felony

 Most common law countries have now abolished the felony/misdemeanor distinction and replaced it with other distinctions such as between summary offences and indictable offences.
In the United States, where the felony/misdemeanor distinction is still widely applied, the Federal government defines a felony as a crime which involves a potential punishment of one year or longer in prison.
Overview
Crimes commonly considered to be felonies include, but are not limited to: aggravated assault and/or battery, arson, burglary, illegal drug abuse/sales, grand theft, robbery, murder, and rape,. Broadly, felonies can be categorized as either violent or non-violent (property and drug ) offenses.
Some offenses, though similar in nature, may be felonies or misdemeanors depending on the circumstances. For example, the illegal manufacture, distribution or possession of controlled substances may be a felony, although possession of small amounts may be only a misdemeanor. Possession of a deadly weapon may be generally legal, but carrying the same weapon into a restricted area such as a school may be viewed as a serious offense, regardless of whether or not there is intent to use the weapon.
“The common law divided participants in a felony into four basic categories: (1) first-degree principals, those who actually committed the crime in question; (2) second-degree principals, aiders and abettors present at the scene of the crime; (3) accessories before the fact, aiders and abettors who helped the principal before the basic criminal event took place; and (4) accessories after the fact, persons who helped the principal after the basic criminal event took place. In the course of the 20th century, however, American jurisdictions eliminated the distinction among the first three categories.” Gonzales v. Duenas-Alvarez, 549 U.S. __ (2007) (citations omitted).
In some states, felonies are also classified (class A, B, etc.) according to their seriousness and punishment. In New York State, the classes of felonies are E, D, C, B, A-II, and A-I (the most severe). Others class felonies numerically, e.g., capital, life, 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree, state jail or class 1, 2, etc. (VA). The number of classifications and the corresponding crimes vary by state and are determined by the legislature. Usually, the legislature also determines the maximum punishment allowable for each felony class; this avoids the necessity of defining specific sentences for every possible crime.
A felony may be punishable with imprisonment for one or more years or death in the case of the most serious felonies, such as murder indeed, at common law when the British and American legal systems divorced in 1776, felonies were crimes for which the punishment was either death or forfeiture of property. In modern times, felons can receive punishments which range in severity; from probation, to imprisonment, to execution for premeditated murder or other serious crimes. In the United States felons often face additional consequences, such as the loss of voting rights in many states; exclusion from certain lines of work and difficulty in finding a job in others; prohibition from obtaining certain licenses; exclusion from purchase and possession of firearms, ammunition and body armour; and ineligibility to run for or be elected to public office. In addition, some states consider a felony conviction to be grounds for an uncontested divorce. All of these losses of privileges, including others noted explicitly by the judge in sentencing, are known as collateral consequences of criminal charges. Finally if a felon is not a U.S. citizen, that person may be subject to deportation after sentencing is complete.
Civil sanctions imposed on United States citizens convicted of a felony in many states include the loss of competence to serve on a grand or petit jury or to vote in elections even after release from prison. While controversial, these disabilities are explicitly sanctioned by the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, a Reconstruction-era amendment that deals with permissible state regulation of voting rights.
Expungement
For state law convictions, expungement is determined by the law of the state. Few states do not allow expungement, regardless of the offense.
Federal law does not have any provisions for persons convicted of felonies in a federal United States district court to apply to have their record expunged. The only relief that an individual prosecuted in Federal Court may receive is a Presidential Pardon, which does not expunge the conviction, but rather grants relief from the civil disabilities that stem from it

