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UNDER SIEGE-A SOCIETY CONSUMED BY FEAR

Apr 17 2011
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Guilt by Association: Politically Inspired Fear of Muslims Continues to Infect Politics, Law Enforcement Investigations and Potential Jurors
By: Houston Criminal Lawyer John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair

The month of March was saturated with state and national news events which seem to underscore an unfortunate point about Texas and America: we are a society under siege from fear of those we do not understand and, therefore, do not trust. The Ides of March began when New York’s Republican Congressman Rep. Peter King decided to conduct hearings on the threat of “radical Islam” in America. The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee defended his congressional inquiry into the “role” the “American Muslim community” has played in what’s become known as “homegrown terrorism.”

“There is nothing radical or un-American about holding these hearings,” Rep. King announced to the overflow hearing room filled with journalists and concerned citizens as well as protesters. King conjured up the Fort Hood, Texas shooting rampage by a Muslim soldier and the media-proclaimed “Ft. Dix Six” who had planned a terrorist attack in New Jersey. According to the vocal New York conservative political leader, this was enough evidence to warrant an “investigation” into the role the entire American Muslim community is playing in these kinds of terrorism activities. “This committee cannot live in denial,” Rep. King continued, saying he would not bow to “political correctness” in his determined pursuit of “every Red under the bed” as the legendary Wisconsin Sen. Joseph McCarthy would have said.

A group of 50 Democrats, including two Muslims, had tried before the hearings convened to get Rep. King to cancel them. The Democratic group told King that “singling out one religious group and blaming the actions of individuals on an entire community is not only unfair, it is unwise – and it will not make our country any safer.”

Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.), one of the longest serving members of Congress and whose district includes Dearborn, Michigan, a city where a large Arab-American population resides, was even more direct with his criticism: “They are loyal, honorable Americans, they hold elected office, they have immigrated to our state from all over the United States. They are as much distressed as we are about what’s going on.”

One of those Muslim Americans elected to public office is Rep. Keith Ellison (R-Minn.) who, in tears, spoke about 23-year-old Mohammad Salman Hamdani, a Muslim paramedic who died responding to the 9/11 attacks in New York. “After the tragedy, some people tried to smear his character solely because of his Islamic faith. He should not be identified as just another member of an ethnic group or just another religion, but as an American who gave everything to his fellow Americans.” The Muslim congressman, who has accused Rep. King of being “McCarthyistic” in his attitude about the American Muslim community, added: “We need to approach this through fair analysis and do no harm. I feel this hearing does not meet that standard. When you ascribe violent actions [of individuals] to an entire community, you assign blame to an entire community. That is the heart of scapegoating and stereotyping.”

And therein lies the real social danger: fear infecting the social fabric with distrust and hatred among the classes, races, and, yes, religions. Fear is a cancer that consumes all the good traditions, values, and beliefs of a society and replaces it with racism, class discrimination, and a proclivity for violence by the majority against all minorities. This was evidenced by a March 26, 2011 report in the New York Times about the FBI’s unrelenting pursuit of individuals and groups “suspected” of some form of terrorism. Through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, the nation’s largest newspaper forced the U.S. Justice Department to release a document the FBI had strenuously fought to keep secret.

The closely-guarded document reveals that within months after former President George W. Bush “relaxed limits on domestic intelligence gather in late 2008,” the FBI opened investigations on thousands of individuals and groups the agency suspected of being “criminals or terrorists.” Between December 2008 and March 2009, the four-month period covered in the DOJ document, the FBI initiated 11,667 “assessments” of individuals and groups suspected of terrorist or some other criminal-related activity against the national security interests of the United States—many of whom were Arab-Americans or Muslim groups. 8,605 of these preliminary inquiries determined at the lowest level of investigation that there was not enough evidence to proceed any further. That left 427 individuals and groups determined by the agency to be in need of “more intensive investigations.”

The Times reported that “it is not clear, though, whether any charges resulted from the inquiries. And because the F.B.I. provided no comparable figures for a period before the rules change, it is impossible to determine whether the numbers represent an increase in investigations.”
And to the consternation of privacy advocates the Obama administration has left the Bush rule encouraging domestic spying in place. “These are investigations against completely innocent people that are now bound up within the F.B.I.’s intelligence system forever,” Michael German, a former FBI agent and current counsel for the ACLU, told the newspaper. “Is that the best way for the F.B.I. to use its resources.”

