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WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS-TRAGIC RUSH TO JUDGMENTS
Tunnel Vision By Investigators and Prosecutors Convicts, Imprisons the Innocent
By: Houston Criminal Lawyer John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair
Last year we blogged about the tragic wrongful convictions of three innocent Texas inmates, Ricardo Rachel, Timothy Cole (here and here), and Ernest Sonnier. This year has proven just as tragic. We have thus far blogged about the wrongful convictions of four more innocent Texas inmates: Donald Wayne Good, Anthony Robinson, Allen Wayne Porter, and Michael Anthony Green. The wrongful conviction emblem seems to have been deeply etched on the face of Texas justice. But convicting innocent people is not a phenomenon unique to this state.
Fourteen years ago three authors, C. Ronal Huff, Arye Rattner and Edward Sargarin, published a book titled Convicted But Innocent: Wrongful Conviction and Public Policy (Sage Publications. Inc. 1996). The book was based on ten years of measured, conservative research which outlined not only the frequency and causes for wrongful convictions of innocent people but the tragic consequences that inevitably flow from them. The authors interviewed 188 judges, prosecutors, public defenders, sheriffs, and police chiefs in the state of Ohio to draw the conclusion that as many as 10,000 innocent people are wrongfully convicted each year in this country. The authors found, and the New York-based Innocent Project has long since confirmed, that mistaken identification is the leading factor for most wrongful convictions.
This was the overriding factor in the seven wrongful convictions of the innocent Texas inmates mentioned above. But underlying the mistaken identification syndrome is an even more troubling phenomenon discussed by Huff/Rattner/Sargarin. “If we had to isolate single ‘system dynamic’ that pervades a large number of these cases, we would probably describe it as police and prosecutorial overzealousness: the anxiety to solve a case; the ease with which having such anxiety is willing to believe, on the slightest evidence of the negligible nature, that the culprits in hand; the willingness to use improper, unethical and illegal means to obtain a conviction, when one believes that the person at the bar is guilty.”
We tackled this subject earlier this year. The practice is called “tunnel vision”—law enforcement and prosecutors locking in on one theory or one suspect at the exclusion of all others. It was law enforcement “tunnel vision” that led to the mistaken identification of Michael Green and caused him to serve 27 wrongful years in prison—more than any other wrongfully convicted inmate in Texas. And it was both law enforcement and prosecutorial “tunnel vision” that led to the wrongful conviction of Clarence Elkins, Sr. who spent seven years in the Ohio prison system for a murder and rapes he did not commit. Elkins was arrested for the June 6, 1998 murder/rape of his mother-in-law, Judith Johnson, and for assaulting and raping Johnson’s six-year-old granddaughter, Brooke Sutton (Elkins’ niece). The arrest came after the granddaughter went to a neighbor shortly after the crime was committed and said, “Uncle Clarence killed grandma.” But the child later that same day expressed doubt about her identification, telling a friend of her grandmother that “I think it sounded like [Uncle Clarence].” Homicide detectives were aware of the doubts expressed by their chief witness.
Elkins’ wife, Melinda (who was Johnson’s daughter), knew her husband was innocent. He had been with her forty miles from the scene of the crime when her mother was brutally murdered. Other witnesses also said they had spent time with Elkins on the evening of the murder, all the way up to the time just before the murder was committed. Homicide detectives interviewed these witnesses during their investigation. It was pretty tight alibi. Even the evidence gathered by investigators at the crime scene and forensically tested did not implicate Elkins in the crime.
Still, the homicide detectives were not impressed. The prosecution was even less impressed with Johnson’s friend who tried to testify in court about the “doubts” the granddaughter had expressed to her concerning the child’s identification of “Uncle Clarence.” But the woman’s testimony carried no weight. The prosecution had secured its own expert witness, a psychologist, who, along with the homicide detectives, had convinced Brooke that her “Uncle Clarence” had committed the crime. We have frequently discussed, and will continue to do so, the “pitfalls of expert testimony” in child sexual abuse cases. The Elkins case exemplifies why.