A misdemeanor, or misdemeanour

 Many misdemeanors are punished with monetary fines. Usually only repeat misdemeanor offenders are punished by actual jail time. It is highly unlikely that a first time misdemeanant will serve any jail time. It is likely that if one is convicted of a misdemeanor that it will be expunged.
In the United States, the federal government generally considers a crime punishable with incarceration for one year or less to be a misdemeanor.[1] All other crimes are felonies. Many states also follow this.
The distinction between a felony and misdemeanor has been abolished by most other common law jurisdictions (e.g. Crimes Act 1958 (Vic., Australia) s. 332B(1), Crimes Act 1900 (NSW., Australia) s. 580E(1)). Those jurisdictions have generally adopted some other classification, e.g. in Canada, Australia, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, the crimes are divided into summary offences and indictable offences.
In some jurisdictions, those who are convicted of a misdemeanor are known as misdemeanants (as contrasted with those convicted of a felony who are known as felons). Depending on the jurisdiction, examples of misdemeanors may include: petty theft, prostitution, public intoxication, simple assault, disorderly conduct, trespass, vandalism, drug possession, DUI and other similar crimes. In the United States, misdemeanors are crimes with a maximum punishment of 12 months of incarceration, typically in a local jail (again, as contrasted with felons, who are typically incarcerated in a prison). Those people who are convicted of misdemeanors are often punished with probation, community service or part-time imprisonment, served on the weekends.
Misdemeanors usually do not result in the loss of civil rights, but may result in loss of privileges, such as professional licenses, public offices, or public employment. Such effects are known as the collateral consequences of criminal charges. This is more common when the misdemeanor is related to the privilege in question (such as the loss of a taxi driver’s license after a conviction for reckless driving), or when the misdemeanor involves moral turpitude – and in general is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. One prominent example of this is found in the United States Constitution, which provides that the President may be impeached by Congress for “high crimes and misdemeanors” and removed from office accordingly. The definition of a “high crime” is left to the judgment of Congress.
Within classes of offenses, the form of punishment can vary widely. For example, the US federal government and many U.S. states divide misdemeanors into several classes, with certain classes punishable by jail time and others carrying only a fine.[2] When a statute does not specify the class, it is referred to as an unclassified misdemeanor. Sometimes this is done when legislators wish to impose a penalty that falls outside the framework specified in the classes. For instance, Virginia has four classes of misdemeanors, with Class 1 and Class 2 misdemeanors being punishable by twelve-month and six-month jail sentences, respectively, and Class 3 and Class 4 misdemeanors being non-jail offenses payable by fines; but first-time marijuana possession is an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by serving up to 30 days in jail.

A moving violation

Theory
In theory, moving violations are more likely to directly cause physical harm to persons and property. The other form of violations may cause theoretical risk (nonfunctional taillight) or be limited to financial risk (failure to maintain insurance).
Types
While some violations, like parking violations, are civil matters involving a vehicle’s owner, moving violations are charged against the actual driver. However, moving violations enforced by automated camera enforcement may be prosecuted as civil violations against the vehicle’s owner.
Moving violations are usually classified as infractions or misdemeanors, but serious violations can be considered felonies.
The most commonly enforced moving violation, and the overwhelmingly most frequent reason for a vehicle pullover (regardless of type of citation issued, if any), are violations of the speed limit. Measurements of motorist speed throughout time have found many roadways where compliance with speed laws is very low, making many motorists liable to be pulled over at the discretion of law enforcement.
Costs
In most places, moving violations involve fines which must be paid as well as punitive points assessed to the license of the driver. As a driver accumulates points, he or she may be required to attend defensive driving lessons, re-take his or her driving test, pay additional taxes, or even surrender his or her license. Additionally, drivers with more points on their driving record often must pay more for car insurance than drivers with fewer.
Sometimes tickets are used in a speed trap as a form of fundraising. For example, a local government that is suffering a budget shortfall may ticket more aggressively within its jurisdiction to increase revenue.
In the United States, citation fines can vary widely between jurisdictions for the same behaviour, usually between $25 and $1000. In countries such as Finland, however, they are specific proportions of the violator’s income, and fines in excess of $100,000 can be assessed to wealthy individuals. In Canada, each province is individual in how they treat similar behaviour and each violation usually includes a set fine and demerit points against the driver’s license. For example, a speeding ticket in Ontario of 50+ km over is 6 demerit points against the driver’s licence with the approximate fine calculated as (km over x 9.75) x 1.25, as well it carries a one week automatic licence suspension and car impoundment. In Manitoba speeding in excess of 49 km is 8 demerit points and a fine of 557 dollars.
Examples of moving violations
speeding, which can be exceeding a limit or simply driving an unsafe speed
driving too slowly for road conditions, particularly in a left-hand lane
running a stop sign or red traffic light
failure to yield to another vehicle with the right-of-way
failure to signal for turns or lane changes
failing to drive within a single lane
crossing over a center divider, median or gore
driving on the shoulder where it is considered illegal under certain conditions
failure to use a seat belt
failure to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk
failure to stop for a school bus when children are boarding or exiting
failure to secure a load to a truck or lorry
driving in a car pool lane illegally
More serious moving violations include:
driving under the influence
reckless driving
road rage
street racing
vehicular homicide