Michael B. Mukasey was Bush’s attorney general when the rule change went into place in December 2008. The Times reported that at the time some Democrats criticized the rule change saying the AG Mukasey had opened “the door to racial or religious profiling and … fishing expeditions against Americans.” The newspaper had reported in 2006 that the National Security Agency was providing the FBI with thousands of names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses it deemed “suspicious” through its “data-mining programs.” The Mukasey guidelines, as they became known, with the new “assessment” category of investigation, allowed the FBI to “proactively” monitor and place under surveillance the very kinds of people and groups supplied to them by the NSA. The FBI’s own manual states that agents need “no particular factual predication” about a person or a group to begin an assessment of them, although the basis for the inquiry “cannot be arbitrary or groundless speculation.” The manual permits FBI agents to use ethnicity, religion or protected speech as a basis for launching an “assessment.”

While an assessment is not a full blown investigation, it nonetheless permits federal agents to search databases, interview an assessment target or people who may know him/her, monitor public gatherings such as political rallies, maintain surveillance of the targets by tailing and photographing them, and placing “confidential informants” in an organization or a church and or mosque to gather information about them.

And that’s not even the worst part. In November 2010, in response to a query by former Wisconsin Sen. Russ Feingold about the number of “assessments” continuing to be opened by the FBI, the Justice Department informed the lawmaker that the law enforcement agency was still operating at a scale comparable to that of the December 2008 through March 2009 period. That means that since the Mukasey guidelines were put in place, the FBI has opened nearly 100,000 “assessments” of overwhelmingly innocent individuals and groups who had the misfortune of having someone “drop a dime” on them to the FBI—and their names, and scope and result of the inquiry against them, will never be deleted from the FBI’s “intelligence gathering” system.

That’s a lot of unnecessary fear. Official suspicion and paranoia – nothing more.

Texans were recently greeted with news, as carried in a Houston Chronicle exclusive on March 27, that over the past 17 months 875 “special interest aliens” from 35 nations with terrorism ties were “apprehended along the border between Texas and California. The newspaper reported that over the past five years 739 such “suspects” from these “watch-list countries” were caught during “illegal crossings into Texas.” These “terrorism” fears are stoked by the fact that there have been 24 “terror plots” uncovered in this country involving “radicalized U.S. citizens or foreign nationals living here” over the past two years.

“There are a lot of people crossing the border who came from scary parts of the world,” U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) was quoted by the Chronicle. “An individual with enough money and enough determination can penetrate our southwestern border and make their way into the United States.”

And this dire “assessment” gained credence the following day when the Chronicle carried a report on March 28th based on documents obtained by the San Antonio Express-News showing that federal authorities are firmly convinced a “Somali man in custody near San Antonio” smuggled “terror suspects” into the country “through Mexico and Texas.” One of the suspects is Mohamed Ali, “a purported member of the Somalia-based Al-Shabaab, which has aligned itself with al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden.” The San Antonio FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has been trying to “retrace the steps and untangle the contacts” of Ahmed Muhammed, the individual believed to have smuggled Mohamed Ali and others into the country from Mexico through Brownsville. The FBI reportedly has him on tape bragging about making as much as $75,000 “in one day smuggling Somalis.”

CNN recently reported concerning a Pew Research survey which found that “forty percent of Americans associate Muslims and the Islamic faith with violence.” These beliefs, with their inherent racial prejudice, are inspired and perpetuated by irrational fear deliberately created by our politicians and fed by terror-related media reports. People whistle in the dark because they fear the unseen, the unknown. And inevitably the byproduct of this kind of fear is that law enforcement officials, particularly the FBI, will make tragic mistakes by violating the rights of innocent individuals. This was evidenced in the case of a Muslim student named Yasir Afifi who, along with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), filed a civil rights lawsuit against the FBI after Afifi discovered the agency had placed a GPS device under his vehicle to track his movements. The lawsuit, which was filed in the first week of March in federal court in Washington, D.C., alleges both civil and constitutional rights violations, charging that:

“Defendants’ unlawful intrusions into Mr. Afifi’s life—initiated as a result of his heritage, lawful associations, and disclosed political views—create an objective chill on Mr. Afifi’s First Amendment activities. In addition to the fear Mr. Afifi now feels when expressing his political views and maintaining certain lawful associations, Defendants’ actions have deterred others from associating with him, prospective employers most notably. The sentence—even if now in the past—of an intensive surveillance operation by Defendants of Mr. Afifi communicate to persons and organizations that Mr. Afifi is at least suspect if not a threat to the physical security of those in my proximity.”

