in identifying distinct odors like bombs and drugs. A dog smells a scent, barks or makes a signal that it has done so, and his handler notices it. Dogs can also be used to trail scents from one location to another. The ‘evidence’ in such cases is a simple alert by the dog or the path the dog takes to get from one place to another.
“Although that kind of basic identification can be affected by a host of handler and dog errors, that is not what we are examining here. What we are looking at are cases in which dog handlers claim that their dogs have distinguished between different odors among people, identified one, and matched it to evidence from a crime scene. This is what is often referred to as a ‘scent lineup’ in the field of ‘criminal odorology.’ It is a much more complex process than picking out a package of drugs or following a scent. Research has proven that it requires the use of qualified handlers and the observance of numerous safeguards if it is to produce even marginal results.
“A ‘scent lineup’ starts with the dog being introduced to a scent sample that has been collected from a crime scene or a piece of evidence. After ‘getting’ that scent, the dog is then presented with a series of containers with similar scents in them. These scents have often been taken directly from a suspect and from others matching the general description of the suspect. The idea is that the dog will then communicate to its handler/observer if the scent that it ‘got’ the first time matches a scent in one of the containers. The handler/observer, so the theory goes, can then testify that his dog has accurately picked out the scent of a particular person or suspect. This testimony is then presented as a ‘scientific identification’ in Texas courts. It is called a ‘scent lineup’ because of its similarity to an eyewitness lineup.”
Since the early 1990s, Texas and Florida have become havens for dog scent lineups both in the law enforcement field and courtrooms—and in both states a litany of people have been wrongfully arrested and convicted as a result of this junk science evidence. Pikett and a dog handler named John Preston in Florida led the way in creating these cases. TIP reported that although Preston’s work was based on “guesses and exaggerations,” law enforcement and prosecutors used him over and over again, presenting him to dozens of juries as an “expert” testifying about a real “science.” It took DNA evidence to prove Preston had repeatedly misled juries about “dog scent” lineups. TIP reported that three men were wrongfully convicted because of Preston—all of whom together had served 50 years—and “hundreds” of other of his cases are now under judicial review.
Similar findings have been made here in Texas in cases in which local prosecutors and the Texas Attorney General’s Office have presented Keith Pikett as an “expert” witness. One of Pikett’s first big cases came shortly after he started working for the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department. The case involved a defendant named Marcus Cotton. TIP reported that Pikett testified at Cotton’s first trial, lying about his “expert” credentials. He told the jury he had a “Bachelor of Science in Chemistry” degree from Syracuse University and a “Master’s Degree in Chemistry” from the University of Houston. TIP pointed out that Cotton’s defense attorney did not question Pikett about these degrees and pretty much let his “expert” testimony that he had matched Cotton to the crime scene through his dog scent lineup go to the jury unchallenged.
While Marcus Cotton eventually received a new trial, his case launched the “dog handler” career of Keith Pikett. He became a full time law enforcement officer and acquired two new dogs—“Clue” and “James Bond”—to assist in his “expert” field. TIP said Pikett “traveled across the State” as the demand for his dog scent services increased among prosecutors and law enforcement agencies. Although he told juries he did not keep “detailed records” on his dogs, he testified Clue had been wrong only once in 1659 lineups, James Bond had been wrong only once in 2266 lineups, and a third dog named “Quincy” had been wrong just three times in 2831 lineups.
Based on studies conducted by the Dutch police who are international leaders in the use of “police dogs” and other similarly respected experts, TIP concluded Pikett’s dog accuracy claims are “absurd” because even under the most ideal conditions police dogs “can only be right approximately 85% of the time.” These studies notwithstanding, Pikett’s officially became a “qualified expert” in 2002 after the Houston-based 14th District Court of Appeals declared him as such in the case of Marcus Omar Winston. In that case Winston was convicted of burglary after Pikett testified that “Quincy” identified the defendant’s scent in both his house and the house Winston supposedly burglarized. Again, in the Winston case Pikett lied about his master’s degree in chemistry, saying he had obtained the degree from the University of Alabama. It was this lie that led the appeals court to conclude Pikett was an “expert” in the field of dog scents.
The fact that the court of appeals got it so wrong in the Winston case served to elevate Pikett’s “star status” among prosecutors and law enforcement throughout Texas. TIP explained:
“He [Pikett] continued to testify in trials. When confronted with the issue of his reliability and validity of scent lineups, appellate courts simply relied on the earlier decision in Winston and affirmed the defendants’ convictions. No serious scrutiny was given to Pikett’s testimony.
