Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Beats Barratry Rap
A grand jury has refused to indict a Houston, Texas, criminal defense attorney accused of working with a homeless man to recruit potential clients as they departed the Harris County Jail.
The no-bill ends a potential barratry case against Lloyd Oliver; the crime involves splitting fees with a non-lawyer. His previous indictment in August 2009 was thrown out due to procedural error, reports the Houston Chronicle
Oliver’s claimed colleague, Perry Mason, remains under indictment. The lawyer says he befriended the homeless man, who sells cigarettes and water outside the jail. Mason is accused of soliciting clients by handing out Oliver’s business cards.
Assistant Harris County District Attorney Kelli Johnson declined the newspaper’s request for comment.
