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ANDRE THOMAS: INSANE IN TEXAS

Feb 11 2009
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Executing the Insane: Past Witch Hunt; Current Shame

By Houston Criminal Lawyer John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair

Just after noon on December 9, 2008 a corrections officer assigned to Texas’ death row was making a normal security round in Building 10 when he observed what appeared to be blood on the face of condemned inmate Andre Thomas. The inmate told the officer he had pulled out his last good eye and eaten it. Prison doctors quickly determined the condemned inmate needed additional medical treatment. Security staff transported him to the East Texas Medical Center in Tyler. After Thomas received medical treatment, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Corrections transferred him to the Jester 4 Psychiatric Unit in Richmond where he remains as of this writing.

Andre Thomas is no doubt still insane today. He was also insane on March 27, 2004 when he slaughtered three people. In fact, he was insane long before March 27, 2004. Everyone in Grayson County seemed to know it. Leyha Marie Hughes’ father especially knew it, He repeatedly told the local police after his daughter’s murder that “Andre Thomas was crazy, unstable, everyone knew him and his entire family was crazy.” Even Thomas himself seem to know he was crazy. As the Grits-for-Breakfast blog reported on January 21, 2009, Thomas twice unsuccessfully sought psychiatric help from a Grayson County hospital before March 27, 2004—the day he killed Leyha Marie Hughes. In fact, the very day before he killed the little 13-month-old Leyha, a social worker named Sherrie St. Cyr and physician named William Bowen spoke to Thomas in the emergency room at the Texoma Medical Center. Both thought he was psychotic and should be admitted to a psychiatric facility. But, tragically, he was not.

Finally, on March 27, 2004, it happened. What Leyha’s father knew would happen at some time. Something snapped inside the disordered head of Andre Thomas. He walked to the home of his ex-wife, Laura Boren Thomas. Armed with a knife, he arrived at the residence at 7:22 a.m. He kicked in the front door. He found Laura, their four-year-old-son Andre, and baby Leyha home alone. What happened next was a “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” revisited. Andre repeatedly stabbed Laura, Andre, and Leyha before brutally mutilating them by removing their hearts from their lifeless bodies. Each victim was left with large, gaping wounds in their chest.

Thomas placed the three bloody hearts in his pockets and calmly walked out of the house. He must have felt pretty good. He had just finished “God’s work.” He believed the three people he had just slaughtered were “evil” and possessed by demons. God had recently told him that Laura had been acting like a “jezebel” and that little Andre was the “anti-Christ.”

Thomas walked to his own house where he proceeded to stab himself three times in the chest. The public record is not clear about whether God instructed him to do this as well. But what is clear is that he walked to the Sherman, Texas Police Department. He entered the department at 9:30 a.m. where, standing in the lobby, he told Dispatcher Cindy Carr that he had just killed his wife and wanted to turn himself in. A nearby officer rushed to the lobby and frisked Thomas for weapons.

“Will I be forgiven?” the mass murderer asked. He was calm and lethargic as he told the officer he had also stabbed himself in the chest.

Detective Brice Smith walked into the lobby, handcuffed Thomas, and placed him under arrest. The killer was then transported to a local hospital for treatment. His wounds must have been fairly superficial. He was released from the hospital on the afternoon of March 29 and transported to the Grayson County Jail. Over the next several days he was questioned by the local authorities before he finally gave them a complete statement about the murders. Essentially he told the authorities that he killed his former family because he believed they were “evil” and God wanted him to do it.

Law enforcement and jail authorities realized the subject on their hands had some serious mental health issues. On March 30, 2004, at 5:00 p.m., jail psychologist Cactus Robin McGirk examined Thomas to apprise officials what kind of mental health care and treatment the prisoner would need during his pre-trial incarceration. He diagnosed Thomas as a “paranoid schizophrenia” with a “considerably impaired” judgment process.

It was three days later, on April 2, that Thomas’ “considerably impaired” judgment manifested itself. While being held in a “holding cell” in the jail, he continued to have regular conversations with God. Following one of these conversations, he stuck a finger into his eye socket and plucked out one of his eyeballs. He told jail authorities that he had been reading the Bible and knew it was “God’s will” that he remove the eye so as to earn divine favor.

A local attorney was appointed to represent Thomas. It was the kind of case most defense attorneys dread—an obviously insane client facing the death penalty in a legal system not very sympathetic to an insanity defense. But Thomas’ lawyer, joined by the prosecutor, filed a motion with the district court requesting a competency examination for Thomas. Retired district court Judge James Fry appointed two psychologists to examine the accused killer. Both doctors found him incompetent to stand trial. Judge Fry then ordered Thomas committed to the Texas Department of Mental Health and Retardation at the Vernon Campus.

