In the latter part of April, some UCLA students and civilian supporters joined the nationwide pro-Palestinian university campus protests spreading across the nation. Like other university student protestors, the UCLA protesters established “encampments” on university grounds—a grassy field between Royce Hall and Powell Library. It became known as the Palestine Solidarity Encampment.   The protestors called for a cease-fire in the Israeli war on Gaza and demanded that the university sever all financial ties with Israel. University officials tried to contain the protests through negotiation ..read more

On April 14, 2024, the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) unanimously voted to pass a package of federal sentencing reforms dealing with acquitted conduct and age considerations.   The issue of acquitted conduct, and even uncharged conduct, has long been used by federal judges as “relevant conduct” in determining sentencing so long as the judge could determine by a “preponderance of evidence” that the conduct occurred. This meant that sentencing judges could use prior conduct for which juries found defendants “not guilty” to increase a sentence.   The ..read more

Since 2016, the Houston Police Department (HPD) has received 2.8 million crime reports. During part of those eight years, HPD used a code called “Suspended – Lack of Personnel” to “suspend” investigations into as many as 264,000 crime reports.    While 100,000 of those reports involved property crimes, more than 4,000 involved alleged sexual assaults—a serious violent felony.    HPD Chief Troy Finner recently told local media outlets that he became aware of the practice in 2021 and ordered it stopped.    Houston Mayor John Whitmire issued a public s ..read more

The appellate process is complex and challenging, requiring a thorough understanding of the law and crafting  strategic legal arguments. When facing the prospect of an appeal in Houston, it’s essential to have the right attorney by your side.   In this blog, we’ll explore the factors to consider when choosing the best appeals attorney for your case in Houston, emphasizing the importance of experience, expertise, and a proven track record of success.   Understanding the Appellate Process:   Before delving into the selection criteria for an appeals attorney, it’s crucial to ..read more

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can lead to severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even incarceration. While most DUI cases are prosecuted at the state level, there are instances where federal DUI laws come into play, particularly in Houston, Texas.   In this blog, we will explore the differences between federal and state DUI laws, highlight key legal implications, and discuss the importance of seeking experienced legal representation to navigate the complexities of DUI charges effectively.   Understanding State DUI Laws:   Sta ..read more

We have moved our office to 3730 Kirby Dr., River Oaks Tower, Ste 750, Houston, TX 77098, effective April 1st. All other contact information remains the same.  Please update your records to include new address:   John T Floyd Law Firm 3730 Kirby Dr., Ste 750 River Oaks Tower Houston, TX 77098   Phone: 713-224-0101 www.JohnTFloyd.com The post We Have Moved to the River Oaks Tower appeared first on ..read more

In the digital age, the landscape of criminal investigations, particularly in cases of fraud, has evolved significantly with the increasing reliance on digital evidence. Houston, being a hub for business and commerce, sees its fair share of federal fraud cases where digital evidence plays a crucial role. In this blog, we will delve into the significance of digital evidence in Houston federal fraud cases. We’ll explore how digital evidence is collected, analyzed, and challenged in federal court, shedding light on the complexities involved. Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance of building ..read more

Facing federal child pornography charges in Houston is a serious legal matter with potentially severe consequences. Being falsely accused of such a crime has devastating effects on an individual’s reputation, livelihood, and personal well-being.   Defending against such false accusations requires a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape, including challenges related to digital forensics, constitutional issues, and sentencing guidelines.   SIn this blog, we will explore insights into defending against false federal child pornography accusations in Houston and discuss the i ..read more

The American Experience is a false historical concept that holds out the promise that America is the “land of opportunity” where people are allowed to compete equally for success, live in peace and harmony with each other, and worship their religious faith of choice.   Nothing could be farther from the truth.    Hate, unfortunately, is rooted in the very DNA of the American Experience—hatred based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and physical disabilities. It promotes societal distrust, delivers cultural separation, and incentivizes violent political divis ..read more

In the wake of the September 11, 2001 “terror attacks,” the federal government created two national security lists dealing with air travel in and out of the United States: the “No Fly List,” which denied 594 individuals the right to air travel and the “Selectee” list which designated 365 people to undergo enhanced security searches at airports.   Where the government got the information on those original watchlists names remains murky. It can reasonably be assumed that they came from government databases storing tens of thousands of names of real, potential, and imagined terrorists—thousa ..read more