The Law Offices of Jed Silverman

The Law Offices of Jed Silverman Attorneys at Law - Houston, TX The Law Offices of Jed Silverman represents clients in state and federal courts in Texas, in all types of criminal law matters.

Whether your charges involve a misdemeanor juvenile crime or a complex mortgage or bank fraud case, our firm will represent you with energy and determination. If you have been arrested or are under investigation, contact our firm immediately. Attorney Jed Silverman has extensive experience in the field of criminal defense, representing hundreds of clients each year. Mr. Silverman is an astute crim

inal law strategist, often working with outside experts to uncover weaknesses in prosecutors' cases and develop additional evidence.

08/28/2026

: How are punitive damages different from compensatory damages? Compensatory damages are meant to compensate the victim for their losses, while punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for their wrongdoing. Visit https://www.jedsilverman.com/s/C3f765F

08/28/2026

How Do I Get My Criminal Record Expunged or Sealed?

Getting a criminal record expunged or sealed can limit who can see your record, but the two options are very different.

In Texas, expunction can destroy qualifying criminal records. An order of nondisclosure usually seals eligible records from the general public, but certain government agencies can still access them.

Important steps:

1. Check your case result: Dismissals, acquittals, and some other case outcomes may qualify for expunction under Texas law.

2. Check deferred adjudication: If you completed deferred adjudication, expunction may not be available for that offense. An order of nondisclosure may be an option if you meet the requirements.

3. Check the waiting period: Texas waiting periods depend on the offense, case outcome, and type of relief. Do not assume you can file immediately.

4. Review your full record: A Houston criminal defense lawyer can check whether other charges or circumstances affect eligibility before you file.

Warning: Sealed does not always mean erased. Police, prosecutors, licensing agencies, and certain government entities may still have access to records covered by an order of nondisclosure.

Costs also vary. Texas court filing fees and attorney fees depend on the county and the type of case. Ask about the total cost before filing.

If you are in Houston and want to clear or seal a criminal record, understanding which option you qualify for is critical.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (713) 226 8800.

08/27/2026

Can a Judge Deny Bail for Serious Criminal Charges?

A judge can now deny bail for certain serious criminal charges under Texas law.

Texas voters approved Proposition 3, changing bail rules for people accused of certain violent or sexual offenses. This is a critical change for anyone facing a serious criminal charge in Houston.

The new rule can apply to charges including murder, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping, human trafficking, and certain indecency with a child offenses.

Important: Being charged does not mean you are guilty. You still have constitutional rights, including the right to an attorney and the presumption of innocence.

A judge must consider whether keeping someone in jail is necessary to protect the public or reasonably ensure the person appears in court. The prosecution must meet the legal standard required by Texas law.

If you or a family member is arrested in Houston:

1. Call a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible: Bail decisions can happen early in the case.

2. Do not discuss the case with other people: Statements, messages, and social media posts may create problems later.

3. Gather information for your lawyer: Employment, family ties, criminal history, and other facts may matter when bail is considered.

4. Ask about legal fees before hiring counsel: Criminal defense costs vary by charge, case complexity, and whether the case goes to trial. Ask about consultation fees and payment options.

Must Know: If bail is granted in a case covered by the new Texas provision, the judge may have additional written requirements explaining the decision.

Warning: Waiting can make it harder to prepare for an early bail hearing. A Houston criminal defense attorney can review the charge, explain your rights, and prepare arguments for release.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (713) 226 8800.

08/26/2026

Can Edibles Lead to Felony Drug Charges?

Edible drug charges can be based on the weight of the entire product, not just the THC.

Warning: This is a critical issue many people do not understand. Under Texas law, the weight used in certain controlled substance cases can include the entire mixture or preparation containing the controlled substance. That can make THC edible charges much more serious than people expect.

For example: If THC concentrate is mixed into brownies, prosecutors may use the weight of the entire mixture when determining the applicable weight category. At 400 grams or more, certain Penalty Group 2 controlled substance offenses can fall into the highest weight category, with a possible prison range of 5 to 99 years or life.

If you are facing an edible drug charge in Houston, do not assume the amount of THC alone determines the charge.

Important steps:

1. Do not discuss the case with police without understanding your rights.

2. Do not post details about the edibles, THC, or arrest on social media.

3. Save records that may matter to your defense, including packaging, receipts, and other relevant information.

4. Contact a Texas criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Early review may help identify problems with the search, testing, alleged weight, or other evidence.

Must Know: The exact charge and possible punishment depend on the substance, total weight, evidence, criminal history, and facts of the case. A Houston criminal defense attorney can review what prosecutors are actually alleging and explain possible defense options.

