Mark W. Bennett

Mark W. Bennett

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 30 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Houston, TX
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Federal Crime, Appeals

917 Franklin Street, Fourth Floor, Houston, TX

About Mark

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

Defense of people charged with felonies and misdemeanors across Texas.

31 years | 1,200 cases

50%
Federal Crime 30%

Federal criminal trials nationwide.

31 years

30%
Appeals 20%

Postconviction litigation of criminal cases, including direct appeals and writs of habeas corpus.

31 years

20%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 30 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1995

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Licensed in Colorado for 28 years

State: Colorado

Acquired: 1997

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Bennett & Bennett

917 Franklin Street, Fourth Floor, Houston, TX, 77002

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Mark W. Bennett's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

83 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Federal Crime

Posted by Max | November 14, 2018 | Federal Crime

Hope

I was in federal holding with a boot leg cell phone and had just lost a trial over a crime I was not guilty of and things seemed hopeless. I called Mr Bennett on a whim at 10pm desperate for advice with no money or means to hire a lawyer and to late anyway but he answered his phone and he talked to m...e till 2am giving me advice and if you have never been in the position I was in you will never understand what it meant to me or how he really believed in my innocents and really cared about my well being. From the advice given to me I was able to get my case back in court and negotiate 5 yrs off of my sentence and am free today because of it. I've since net and talked to him in person and I also spent 8 years in a federal prison law library helping others in an attempt to pay the blessing forward and threw all this I can tell you mr Bennett is the only lawyer that cares more about you getting justice then you do. Max

Posted by EW | November 02, 2012 | Federal Crime

Excellent Federal Criminal Attorney

Excellent attorney. Mr. Bennet took my case and worked with me for 2 years in a federal case. He charged one flat fee and was available for me day and night. Mr. Bennett is very knowledgeable in the federal criminal system and is well respected by all federal agents I came in contact with.

Posted by M | February 11, 2010 | Federal Crime

Great Job (Federal Drug Case)

Mark stuck with me for almost five years, he was always straight forward and never lied to me. Mark is one of the most honest and trustworthy lawyers i have had the privilege to know. I had two lawyers before i hired Mark, the other lawyers could not just handle the type of case i was dealing with ...and one just kept trying to get more money out of me. Mark gave me a flat rate and that's what it was, he never tried to get any more money out of me even though this case went on for over four years. Overall one of the best lawyers i have dealt with and i would recommend him to anyone that is dealing with a federal drug case or anything else.

Posted by anonymous | August 17, 2009 | Federal Crime

Houston's Greatest Defense Attorney Professional and Compassionate

Mark recently defended me in a Federal Criminal Case. I have worked with many Lawyers in the past on Criminal and Non-Criminal issues; for myself and other friends and family. None have been as impressive as Mark Bennett. Mark was extremely responsive to me and the court members. He worked very h...ard to give me the best plan of action in the beginning of my case. Mark's attention to detail and compassion set him apart from attorneys that don't really care about anything more than your money. His brilliant thoughts and knowledge of law gives him an edge above the rest. The greatest thing I noticed is he always gave me a sort of scale to weigh decisions against. My personal feelings and emotions would have led me down a horrible path but Mark always gave me a realistic probability of outcome. Marks attention to detail and hard work ultimately resulted in an unbelievable outcome.

Posted by anonymous | June 04, 2008 | Federal Crime

Hands Down....Best Lawyer We Could Have Ever Picked

Mr. Bennett represented my brother in a federal case that was very trying and emotionally exhausting. He was extremly trusthworthy from the very first meeting and in the course of a year, during which the case was ongoing, he never failed to return a phone call on a timely basis (heck..usually alway...s called back within 30 minutes). Although I was not the defendant, he nonetheless always kept me informed and ensured that as a family member I was kept informed throughout the entire case. I am thankful that we had Mr. Bennett on our side. I never expected that as our lawyer he would be so emotionally vested in the outcome. I truly felt that he was not only looking to win the case but he was looking out for the best interest of my brother and my family. Throughout the course of the trail Mr. Bennett was always willing to push the limits to ensure my brother got the best representation and to guarantee the entire truth was always presented to the jury. The outcome of our trial was favorable and we owe our gratitude to Mr. Bennett for his representation and relentless pursuit of justice. Overall, I feel blessed that Mark Bennett was our attorney of choice. Although I hope to never need his services again (sorry Mark) I would not hesitate for one moment to recommend his services to anyone in need. God Bless.

See All Client Reviews

Mark W. Bennett's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Mark
Paul Nicholas Saputo Jr. headshot
Paul Saputo

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark is one of those lawyers that makes me proud to be a lawyer. His advocacy skills, his analytical skills, and his pure writing ability are something to which I aspire. On top of all of that, he is simply a treasure for civil society and the defense bar. His contributions are more important than most people in the public will ever know."

