A conviction for theft, robbery, or burglary can have a devastating effect on your future. Employers routinely conduct background checks of prospective employees, and few want to hire someone with a criminal record for theft.
I’m Robert Fickman, a criminal defense attorney in Houston, Texas. I have over 39 years of experience defending Texans charged with everything from aggravated robbery to shoplifting. When I represent younger clients charged with theft crimes, I always try to involve the families. Many younger people lack the experience and judgment to know what is in their best interests. For this reason, I often seek the client’s permission to have his or her parents sit in on meetings. Most parents want the security of knowing what is going on in their adult child’s case. Parents can often assist in building a defense and providing relevant information.
To develop a strong defense, you must first recognize the realities of our criminal justice system. In my opinion, in reality, the presumption of innocence does not exist. In this country, anyone accused of a serious crime is presumed guilty by the public. You must be prepared to prove your innocence to stand a chance. As your lawyer, my job is to do my best to develop a strong defense to prove your innocence.
My goal as your lawyer in any theft or robbery case is to help you avoid a criminal record. In most cases, that means addressing two key issues:
Questioning and attacking any eyewitness identification.
Trying to establish an alibi if the client has one.
Robbery cases are often dependent on eyewitness identification. Eyewitness identification can be successfully attacked. History has shown that innocent people have gone to prison based on false eyewitness identification. If you have credible alibi testimony, the attack on eyewitness identification is even more powerful.
In my decades of experience as a theft crimes defense attorney, I have seen many people who suffer from mental health problems and engage in criminal behavior such as shoplifting. This may be because their condition was misdiagnosed, they were not taking their prescribed medication, or they were medicating themselves with drugs or alcohol. A client’s mental health is often relevant to a client’s conduct and defense. This factor may well impact the outcome of the case.
A SUMMARY OF CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY ROBERT FICKMAN’S CREDENTIALS
Robert Fickman has been a criminal defense attorney in Houston for 38 Years.
Robert Fickman has handled and won a vast array of cases in State and Federal Court
Robert Fickman has argued many cases before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Robert Fickman has had an AV Rating (the highest rating) with Martindale Hubbell for over 20 years.
Robert Fickman has been named a “Texas Super Lawyer” since 2015.
Robert Fickman was the President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) from 2006-2007.
Robert Fickman is a past Board Member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA).
Robert Fickman serves on the HCCLA and TCDLA Strike Forces where he is called upon to come to the aid of other criminal defense lawyers.
Robert Fickman is an outstanding public speaker. Robert Fickman was on the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers “Best of 2010 Speakers” and “Best of 2014 “Speakers Disk.”
FEDERAL CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE AND CONSPIRACY TO MONEY LAUNDER
Not Guilty (C.R.)
Client charged in Federal Indictment In “Operation Wrecking Ball” with 55 named co-defendants. Client faced seven charges. Client was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering. Client was also charged with four counts of Distribution of Cocaine and one count of Money laundering.
Allegations involved client’s alleged use of his home to distribute cocaine. Government’s lengthy investigation involved numerous wiretaps, surveillance, video, pole cams, search warrants, vehicle stops and use of cooperating co-defendants.
Client went to trial with four remaining defendants. After a two-week trial, Judge granted Motion for Acquittal on four of the seven charges. Jury found Client Not Guilty of remaining three charges.
Client charged in Federal Court with two counts of Wire Fraud related to Five SBA EIDL loan applications. The Government alleged the client, a Houston professional, defrauded the Small Business Administration out of over $150,000. The Client faced up to 20 years in prison on each count. The Defense investigated the case and negotiated a deal that included the Government not opposing a probation. The Federal Guideline calculation was for a prison sentence and the Probation Department recommended a prison sentence. Attorney Fickman submitted a 90 page Defense Sentencing Memorandum asking for Probation.
Client was retired professional. Client was accused of being involved in a road rage incident in 1960 Area. Defense put together a 100 page memorandum that demonstrated complainant was actual aggressor.
Client was accused of touching child. Case involved thousands of pages of psychiatric and Child Protective Services records as well as investigations by multiple police departments. After three- year fight, case dismissed.
Client was accused of knocking disruptive student against the wall. Videotape of incident was obtained. Witnessed located and interviewed. On the day of trial, case was dismissed
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