“He became immensely popular with prosecutors, who started using him routinely. The ability of his dogs to ‘confirm’ what they wanted to know in a case, coupled with his charm with juries, made him a fixture in criminal cases all over Texas. As late as April of this year, one prosecutor with the Attorney General’s office said of Pikett: ‘He has helped us with several cases over the past few years with great results. I’m a big fan …’ Later, reporting on a visit between an investigator and Pikett, this prosecutor exclaimed: ‘Woo-hoo! Just got word that Keith’s dogs unanimously hit on my evidence today, just as we’d hoped’ and appended a ‘smiley-face’ symbol to her message.
“Pikett also became something of a folk hero in law enforcement circles. One of his dogs was inducted into the Texas Veterinary Hall of Fame in 2002. That same year, Pikett was named ‘Officer of the Year’ by a police support group in Houston.”
But like most lies, things became to unravel for this star-studded dog handler. It began with a highly-publicized 2006 murder case in Victoria, Texas. Local law enforcement had identified one of their own, a retired police captain named Michael Buchanek, as a prime suspect in the case. They called upon Pikett and his dogs to do a scent lineup, and just as the local cops had hope, Pikett’s dogs linked Buchanek to the crime scene. The police went after Buchanek full throttle before another man confessed and pled guilty to the crime, according to TIP.
Then in August 2007 came the case involving a string of Houston burglaries. TIP reported that against the judgment of police officers working the case, two detectives wanted to use Pikett and his dogs to confirm their suspicions about a suspect they had in mind—and, of course, Pikett told the detectives exactly what they wanted to hear, whereupon they proceeded to arrest the wrong man. After the real burglar was arrested, a 24-year veteran Harris County prosecutor named Vic Wisner ordered the man Pikett had identified released from custody and sent an email warning to all Harris County prosecutors about Pikett and his dogs.
This warning notwithstanding, the Houston police department in late 2007 decided once again to use Pikett and his dogs in a triple homicide case. The police suspected two individuals, Cedric Johnson and Curvis Bickham, were involved in the crime but needed evidence to connect them to the crime scene. Once again Pikett and his dogs placed the scent of the two suspects at the crime scene just as the investigators wanted leading to the arrest of the two men for capital murder. They both were released months later after prosecutors determined they had nothing to do with the crime.
“I lost my home, I lost my business, I lost my reputation,” Curvis Bickham recently told the Houston Chronicle. “I have three little boys depending on me—ages 6, 8 and 9—and they charge me with the most heinous thing they can charge a man with.”
TIP concluded it does not know exactly how many other innocent people have been wrongfully arrested and who are still in prison because of Pikett and his dogs.
“[But] the government does,” TIP said. “It could have chosen at any time to stop using scent lineups as evidence. It could have chosen to investigate old cases in which they were used. It could have made an effort to insure that our criminal justice system worked. Instead, it has chosen to continue relying on this fraudulent technique. Police and prosecutors are still using Pikett and his scent lineups despite his record of perjury and false accusations.”
This conclusion speaks tragic volumes about total lack of regard too many law enforcement officials and prosecutors in Texas have for truth and justice. Texas leads the nation in DNA exonerations and probably has executed a significant number of innocent people as well—Clarence Todd Willingham, Rueben Cantu, Carlos De Luna, Gary Graham, to name a few. Fortunately, however, as pointed out by TIP, a number of criminal defense attorneys have stepped to the forefront to fight the junk science of dog scent lineups. A number of lawsuits have been filed against Pikett and the law enforcement agencies who sponsored him by Victoria attorney Rex Easley. TIP reported Easley has managed to a secure wealth of information that discredits Pikett and his dog scent lineup methods through real “experts” who have reviewed and evaluated the dog handler’s work. TIP provided the following summary of these experts’ conclusions:
- Robert Coote: A well-known leader in the field of scent lineups from England and the former head of an all-British canine unit, Coote made this observation after viewing Pikett’s work: “This is the most primitive evidential police procedure I have ever witnessed. If it was not for the fact that it is a serious matter I could have been watching a comedy.” Coote added that “in all [my] experience working dogs, [I have] never, ever heard of or seen such an operation. It does against all the principles of tracking and training.”