In July, Thomas was returned to the Grayson County jail after Dr. Joseph Black, Chief Psychiatrist for the Competency Program at the Vernon Campus, submitted a report to the district court that Thomas was competent to stand trial. Acting on Black’s report alone, Judge Fry ruled that Thomas’ was competent enough to stand trial. Under Texas law, Tex. Code of Crim. Proc., Art. 46B.084, Thomas’ lawyer could have requested that Judge Fry conduct a competency hearing before making the unilateral decision that Thomas was competent to stand trial. The defense attorney did not make that formal request for a competency hearing to test the accuracy of the Black report. See: Thomas v. State, 2008 Tex. Crim. App. Unpub. LEXIS 733 (Oct. 8, 2008).

The decision by Thomas’ lawyer not to object to the Black report was a questionable tactical decision since the attorney had entered a “not guilty by reason of insanity” plea for Thomas under Texas Penal Code, Art. 8.01. There was overwhelming evidence that Thomas suffered from some sort of severe psychosis that certainly begged judicial scrutiny of the following borderline ridiculous conclusion drawn in the Black report:

“He [Thomas] clearly exaggerated symptoms that he might be experiencing, and may have been fabricated some symptoms of psychosis. It is possible that he may engage in gestures or behaviors, including possibly those involving self-harm, in a bid to appear more seriously mentally ill than he is, and to avoid the consequences of the current charges he faces.”

Perhaps Thomas’ lawyer felt this negative psychological evaluation alone would have been sufficient for Judge Fry to make a § 46B.084 finding that Thomas was competent to stand trial. Whatever his motivations, the defense attorney’s decision not to request the § 46B.084 hearing would later form the basis for Thomas’ appellate counsel, Don Bailey, to argue on direct appeal before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals that Thomas’ lawyer had horribly botched the insanity defense. Id., at LEXIS 51. The appeals court addressed the § 46B.084 issue as follows:

“It is possible that counsel anticipated that a competency challenge would reveal details of this sort [the Black report] that could damage the appellant’s insanity defense to the extent that the harm would outweigh any potential benefit.

“The appellant [through Don Bailey] has provided no explanation for why counsel’s representation was deficient and has failed to overcome the presumption that counsel’s actions were sound trial strategy. He has failed to show a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different if counsel had requested a competency hearing after the appellant’s release from the state hospital.” Id., at LEXIS 52.

Thomas’ lawyer had only one defense: legal insanity. It is one of the most difficult – if not the most difficult – defenses to establish in a Texas courtroom. Thomas’ lawyer certainly gave it a good effort. In his opening statement, he told the jury that “this case is about [Thomas’] journey into the world of madness and about his insanity at the time that these wicked crimes were committed.” Don Bailey, however, was not satisfied. He argued that Thomas’ lawyer should have requested and obtained opinions from Dr. James Harrison and Dr. McGirk about Thomas’ sanity at the time the offenses were committed. Once again the appeals court brushed back the accusation of ineffectiveness level at Thomas’ lawyer by Bailey:

”The trial court appointed Harrison to examine the appellant for the sole purpose of determining his competency to stand trial. Dr. McGirk met with the appellant several times in his capacity as the jail psychologist; he was not hired by either the State or the defense. Both were called to testify by the defense. Dr. Harrison believed that the appellant was schizophrenic, but he testified that he did not have enough information to render an opinion regarding the appellant’s sanity at the time of the offense. Dr. McGirk also diagnosed the appellant as schizophrenic, but declined to give an opinion as to the appellant’s sanity at the time of the offense.” Id., at LEXIS 53.

The appeals court further elaborated on this issue by pointing out that in addition to Dr. Harrison, Judge Fry had granted Thomas’ lawyer’s request for additional psychological services. The judge appointed Drs. Edward Gripon and Richard Rogers to assist counsel in preparing the insanity defense. Dr. Rogers evaluated Thomas, prepared a report, but was not called as a witness by defense counsel for some unexplained reason. Id., at LEXIS 54.

Generally when a defense attorney does not call one of his own expert witnesses to testify, it is because the expert had drawn conclusion(s) inconsistent with the defense being presented. This speculation is given some credence because Dr. Gripon was called to testify for the defense.

Bailey on appeal zeroed in on what he called Thomas’ lawyer’s “deficient” cross-examination of Dr. Gripon because the defense attorney failed to elicit an opinion from the doctor about whether Thomas was insane at the time of the crime. Once again the appeals court pointed out that Bailey’s ineffectiveness charge against the defense lawyer was not factually accurate. Thomas’ lawyer in fact asked Dr. Gripon what he thought about Thomas’ “mental status” on the morning of March 27, 2004, to which the doctor replied:

”I believe that he was operating under the effect of a psychotic illness at that time, specifically schizophrenia, in which he believed that he was doing what was directed by or that he was at least operating under the direction of God in fighting these demons, saving the world; that that was all based upon a psychosis, and that based upon that psychosis, he did not know that that conduct at that time was wrong.” Id., at LEXIS 54-55.