Afifi said the only basis for the FBI’s investigation and surveillance of him is the fact that his family resides in Egypt and he makes frequent trips and telephone calls to the Middle East. FBI spokesman, Michael Kortan, would only say that any investigation conducted by his agency was pursuant to U.S. Justice Department guidelines, but as the New York Times disclosed, the Mukasey guidelines provide the agency with unfettered leeway to base its investigations on religious and ethnic profiles—both of which Afifi fits.

We do not underestimate the threat of terrorism and the legitimate need for law enforcement agencies to be vigilant in their pursuit to uncover terror plots against this country. But since 9/11 this nation has become increasingly divided along class, racial, religious, and political lines. The foundation of these social divisions is fear, and that is not healthy in a Democratic society. Our concern is that this spreading social climate of fear will increasingly place wrongfully accused individuals before our court system—a system that no longer truly adheres to the traditional principle “innocent until proven guilty.” Guilt is now presumed by association, religious belief, political views, and a criminal indictment. Criminal defense attorneys must face this reality each and every day as they walk into the halls of justice. It has become an enormous challenge, but one good criminal defense attorneys must embrace because, in the final analysis, they are the “goal line defense.”

By: Houston Criminal Attorney John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair
John Floyd is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

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  • Avatar Curtis Shane Kessler ★★★★★ 3 months ago
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  • Avatar Mark J ★★★★★ a year ago
    I’ve never been one to write reviews but this time I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to say something. I had some serious legal questions I needed answers to concerning Texas laws. … More Being I’m from another state, I found and reached out to Attorney John Floyd for the answers. Mr Floyd listened to to my requests and told me what he need from me and went out of his way to get me the answers. Very polite, straightforward and professional, I can’t thank him enough for all he’s done. Whatever your legal case may be, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mr Floyd.
  • Avatar Pat Garner ★★★★★ a year ago
    John & Chris helped my family member get a reduced charge and acceptable plea agreement in place. Their compassion, attention to every detail was what helped carry the day.Truly … More the best of the best.P
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    Mr. Floyd is both ethical and loyal to his clients; two qualities that are hard to find specially in lawyers. I'd definitely recommend him to anyone.Positive
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    Mr. John was very helpful and truly was the reason why my case was dismissed. Thank you so much Mr. John I truly recommend everyone in need to work with him.
  • Avatar Hope Fischer ★★★★★ a year ago
    His service to the community and diligence to helping his clients speaks for its self! Not to mention the many articles, papers and TV appearances that speak to his intellect
  • Avatar Faisal Mahmood ★★★★★ a year ago
    John has given Excellent service and have been very friendly and extremely helpful to us. I highly recommend this law firm
  • Avatar Mohammed Nabulsi ★★★★★ a year ago
    This law firm is diligent, responsive and succeeded in getting my case dismissed. 10/10 would recommend.
  • Avatar Anthony Stark ★★★★★ a year ago
    super knowledgeable, good attitude, would definitely recommend him
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    Very helpful, knowledgeable and honest.
  • Avatar Tarek Zaghloul ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    John is an amazing person and lawyer who is actually very understanding of how anxious I got and although it was hard to reach him sometimes because of his schedule, but never worry … More he is on top of things. He is very organized, very smart. I had the experience to go through a trial with him, and he always plans ahead well and is actually open and receptive to any ideas and comments I had and he was quick to decide which is right to use at the moment. I really appreciated working with him and Chris. Great lawyers and great people. As I was reminded by John, I am adding that the Jury reached a not guilty decision on the original charge and on a lesser charge in just 25 minutes. It took more time to write the charge and instructions for the jury than it took them to reach a decision.
  • Avatar Anya Palapa ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Highly recommend John T Floyd law firm, great response time and demeanor.I was researching an on-going criminal case, when I found an informative article written by John Floyd (about … More the perils of expert testimony). I called his office, and was very pleased to receive a timely call back. Not only was Mr. Floyd candid and helpful, but he had the kindest demeanor of any attorney that I've dealt with. I am so glad to have found this firm.
  • Avatar Joffre Cross II (Jeff) ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Although I am not a client, John Floyd contacted me the same day I sent an email requesting advice, answered my questions and even when further to assist with my issue and communicated … More with me the next day. A true credit to his profession and I can only imagine how well he provides services to his actual clients!