Attorney fees vary based on the seriousness and complexity of the case. Ask about consultation costs and payment options before hiring a lawyer.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (713) 226 8800.

08/25/2026

Is Delta 8 THC Illegal to Possess Now?

Delta 8 THC is now a Schedule I controlled substance in Texas, including products with more than trace amounts of delta 8 THC.

A major change took effect July 31. Texas reinstated its controlled substance rules covering delta 8 THC after a Texas Supreme Court decision allowed the state to enforce them. This means a product that was openly sold before may now create serious legal risk.

Important warning for Houston consumers: Buying a gummy or v**e from a store does not automatically make it legal to possess. Texas looks at what the product actually contains.

What should you do now:

1. Check your products: Look carefully at gummies, v**es, oils, and other THC products for delta 8 THC or similar intoxicating cannabinoids.

2. Do not assume store sales mean legal possession: A product being available at a Houston smoke shop or gas station does not guarantee that possessing it is lawful.

3. Know the 0.3% rule: Texas still permits qualifying consumable h**p products with delta 9 THC at no more than 0.3% concentration on a dry weight basis.

4. If you are arrested or charged: Do not make detailed statements about what you bought, where you bought it, or what you believed it contained before understanding your rights. You have the right to remain silent and speak with an attorney.

Critical point: THC cases can depend on the exact substance, concentration, laboratory testing, quantity, and circumstances. Do not assume that every THC product is treated the same way.

If you are facing a THC possession charge in Houston, getting legal advice early can help you understand the charge, possible defenses, court deadlines, and potential costs before making decisions.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (713) 226 8800.

08/22/2026

How Are Texas Courts Different From Other Courts?

Texas courts can work very differently depending on the county and the type of case. Understanding the court handling your case is important before you walk into the courtroom.

In some Texas counties, one judge may hear several types of cases. That can include criminal cases, civil disputes, family matters, and juvenile cases. In larger areas such as Houston, courts may be more specialized, with judges focusing on particular types of cases.

If you are facing a serious criminal charge, knowing how the local court operates can be critical. A felony case can carry major consequences, including possible prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Important steps to take:

1. Know your court: Find out which court is handling your case and what types of cases that judge normally hears.

2. Check your deadlines: Court dates and filing deadlines matter. Missing a required appearance can create additional legal problems.

3. Understand the charge: Ask what level of offense you are facing and what penalties may apply.

4. Review your options: Depending on the case, options may include negotiating with prosecutors, challenging evidence, filing motions, or preparing for trial.

5. Talk with an attorney early: If you are charged with a crime in Houston or elsewhere in Texas, getting legal guidance early can help you understand your rights and available options. Ask about consultation costs and possible payment options before hiring an attorney.

Every courtroom is different. The way a case moves through a Houston court may not look exactly like the process in another Texas county. Knowing the local court, judge, procedures, and deadlines can help you prepare.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (713) 226 8800. Have you experienced differences between courts?

08/21/2026

Can Police Use Your Phone Location to Link You to a Crime?

Police can use phone location data in investigations, but geofence warrants face major constitutional limits in Texas.

A geofence warrant asks for location data tied to devices found within a certain area during a certain time. That can potentially identify people who were simply driving, walking, shopping, or getting gas near a crime scene.

Important: In 2024, the Fifth Circuit ruled that geofence warrants are general warrants prohibited by the Fourth Amendment. That federal appeals court covers Texas, including Houston. But the ruling does not mean every type of phone location evidence is automatically illegal or that evidence will always be thrown out.

Warning: If police say your phone was near a crime scene, do not assume you are guilty. Location information can become part of an investigation without proving that you committed a crime.

What should you do?

1. Stay calm: Do not try to explain your location immediately or guess about where you were.

2. Protect your rights: You generally have the right to remain silent when questioned about suspected criminal activity.

3. Save everything: Keep letters, messages, notices, and other information you receive from police or investigators.

4. Talk to a lawyer: A Texas criminal defense lawyer can examine how police obtained the location information and whether a warrant or another legal process was used.

5. Ask about cost first: Attorney fees vary by case. Ask whether a Houston lawyer offers a free consultation and what representation may cost before hiring anyone.

Google has also changed how Maps Timeline data is stored, including moving Timeline information to users' devices. But other forms of digital location evidence may still exist.

Must Know: A phone appearing near a location is not the same as proof that its owner committed a crime. If you are contacted in Houston about phone location evidence, getting legal advice before answering detailed questions can help protect your rights.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (713) 226 8800.