After the jury rejected Thomas’ insanity defense, jurors then had to decide whether Thomas should be executed or spend the rest of his life in prison.

For this punishment phase of the trial, Thomas’ lawyer requested, and was granted by Judge Fry, the appointment of Dr. Kate Allen, a clinical social worker and family sociologist, as an “expert witness” on Thomas’ future dangerousness. Dr. Allen testified that she interviewed Thomas and reviewed “documents that were relevant to looking at his childhood, his development, and his functioning.” She concluded the convicted killer suffered from “schizophrenia” and that this mental illness was the “driving force” which made him commit the crimes for which he was being tried. The doctor finally concluded that with proper treatment and medication his future dangerousness would be diminished. Id., at LEXIS 55-56.

Bailey criticized Thomas’ lawyer for being ineffective because the defense attorney had not secured Dr. Allen’s services sooner. The appeals court, however, effectively blunted this criticism by pointing out that Judge Fry appointed Allen on February 23, 2005, trial commenced on February 25, and Dr. Allen testified on March 10. The appeals court then addressed Bailey’s argument that Dr. Allen could have provided more effective expert testimony had she been appointed earlier so that he could have testified during the guilt/innocence phase of the trial:

“Due process entitles a capital defendant to expert assistance in developing a colorable claim of insanity. Counsel for the appellant had retained the services of two mental-health experts for this very purpose. The appellant does not claim that those two experts were unqualified or inadequately prepared to help him develop his insanity claim. Nor does he claim that Dr. Allen possessed any incremental expertise necessary to his insanity defense that his other experts did not. That it now appears possible in hindsight that trial counsel could have supplemented the input of his experts on the issue of insanity with Dr. Allen’s testimony, had they begun to prepare her sooner, does not mean they performed in a constitutionally deficient manner in failing to do so.” Id., at LEXIS 56-57.

The jury assessed Thomas’ punishment as death by lethal injection. In post-verdict discussions with the trial judge and attorneys, and in media interviews, jurors stated that they had wanted to hear “true remorse” from Thomas. These sentiments reflect just how ill-equip this particular jury – and most juries, for that matter – was to deal with such a complex issue as “legal insanity” or “mental illness.” Every doctor who examined Andre Thomas, with the exception of Dr. Black, concluded he was a “paranoid schizophrenic” with a “considerably impaired” judgment. In point of fact, Thomas lacked either the moral or intellectual capacity to express “true remorse.” He slaughtered three human beings because he was acting on the orders of God.

That was the brutal dilemma faced by Thomas’ lawyer. Like all defense attorneys, he knew the jury expected to hear some expression of “remorse.” It was after all a murder case. But how could Thomas possibly express remorse for repeatedly stabbing Laura, Andre and Leyha to death before removing their hearts from their lifeless bodies? Remorse would have repudiated God. It was God who told him that Laura had been a “jezebel” and little André was the “anti-Christ.” It was God who told him these people were “evil” and had to be killed. Even killing these evildoers was not enough to really garner God’ favor! Thomas believed he had to stick his own fingers into his eye socket and pluck out one of his eyeballs in order to secure God’s absolute favor.

What juror in his/her right mind could expect this deranged lunatic to be capable of remorse? What rational, reasonable juror would have said: “Well, I might would have spared his life had he only shown me a little true remorse?” These jurors must not have heard the expert testimony that Thomas cut the hearts out of the lifeless bodies of three former family members under God’s direction; that he then stabbed himself three times in the chest before surrendering to the authorities; and that he plucked his own eye out in jail several days later as further appeasement to God.

If “true remorse” was the issue between life-and-death in Andre Thomas’ case, then a resurrected Clarence Darrow and Percy Foreman could not have produced a different jury outcome.

Texas jurisprudence is quite clear: insanity is an affirmative defense the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the evidence. See: Meraz v. State, 785 S.W.2d 146, 155 (Tex.Crim.App. 1990). That burden is exceedingly difficult to meet because Texas jurors do not have to give credence to expert testimony saying the defendant is insane. See: Graham v. State, 566 S.W.2d 941, 955 (Tex. Crim.App. 1978). Paranoid schizophrenia, or any other severe mental disease or defect, is not enough alone to establish legal insanity. The only issue the jury had to decide in the Thomas case was whether he knew that killing his former family members was wrong. See: Butler v. State, 2006 Tex.App. LEXIS 8294, p. 4-5 (Sept. 21, 2006)

The Thomas jury chose to ignore his belief of God’s role in the killings of Laura, Andre and Leyha. The jury chose to accept the prosecutorial premise that Thomas acted alone when he killed the three former family members and that he knew it was wrong to do so. That made him sane and legally responsible for his actions under Texas law. And the jury chose to punish him with death because he did not repudiate God’s orders and express “true remorse” for the slaughter of those three innocent human beings.

