General Criminal Law

A man was shot to death on Thursday around 1 a.m. after he tried to rob three undercover officers, police said.

According to police, three undercover narcotics officers were sitting behind a Luby’s on Telephone Road near Hackney Street discussing a case.  Suddenly a man in a sky mask jumped out of some nearby bushes, pointed a gun them and demanded their money.

The policemen initially complied with the man’s requests and started emptying their pockets.

One of the officers began a conversation with the man while another officer was able to get out and go behind the car, according to officials.  When the suspect noticed, he told the officer to get out but the officer opened fire, shooting several rounds.

According to investigators, the robber fired his gun once and the third officer, not knowing if the other officer was hit, also opened fire.

The gunman died at the scene.  Police say that the suspect had also tried to rob a Taco Bell 30 minutes prior to the shooting.

For the entire article, read here.

If you need a Houston criminal defense lawyer to discuss pending charges against you, call the Law Offices of Billy Skinner today for a FREE consultation: 713-600-7777.

Two individuals lead police on a deadly chase after leaving a nightclub early Friday morning.

Investigators report that around 1 a.m., a police officer noticed a Chevrolet Tahoe driving erratically down Gulf Freeway with a flat tire. The female driver almost hit the police patrol car as she drove past.

Police gave chase to the Tahoe and at one point she stopped where a male passenger stepped out and was detained by the police.

The driver then took off with the police behind her and crashed into a cement pillar near Braodway Street where she died on impact.

For the entire article read here.

Billy skinner is a Houston Criminal Defense Attorney who represents clients in a variety of cases.  If you need legal representation from an experienced lawyer with a proven track record, call the Law Offices of Billy Skinner today: 713-600-7777.

I snapped this photo Monday as I was walking back to my office after court. As you might expect, the space occupied by this 20 or so Police Motorcycles is usually not used for parking, but rather for drop off and pick up of persons entering the Courthouse. If a picture is truly worth a thousand words, then obviously this photo says “POLICE” one thousand times. It only says “JUSTICE” once, up on the Name Plate of the Building.

And therein lies my point.

Although the Police have every right to attend open court sessions, this display of Police authority is particularly disturbing in light of the this Trial taking place inside the Courthouse Monday. Jurors were deciding whether or not the State would be allowed to KILL Carl Buntion for murdering a Police officer in 1990.

Was this a display of solidarity by Police Officers, or was it a form of intimidation for Jurors or anyone else entering the Courthouse?

All too often, this building is assumed to be the “territory” of the Police, The District Attorney’s Office (who happen to office inside) and Judges (of which an alarming number are former career Prosecutors). This building SHOULD be for everyone, both the accusers and the accused.

This display of Police Power makes me almost as sick to my stomach as the thought of my State KILLING Carl Buntion.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with a Crime, call my office today. I’m Proud to fight for my clients, and I’m Proud to stand up for the Rights of EVERYONE.

-Billy Skinner

Attorney at Law

Houston, Texas

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A woman was pulled over on her way home from work last Saturday by a man who was impersonating a police officer.

Police say that the woman was driving home at 2:30pm when a black Chevy Tahoe pulled up behind her with what appeared to be police lights.

The woman pulled over and the suspect started cussing at her through her window.  The suspect, who allegedly wore a holstered pistol, told her to get out and move to the front of the car.  He then searched the car, leaving several items on the ground.

The man told the victim that he was going to let her off with a warning, got in his Tahoe and left.

For the entire story and a sketch drawing of the suspect, click here.

Billy Skinner is a Houston criminal defense attorney.  If you are facing criminal charges, call Billy Skinner today 713-600-7777.

I was both shocked and saddened when I read this article from the Atlantic online regarding a prison in California banning an inmate from reading the magazine. The Atlantic is an incredibly well respected publication and the demographics of its readership reflect both high educational levels and income levels. However, due to a photo on the cover of someone with an assault rifle, a California Women’s prison warden has banned an inmate from reading the magazine. Apparently, locking this woman up for more than 20 years for murdering someone was not enough. Now she is not allowed to read one of the best magazines in America.

If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime, fight NOW, while you can to save your liberty and your life.

-Billy Skinner

Attorney at Law

As 2011 winds down and America heads into the 2012 Election year, I would encourage everyone to support their own political interests on a grass roots level (pun intended).

Norml needs your support. Inspired by the linked article, I made an end of the year donation. I’d encourage you to do the same. Every donation counts and every donation helps support marijuana reform.

I am proud to be a member of Norml. Although marijuana reform in Texas is a difficult challenge, other states have a realistic chance at making a positive step toward marijuana reform and Norml is THE organization who truly fights to make our laws more realistic and sensible.

If you have been charged in a Marijuana related case in Houston or southeast Texas call my office today for a free consultation. 713-600-7777. I’ll be happy to help you and proud to fight for you.

-Billy Skinner

Attorney at Law

Unfortunately, this is a quick follow up with another article on the “War on Drugs” in Mexico. I am saddened by the extreme violence in Mexico. Obviously, drug trafficking is blamed for the violence and may well be the cause of some of the violence, but the problem is much deeper and systemic.  AND the negative impact of the violence in Mexico on my clients is that Prosecutors, Judges and Government agents in Houston, use this news to lash out at citizens accused of crimes in Houston.

A shining example of the ridiculous correlations derived from the issues in Mexico occurred recently, when a misdemeanor court Judge tried to preach to my client who was accused of having a GRAM of marijuana that he was part of the problem and cause of violence. Yet another, out of touch, older Republican who does not understand the use of marijuana.

If you are charged with a marijuana case in Houston, I can help  you. Whether it’s one ounce or one ton, I will fight your case and protect your rights. And I’m damned proud to do it.

-Billy Skinner

Attorney at Law

I “tweeted” this article about the Drug War in Mexico earlier this evening. As an attorney that fights drug cases for normal folks in Houston and the surrounding region of Texas, I am always amazed at Government’s approach to solving the drug ”problem”. The government loves to fund “Drug Wars”. Whether the “Drug War” is in Mexico (see article) or leads to cheesy commercials that compare your brain on drugs to frying an egg, clearly the government has NO idea what the majority of people who use recreational drugs are like or why people engage in drug use.

My take is people take drugs to help people deal with their reality. Whether prescription or “illegal” drugs help people cope in some form or fashion, yet government would lead you to believe drugs are the most dangerous thing in our society. But then again, this is same government that is fine with the drug alcohol. Honestly, I think Kenny Loggins had a better idea.

If you find yourself accused of a drug crime in Houston, contact my office. I’m proud to fight for my clients.

-Billy Skinner

Attorney at Law