At the law offices of George M. Sere in Philadelphia

Pennsylvania criminal defense and divorce lawyer George M. Sere understands the urgency that a legal problem takes on and what is at stake.
To experience the personalized attention that is the top priority at the law offices of George M. Sere, contact us. You will learn from the first contact with this law firm that the focus of the law practice is on people and their needs. Attorney Sere applies every available tool to the job of crafting workable solutions to legal challenges, such as shoplifting charges or allegations of domestic abuse.
Pretrial Legal Solutions
In many cases, a solution to a criminal matter comes about through pre-trial negotiations with a district attorney or traffic court prosecutor. Attorney Sere is known for his well-developed ability to communicate effectively with a broad variety of people.
The Client Is Number One
Clients of the law firm soon understand that their well-being is the reason for the firm’s existence. Mr. Sere advocates vigorously and communicates clearly with clients, prosecutors and legal opponents during the process. He knows how critical it is to recover a suspended driver’s license, to clear one’s good name after a sex crime allegation, and to be sure that a divorce complaint is served and filed properly.
Free Initial Phone Consultation
It is important for a person with legal needs to have a trusting relationship with the attorney who will manage the resolution of those needs. A free phone consultation allows both the lawyer and the potential client to get a sense of whether the law firm is a good fit for the person and the legal matter.
Trustworthy and reliable, Pennsylvania lawyer George M. Sere aggressively defends the rights of his clients — including taking cases to trial when necessary to obtain the proper result.
Contact Pennsylvania lawyer George M. Sere to schedule a consultation regarding a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) matter, an arrest warrant or any legal issue represented in the list of the law firm’s practice areas.
Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney ◦ Traffic Violations ◦ Child Custody ◦ No-Fault Divorce ◦ Juvenile Offenses
At the law offices of George M. Sere in Philadelphia, free initial phone consultations are offered to Pennsylvanians in search of a legal advocate they can trust.
Contact the law firm by phone or by e-mail through this Web site to schedule a conversation with attorney George M. Sere regarding your legal issue such as the following:
DUI: Even in a tough state like Pennsylvania, there are options such as occupational driver’s licenses, probationary driver’s licenses and rehabilitation programs that show prosecutors and judges that someone who was driving under the influence of alcohol is making a sincere effort to resolve chemical abuse problems and to prevent further infractions.
Philadelphia Traffic Court: When it is necessary to try a case in Philadelphia traffic court to protect a client’s best interests, Attorney Sere is prepared to do so. Meticulous preparation (including gathering of photos, eyewitness accounts, and other key evidence) together with aggressive cross-examination in Philadelphia traffic court, is often the formula for success.
Traffic Violations: Mr. Sere provides assistance to clients in Philadelphia and surrounding Pennsylvania counties with all moving violations, including:
Driving without a license
Driving with a suspended license
Driving without insurance
Driving without registration
Illegal U-turn
Leaving the scene of an accident
Mechanical violations
Reckless driving
Running a red light or stop sign
Driving without a seat belt or transporting a child without proper child restraint
Speeding
Unlawful vehicle modifications
All other moving violations
Traffic Court/PennDOT Appeals: A traffic appeal may be particularly necessary for your livelihood if you have already lost your driving privileges through an administrative license suspension. The outcome of an appeal may be critical if you cannot afford to lose your driver’s license or live with the consequences of a guilty plea.
