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Steven Halpert
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Steven Halpert
Steven H. Halpert, PC
917 Franklin Street
Suite 550
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 222-2590 | Fax: (713) 236-1802
http://www.crimdefenseattorney.com
Trained by the same people who are prosecuting you!
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
I have been blessed to represent individuals who are hard-working, have strong ties to the community, and have the support of close family and friends. Because of my experience as a respected and successful prosecutor, I am in the unique position to represent any individual charged with a criminal offense due to this invaluable perspective. Although the majority of my clients' cases are resolved with either a dismissal or reduction of their charges, I also have an impressive trial record when negotiations have ceased and we are left with no choice but to allow the citizenry to determine the outcome. All new clients are welcome!
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Misdemeanors
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Driving with a Suspended License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
TX, Nov 2000
Bar Number: 24027364
Other Court Admissions
All Texas State Courts; United States District Court for the Southern District, Texas; All Maryland State Courts.
Association Memberships
Houston Bar Association (member); Houston Bar Association, Criminal Law & Procedure Section (Treasurer); Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (Treasurer, Executive Board, 3rd term); Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (member); National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (member); Maryland State Bar Association (member); Greater Houston Partnership (business member).
Continuing Education
Although the State Bar requires a minimum of 15 hours of Continuing Legal Education, I typically surpass a minimum of 60 hours of Continuing Legal Education every single year. I routinely attend criminal law seminars throughout Texas, and have attended seminars in Wisconsin and Nevada, to better my knowledge of specific areas of criminal defense.
Example Cases
Most recent trial: Client charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 185th District Court of Harris County, accused of shooting his girlfriend in the head, left her permanently blind and disfigured. Jury returned verdict on lesser offense of misdemeanor Assault, two year probation (no jail time).
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
University of Baltimore
City:
Baltimore
State:
MD
Year:
2000
Honors:
Magna Cum Laude.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Criminal Law and Procedure.
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
School:
Washington University
City:
St. Louis
State:
MO
Year:
1991
Focus and Accomplishments:
Political Science.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Texas and Maryland
Firm Focus and History
We are committed to representing any individuals charged with violating the criminal laws of the State of Texas.
After departing the Harris County District Attorney's Office in 2003, I created Steven H. Halpert, P.C. solely for the representation of individuals charged with criminal offenses.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to serving as an Assistant District Attorney for Harris County, I worked for the Maryland State Prosecutor's Office, and was instrumental in the prosecution of Linda Tripp for her illegal wiretaps of Monica Lewinsky in the state of Maryland.
Before entering law school, I owned and operated three restaurants (and catering) in Washington, D.C. for 10 years.
Activities and Awards
- Frequent guest speaker for South Texas College of Law Voir Dire Class
- Co-Host, Sports and the Law, Sundays, 1070 am, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
While I enjoy clients who take their case(s) seriously enough to want to educate themselves, I also caution my clients to only listen to and read reliable sources of information. Fellow inmates, for example, are probably the worst source of reliable information.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
What kind of lawyer would ever refuse to review something prepared by a client? It is quite common in fact that I ask clients to create documents, whether it be an account of the event in question or relevant personal information, such as work history or financial history.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
There are only two reasons persons charged with a crime would ever want to represent themselves? Ego or lack of funds. No one can help the first type. As for the second, I'd rather refer you to a qualified (but less expensive) lawyer than to ever recommend you go in a courtroom alone. I can assure you, judges and prosecutors do not allow any sympathy for "pro se" (acting alone) defendants. In fact, most judges will expect you to be as well versed as any lawyer in criminal procedure and rules of evidence, and will treat you harshly if you are unprepared or uninformed.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My grandfather was an attorney for the Government Accounting Office in Washington, D.C. for over 30 years. I knew at a young age I wanted to emulate him. Government service, as a prosecutor, seemed like a natural fit for me. I enjoyed every minute of this amazing career, especially when I quickly learned that the endless resources and power of the state could easily ruin the lives of hardworking, decent people. I always tempered that power when negotiating with defense attorneys. I thoroughly enjoyed working with respected and competent counsel on the other side. I learned what worked for them and certainly what did not. As a defense attorney, I am always mindful where the prosecutor is coming from, and always seek to allay any fears they may have when they dismiss a case or reduce a charge to something more appropriate. I humanize my clients so that a prosecutor can understand it could easily be his or her loved one in my client's shoes.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Sales, sales, sales!!! I grew up in a retail environment, working for my father in his liquor store in Washington, D.C. since the age of 9. I was managing the store by the time I turned 16. Having to deal with the personalities of thousands in a busy retail environment is exactly what I do when I pick a jury. I listen, then act! My years owning and operating a catering/restaurant company also engrained me with the ability to "sell" the client that they were purchasing not just my goods, but my experience. Juries are a group of strangers brought together for a common goal. They have to be "sold" on a theory at trial in order to say the magic words, "Not Guilty." I not only sell juries on returning a verdict of Not Guilty, I make them feel good about doing it.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
There is no other area of the law that is as interesting or challenging, simple as that.
