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 - 2 of 2 reviews | Immigration

Posted by anonymous | April 26, 2012 | Immigration

Highly Reliable

I was being charged with a Misdemeanor class B for possession of Marijuana. I am an illegal immigrant and I had a really high chance of being deported no matter what the outcome of the case would be. Before hiring Mark Bennett, another lawyer worked in my case but did not really provide me with any h...elp and I wasn’t comfortable with this situation. After doing a lot of research, I determined that hiring Mark Bennett would be a good decision and in fact it turned out to be the smartest decision I have made in my life. Mark was able to get my case dismissed and I am now in the process of getting my record expunged. I would recommend him to anyone! He has a great character and is a very professional person that will be honest with you about anything that can happen with the case, but most importantly he is a lawyer that cares about his clients. Thanks to Mark I do not have to worry about being deported or having a criminal charge permanently on my record. I will always be grateful for everything that he did for me and the peace he provided to me and my family.

Posted by anonymous | November 13, 2011 | Immigration

Highly personal top-notch lawyer

Mark Bennett defended me when I was charged with a deadly conduct felony. The consequences of a conviction in my case were very serious, because I am not a US citizen and a conviction would have resulted not only in jail time or probation, but in deportation and permanent inability to return to the U...S. The incident involved firing a gun under very complex emotional conditions in a state of severe depression and acute suicidal tendencies. There was never any intent on my part to hurt anyone, and material damage was promptly compensated by me, but I did confess to the police at the time of my arrest. With my confession on tape, it seemed my chances were slim. Mark immediately recognized a potential strategy for a defense, largely based on the way the charges were worded. He initially tried to get a pretrial diversion, but when that didn't work we focused on the weaknesses in the state's case and prepared for trial. At the pretrial hearing, the day before the case would have gone to court, Mark got the prosecutor to dismiss the case. I have never before been in need of a criminal defense lawyer and I hope I will never need one again. So my frame of reference in making a recommendation is limited. But I can make a recommendation based not just on the successful outcome in my case. Throughout my long career, I have worked with all sorts of professionals in many disciplines. There is no doubt in my mind that Mark is very, very good in what he does. Moreover, he does so in a very personal way. He referred me to an exceptional therapist who has me firmly on a way to regain control of my life. Shortly before my trial date he organized a psychodrama session as part of my preparation as a witness. This was a life-changing experience and went way beyond just witness preparation. It was intensely personal and would not only have been a great help if my case had gone to trial, but will be something I will benefit from for the rest of my life. We picked the Bennets as our lawyers based on their website - a risky thing to do when your whole life is at stake. After my arrest we got all sorts of aggressive letters from trial lawyers in the mail that were for the most part in truly bad taste. Mark's website is in good taste, as was his office. Nothing extravagant, but good taste, common sense and professionalism in evidence throughout. So I hope that my posting of this reference on his site will help future clients to make up their minds. Not so much for the benefit of the Bennets, they seem busy enough, but more for the benefit of prospective clients who desperately need help. Since there is no rewind button in life, if you have done something really tragic or stupid, or are accused of something you are actually innocent of and need help in a legal defense, you owe it to yourself to talk to Mark.

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

Avvo Rating

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