Shawn R. Roberts headshot
Shawn Roberts

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Integrity, Heart, Love, and Skill Review for Mark Bennett | Submitted on 4/29/18 (Review Pending) Mark and I were friends and he had helped me out prior to the case that is the subject of this review. In 2006 my girlfriend died of an overdose. In 2010, I was charged and indicted for Delivery of a CS F4. Mark Bennett selected a jury in Harris County on my behalf in front of a very hostile and myopic Judge named Denise Collins. Additionally the DAs Office assigned a “special prosecutor”-Commie Spence, and the trial was covered by all of the media with the point being that the only people who were somewhat on our side were the bailiffs who completely supported us after hearing the evidence. So Mark did an outstanding job in a hi profile, prejudicial, and hostile venue where it was clear that the Judge was just another prosecutor, but who was on the Bench, making it that much more difficult. Despite all these facts he got a not guilty on my behalf."

Fiza Syed headshot
Fiza Syed

Libel and slander lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Paul Matthew Morgan headshot
Paul Morgan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark Bennett is a great lawyer. He is an excellent mentor and a brillant advocate. He helped me with a couple of cases and his work saved a defendant from life in prison. Truly relentless and a force to be reckoned with."

Victoria Erfesoglou headshot
Victoria Erfesoglou

Criminal defense lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mark Bennett is the lawyer's lawyer. His command of the law, language, and creativity are inspirational. He is the mentor for all lawyers, new and experienced. I had the privilege of sitting second with him in a very difficult and draining trial involving a sexual allegation. He was tenacious, calm, and a rock for his client. He embodies professionalism and elicits huge respect in a courtroom. He is the lawyer I strive to be in the years to come. I endorse this lawyer."

Armen Gabriel Merjanian headshot
Armen Merjanian

Criminal defense lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mark Bennett is one of the most brilliant legal minds in Houston, if not all of Texas or the US. I had the opportunity to sit second chair with him on a trial last year and he was top-notch from jury selection to closing arguments. I am constantly seeking his advice on complex legal issues. All of this is evident based one him being honored as 2015 Harris County Criminal Lawyer of the year. Mark has raised the bar for criminal defense in Houston and throughout. If I were accused of a crime, I would hire Mark Bennett to represent me!"

Stephen Robert Baxley headshot
Stephen Baxley

Criminal defense lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I worked first against Mark when I was a prosecutor and later became friends with him when I saw the light and began defending people. In both situations, Mark impressed me with his vast legal knowledge and ability to see the core issue in complex cases. But equally important, Mark cares about his clients and goes above and beyond for them. I endorse him without reservation!"

Phillip Lawson Baker headshot
Phillip Baker

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mark Bennet is a brilliant attorney and a very thoughtful person. I have known and worked along side Mark for twenty years. Recently I asked Mark for help on a difficult case. Not only did Mark answer my call for help, but immediately took the lead and filed an appeal on my client's behalf. I value his friendship and endorse this lawyer without reservation."

Gary Don Peak headshot
Gary Peak

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark Bennett is one of the most well respected attorneys I know. He is extremely smart, dedicated, and I am proud to recommend Mark no matter how complicated the case."

Cory Julien Roth headshot
Cory Roth

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark is a mentor of mine in the Future Appointed Counsel Training Program. He is one of the most thoughtful, wisest, intelligent people you will ever meet. He is the most interesting man in the world in the criminal law field. He is an excellent attorney that achieves excellent results more often than most."

Anthony Edward Colombo Jr headshot
Anthony Colombo

Federal crime lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Bennett represented a mutual client. I reviewed his written work and the arguments that he had prepared and argued. It is some of the best work I have seen."

Randall Lee Kallinen headshot
Randall Kallinen

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mark Bennett is a fanastic trial and appellate lawyer who I have recommended to my clients. He carefully reviews your case and applies his vast knowledge of the law and exerience to your advanatge. If I was in need of a lawyer I would hire Mark Bennett."

Charles Allen Pelowski headshot
Charles Pelowski

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Friend

"Mark Bennett is one of the greatest legal minds in the state. He is an outstanding legal thinker and writer, as well as a zealous advocate for his clients. Mark works harder than anyone I know to ensure that he is constantly honing his skills and staying on the cutting edge of criminal defense. I endorse this lawyer."

Robert James Fickman headshot
Robert Fickman

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I don't know any lawyer who cares more about justice than Mark. Mark cares about doing things right. He has a highly developed moral compass. Mark truly cares about his clients and he fights very hard for them. Mark has a gifted intellect which he uses to his client's advantage. Mark is also a leader in the defense bar and a past President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association. If I was in trouble, I would want Mark in my corner."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mark. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Dan B. Gerson headshot
Dan Gerson

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mark is a brilliant and dedicated criminal defense lawyer."