The psychologist and the homicide detectives in that case had effectively “brainwashed” Brooke into believing her “Uncle Clarence” had actually committed the crimes against her and her grandmother. It was certainly enough to convince a jury to convict Elkins in June of 1999—a conviction that resulted in a life imprisonment with the earliest possible parole date being in 2054.
Elkins’ wife refused to accept her husband’s guilt. She launched a herculean effort to establish her husband’s innocence—an effort that would ultimately be joined by the Ohio Innocence Project. She contacted her sister, Brooke’s mother, with whom she had been estranged since the crime was committed. Melinda learned that Brooke’s mother also had doubts about the child’s identification of “Uncle Clarence.” Other family members had also become convinced of Elkins’ innocence. They joined in the effort to give, as well as raise, money to establish Clarence’s innocence. This family effort led to Brooke recanting her identification in May 2002, but the family support proved damaging in court. In a 54-page ruling on the issue of whether to accept Brooke’s recantation and grant Elkins a new trial, Summit County Judge John Adams discounted the recantation, saying it was tainted because it had been brought about by “family pressure.” He denied Elkins’ motion for a new trial.
A couple weeks before the court hearing on Brooke’s recantation Melinda read a piece in the Akron Beacon Journal about Earl Eugene Mann facing trial for raping three young girls. While the Johnson murder investigation was still in progress, Mann, who had a long history of violence, was arrested for two “strong arm robberies.” He told one of the arresting patrol officers, “why don’t you charge me with the Judy Johnson murder.” As he was required to do, the patrol officer sent a memo to the Homicide Division advising detectives about Mann’s statement. It has never been determined whether the detectives working the Johnson murder case ever saw the memo, but what is certain is that they had by that time become convinced Clarence Elkins was the killer and rapist. They did not want or need another suspect. They were blinded by a “tunnel vision” which had focused exclusively on Elkins.
Melinda was not aware of the Mann incriminating statement at the time but she was aware that homicide detectives and crime scene investigators had recovered pubic and head hairs from her mother’s anus and Brooke’s nightgown. Shortly after Brooke recanted her identification, Melinda and the Innocence Project turned to prosecutors in an effort to have the hairs subjected to DNA testing. Prosecutor Michael Carroll resisted their efforts for the testing. By this time Melinda had lost her home, job, and all her savings fighting to prove her husband’s innocence. Then she had to face Carroll telling her that she would have to pay for the DNA tests.
She discovered that such tests cost between $20 and $40 thousand dollars. With the help of the Innocence Project and family members, she raised the money and the DNA testing revealed that the hairs did not belong to Elkins. But that was not enough for either prosecutor Carroll or Judge Judy Hunter, who had been assigned to the case, to grant relief to Elkins. Judge Hunter ruled in July 2005 that the new DNA evidence was not enough to warrant a new trial; that, in effect, the exclusion of Elkins’ DNA at the crime scene did not establish his “actual innocence.”
During the massive post-conviction effort to establish Elkins’ innocence, Melinda and Clarence had become convinced Mann was the actual killer. In a twist of ironic fate, Mann just so happen to be in the same prison with Elkins, the Mansfield Correctional Institution This stroke of incredible luck provided Elkins with an opportunity to secure a cigarette butt he saw Mann discard in a makeshift ashtray. Just days after Elkins got the cigarette butt Mann was transferred out of the prison after he assaulted a fellow prisoner with a lock in a sock. Clarence sent the cigarette butt to Melinda through an Innocence Project attorney. His wife once again managed to raise the money to have the cigarette butt subjected to DNA testing. The results strongly indicated the hairs at the crime scene belonged to Mann.
