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Melissa Martin

Melissa Martin

Melissa Martin PLLC, Lawyer
The JP Morgan Chase Tower
600 Travis
Suite 1900
Houston, TX 77002

Phone: (713) 224-0888  |  Fax: (713) 228-0321
http://myhoustoncriminaldefenselawyer.com/

Contact Melissa Martin

Creative, Caring, Complete Fed./State Criminal Defense

Legal Topic

Criminal Defense

Preferred New Clients

I want citizens accused of crimes who are prepared to make the government prove its case against them beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sub-Categories

Criminal Defense
  • False Identification
  • Truancy
  • Misdemeanors
  • Parole
  • Probation
  • Probation
  • Perjury
  • Plea Negotiation
  • Search & Seizure
Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Elder Abuse
Automotive
  • DUI
  • Felony Auto Accidents
Criminal Records
  • Expungement or Expunction
Drugs
  • Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
  • Drug Possession
  • Intent to Distribute Drugs
  • Intent to Sell Drugs
Firearms & Weapons
  • Constitutional Rights Defense
  • Illegal Possession or Transportation
  • Other Weapons & Devices
Fraud & Financial Crimes
  • Bank Fraud
  • Checks & Credit Cards
  • Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
  • Embezzlement
  • Extortion
  • Forgery
  • Identity Theft
  • Insider Trading
  • Insurance Claims
  • Money Laundering
  • Racketeering & RICO
  • Smuggling
  • Trade Secrets
  • Wire Transfer
Property Crimes
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Embezzlement
  • Larceny
  • Shoplifting
  • Theft
  • Trespass
  • Vandalism
Sex Crimes
  • Abduction
  • Child Abuse
  • Child Pornography
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
  • Rape
  • Sexual Assault
  • Stalking
  • Trafficking in Women
Violent Crimes
  • Assault & Battery
  • Domestic Violence
  • Extortion
  • Kidnapping
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Robbery

Bar Admissions

TX, Nov 1997
Bar Number: 24002532

Other Court Admissions

United States District Court, Southern District of Texas; Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals; all Courts of the State of Texas

Association Memberships

State Bar of Texas

Continuing Education

Graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College--a three-week advocacy program held at Mr. Spene's Wyoming ranch; enough CLE hours to be eligible for membership in Texas's College of the State Bar, an organization honoring those who complete many more than the CLE hours required by the State Bar.

Papers and Publications

Co-author of a treatise on business interference torts published in a torts treatise by Matthew-Bender in 1987.

Example Cases

I will not reveal clients' names even if the cases are public record. I have defended many federal criminal cases and state cases: murder, drug conspiracy, fraud, theft, assault, juvenile crimes, DWI, drug possession, etc.

Education

Degree:

J.D.

School:

The University of Texas School of Law

City:

Austin

State:

TX

Year:

1985

Focus and Accomplishments:

Constitutional Law, Civil Rights, and Administrative Law.

 

Degree:

B.A.

School:

Carnegie-Mellon University

City:

Pittsburgh

State:

PA

Year:

1975

Honors:

Deans List

Focus and Accomplishments:

Philosophy and History

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Texas

Firm Focus and History

I hung my shingle in 1998 after having spent some time working with a prominent Houston defense attorney on a pro bono post-conviction capital death case. My focus was initially on federal criminal cases but I expanded the scope of representation over the years. I recently began taking on a few consumer cases.

Previous Employment Summary

Before becoming licensed in Texas I worked with a renowned criminal defense lawyer in Oakland, California and with Edward Mallett in Houston, with whom I worked on a federal major fraud case brought by the government against a large and established contractor.

Activities and Awards

I have recently joined the Association of Women Attorneys, an organization that promotes the advancement of interests of women in the profession. It funds scholarships for law students and works to raise awareness of women lawyers' contribution to the community at large.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

While every citizen should be familiar with her fundamental constitutional rights, in the criminal justice arena, accused citizens can become extremely confused when they self-educate. The best self-help a person accused of a crime can get is a competent, ethical lawyer to fight for them.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am happy to look at them for informational purposes but not in connection with a criminal defendant attempting to represent himself.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

No. A criminal defendant has a fool for a client and I will not encourage self representation. If a judge orders me to assist a pro se defendant, I will comply if that person was originally my client.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I decided to be a criminal defense lawyer because I believe fervently in the protections of life and liberty guaranteed in the Constitution and want to make sure those protections are given to accused citizens fairly and equally.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

All my experience--life and work--and all my education contribute to my abilities.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

See above.

What do you like best about your career?

I like fighting for real people with real, serious problems to make sure they are not railroaded by a system in which the government holds most of the cards and has most of the resources. I find the fact that the presumption of innocence seems to be fading out of the memories of judges, prosecutors, jurors and even some defense lawyers.

Tell us about your law firm:

Josie Garcia is a dogged assistant for me and my office mate, who is another devoted criminal defense lawyer.

What are your strengths and style?

I try to get to know the real story behind my clients' actions, which means getting to know my client's life story. My approach to knowing my client is nonjudgmental and compassionate; I believe most of us are capable of committing illegal acts given particular circumstances and that effective representation involves understanding those circumstances and getting prosecutors, judges and/or juries to do the same.

I am gentle with my clients and reasonable with prosecutors during negotiations. At trial there are no holds barred except for those required by my professional and personal ethics.

Personal Interests:

Literature, cooking, and art.

Office Manager/Assistant

Josie Garcia

Fax

(713) 228-0321

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

French

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

I have no fixed-price schedule. Each case is different and is priced on the basis of the seriousness of the offense, the number of prior offenses, the number of cases I need to turn away in order to effective work on a particular case and several subjective factors, such as how sophisticated or unsophisticated a client is. I will meet with a prospective client for free at which time I will give a quote.

Hourly Rates

I bill at $250 per hour when I bill. Most of my fees are flat fees.

Free Initial Consultation?

I offer a free consultation in my office.

Typical Retainer

There is no typical retainer. A low-level misdemeanor could range from $1,500 to $3,500 or more depending on circumstances. A felony could range anywhere from $2,500 to $75,000, but usually somewhere in between $5,000 and $25,000.

Understanding Fees

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