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.

09/10/2026

Can Scrap Copper Possession Lead to a Felony Charge?

Scrap copper possession can lead to a felony charge if you are not legally authorized to possess it.

Important warning for contractors, plumbers, electricians, HVAC workers, handymen, and scrappers in Houston: Texas Penal Code Section 31.22 makes intentionally or knowingly possessing certain copper or brass material without legal authorization a state jail felony. The law includes authorized categories such as the owner, certain businesses, registered metal recycling entities, and people who lawfully acquire the material through construction, remodeling, demolition, or salvage work. ([Texas Legislature Online][1])

A state jail felony in Texas can carry 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Certain circumstances can increase the offense to a third degree felony.

If you regularly carry scrap copper or brass around Houston, documentation can be critical.

Step 1: Keep receipts showing when and where you legally obtained the copper or brass.

Step 2: Carry work orders, invoices, contracts, or other business records that connect the material to a legitimate job.

Step 3: Keep digital copies on your phone or cloud storage so you can access them immediately if the paper copies are lost.

Step 4: Do not accept copper or brass if you know or suspect it was unlawfully obtained. Texas law does not protect an otherwise authorized person who knows the material was illegally obtained.

Must know: Simply working in a trade does not mean every piece of scrap metal in your vehicle is automatically protected. Being able to show where the material came from may become very important if questions arise.

Free practical protection: Take photos of materials at the job site and save them with the work order before leaving.

If you are arrested or questioned in Houston, you have the right to remain silent and speak with an attorney before answering questions about the case.

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

09/09/2026

Can Police Get Your Doorbell Camera Footage Without a Warrant?

Doorbell camera footage can sometimes be obtained by police without asking you first. That makes your privacy settings and legal rights important.

If your footage is stored in the cloud, police may seek it directly from the company. In Texas, law enforcement may use a warrant or other legal process depending on the type of information requested.

Warning: In a true emergency involving danger of death or serious physical injury, federal law may also allow a company to voluntarily provide footage without waiting for a warrant.

For Houston residents, this means video from your driveway, front door, or property could potentially become evidence in a Texas criminal investigation.

What should you do now:

Today: Review your camera privacy settings and check whether stronger encryption is available.

If police contact you: Ask what legal authority they are relying on before voluntarily giving them footage. You can speak with a Houston criminal defense lawyer first.

If you think you are under investigation: Do not delete or change recordings. Authorities may request that stored records be preserved for 90 days, with a possible additional 90 day extension.

Free option: Ask whether a Texas criminal defense lawyer offers a free consultation and ask about fees before hiring anyone.

Important: Your security camera may protect your home, but the footage can also become evidence.

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

09/05/2026

What Compensation Can You Get After a Car Accident Claim?

A car accident claim may cover much more than just your medical bills.

If you were hurt in a Houston car accident, your claim may include several types of compensation. Texas law may allow injured people to seek money for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses connected to the crash.

Important things to know:

1. Document everything right away: Save medical records, repair estimates, photos, receipts, and proof of missed work. Strong records can help show the full value of your car accident claim.

2. Do not focus only on hospital bills: Lost income may also matter. If you missed work because of your injuries, keep pay stubs, employer records, and any documents showing how much income you lost.

3. Include vehicle damage: A Texas car accident claim may include the cost to repair or replace your vehicle. Keep estimates, invoices, towing bills, and rental car receipts.

4. Understand pain and suffering: Compensation may include physical pain, emotional stress, and how your injuries affected your normal daily life. In some cases, serious injuries may also affect your relationship with your spouse.

5. Watch the deadline: In many Texas personal injury cases, the general statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long can put your right to recover compensation at risk.

Warning: Insurance companies may try to settle a claim before the full impact of the injuries is known. Be careful before signing a release or accepting a final payment.

A Houston personal injury lawyer can review medical bills, wage losses, vehicle damage, and other losses to help determine what compensation may be available.

Important: Many personal injury lawyers offer a Free consultation and may handle cases on a contingency fee, meaning attorney fees are typically collected only if money is recovered.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (713) 226 8800. If you were injured in Houston or anywhere in Texas, have you experienced this?

09/04/2026

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road, and even a single collision can lead to significant physical and financial challenges. At The Law Offices of Jed Silverman, we work with injured riders to evaluate their claims and better understand their legal rights after an accident. Visit https://www.jedsilverman.com/s/B7N6h18

09/04/2026

What Should You Do After a Semi Truck Accident?

A semi truck accident can become complicated fast, especially when a trucking company and insurance carrier are involved.

If you are injured in a Houston truck accident, be careful before giving a recorded statement, signing paperwork, or accepting a quick settlement.

Important steps:

1. Get medical care: Some injuries may appear later.

2. Save evidence: Take photos, videos, and keep medical records.

3. Be careful with insurance calls: A fast settlement may not cover future medical costs, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

4. Know the deadline: In Texas, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within 2 years.

5. Ask about fees: Many Houston personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee.

Texas truck accident claims can involve several responsible parties, so protecting your rights early is important.