Driver’s License Suspension: As a career traffic defense lawyer with three decades’ experience, Attorney Sere knows how important it is to get all the facts when a client is seeking a prompt end to a driver’s license suspension. He reviews all the facts behind a relevant traffic conviction in order to determine whether a traffic appeal or a PennDOT hearing is appropriate. Also, he negotiates efficiently with the appropriate offices to recover clients’ driver’s licenses. In some cases, a client gets his or her license back within the day.
Commercial Vehicles/Trucking and CDL Violations: Time is money for truck drivers and their supervisors. It is important to resolve a legal matter promptly, as favorably as possible. Ready accessibility to one’s lawyer is imperative in a commercial driver’s (CDL) violation.
Work/Probation Driver’s License: To maximize your chances of success, discuss your application for an occupational limited license (OLL) with Pennsylvania traffic violations attorney George M. Sere. Know your legal rights. Entrust your probationary license matter to an advocate you can trust.
Assault: Attorney George M. Sere is an experienced criminal defense attorney with a long track record of favorable outcomes. Assault charges vary according to circumstances, as follows:
Simple assault
Aggravated assault (if the violator has a gun in possession or the victim was substantially hurt)
Aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI)
Juvenile Law: Attorney George M. Sere has more than 30 years’ experience in presenting compelling cases in defense of juvenile and adult suspects. Keeping the accused young person out of detention, in school and at home with his or her family is the first and top priority in any juvenile criminal case.
Sex Crimes: In all criminal matters including sex crimes, a detailed investigation into all relevant facts and circumstances is the foundation of a strong defense. A review of the evidence, interviews with complaining witnesses, and investigation into the credibility of the alleged victim must be conducted with a sharp eye for discrepancies.
Theft/Shoplifting: A shoplifting charge may occur as a result of a misunderstanding or a mistake. Whether the alleged shoplifter knowingly took merchandise is the prosecutor’s burden of proof.
Underage Drinking: If your underage drinking charge coincides with an auto accident in which you were the driver and other motorists or passengers were injured or killed, your legal situation is much more serious. For this reason, you are strongly urged to seek advice and counsel from an understanding defense attorney with years of experience.
Drug Charges: If you or your juvenile son or daughter has been charged with possession, manufacture or distribution of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine or any other controlled substance in Pennsylvania, contact the law offices of George M. Sere in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
If This Is Your First Offense: The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ADR) program is an alternative to traditional criminal justice that enables a first-time offender to get past an arrest and on to a clean slate.
Probation/Parole: Know your legal rights with regard to your probation or parole. Discuss your motion to revoke (MTR) hearing with an experienced lawyer.
Child Custody/Visitation: Protect your parental rights and safeguard your child’s best interests. Explore your options when your family’s child custody and visitation agreement is not working well. Entrust your child custody concerns to an advocate you can trust.
No-Fault/Uncontested Divorce: Provided that both spouses agree on the division of assets in an uncontested divorce, the proceedings can probably be handled by mail. There will be no need for a court appearance or even any face-to-face discussion with Attorney Sere. However, sometimes complications may be discovered that will not allow for an easy divorce.
PFA/Domestic Abuse: Pennsylvanians confronting an abusive spouse — or facing domestic abuse charges — in the area of Philadelphia, Norristown, Doylestown and beyond are encouraged to call or e-mail domestic violence lawyer George M. Sere for experienced legal counsel and representation.
George M. Sere
2039 E Allegheny Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19134-3811
Map & Directions
tel: 215.268.7261
toll free: 866.497.5055
fax: 215.634.5189
1528 Walnut Street
Suite 710
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Map & Directions
tel: 215.268.7261
toll free: 866.497.5055
fax: 215.634.5189