Who is insane here: Thomas, the jury that convicted him, or the prosecutors who sought the death penalty against him?

Writing for the online blog Women in Crime Ink (January 21, 2009), Baylor College of Medicine clinical psychiatrist Dr. Linda Puryear wrote about the Andre Thomas case:

“There are so many problems here. How do you find someone competent to stand trial who is so severely mentally ill? The standard for competency is not very stringent. You have to understand the charges against you and be able to participate in your own defense. How do lawyers and judges who may know next to nothing about mental illness evaluate the mental state of a defendant? By the time a defendant appears in court they have usually been medicated and no longer display obviously bizarre and crazy behavior. Someone who is no longer psychotic will often try to make logical sense out of the crime they committed and will say that they knew at the time that what they were doing was wrong.”

Thomas was obviously insane before he went to jail, he remained insane while in jail (as evidenced by the first eye plucking), and he was insane when the jury convicted him notwithstanding any medication he had been given prior to trial. His insanity followed him to death row. Last July he tried to kill himself by slashing his own throat with a razor, requiring eight sutures to close the wound. Then again this past November he managed to free himself from hand restraints while removing a mattress from his cell and rush to a nearby cell where he tried to assault another condemned inmate. Guards had to use chemical spray to subdue him.

Dr. Puryear’s question, “How do you find someone competent to stand trial who is so severely mentally ill?”, is easily answered. Established Texas jurisprudence allowed Thomas’ lawyer to request a competency examination for Thomas. The defense attorney did that. Judge Fry appointed two psychologists who found the accused killer incompetent to stand trial. Judge Fry ordered him committed to a state forensic unit for the criminally insane. The director of that facility determined that Thomas was “malingering” and, therefore, competent to stand trial. Judge Fry found Thomas competent to stand trial. Thomas’ lawyer launched a nearly-impossible-to-prove insanity defense. The law is the law. It is not always fair or pretty. But it is the law—civilized man’s savior from chaos and disorder.

The Thomas case poses yet another dilemma raised in the blogs by Grits-for-Breakfast and Dr. Puryear. How could the state of Texas possibly execute a man who, as Dr. Puryear said, “is so severely mentally ill?” Why not? The death penalty found its origins in the dark caves of our primal past. It was established as an altruistic way to protect the group from the greed or evil of the individual wrongdoer. It did not matter if the individual was “severely mentally ill” or not. It was the individual’s actions, not the individual, that was punished with death as a way to protect the group. Insanity had no role in this death-decision process.

If the group elects to spare an individual from the most severe consequences for his wrongdoing because God told him to do the wrongs, why should the sane man who acknowledges his wrong and expresses “true remorse” for it be put to death? Is it somehow more socially offensive to kill a condemned inmate like Andre Thomas who converses on a regular basis with God than it is to kill an inmate like Gary Mark Gilmore who says to his executioner, “let’s do it”?

Modern society has rendered the death penalty morally useless and socially unacceptable for any reason. It should be returned to the dark caves of our ancestors where it once enjoyed a vital status for proper social order. We should not today be debating legal skirmishes about whether it is offensive to execute the “severely mentally ill” while we are executing on a regular basis the “mentally healthy.”

There is only one debate here: the abolition of the death penalty. It is no more offensive to execute someone who plucks out his eye and eats than it is to execute someone who elects to keep both his eyes and donates them to science after his execution. We can only hope that Andre Thomas remains at the psychiatric unit in Richmond. He doesn’t belong in the death penalty debate. His case dilutes the abolition argument. The entire practice of state sanction death should be eliminated from our criminal justice system.

BY: HOUSTON CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER JOHN FLOYD AND PARALEGAL BILLY SINCLAIR

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    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.
  • Avatar Mohammed Masood ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Good experience and very good lawyer
  • Avatar Joseph Floyd ★★★★★ 2 years ago
  • Avatar Arsalan Safiullah ★★★★★ 2 years ago
  • Avatar Elvis Maldonado ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Positive
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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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  • Avatar Zarrie Adkins ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    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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  • Avatar Crecencio Fabian ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    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
  • Avatar Haley Danielle Lummus ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  • 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
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • 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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