This time Melinda and Innocence Project attorneys did not turn to prosecutor Carroll for help. They no longer trusted the prosecutor with this new DNA evidence which implicated Mann. Instead they turned to an unlikely ally: then Ohio Attorney General, Jim Petro, who was running for the Republican nomination for governor. The state attorney general immediately went to the media to put pressure on Summit County officials to re-open the case. “Our experience with Summit County is they didn’t know what DNA meant,” Petro told the Dayton Daily News. “They didn’t think of it as conclusive as we did. And I was kind of surprised at that.”
Melinda and the Innocence Project had been right. Carroll refused to capitulate, even to the pressure brought to bear by Petro. He didn’t think the DNA match to Mann was convincing enough. Carroll, however, did agree to investigate Mann, although he would not agree to the Elkins’ release while that investigation was underway. With Mann being investigated, Petro and the Innocence Project managed to secure more sophisticated DNA testing of yet another pubic hair which had been recovered from Brooke’s nightgown. This test proved a perfect match to Mann. In fact, the test put the odds of 19 million to one that the hair did not belong to Mann. Faced with this overwhelming evidence, Mann confessed to killing Johnson and sexually assaulting Brooke.
Finally, the nightmare was over. Melinda, Clarence’s parents, other family members, and the Innocence Project had spent more than $250,000 bringing that nightmare to an end. It came to an official end when a Summit County judge in December 2005 ordered Elkins released from custody and the State of Ohio agreed to pay him nearly $1.1 million for the seven years he had been wrongfully imprisoned.
But Elkins and his family felt the wrong done to him demanded more. He filed a civil rights lawsuit against the City of Barberton, Summit County, Ohio and a number of law enforcement officials involved in the Johnson murder investigation. City officials and law enforcement officials moved to have the lawsuit dismissed on the basis of sovereign immunity and qualified immunity. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio dismissed the entire lawsuit against city officials and dismissed all claims against the law enforcement officials except for important two claims: 1) Elkins’ Brady v. Maryland violation claim arising from the fact that homicide detectives failed to turn over to his defense the memo sent to them by the patrol officer who arrested Mann and reported Mann’s inculpatory statements the Homicide Division; and 2) Elkins’ state law malicious prosecution and loss of consortium claims.
Attorneys for the law enforcement officials appealed this part of the district court’s ruling to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. That court on August 10, 2010 upheld the district court’s ruling, paving the way for a jury to determine whether Elkins is entitled to recover additional damages for the wrong done to him by the homicide detectives.
The Sixth Circuit ruling is just one of many effects the Elkins case has had on the Ohio criminal justice system, especially in shaping the “wrongful conviction” debate raging in the state. For example, in 2008 the Columbus Dispatch teamed up with the Innocence Project to investigate the state’s DNA post-conviction testing process. Researchers for the newspaper and the Project reviewed 300 cases and found 30 of them to be “prime candidates” for testing. In an article titled “Test of Convictions,” The Dispatch reported that the results the investigation exonerated three inmates—all of whom had served a combined 72 years for rapes they did not convict—and reaffirmed the guilt of four others. And on August 4, 2010 The Dispatch once again reported that prosecutors (like Michael Carroll in the Elkins case) have resisted calls from Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and current Attorney General Richard Cordray to permit DNA testing in seven controversial cases. Since Ohio does not have a mandatory post-conviction DNA testing law, judges in all seven of the cases exercised their broad discretion to deny requests by these individuals or their attorneys for such testing.
One of the cases being sought for review involves Arthur Swanson, who was convicted of robbing an Amish family and who died in prison in 2006. Left behind in his cell was a stack of legal papers describing his determined but unsuccessful effort to have physical evidence in his case DNA tested. Another case involves a condemned inmate currently awaiting execution and two others involve inmates serving long prison terms. The remaining three cases involve former inmates who have been released but still want their names cleared.
The governor and the attorney general both feel that DNA testing in cases where there are serious questions about the inmate’s guilt should be undertaken “as a matter of public policy.”