Jeffrey R. Lessin & Associates, P.C.,

We take all personal injury cases on a contingency bases. This simply means that our clients don’t pay a penny of attorney fees unless you receive compensation for your injuries, either by a negotiated settlement, or by a jury award in court. We use a variety of professional experts to help us investigate your accident, and determine the true compensation value of your injuries.
For more information about our settlement and jury awards, contact the Pennsylvania trial lawyers of Jeffrey R. Lessin & Associates, P.C., to meet with us. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident, we provide the serious representation your case deserves.
Our Team of Attorneys
Jeffrey R. Lessin, managing attorney
Thomas A. Karpink, Associate
Mark T. Richter, Associate
Personal Injury Litigation and Civil Tort Litigation:
Car accidents and truck accidents
Premises liability injuries
Fire injuries
Medical malpractice
Boating accidents
Fatal accident claims, wrongful death
Civil rights violations
A Note about Boating Accident Claims
Managing attorney Jeffrey Lessin provides effective representation for persons injured in boating accidents. Mr. Lessin has been an avid boater his entire life and is fully aware of the potential for injury that excursions on watercraft, whether for work or pay, may hold for individuals. We have gained a reputation for our ability to investigate boating accidents and the evaluation of the serious injuries suffered by people injured in accidents that involve boats, ships, and fishing vessels.
To discuss your serious injury claim with a member of our team of attorneys, contact the Pennsylvania trial lawyers of Jeffrey R. Lessin & Associates, P.C.
No Cost Initial Consultation
No attorney fees unless you receive compensation for your injuries
Office Hours: 9:00 – 5:00, and by special appointment anytime
Conveniently located across from City Hall in downtown Philadelphia
Personal Injury
Car Accidents
Trucking Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Slip & Fall / Premises Liability
Ice & Snow – Slip & Fall
Swimming Pool Accidents
Product Liability / Dangerous Product Injury
Fire Loss
Upholstery Fires
Residential House Fires
Fires Started by Cigarettes & Defective Products
Medical Malpractice
Heart Attack
Workplace Accidents
Construction Accidents
RSD/Complex Regional Pain
Bad Faith Insurance
Civil Rights
Wrongful Detainment
Police Brutality
Boating Accidents
Wrongful Death
Jeffrey R. Lessin & Associates
A Professional Corporation
2 Penn Center, Suite 600
1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 215-789-9384
Toll Free: 866-920-6403
Fax: 215-599-1416
Email: Contact Us