Norman J. Silverman headshot
Norman Silverman

Appeals lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mark is a brilliant trial and appellate lawyer. He speaks and writes with the utmost clarity. Recently persuaded the Court of Criminal Appeals to declare Texas' online solicitation statute unconstitutional. The vote was 9-0 for Mark. He also publishes the number one criminal defense blog. Also, he is a well respected voice for ethics in legal advertising."

Feroz Farook Merchant headshot
Feroz Merchant

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark is very smart and believes in helping everyone (including fellow attorneys). Respected by his peers for his abilities, results in court and his time helping other lawyers become better advocates. One of the very best anywhere."

Jed Ross Silverman headshot
Jed Silverman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jay Blass Cohen headshot
Jay Cohen

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark is an excellent lawyer. He always takes time to help other lawyers. He is an asset to the criminal defense bar. I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Shawn R. Roberts headshot
Shawn Roberts

Criminal defense lawyer

Gary Michael Polland headshot
Gary Polland

Family lawyer

Jason Randall Clark headshot
Jason Clark

Criminal defense lawyer

Paul Matthew Morgan headshot
Paul Morgan

Criminal defense lawyer

Armen Gabriel Merjanian headshot
Armen Merjanian

Criminal defense lawyer

Taylor Allison Landis Jackson headshot
Taylor Jackson

Criminal defense lawyer

Cory Julien Roth headshot
Cory Roth

Criminal defense lawyer

Stephen Robert Baxley headshot
Stephen Baxley

Criminal defense lawyer

Phillip Lawson Baker headshot
Phillip Baker

Criminal defense lawyer

Brandon Elliott Ball headshot
Brandon Ball

Criminal defense lawyer

Victoria Erfesoglou headshot
Victoria Erfesoglou

Criminal defense lawyer

Donald Herbert Flanary III headshot
Donald Flanary

Appeals lawyer

Emily Munoz Detoto headshot
Emily Detoto

Criminal defense lawyer

Jay Blass Cohen headshot
Jay Cohen

DUI and DWI lawyer

Anthony Edward Colombo Jr headshot
Anthony Colombo

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Glynn Busby Jr. headshot
Michael Busby

Class action lawyer

Bart Charles Craytor headshot
Bart Craytor

Consumer protection lawyer

Roy Spencer Gilligan headshot
Roy Gilligan

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Theodore Charles Levy headshot
Theodore Levy

Gaming lawyer

Eric Turkewitz headshot
Eric Turkewitz

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Lead Counsel Verified, Lead Counsel

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Lead Counsel Verified, Lead Counsel

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Lead Counsel Verified, Lead Counsel

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Lead Counsel Verified, Lead Counsel

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Lead Counsel Verified, Lead Counsel

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Lead Counsel Verified, Lead Counsel

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Lawyer of the Year, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2009

Best Criminal Law Blog, ABA Journal

2004

Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Houston,

N/A

Not Guilty Verdicts, Various Felony and Misdemeanor Juries in State and Federal Court

Work Experience

1995 - Present

Partner, Bennett & Bennett

Associations

1999 - Present

Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association

Member

1995 - Present

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association

Member

2008 - 2009

Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

President

2007 - 2008

Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

Vice President

2003 - 2004

Fort Bend County Criminal Lawyers' Association

Member

1995 - 2013

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

West v. Georgia

Statute held unconstitutional. Case dismissed.

Ex Parte JCL

Two statutes ruled unconstitutional.

State of Texas v. SRR

Not Guilty verdict from jury.

United States v. MM

Case dismissed.

State of Texas vs. W.H.E.

"Not guilty" verdict from jury.

State of Texas v. N.M.

"Not guilty" verdict from jury.

State of Texas v. A.P.

Dismissal

See More Legal Cases

Education

1999

Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers' College

1995

University of Houston Law Center

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

Rice University

BA

Speaking Engagements

2013

Hon. Craig Washington & Sen. Rodney Ellis Criminal Law Seminar

Jury Selection

2012

In-House Continuing Legal Education

Jury Selection

2012

Advanced Criminal Law Course Jury Selection

2009

TCDLA Central Texas Criminal Law Boot Camp

20 Simple Rules for Better Jury Selection

2004

Criminal Trial Advocacy Class

Criminal Trial Advocacy

2003

Criminal Trial Advocacy Class

Criminal Trial Advocacy

2002

Criminal Trial Advocacy Class

Criminal Trial Advocacy

2000

STCL White Collar Crime Seminar

Bond in Federal Court

1999

HCCLA Galveston Seminar

The Action Method of Trial Preparation

N/A

Warrantless Arrest Workshop

Medical Records

N/A

Hearsay 101

Hearsay 101

N/A

DWI Seminar

Medical Records

Publications

2024

Bennett & Bennett Blog

2024

Bennett & Bennett Videos

2024

Bennett & Bennett Testimonials

2001

HCCLA Defender Apprendi in the Fifth Circuit

2000

Unknown Internet for Lawyers

1994

Memphis State University Law Review The New Federalism and State Court Activism

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

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