by Houston Criminal Defense AttorneyAmerica, do not commit crimes with checks.
“America, do not commit crimes with checks.” #funfactfriday #adamoandadamolawfirm
by Houston Criminal Defense AttorneyDon’t try to do it without us #adamoandadamo #criminaldefense #criminaldefenseattorney
by Houston Criminal Defense AttorneyAn Overdue Federal Overhaul
Federal sentencing just took a step toward a much needed overhaul.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/dec/21/trump-prison-reform-first-step-act-signed-law
by Houston Criminal Defense AttorneyWhy We Do, What We Do – Adamo & Adamo Criminal Defense Law Firm
Why We Do, What We Do
This person came to us with her family after finding herself in a tough spot. A spot that seemed out of character for the type of person the girl was. Over time and with our guidance she was able to right the ship and now has plans to attend law school. True to character she wanted to thank and update us on her well deserved accomplishments. It is these relationships that act as the foundation of the Adamo & Adamo Law Firm and why we understand that we are more than just a law firm.
by Houston Criminal Defense AttorneyDoes the government need a warrant to obtain cell site location information?
Cell phones perform their wide and growing variety of functions by continuously connecting to a set of radio antennas called “cell sites.” Each time a phone connects to a cell site, it generates a time stamped record known as cell site location information (CSLI). Wireless carries collect and store this information for their own business purpose. A person’s phone number and phone records may then be used to pinpoint their location over a specific time period.
The question is whether the government may seize the phone records without fist obtaining a warrant supported by probable cause.
The answer as seen in Carpenter v. United States is yes.
In Carpenter, the government acquired the defendant’s phone records via a court order (as opposed to a probable cause warrant) to pinpoint his location and show he (or his phone) was at the location where several robberies took place.
On appeal, the United States Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision ruled a person has an expectation of privacy in the wealth of information provided by cell sites, including their location, and the 4th Amendment applies. As such, absent a lawful warrant supported by probable cause, the phone records were obtained unlawfully and should not have been used at trial.
by Houston Criminal Defense AttorneyTemporary Harris County Court Locations
As the Harris County criminal justice system continues to evolve following Harvey, below are the current court locations and times for both county criminal courts at law (misdemeanor) and district criminal courts (felony).
by Houston Criminal Defense AttorneyDon’t take the Bait: Texas DWI Interlock Scams
DWI Texas Interlock and Breathalyzer Scams
You (or someone you know) has just been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Texas. Prior to appearing for your first court date, a letter arrives in the mail looking like this:
Don’t take the bait. This letter is a scam, aimed at taking advantage of and profiting from persons accused of DWI.
Texas Interlock Scam 1: “SECOND notice”
Truth: This letter has ZERO implications for both your pending DWI case and your Texas driver’s license. Ignore it.
Texas Interlock Scam 2: “regain your driver’s license”
Truth: While it is true your license MAY be suspended after a DWI arrest, it also MAY NOT. You have fifteen (15) days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing on your license. Most Houston and Texas DWI Attorneys will do this for you. If you win this hearing your license will never be suspended, regardless of providing or refusing a breath/blood specimen or refused.
For more about the connection between DWI arrests and Texas Driver Licenses click here.
Texas Interlock Scam 3: “ARREST SEAL PROGRAM . . .”
Truth: Effective September 1, those who are convicted of a DWI MAY be eligible down the road to block the arrest record. Having a Texas interlock or breathalyzer can expedite that process. The problem with this letter, in this instance it was sent prior to a single court appearance and prior to any disposition (final result). In other words, there is no conviction and no court-ordered requirement for the letter’s recipient to install a Texas interlock.
Texas Interlocks and breathalyzers are big business. This letter, filled with scary words like “jail”, “probation”, and “suspensions” is a shady attempt by a company looking to make a quick buck off persons accused of DWI. Ignore it. Don’t take the bait.
by Houston Criminal Defense AttorneyHarris County Criminal Courthouse After Hurricane Harvey
Life at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse Post-Harvey
Hurricane Harvey has come and gone, but its impact still looms.
The Harris County Criminal Courthouse no novice to flooding took its worst hit yet during Harvey. Not only were the ground floors flooded, but the sewage pipes burst causing a sh*t storm (literally) within the building walls. Time estimates have the artist formerly known as the HCJC out of commission for nearly a year (if not longer).
As such Houston’s criminal justice system is now spread around three courthouses: the Family Law Center (misdemeanor and specialty courts), the Civil Courthouse Building (felony courts), and the Juvenile Detention Building (juvenile and the 182nd and 351st Criminal District Courts). While all felony courts begin at 8:30 am sharp, the misdemeanor courts are staggered with both 8:30 and 12:30 dockets.
Harris County Criminal Courthouse Locations
Harris County Misdemeanor Courthouse Docket Times
8:30 Docket Call:
County Courts at Law No. 1, 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, and 16
12:30 Docket Call:
County Courts at Law No. 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 13
*check your bond papers for the court and time.