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

09/03/2026

Can Possessing Adult Dolls Lead to Felony Criminal Charges?

Possessing certain adult dolls can lead to felony charges when the dolls are made to look like children.

Warning: Texas law makes it a crime to possess or promote certain adult dolls that appear to depict children. These felony charges can become much more serious depending on the number of dolls and what prosecutors believe you intended to do with them.

Simple possession can be charged as a state jail felony. If prosecutors claim you intended to promote or distribute the dolls, the allegation can rise to a third degree felony. Promotion itself can be charged as a second degree felony, which can carry up to 20 years in prison.

Critical fact: Having 2 or more qualifying dolls can create a legal presumption that you intended to promote them. That means the number of items alone may affect the felony charges you face.

If you are arrested or investigated in Houston or anywhere in Texas, consider these steps:

1. Stay silent: You have the right to avoid answering investigative questions without an attorney present.

2. Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately: Early legal review can help identify problems with the search, seizure, evidence, or prosecution theory.

3. Do not destroy evidence: Deleting messages, throwing away items, or changing records can make the situation more serious.

4. Save your paperwork: Keep warrants, bond documents, police reports, court notices, and other records together for your attorney.

5. Ask about costs: Before hiring a Houston criminal defense lawyer, ask about consultation fees, legal fees, payment options, and what services are included.

Important: Felony charges can affect your freedom, employment, professional licenses, and criminal record. Arrests under this Texas law are already happening, so this is not only a future concern.

If you are facing felony charges in Houston, getting legal advice early may help protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.

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

09/02/2026

Can You Choose Jury Sentencing After a Guilty Verdict?

Jury sentencing in Texas can affect who decides your punishment after a guilty verdict, but you must choose it before trial.

This is a Critical and Must Know decision in many Texas criminal cases. Under Texas law, a defendant can generally elect to have the judge or jury assess punishment when a jury trial results in a guilty verdict. The timing matters. A written election for jury sentencing generally must be filed before jury selection begins.

If you are facing a criminal charge in Houston, do not wait until the verdict to think about punishment. Your choice can affect sentencing strategy and plea negotiations.

Important steps:

1. Review your options early: Talk with your lawyer before jury selection about whether judge or jury sentencing fits your case.

2. File the required election on time: If you want jury sentencing, the written election generally must be made before jury selection begins. Missing that deadline can limit your options.

3. Compare sentencing risks: Consider the charge, punishment range, criminal history, probation eligibility, and facts that may help or hurt at sentencing.

4. Protect your leverage Now: Prosecutors may evaluate plea negotiations differently depending on who could decide punishment. Discuss this before accepting or rejecting any plea offer.

Warning: Do not assume you can simply switch from judge sentencing to jury sentencing after a guilty verdict. Texas law places timing requirements on this choice, and changing an election later can require prosecutor consent in some circumstances.

Houston defendants should also ask about attorney fees and payment options before trial. Criminal defense costs vary based on the charge, complexity, investigation, motions, and whether the case goes to trial. A consultation can help explain possible costs and your rights.

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

09/01/2026

The loss of a loved one due to another party’s negligence can leave families with emotional and financial burdens that are difficult to manage alone. With The Law Offices of Jed Silverman, families receive guidance in understanding wrongful death claims and the legal process involved. Visit https://www.jedsilverman.com/s/M396b6i

09/01/2026

Can Stand Your Ground Justify Hitting Someone First?

Stand your ground does not automatically justify hitting someone first, even if they get in your face.

Important warning: Texas stand your ground law does not give you permission to use force just because someone is yelling, insulting you, or acting aggressively. Under Texas Penal Code Section 9.31, force may be justified only when you reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect yourself from another person's use or attempted use of unlawful force. Verbal provocation alone is not enough. ([Texas Statutes][1])

In Houston, one common mistake is thinking stand your ground means you can respond physically to anything that feels threatening. That is not how Texas law works. Stand your ground generally addresses whether you must retreat when your use of force is already legally justified. It does not lower the legal standard for using force.

Must know steps if a confrontation happens:

1. Do not swing because of words alone: Texas law specifically says verbal provocation alone does not justify force.
2. Create distance when safely possible: Even when you may have no legal duty to retreat in certain circumstances, avoiding physical contact can prevent a criminal charge and strengthen your account of what happened.

3. Call police quickly after a serious incident: Explain what happened clearly and identify witnesses, cameras, injuries, or other evidence.

4. Preserve evidence immediately: Save texts, videos, photos, security footage, witness names, and medical records before they disappear.

5. Speak with a lawyer before making detailed statements if you are facing possible charges: A Houston criminal defense attorney can review whether self defense protections may apply.

A critical issue is whether you had the legal right to be where you were, whether you provoked the confrontation, and whether you were engaged in criminal activity. Those facts can affect whether Texas protections apply.

There is no single fixed cost for defending a self defense case. Fees depend on the charge, evidence, investigation, and whether the case goes to trial. Ask about consultation fees and payment options before hiring a Houston attorney.

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

Address

1221 Studewood St Suite 200
Houston, TX
77008

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Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 3pm - 6pm

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+17135972221

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