08/20/2026

Can Deferred Adjudication Lead to Prison Time in Texas?

Deferred adjudication can lead to prison time if the court finds you violated your supervision.

Warning: Deferred adjudication may help you avoid a conviction at first, but it does not mean your criminal case has disappeared. In Texas, you are placed under court ordered community supervision and must follow the conditions set by the court. ([Texas Constitution and Statutes][1])

If the State alleges that you violated a condition, the court can hold a hearing to decide whether to proceed with an adjudication of guilt. This decision is made by the court, not a jury. ([Texas Constitution and Statutes][1])

Critical fact: If the judge proceeds with adjudication, the punishment can be based on the legal range for the original offense. For example, a Texas second degree felony can carry 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. ([Texas Constitution and Statutes][2])

Important steps to protect yourself:

1. Read every condition: Know your reporting dates, payment requirements, testing rules, classes, and other court ordered conditions.

2. Do not ignore a possible violation: Missing an appointment, failing a required test, or violating another condition can create serious problems. Contact your attorney as soon as possible.

3. Keep records: Save payment receipts, completion certificates, test results, emails, and other documents showing that you followed your supervision requirements.

4. Understand your original charge: Before accepting deferred adjudication, ask what punishment range could apply if you are later adjudicated guilty.

Must Know: A plea that looks favorable today can carry serious consequences later. Before accepting deferred adjudication in Houston or anywhere in Texas, understand both the benefits and the risks.

Attorney fees vary by case, charge, and complexity. Ask about consultation fees, total representation costs, and payment options before hiring a Houston criminal defense lawyer.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (713) 226 8800.

08/19/2026

Can AI Generated Evidence Be Used in a Criminal Trial?

AI generated evidence can raise serious questions about whether photos, videos, or recordings can be trusted in court.

AI tools can now alter images, video, and audio in ways that may be difficult to detect. In a criminal trial, someone may claim that a recording proves what was said or that a photo shows an injury. But what happens when the other side argues that the evidence was changed using artificial intelligence?

In Texas criminal cases, evidence still has to meet court rules before it can be admitted. Authentication is important. Under Texas Rule of Evidence 901, the party offering evidence generally must provide enough proof to support a finding that the evidence is what they claim it is.

Important steps if digital evidence is involved:

1. Preserve the original file: Keep the original photo, video, message, or recording and its available metadata.

2. Tell your attorney quickly: If you believe evidence was altered by AI, raise the issue as early as possible so it can be investigated.

3. Do not edit the evidence yourself: Cropping, filtering, converting, or resaving a file could make authentication more complicated.

4. Ask about expert review: In some cases, a qualified digital forensic expert may examine the file, its source, metadata, and signs of manipulation.

Warning: Simply saying that something could have been altered by AI does not automatically make evidence inadmissible. The court may consider authentication, relevance, reliability, expert testimony, and other applicable evidence rules.

This is becoming an important issue for criminal defense attorneys in Houston and across Texas. AI technology is changing quickly, but the basic question remains critical: Can the evidence be shown to be authentic and reliable?

If you are facing a criminal case in Houston, speak with a Texas criminal defense attorney about the specific evidence in your case. Fees, deadlines, and legal options depend on the facts and the stage of the case.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (713) 226 8800.

08/18/2026

Can You Get Arrested for Following Someone From a Bank?

Yes. In Texas, following someone from a bank or ATM with criminal intent can lead to a jugging charge.

Jugging became a specific Texas criminal offense in 2025. The law targets situations where someone allegedly follows another person from a bank, ATM, or certain other locations with the intent to commit theft, robbery, or burglary.

The important issue is intent. Simply driving behind someone does not automatically mean you committed jugging. Prosecutors must establish the elements required by the law.

If you are accused of jugging in Houston, investigators may look at your route, how long you allegedly followed the person, your actions, and items found in your possession.

Important steps to take:

1. Do not explain yourself immediately: Statements you make can become evidence against you.

2. Preserve evidence now: Save phone location history, receipts, messages, dashcam recordings, and other evidence showing where you were going.

3. Be careful with searches: Know your rights before consenting to a search of your phone, vehicle, or belongings.

4. Speak with an attorney quickly: Surveillance footage and other evidence may disappear within days or weeks.

Warning: Texas prosecutors may also pursue theft, robbery, or burglary charges when the evidence supports those offenses. One incident can potentially result in multiple criminal charges.

If you are facing a jugging accusation in Houston, getting legal help early can help protect important evidence and identify weaknesses in the case.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (713) 226 8800.

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1221 Studewood St Suite 200
Houston, TX
77008

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