“I really think it’s irrational not to take advantage of methods that could establish either guilt or innocence when those technologies are available to us,” Strickland told The Dispatch. “I can think of no good argument why anyone would be denied DNA testing if, in fact, there is a reasonable or relevant opportunity to bring clarity to whether or not someone is guilty of a crime.”
Unfortunately, there is an entrenched prosecutorial and judicial mindset against DNA testing in Ohio. These public officials don’t see the issue with the same “clarity” as Gov. Strickland and Attorney General Cordray. Still, it is encouraging, and even extraordinary, to see two high ranking state officials advocating justice over injustice. Cordray put it this way to The Dispatch: “We think certainty and accuracy are something we want in our justice system. We are urging them to allow testing, but we have told (prosecutors) that we will work to make sure the results are not taken the wrong way. Testing could be conclusive with guilt or innocence, but many results can be inconclusive as well.”
Strickland and Cordray’s actions are also important because over the last two years the State of Ohio was second only to Texas in the number of executions it carried out. But Ohio lawmakers, Democrats and Republican alike, have grown increasingly wary about the state’s death penalty system because of cases like Elkins. Many of these lawmakers have called for an independent review of that system. The lawmakers have been joined by two former directors of the Ohio prison system, Reginald Wilkinson and Terry Collins, both of whom have presided over dozens of executions, who want the death penalty system to be reviewed to insure that it exist only for the “worst of the worst.”
We hope the lessons currently being learned in Ohio from the Clarence Elkins case will be instructive to Texas officials, particularly to judges and prosecutors who hear requests by inmates seeking DNA testing. Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins and Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos have both demonstrated remarkable courage in freeing inmates found to have been wrongfully convicted. But we have not been as impressed with the Texas Legislature dominated by lawmakers more concerned with political slogans and reelection efforts than with doing the right thing for the people of the state. So we once again call upon them to summon up enough political will and moral courage to implement uniform reforms in the way the state law enforcement agencies conduct their lineup and identification procedures. Such reforms are critical because 82 percent of the DNA exonerations in this state involved mistaken identifications. The efforts by Watkins and Lykos are merely a stopgap measures absent significant legislative reforms in the way the more than 1,000 police departments in this state seek to identify criminal suspects.
It is admirable that prosecutors like Watkins and Lykos are working to find and correct “Michael Anthony Green-like” wrongful conviction in the Texas prison system but our legislators have an even greater responsibility to make sure our justice system does not produce any more Michael Green tragedies. This lofty but easily achievable goal can be done by reforming photographic and live eyewitness identification procedures, as well as making other minor adjustments that are known to enhance the integrity of law enforcement investigations. Our system must be committed to protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty. There is no middle ground on this constitutional guarantee.
By: Houston Criminal Attorney John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair
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Testimonials
John T. Floyd Law Firm
3730 Kirby Drive # 750, Houston
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Great lawyer! Needed some advice and gave me a Consultation, and advice for steps to take, without any hassle l, Was a honest guy and actually wanted to help me and not just take my … More money! Highly recommend!!Positive
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Attorney Floyd replied very timely to my inquiry and he provided practical advice. I will not hesitate to contact him in the future if I need additional legal counsel.
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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 ⭐️.
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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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Very helpful highly recommended for any Question / case will definitely keep he's name and number for any other legal advice
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Excellent service and a lawyer that doesn't lie. He does what he says. JW recommends him.
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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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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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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!