- Douglas Lowry: A retired Maryland State Police officer and the current president of the National Police Bloodhound Association (NPBA), Lowry testified extensively about Pikett’s scent lineup procedures, and although Pikett has claimed in court proceedings that his scent lineup procedures were modeled after those of NPBA, Lowry pointed out that NPBA decided several years ago to do away with scent lineups because “very few bloodhound teams were found to be consistently proficient in working scent line-ups.” He elaborated by saying there are “too many variables involved with this type of scent work and unless a handler could show through documented training records that their bloodhound was working at a consistent 1005 without a miss, it would be difficult to have this scent identification method accepted by judges and the court system.” In connection with the Michael Buchanek case, Lowry said: “I do not believe or feel that either scent line-up exercise is credible or reliable,” adding that it appeared to him Pikett was cueing his dog throughout one of the lineups. Lowry concluded his damning indictment of Pikett’s work by saying: “It is my opinion that Deputy Keith A. Pikett is doing a disservice to police bloodhound teams throughout the country that are credible and reliable in their work ethics and habits. It is my belief that Deputy Pikett … intentionally misspoke concerning the capabilities and expertise of his scent discriminating bloodhounds in given situations.”
- Steven Nicely: a professional dog trainer and instructor, Nicely had this to say about Pikett: “As a professional police service dog trainer and instructor I can say with reasonable certainty that Sgt. Pikett is not acting in good-faith to avoid incorrectly identifying someone as a potential suspect … When the theory of odor and its transfer are reviewed, and then coupled with the claimed abilities of Sgt. Pikett’s dogs, Sgt. Pikett knowing the location of the targets in this line-up is the most logical conclusion or deduction … It is my opinion that Sgt. Pikett as a trainer and handler is an unprofessional charlatan … [he] is incompetent as a police service dog trainer.”
In addition to Easley’s success in discrediting Pikett in civil lawsuits, criminal defense attorneys in Fort Bend and Harris counties have been successful in barring Pikett from testifying in criminal cases. Steven Gilbert, a lawyer in Richmond, Texas and Eric Sunde, a lawyer from Houston, have been successful in keeping scent lineups out of criminal cases. TIP also reported that attorneys in Cold Spring, Texas, Shirley Baccus-Lobel and Billy Rawkind took on local prosecutors who had claimed that dog scent lineups are as “reliable as DNA” by conducting an “incisive and well-educated cross-examination of Pikett” which resulted in a jury returning a “not guilty” verdict in thirteen minutes in a case that had relied heavily upon dog scent lineup evidence.
It is our hope that these and other attorneys, in both civil and criminal cases, will continue their diligent efforts to completely discredit the junk science of dog scent lineups. These lineups, especially those employed by Pikett, fail to meet the scientific methodology recommended by the National Research Council of the National Academies for a “forensic discipline.” Earlier this year the group submitted an exhaustive report to Congress titled Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward which called for comprehensive reforms in the field of forensic science. The group recommended that no forensic discipline, such as the junk science of Pikett’s dog scent lineups, be recognized as a credible science by the courts unless:
“There are two very important questions that should underlie the law’s admission of and reliance upon forensic evidence in criminal trials: (1) the extent to which a particular forensic discipline is founded on a reliable scientific methodology that gives it the capacity to accurately analyze evidence and report findings and (2) the extent to which practitioners in a particular forensic discipline rely on human interpretation that could be tainted by error, by threat of bias, or the absence of sound operational procedures and robust performance standards. These questions are significant … So it matters a great deal whether an expert is qualified to testify about forensic evidence and whether the evidence is sufficiently reliable to merit a fact finder’s reliance on the truth that it purports to support.”
This criteria makes it abundantly clear that there is no room for either the deputy or his dog in the courtroom. Dog scent lineups belong in the discredited science closet with its ancient kindred “the world is flat” discipline. We can only hope that not only will all Harris County prosecutors follow the lead of Vic Wisner by keeping Keith Pikett and his dogs out of the courtroom, but that prosecutors across the State, including the Attorney General’s office, will do the same. For any prosecutor to compare a dog scent lineup to DNA evidence is borderline ludicrous and places that prosecutor’s professional competency on the same level as deputy Pikett. We can only hope that the 14th District Court of Appeals or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals will revisit the findings made in the Winston decision that dog scent evidence is a credible forensic discipline. The Winston decision stands an ugly legal stain on the entire Texas judicial system.
SOURCES:
https://www.johntfloyd.com/comments/may09/01a.htm
http://www.ipoftexas.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Dog-Scent-Lineups-Texas1.pdf
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6638970.html
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12589
State v. Winston , 78 S.W.3d 522, 529 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 2002, pet. ref’d)
By: Houston Criminal Lawyer 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