Chip B. Lewis LLC

His clients often come from referrals from other attorneys, from prosecutors and from former clients — and through mass media news items covering his many successful trials. He is recognized for his skillful work on high-profile cases such as:
The defense of Robert Durst
The defense of Ken Lay
Defense of other public officials and prominent business leaders
For a prompt, thoughtful and thorough discussion of a criminal arrest in Southeast Texas, contact Chip B. Lewis LLC through this Web site or at 866-531-7139 or 713-574-7508.
Key Facts Turn Up Through Detailed Investigation
Mr. Lewis handles a wide range of criminal defense matters, including DWI/DUI and drug offenses. He is prepared to dig in deep by way of detailed investigation of all facts leading up to an arrest on the basis of alleged criminal charges. He handles each client’s case personally, with the rare exception of when another lawyer’s area of concentration makes that attorney a more appropriate advocate. He treats every client with respect by honestly assessing every aspect of the case.
Customized Criminal Defense Advocacy
There are no pat answers or cookie-cutter approaches at the law offices of Chip B. Lewis. Each criminal defense matter presents unique challenges and opportunities. An atmosphere of trust between defendant and defense attorney is essential to the preparation of a strong case for a defendant facing drug charges or a DWI/DUI arrest.
When Freedom Is Worth the Investment
Excellent criminal defense advocacy takes skill and a steady hand. When the stakes are high and freedom is its own reward, consider contacting a lawyer of the caliber of Mr. Lewis.
Houston Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal defense attorney Chip Lewis in Houston counsels and represents clients charged with a wide range of criminal charges including Southeast Texans trapped in drunk driving stings and drug busts. Contact the law firm of Chip B. Lewis to schedule a consultation regarding a white collar crime, an assault and battery charge, or any of the following legal issues:
DWI/DUI: When Mr. Lewis represents a client, he is willing and well prepared to take a DWI/DUI defense case to court if that is what it takes to defend the rights of the accused.
The Arrest: You may be convinced that the police officer who arrested you was wrong in concluding that you were drinking and driving. To assert your rights after a questionably conducted DWI/DUI arrest in Southeast Texas, contact the law firm of Chip Lewis LLC.
Field Sobriety Tests: As a former prosecutor with seven years experience in prosecution and seven years experience as a criminal defense lawyer, Chip Lewis knows how to challenge field sobriety test results and protect your constitutional rights.
Administrative Hearing: As your defense lawyer at your administrative license suspension hearing, attorney Chip Lewis will insist that the Department of Public Safety demonstrate conclusively that you were in control of your car at the time of the stop, that your sobriety tests at the time of arrest were administered correctly and were valid and that your blood alcohol concentration was higher than .08.
Administrative License Suspensions: Learn how attorney Chip Lewis can help you restore your ability to drive for a living or to provide for your family after a drunk driving arrest has resulted in an administrative license suspension.
Drug Charges: Chip Lewis, an attorney who knows constitutional law, who is ready to go to trial and who zealously defends his client’s legal rights, is a powerful ally before determined prosecutors.
Marijuana Offenses: Mr. Lewis has a reputation within the legal community and the criminal justice system in Southeast Texas and East Texas for his willingness to take cases to court, including cases involving drug charges such as marijuana possession.
Cocaine Offenses: If you were charged with a cocaine offense, talk to Mr. Lewis about any aspect of your case, including expungement of drug charges from your record if you were found not guilty.
Prescription Drugs: Houston criminal attorney Chip Lewis, who has seven years experience as a prosecutor and seven years experience as a defense lawyer, has handled more than 100 trials as a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer, including cases involving drug offenses such as illegal trafficking in prescription drugs.
Possession of a Controlled Substance: Schedule a consultation to speak with attorney Chip Lewis regarding the circumstances of the arrest and the quantity of controlled substances involved in the possession charge.
Search and Seizure: Level the playing field with aggressive, zealous and proven-effective criminal defense attorney Chip Lewis on your side after law enforcement’s search and seizure of your home or car resulted in Texas state or federal criminal charges.
State Drug Charges: The amount of drugs involved can influence whether a drug crime is a state or federal crime. Attorney Lewis has ample experience, both as a prosecutor and as a defense lawyer, in trying cases before state and federal courts.
Federal Drug Charges: Mr. Lewis addresses legal issues including examination of the search and seizure tactics used by law enforcement before a federal drug arrest, communication with DEA and FBI personnel involved in the prosecution of federal drug offense cases and negotiation of plea bargains.
Federal Crimes: Chip Lewis has extensive experience defending Texans charged with various federal crimes in the Southern District of Texas.
White Collar Crime: Known for his role in defense of Enron founder Ken Lay, Texas white collar defense lawyer Chip Lewis makes his defense legal services available to Southeast Texans accused of white collar crimes including fraud, embezzlement and ID theft.
Clearing Your Record (Expungement): When preservation of freedom is your first concern, make the investment necessary to obtain a favorable outcome. When you are under investigation, have been arrested or have been charged with a criminal offense in Southeast Texas or East Texas, contact lawyer Chip Lewis LLC to schedule a consultation.
Chip B. Lewis LLC
2120 Welch St
Houston, TX 77019
866-531-7139 or 713-574-7508.

Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend

 With more than 57 years of experience, we are one of the oldest and most well-respected law firms in Houston, Texas.
Contact us today to discuss your legal claims with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We represent injured people nationwide.
Relying upon the knowledge and experience developed over the past several decades, we focus our practice on catastrophic injury cases and wrongful death cases. Our extensive experience ensures that we have the knowledge and resources necessary to take on the most powerful defendants.
For more information about our firm, visit our Awards and Accolades page to see the honors bestowed upon our firm and our attorneys. For more information about our personal injury practice, please visit our practice areas page.
Contact Us Today
When you need an experienced personal injury attorney, count on Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend. Call us today at 713-222-7211 or 1-800-870-9584 to discuss your legal concerns.
Legal Leadership of the Firm
2009 Texas’ Best Lawyers***, Firm Partners Nick Nichols, Randall O. Sorrels and Benny Agosto, Jr.
2003-2008 Texas Super Lawyers*, Firm Partners Nick Nichols and Randall O. Sorrels
2004-2008 Texas Super Lawyers* – Firm Partner Benny Agosto, Jr.
2008 Texas Best Lawyers, American Lawyer Media, Firm Partner Nick Nichols
2007 Best Lawyers in America, Personal Injury Litigation, Plaintiff, Firm Partner Nick Nichols
2007-2008 Top 100 Lawyers in Texas – Texas Super Lawyers* – Firm Partner Randall O. Sorrels
2007 Top-Notch Texas Lawyer, Personal Injury – Plaintiffs, Texas Lawyer*, Firm Partner Randall O. Sorrels
2007 Top 100 Lawyers in Houston – Texas Super Lawyers* – Firm Partners Nick Nichols and Randall O. Sorrels
2008 H Texas Top Lawyers for the People**
Past President of the Houston Bar Association – Firm Partner Randy Sorrels
Past President, American Board of Trial Advocates – Houston Chapter – Firm Partner Nick Nichols
Past President of the Mexican American Bar Association of Texas – Firm Partner Benny Agosto, Jr.
Director, Houston Bar Association 2008-2010 – Firm Partner Benny Agosto, Jr.
*Texas Super Lawyer honors as presented by the Law & Politics Magazine – Key Professional Media, a publication of Texas Monthly.
**H Texas Top Lawyers for the People honor as presented by H Texas Magazine
***Texas’ Best Lawyers honor as presented by The Houston Chronicle Best Lawyers – The World’s Premier Guide, an incisivemedia publication
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Admiralty and Maritime Law
Amputation
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Birth Injuries
Brain Damages
Burns
Bus Crashes
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Business Torts
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Pasadena Police Complaints
Patent Infringement
Petrochemical Accidents
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Product Defects
Quadriplegia
Spinal Cord Injuries
SUV Rollovers
Swimming Pool Accidents
Truck Accidents
Vehicular Accidents
Whistleblower Litigation
Workplace Injuries
Wrongful Death

Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend
800 Commerce Street
Houston, TX 77002
Office (713) 222-7211
Fax (713) 225-0827
1-800-870-9584

I handle uncontested divorces, contested divorces, child support, child custody, visitation, grandparents’ visitation rights, divorce mediation and arbitration, child abuse and neglect, and paternity. I represent clients with name changes, as these often arise in paternity cases. I also represent clients in appeals to higher courts. I have been practicing divorce law exclusively for 25 years and have helped thousands of people. Because of my experience in the field, appellate courts have entrusted me with mentoring other divorce and family law attorneys. I spend a lot of time reading and researching divorce law to keep current on trends and changes in the field so I can get the best results for my clients.
In addition to being a lawyer, I am also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). My financial background provides a great advantage to my clients in the complex financial matters involved in divorce and family law, such as equitable distribution of property, child support, alimony / spousal support / maintenance, and tax issues.
Client-Centered Service
First of all, I am a good listener. I believe lawyers learn more by listening than by speaking. I allow my clients to express themselves. Once I find out what is most important to a client, I can apply a vast amount of legal knowledge and experience to achieving that result.
I am totally accessible to my clients. I welcome and encourage clients to e-mail me so I can offer a thoughtful written reply they can receive at any time day or night. Responding by e-mail allows me to compose my thoughts and give my clients a considered response. My clients, in turn, can print out my response for their own records and refer back to it later. Of course, we also return every phone call promptly and schedule in-office appointments as well.
“The Will to Prepare to Win Is More Important Than the Will to Win”
It is very important to me to get the particular results my clients want. Careful, thorough preparation leads to the best results. My staff and I work from early in the morning until late at night to do that. I don’t ever want to have a case where I was out-prepared by another lawyer. That is my commitment to you.
Contact Me
In a free, no-obligation initial consultation in my Brooklyn, New York, law office, we can discuss your legal situation. Visit this site’s “Contact our Family Law and Divorce Lawyer” or call 718-875-5151. We will respect your privacy and use discretion and confidentiality in contacting you. Any subsequent fees will be reasonable and fair. My family law and divorce law firm is here for people with cases throughout the New York metropolitan area, including Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, The Bronx, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester