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John represented me in court for roughly 2 years. I won't (and shouldn't) get into any serious details, but let me tell you that I couldn't have chosen anyone better. … More Seriously.Every appearance in court I felt very comfortable. The judge and DA's had a high regard for his reputation. There is a time I recall where simply his presence greatly impacted the court's interpretation of my case and persons. We were in front of the stand and the judge could not stop talking about John's prestige and past accomplishments and how that took in relation to my case. I kept silent in front of the judge, but I observed then that John's popularity and reputation within the court had already given me a better looking rapport with the judge. Let me tell you, I never had more confidence then, knowing that the judge held him in such high regard.This is not to mention how personable John is. I'll be honest that during the stress of court, sharing a laugh with your lawyer helps a lot. This may sound a lot, but I really appreciated the relationship we had then. This is also not to mention that he was able to deal very well with any DA that rotated over the years. Seriously, John was great, prompt with information and very hands on with my case. I had great peace those 2 years until everything wrapped up.If you're looking for a lawyer, I highly, HIGHLY recommend the John T. Floyd Law Firm. He IS nationally renowned, you know. He'll get the job done to the utmost confidence. He's very experienced and has a great record to boot. I am glad to have had him represent me in court and trust me that I never thought I'd ever say that (and whoever does?). We explored every avenue of victory together and I personally enjoyed the experience, despite the seriousness of the accusation.If you have a case that needs to be represented at the highest levels, choose John T. Floyd. He's a good man and very good at what he does. Him and his team has the experience you need to make the best decisions and options to get the best outcome for your case. We got the best result I could possibly ask for, thank God.Seriously. Hire John. He knows what he's doing.Seriously.
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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!
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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.
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He gave me one of the most honest answers I have received in a very long time about any issue I was having with anything. Legal or not legal. I highly recommend giving him a call and … More will be referring him to friends and family if they have any issues in the future.Positive
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He took time out of his day to answer my legal questions and didn’t even charge me. I would definitely recommend him to you.
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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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Very professional, great quality work, and very friendly and helpful. Overall, their service is phenomenal. I recommend Mr. Floyd to anyone.
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Mr. Floyd took the time to explain his experience with the law to me in layman's terms. Definitely give him a call.Positive
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He was honest , knowledgeable , and professional about what we talked about. Most lawyers are just about the money , but not john.Positive
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He was very truthful and honest with us very great man I would recommend him and we would use him again
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Very professional honest and works hard currently working my husband’s appeal I pray he does his best workPositive
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I contacted John T. Floyd Law firm and I was very satisfied with service extremely helpful and friendly thank you Mr. FloydPositive
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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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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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Very informative
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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.
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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🙏🏼🙏🏼
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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.
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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.
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It was a pleasure working with Mr. Floyd. I contacted him regarding a legal matter and he was extremely knowledgeable about the law, and responded in a timely manner. I appreciated … More the fact I did not feel rushed, and he made sure he thoroughly answered all questions I had. I would highly recommend him!Positive
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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.
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Very professional and straight forward. He's not going to waste your time or money. Very knowledgeable in a large range of possible matters one could face living in these days … More and times. If ever you need legal assistance, this is who I would suggest. Awesome!Positive
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I called about some legal questions I needed to get clarified and John was able to give me clarification and sound advice. I will definitely contact John for all future legal questions … More and issues.Thank you John!Positive
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Knows his stuff and well respected with DA and judges. I have referred him a couple times and every client has been satisfied
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John is beyond knowledgeable! If I decide to pursue my case any further I would only have him represent me.
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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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Absolutely a very professional lawyer. Very well read in the current law and more than willing to help if needed.
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Mr. John he’s a professional he knows what he’s doing and he’s patient they recommend Him stronglyPositive
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Great service, very knowledgable and happy to help with any questions I had
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Quick to action and helpful and knowledgeable with entertainment industry based issues!
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Responded on a holiday week. Very knowledgeable and reassuring.
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Very professional
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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!!!!!!
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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.
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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!!!
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I really felt like the team cared about my case and am super satisfied with the outcome. Would not recommend anyone else!
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These guys do amazing work and have phenomenal service! Hands down best in the Houston area!!
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John and Chris are true professionals! Love those guys like family!
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Mr. Floyd and his team are very knowledgeable, informative, and helpful.
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A team you can depend on to stand up and fight for you to prove the truth the whole truth!
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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!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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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