  • Avatar jeannette young ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    I give Mr. Floyd 10 Stars if they were available so I'm giving him five that's all that's available. The first time I left a message for him it was on a Friday after … More 5 p.m. and within 15 minutes he called me back I told him I needed to buy a lotto ticket because that has never happened. I knew from our chat and him calling me back that he was different from any attorney I've tried to talk to left messages never got called back they didn't even know what I needed and neither did Mr. Floyd but he did call me back. I was very interested in meeting with mr. Floyd about my case because I felt he was very transparent honest and genuine. If you've ever dealt with attorneys they don't have those traits but Mr. Floyd does. He was very honest with me told me what I could and could not do with my case. He is not egotistical he's very compassionate and he actually reads the documents you sent him unbelievable that's never happened. He will be the only lawyer I refer to anyone that needs his expertise. If you're in need of a criminal defense attorney please give John T Floyd a call you will not be disappointed.
  • Avatar 9salmon ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Mr John is a great human being and a very knowledgeable attorney. He has always called me back promptly,advised me very clearly and never rushed our conversation. i was wrongfully accused … More and Mr John had my case DISMISSED!! on the day of trial after fighting for me for two years. I am very thankful to the John T. Floyd Law Firm. You will not go wrong with John. Mr John you deserve way more then 5 stars.Thank youShaikh.
  • Avatar Ken R ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    John Floyd Law Firm is highly recommended for your legal needs. He and his staff are highly professional in every aspect. Easy and comfortable feeling talking with him, and he understands … More your needs and explains your legal advice in a way you can understand. Enough just cant be said. Thank You Sir.Positive
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    John was kind enough to assist me with legal advise on my firearm gun rights restoration. I highly recommend him and his firm. Very professional and knowledgeable. If I need assistance … More in the future I will definitely go back to him.
  • Avatar Reginald Bell ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    What I liked the most was that he actually returned my phone after leaving a message unlike pretty much everyone else I called prior. He listened and answered my question with the best … More advice that would benefit me the most. I was actually lost from moving to Texas from a different state we’re laws vary and he pointed me toward the right direction to get a understanding of if I need to do business with him now or after I contact a lawyer in my home state.
  • Avatar Debby Griffin ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    John T Floyd handled my sons case & got a dismissal for us! He is great to work with, gets back to you promptly & knows what he’s doing. Definitely one of the best we have had … More to deal with!Positive
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  • Avatar Gabriela ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    John is honestly the best! The whole team is. He answered me in a timely manner and helped me when my friend was going through a situation in Houston, Texas as an inmate. He was so … More thorough, honest, and without charging me sent me so much information because I was out of the loop. He never once tried to take you for your money, he did all that he could to. help me and I can't thank him enough.
  • Avatar Randy Rich ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    I have used John on two occasions and found him to have full knowledge of Texas law, diligent, creative in plan, and aggressive in defense. He is the best criminal defense attorney … More in the State of Texas. No reason to look elsewhere.
  • Avatar Robert Robinson ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    I have been calling to get some legal advice pertaining to gun rights. A few legal offices would not even take my call because quote " your not a client and Im losing money. … More I I called John T. Floyd Law Firm and they were not only able to answer my question, but gave great detail information, and further elaborated on their answer. I hope I do not have to use them in the future, but if I do need to, they will be my first call.
  • Avatar Tyler Barr ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Great lawyer! Needed some advice and gave me a Consultation, and advice for steps to take, without any hassle l, Was a honest guy and actually wanted to help me and not just take my … More money! Highly recommend!!Positive
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  • Avatar Clint B ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Attorney Floyd replied very timely to my inquiry and he provided practical advice. I will not hesitate to contact him in the future if I need additional legal counsel.
  • Avatar Huey B ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Highly recommend, down to earth lawyer. Talked to me about my legal issues without being super money hungry and genuinely wanted to help me with my legal problems. 5 stars ⭐️.
  • Avatar Ben Blackman ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Very knowledgeable and professional. I called and left a message Friday morning and before end of business that day I received a call back.Positive
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  • Avatar Manny Figueroa:: ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Very helpful highly recommended for any Question / case will definitely keep he's name and number for any other legal advice
  • Avatar Rosalinda Garcia ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Excellent service and a lawyer that doesn't lie. He does what he says. JW recommends him.