The only force between my clients going to jail and remaining home with their families is me. That is a challenge I enjoy. I will always fight for the underdog. Most other lawyers have never stepped foot inside a jail, nor care to. Criminal defense lawyers are the ones fighting in the trenches, not sitting in ivory towers or fancy office buildings, charging millions for moving paper from one side of the desk to the other. We represent people, we see the damage first hand an overzealous prosecutor or judge can do to a family. I tell every client when they hire me, "Your worries are now on my shoulders, go to work, go home, enjoy the company of your loved ones."
What do you like best about your career?
Having a client drop me a note from time to time to tell me how well they are doing because I was able to give them another opportunity is all I need to realize I love coming to the courthouse every day!
Having a jury say "Not Guilty" is the ultimate satisfaction?it means I convinced 6 or 12 citizens that the government got it all wrong, despite their massive resources and power. Educating citizens that they have the final say, not their elected representatives, is incredibly satisfying.
Tell us about your law firm:
Here's what I promise ALL of my clients: You see me and only me! When you have court, only I show up. No junior lawyers, no interns, no family members, only me. I am the one who returns the calls and emails, even if it means communicating way past "business" hours. I encourage clients to use electronic mail, which I personally answer almost 18 hours a day. I pride myself on not having a volume practice, allowing me to spend a considerable amount of time with each client in and out of court. I also only set a client's court date on a day of the week that is convenient for the client, not what is convenient for me. My relationships with every court staff in Harris County allow me great flexibility in scheduling your next court appearance.
What are your strengths and style?
I am extremely personable and cordial to everyone in the courthouse, whether speaking to a judge or a court clerk. There is no excuse for all negotiations with prosecutors not to be professional and polite. We ended up in court because we have a disagreement as to how or why my client was charged. Prosecutors are well aware of my insane level of preparation, which is evident by the disproportionate number of dismissed and reduced cases I obtain. In the event a client decides to resolve the matter through a jury trial, I will continue to maintain my professionalism at all times, but I can assure you, no one will run over me or my client's right to a fair trial. I'm not a small man, and I've never been accused of being quiet. When I'm in court, you know I'm there. I make sure a jury knows that as well.
Personal Interests:
My true passion outside of the practice of law is my devotion to Labrador Retrievers. I am an active volunteer with the Southeast Texas Labrador Retriever Rescue. I am responsible for evaluating and pulling stray Labrador Retrievers from all area kill shelters, performing home visits for prospective and approved new owners, and setting up and attending fundraising events throughout the year to raise awareness for Lab Rescue. I am the proud father of Cash and Wilson, the best four-legged companions anyone could wish for.
Office Manager/Assistant
Nancy Garza.
Fax
(713) 236-1802
Office Hours
Typically Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish.
Additional Offices
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
(713) SET-FREE
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I do generally charge a fixed fee for any criminal offense, of course dependent on the type of charge.
Most misdemeanor offenses will fall into a pre-trial range of $1,500 to $3,000.
Most felony offenses will fall into a pre-trial range of $3,500 to $15,000.
There are of course offenses that will cost more, such as Murder and Sexual Assault, as well as complex paper cases like Fraud or Embezzlement.
I do charge a separate trial fee, which allows the client to decide whether trial is in his or her best interest.
I never charge a per court setting fee, that way there is no incentive for me to continuously reset your court case for no reason other than money. I typically make numerous court appearances in every single case, regardless of the flat fee charged. I will never ask a client to pay more money because we had to appear in court more times than anticipated.
If the services of an expert or an investigator will benefit the client, I will always inform the client of the costs and seek approval before engaging the services of another professional.
Hourly Rates
I have rarely entered into an hourly rate situation, but if necessary, the rate would be $250 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Absolutely. My typical initial consultation lasts from 60 to 90 minutes.
Typical Retainer
Yes, I require 50% of the quoted fee upon signing of a contract. I am generous as far as terms to pay the remaining balance of the pre-trial fee.
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