Harris County Juvenile Lawyer
Ethical, Honest, Reliable, Reputable, Competent
Ethical, Honest, Reliable, Reputable, Competent
There is absolutely no substitute for substantial jury trial experience. A Houston juvenile lawyer who has a reputation for fighting and winning juvenile and criminal jury trials will always have an advantage in
- forcing the State to dismiss cases,
- to reduce felony cases to a misdemeanor, and
- obtaining an acquittal at a jury trial.
In recent years, with the explosion of on-line advertising, any attorney with access to the Internet can claim to be the best or most experienced Houston juvenile lawyer with zero proof. Unlike criminal records, juvenile records are not public records, so there is no way to verify
- how many juvenile cases, if any, the attorney has gotten dismissed,
- how many felony cases, if any, the attorney has forced the State to reduce to a misdemeanor, and
- how many jury trials, if any, the attorney has tried and has won.
Houston juvenile defense attorneys may claim
- having 20 or more years of experience,
- having handled 1000s of cases, and
- having had 100s of cases dismissed;
but, there is simply no way to confirm it, however, there are several independent and objective ways to evaluate a potential attorney–
1) Is the Houston juvenile attorney board certified in juvenile law? If not, why not?
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) is the only governing board to certify lawyers in legal specialty areas. The Board was was established in 1974 by the Supreme Court of Texas at the request of State Bar of Texas.
Board Certified lawyers earn the right to publicly represent themselves as a specialist in a select area of the law. In fact, they are the only attorneys allowed by the State Bar of Texas to do so. This designation sets them apart as being an attorney with the highest, public commitment to excellence in their area of law.
In Texas, there are only 68 lawyers Board Certified in Juvenile Law.
To become Board Certified in a specialty area, an attorney must have been licensed to practice law for at least five years, devoted a required percentage of practice to a specialty area for at least three years, handled a wide variety of matters in the area (including jury trials and certification hearings) to demonstrate experience and involvement, attended continuing education seminars regularly to keep legal training up to date, been evaluated by fellow lawyers and judges, and passed a 6-hour written examination.
2) What is the Houston juvenile attorney’s reputation in the legal community?
One well known company AVVO maintains a list of lawyers, doctors and dentists. Fellow professionals in their respective community can endorse them and actual clients can submit reviews. Their website gives some insight into the reputation of local professionals. Houston juvenile lawyers can be checked here and attorneys can be searched by name here.
3) Does the Houston juvenile lawyer have any disciplinary history by the Texas Bar?
The Juvenile Defense Attorneys at James Sullivan and Associates are not interested in publicity, public accolades or recognition. Even in high profile cases, they seek to shield their clients from publicity. They are only interested in getting the best possible result for their clients. Their fees are affordable and they are approachable.
James Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2004. Juvenile Law is different than criminal law. James Sullivan has also received reviews by fellow attorneys and clients on AVVO.
Houston Juvenile Attorney James Sullivan attended Baylor University and South Texas College of Law. He has been married over 30 years, is a Christian and worships at a local Catholic Church. Sullivan earned his Eagle Scout award at age 14.
If you need a Houston juvenile attorney, contact James Sullivan at (281) 546-6428 for a free confidential consultation.
If you need a Houston juvenile attorney, contact James Sullivan at (281) 546-6428 for a free confidential consultation.
____________________________________________________
HOUSTON, TEXAS & HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL LAWYERS
Serving Houston, Cypress, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, Pasadena, La Porte, Missouri City, Friendswood, Richmond, Hempstead, Humble, Tomball, Bellaire, Deer Park, Katy and other communities in Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Waller County.
Our Houston criminal lawyers defend clients charged with crimes in district courts and county criminal courts, including domestic violence (assault of a family member), drug possession or drug delivery, violent crimes, and juvenile delinquency.