  • Avatar Cord Ary ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    One of the best services Ive used in awhile. Thank you for all the help and answers. You got my life back. Thank youPositive
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  • Avatar William Shaw (Bill) ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Im impressed. This guy was polite and professional and most important...he listened.
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    Good experience and very good lawyer
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  • Avatar Tylor St. Clair ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    It was a pleasure speaking with John. He is knowledgeable and has a true desire to help the people of society. I turned to him for some guidance of a long-standing issue. He never … More rushed our conversation and went out of his way to look into the details to provide the right answer as well as assist me anyway he could. Thank you for our conversations and I wish your and your firm the best. If you need a lawyer, John Floyd is your guy!
  • Avatar Andrew Vo ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    John represented me in court for roughly 2 years. I won't (and shouldn't) get into any serious details, but let me tell you that I couldn't have chosen anyone better. … More Seriously.Every appearance in court I felt very comfortable. The judge and DA's had a high regard for his reputation. There is a time I recall where simply his presence greatly impacted the court's interpretation of my case and persons. We were in front of the stand and the judge could not stop talking about John's prestige and past accomplishments and how that took in relation to my case. I kept silent in front of the judge, but I observed then that John's popularity and reputation within the court had already given me a better looking rapport with the judge. Let me tell you, I never had more confidence then, knowing that the judge held him in such high regard.This is not to mention how personable John is. I'll be honest that during the stress of court, sharing a laugh with your lawyer helps a lot. This may sound a lot, but I really appreciated the relationship we had then. This is also not to mention that he was able to deal very well with any DA that rotated over the years. Seriously, John was great, prompt with information and very hands on with my case. I had great peace those 2 years until everything wrapped up.If you're looking for a lawyer, I highly, HIGHLY recommend the John T. Floyd Law Firm. He IS nationally renowned, you know. He'll get the job done to the utmost confidence. He's very experienced and has a great record to boot. I am glad to have had him represent me in court and trust me that I never thought I'd ever say that (and whoever does?). We explored every avenue of victory together and I personally enjoyed the experience, despite the seriousness of the accusation.If you have a case that needs to be represented at the highest levels, choose John T. Floyd. He's a good man and very good at what he does. Him and his team has the experience you need to make the best decisions and options to get the best outcome for your case. We got the best result I could possibly ask for, thank God.Seriously. Hire John. He knows what he's doing.Seriously.
  • Avatar Banning Lary ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    One of the few honest lawyers I have ever talked to. His complimentary consultation was knowledgeable and thorough. He knew exactly what the issue was and how to handle it. His candid … More appraisal of the situation and how to proceed saved me thousands of dollars in legal fees. If you have a case requiring expertise in John's area of practice, look no further. Hire this man!
  • Avatar Larry Green ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    I had the opportunity to read an article that Mr. Floyd wrote and it was very interesting. I called him about the article and advice concerning a similar situation. He not only gave … More me excellent advice, he pointed out not just what I wanted to hear but what I needed to hear concerning my situation. The Good, The Bad and The ugly in a manner or speaking. He spoke with an open and honest heart with information to help me and not just to get a client.
  • Avatar Jackie Cohen ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    If you are in trouble and need a lawyer, contact the John T. Floyd law firm. Some of the best lawyers in Texas work there! Understanding and helpful lawyers and staff that will do all … More they can to help you 😊
  • Avatar It’s Me ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    He gave me one of the most honest answers I have received in a very long time about any issue I was having with anything. Legal or not legal. I highly recommend giving him a call and … More will be referring him to friends and family if they have any issues in the future.Positive
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  • Avatar I’m Home ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    He took time out of his day to answer my legal questions and didn’t even charge me. I would definitely recommend him to you.
  • Avatar Tad Nieschwietz ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Gave free consultation on getting gun rights back. He truly cares about gun rights and getting you the help you deserve. 100% worth a callPositive
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  • Avatar Maher Abbara ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Very professional, great quality work, and very friendly and helpful. Overall, their service is phenomenal. I recommend Mr. Floyd to anyone.
  • Avatar Thomas McLaughlin ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Mr. Floyd took the time to explain his experience with the law to me in layman's terms. Definitely give him a call.Positive