For more than twenty years, the New York City family law attorneys at Goldberg Sager & Associates have helped thousands of people successfully resolve their family law problems by working hard to represent their interests. Contact a Brooklyn family law attorney today to learn more about how our firm can help you.

20 Years of Family Law Experience
We have extensive experience handling complex divorce and family court matters, including:
Divorce
Spousal and child support
Child custody and visitation
Division of marital property
Adoption
Paternity
Our lawyers and staff work to efficiently and effectively as possible, while ensuring our clients’ best interests are protected.
Concerned with the welfare of our clients, we take care to afford them the attention they deserve. We offer responsive, cost-effective professional representation. Contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Goldberg Sager & Associates  1628 Kings Highway, East 17th Street  Brooklyn, NY 11229-1210
Phone: 718-645-6677  Toll Free: 877-NEED LAWYER  Fax: 718-339-7823

Over its 35 year history, BIREN | KATZMAN attorneys have successfully handled hundreds of cases, having collected more than $200 million for its clients.
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BIREN | KATZMAN is pleased to announce that firm founder Matthew B. F. Biren has been recognized by his peers as a Southern California Super Lawyer for 2006, 2007 and 2008.
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER LAWYERS
BIREN|KATZMAN is pleased to announce that the law firm’s founder Matthew B.F. Biren has been recognized by his peers as a Southern California Super Lawyer from 2006 to 2009.
VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS
Over its 35-year history, attorneys at BIREN|KATZMAN have successfully handled hundreds of cases, having collected more than $200 million for our clients.
Experience, Excellence, Results, Responsiveness
That’s how the personal injury attorneys at the West Los Angeles, California law firm of BIREN|KATZMAN define quality. That’s what we strive to achieve every day for every client we serve.
Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers
At BIREN|KATZMAN, our partners – Matthew B.F. Biren and Marc J. Katzman – along with our professional staff – have extensive experience obtaining as much financial compensation as possible for accident victims.
Our success stems not only from years of work handling a variety of personal injury cases, but also from our creativity in directing investigations, seeking discovery and using expert witnesses to prove liability. We represent clients suffering from a wide-range of catastrophic injuries, including:
Brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Burns
Amputation injuries
Paralysis, including paraplegia and quadriplegia
Our experience in handling complex injury cases and our familiarity with the medical aspects of the catastrophic injuries involved in these matters enables us to help our clients by directing them to the appropriate doctors and other experts who can prove the full extent of their damages.
We also provide compassionate yet aggressive representation of clients who have lost their loved ones in fatal car accidents and other tragedies.
Financial Loss Attorneys
Individuals and businesses can suffer substantial financial losses that are not related to personal injuries. Trial attorneys at BIREN|KATZMAN have a track record of helping businesses obtain substantial recoveries in financial injury cases, including:
Insurance bad faith
Breach of contract litigation
Professional malpractice
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you need legal help obtaining compensation for harm caused by someone else’s negligence or other wrongdoing, our trial attorneys will work vigorously for you.
We represent plaintiffs on a contingency basis, so you will not owe us anything unless we recover financial compensation for you. Centrally located in West Los Angeles near UCLA, we offer convenient appointments and validate parking.
To schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of BIREN|KATZMAN Trial Lawyers by e-mail the Firm or call us toll-free at 866-604-5887.
BIREN | KATZMAN TRIAL LAWYERS
11911 San Vicente Blvd.,
Suite 140,
West Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: 310-889-0897
866-604-5887
Fax: 310-471-3165
www.biren.com