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    He was honest , knowledgeable , and professional about what we talked about. Most lawyers are just about the money , but not john.Positive
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  • Avatar Keisha Gaches ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    He was very truthful and honest with us very great man I would recommend him and we would use him again
  • Avatar Samyra Carrasquillo ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Very professional honest and works hard currently working my husband’s appeal I pray he does his best workPositive
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  • Avatar Raul Perez ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    I contacted John T. Floyd Law firm and I was very satisfied with service extremely helpful and friendly thank you Mr. FloydPositive
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  • Avatar Johnny Johnson Jr ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    This law frim was informative,great response time ,and the attorney called back not some secretary or legal assistant thank u guys for all your help wish it was more like youPositive … More
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  • Avatar Dana Adkison ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    I would highly recommend Mr Floyd. He was very helpful and knowledge with a legal question I had.Positive
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    He explained my case better then any other lawyerPositive
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  • Avatar Barry Lewis ★★★★ 3 years ago
    Very informative
  • Avatar Ismael Flores ★★★★★ 3 years ago
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  • Avatar Eddie Villarreal ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  • Avatar Neil Productions ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Had the pleasure speaking with John Floyd on a personal matter, he was very responsive, nothing but exceptional, and he really cares about you with sincerity and most importantly knows … More what is he talking about! No games or bs, his approach to my situation even though I knew it was probably way smaller then what he normally takes on, he was extremely helpful and didn't care about the size of the matter like other attorneys do. He really looked out for my best interests. You can tell he has decades of experience doing what he does just by chatting with him. I would highly recommend him.
  • Avatar S A ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Words can’t describe how grateful I am for working with John, he went above and beyond my expectation. I was wrongly accused and hired many lawyers before hiring John Floyd but they … More all disappointed me, I had lost hope until a friend of mine referred me to John. From the start he had my best interest in mind and gave helpful advice, he explained the process and guided me. He put more work and time than all my previous lawyers that cost me thousands of dollars. He was constantly communicating with court and defended me more than all lawyer i had hired before him. Don’t waste your time and money like I did, believe me when I say I hired countless lawyers before him and no one came close to John. I’m forever thankful for him for fighting for my innocence and getting my case dismissed. Thank you so much🙏🏼🙏🏼
  • Avatar Gary Watch ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I called Mr Floyd and left a message, with in the hour I received a call back with much more information then I could have ever expected. Mr Floyd was very informative on every question … More I had for him. He seemed like he cared, instead of like most attorneys that you talk to that are just out for a quick buck. If you want someone that is going to shoot strait with you, and has your best interest in hand, this is you guy. This was the best experience that I have ever had with an lawyer.
  • Avatar Saman Daftarian ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I can state with confidence that Mr. Floyd and his team are the most competent and professional lawyers one can hope for. My case was quite complex and I admit that as a law student … More I was not the most patient client. Mr. Floyd did a phenomenal job of managing the bench, prosecution and myself! The result was above expectation, and I will never hesitate to recommend this firm regardless of the caliber of the case at issue.
  • Avatar calvin robinson ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    It was a pleasure working with Mr. Floyd. I contacted him regarding a legal matter and he was extremely knowledgeable about the law, and responded in a timely manner. I appreciated … More the fact I did not feel rushed, and he made sure he thoroughly answered all questions I had. I would highly recommend him!Positive
    Responsiveness, Professionalism …More
  • Avatar Alan Howk ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Spoke with John Floyd about a 45 year old criminal case I was involved in. I had very little information about the case and John helped me search what records were available and gave … More me guidance to find more information. He was very professional and took his time helping me. I may need to hire a lawyer on this case and Mr. Floyd will be the man.Thanks John.
  • Avatar CMCustom Cycles ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Very professional and straight forward. He's not going to waste your time or money. Very knowledgeable in a large range of possible matters one could face living in these days … More and times. If ever you need legal assistance, this is who I would suggest. Awesome!Positive
    Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value …More
  • Avatar Greg Page ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I called about some legal questions I needed to get clarified and John was able to give me clarification and sound advice. I will definitely contact John for all future legal questions … More and issues.Thank you John!Positive
    Responsiveness, Professionalism, Value …More
  • Avatar Kristen Rankin ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Knows his stuff and well respected with DA and judges. I have referred him a couple times and every client has been satisfied
  • Avatar Kedar Puranik ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    John is beyond knowledgeable! If I decide to pursue my case any further I would only have him represent me.
  • Avatar Joseph Sivadon ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    What a great attorney, this guy really took time out of his day to answer my questions and explain my case to me. Very grateful, thank you so muchPositive
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  • Avatar Lex Strider ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Absolutely a very professional lawyer. Very well read in the current law and more than willing to help if needed.
  • Avatar karim khalifa ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Mr. John he’s a professional he knows what he’s doing and he’s patient they recommend Him stronglyPositive
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  • Avatar James Haggard ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Great service, very knowledgable and happy to help with any questions I had
  • Avatar David Sustaita ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Quick to action and helpful and knowledgeable with entertainment industry based issues!
  • Avatar Chad Groves ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Responded on a holiday week. Very knowledgeable and reassuring.
  • Avatar Mark Fein ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Very professional
  • Avatar Bthomason903 Bthomason903 ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  • Avatar Anton Jasser ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  • Avatar Alma Garza ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  • Avatar Victory 2020 ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    I want to thank John T. Floyd and all of his team. He is the best lawyer who cares aboutHis clients and fights really hard to get the best outcome. He is a fighter and he is awesome!!!I … More recommend if any one needs criminal defense , he is the BEST. We had a really serious caseAnd we are very thankful for the outcome. Thank you John!!!!! God bless you!!!!!!
  • Avatar Alma Garcia Cunningham ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    The attorneys at John T. Floyd Law Firm work diligently to achieve the best possible results for their clients. They are caring and knowledgeable professionals. Their expertise in the … More law and their experience as trial attorneys makes them the right choice as a defense attorney. I recommend this law firm highly.
  • Avatar Rajiv Patel ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    From beginning to end this firm handled my case like the top tier professionals they are. I would not trust ANYONE else with my legal needs after having less than stellar experiences … More with other teams. Thank you Floyd!!!
  • Avatar Jose Tapia ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    I really felt like the team cared about my case and am super satisfied with the outcome. Would not recommend anyone else!
  • Avatar Sagar Patel ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    These guys do amazing work and have phenomenal service! Hands down best in the Houston area!!
  • Avatar RAYNINN ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    John and Chris are true professionals! Love those guys like family!
  • Avatar Virginia Martin ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    Mr. Floyd and his team are very knowledgeable, informative, and helpful.
  • Avatar Darla Latham ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    A team you can depend on to stand up and fight for you to prove the truth the whole truth!
  • Avatar Veronica Elorza ★★★★★ 6 years ago
  • Avatar Karetta Lux ★★★★★ 7 years ago
    Mr. John T. Floyd represented me.I couldn't be happier with the outcome he managed to achieve on an VERY Important case that was dismissed the day of Trial. He is patient & … More very knowledgeable of the legal system. I HIGHLY recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer!John, I am forever grateful & satisfied with the effort you put forth & all you did for me. Thank you isn't enough!God bless you & your family!
  • Avatar GM ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    The John T. Floyd Law Firm assisted me, and I can tell you that the attorney took the time to answer my questions, and I didn't feel rushed or dismissed as I have experienced in … More the past with attorneys. The attorney was very nice and extremely knowledgeable. Initial impressions and continued excellent customer service are big factors for me and as such I would highly recommend this firm.
  • Avatar Sandra Bivens ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    I thank you for your efforts to help Felons regain their Civil rights, and for the information on possession , I am A convicted Felon, no violent history. I am an expert shot, I am … More 76 yoa, and very concerned about the present lake of Security in our State and Country. God Bless and Prosper you in your efforts, Your friend, Sonny Bivens
  • Avatar Mike Kittelson ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    I really appreciated both Chris and John helping with my legal questions and concerns. Both are good guys and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
  • Avatar Robert Hair ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    Extremely helpful!!! Helping me understand the law.

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

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