Cynthia Russell Henley

Cynthia Russell Henley

also known as Cynthia Henley

4.7
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 37 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Houston, TX
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, Sex Crime ... +3 more

739 Worthshire, Houston, TX, Houston, TX

About Cynthia

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 35%

I have always been on the side of defending the accused - in trial, on appeal, and on post conviction habeas corpus (11.07) matters. I personally handle all my cases & answer my phone. I'll discuss the case and potential fees with you over the phone and be honest and frank about your situation. I don't play games with clients trying to extract money like many lawyers.

38 years

35%
Domestic Violence 35%

I see a LOT of these cases. They often have "buyer regret" involved - the complainant later wishes police were not involved & desires to recant / "drop charges". In Harris County there is no dropping charges AND if the complainant recants, the case is reassigned to a special division of prosecutors whose job is to try to get a conviction without the assistance of the complainant. These are emotionally charged & what most of us think of as hearsay can be admitted. Hire a lawyer ASAP.

38 years

35%
Sex Crime 15%

I have handled many cases in which folks were charged with sexual assault, and in particular, sexual assault of children. These are very emotionally difficult cases & very time consuming. People should NEVER talk to police if they are being investigated with any offense, and especially this type. Police are NOT trying to truly investigate because if a child makes an allegation, there WILL be charges in 99% of the cases. Hire a lawyer early is your best defense (& talk to no one but your lawyer.)

38 years

15%
Violent Crime 7%

This is a general descriptor but I handle cases involving allegations of violence including a variety of assaults - against family members, fights, child abuse, murder, sexual assault, etc. 29 years of experience with all types of violent crimes.

7%
Child Abuse 5%

These cases are difficult for families. Oftentimes CPS is involved and there may be family members on opposite sides on the issue. The State usually comes down very hard on these, even when it is a marginal case.

38 years

5%
Credit Card Fraud 3%

More and more we are seeing these charges, and some times more along the lines of gift cards being found by employees who later use them. I'm very bothered by this type of charge especially when the "owner" cannot be identified. Never work with police - hire a lawyer to help you. Police are NOT trying to help you out - ever.

38 years

3%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 37 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1988

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

739 Worthshire, Houston, TX

739 Worthshire, Houston, TX, Houston, TX, 77008

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Cynthia Russell Henley's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

47 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (47) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Juvenile

Posted by anonymous | April 13, 2012 | Juvenile

High integrity individual and attorney - very pleased

Our teenage son made a mistake by entering a neighbor's home with some other kids while the owners were out of town. The owner's children grew up with ours so the kids did not realize the significance of their poor choice. They had spent the night at the neighbor's home many times before. The ...neighbors were very upset upon return (as they should have been). They called the Police and had my son arrested. Even though what the kids did was wrong, it was not "breaking and entering". The family was upset and wanted all the kids in jail. A very difficult situation to say the least. We engaged Cynthia for help. She was thorough, understanding and well prepared at all times. She asked hard questions to uncover the truth and never compromised on her integrity. When the court date finally came around, Cynthia negotiated with the prosecutor that a criminal record for our son was the wrong thing to do. She stood up for our son and would not budge. While the other kids involved were cutting deals with their attorney, Cynthia stood firm in what she believed was right. She would not allow a fine young man to suffer for a poor choice he made. Our son was given community service with no conviction on his record. The final outcome of a very difficult situation was a success. I highly recommend Cynthia to family and friends.

Cynthia Henley

Replied last April 16, 2012

In addition to being a lawyer, I am a mother so I am often conflicted about the "right" thing, though my "job" is always first. It was no issue in this situation. It is such a plus to have a family that not only supports their son, but also recognizes the need to respond to their child's "misbehavior". Too many times in today's society, parents blame everyone else when their child makes an unwise decision - and this does NOT sit well with prosecutors (which is understandable.) I love families like this - this young man was truly an outstanding person and will be such a benefit to our community in the years to come. I foresee all of us benefiting from his life. He made a choice that was not the best and when his parents found out, they laid down the law before the real law became involved. They are to thank for the outcome as they showed the prosecutor that their child's misbehavior would be dealt with properly at home. The "law" too often intervenes - at least when good families are involved. (This young man wrote a letter of apology without the prompting of his parents or me that would bring a tear to your eye for his genuine embarrassment for his misdeeds.) There was ZERO need for the State of Texas to bother wasting time or resources on this young man and this truly exceptional family. It was not difficult to stand firm for this young man, and for his family. It was absolutely the right thing to do, and there will be NO regrets on the part of anyone - ever. Thank you.

Posted by anonymous | June 01, 2009 | Juvenile

Cynthia's role in my son's success story

Cynthia started representing my son when he was 16 years old. He started down a bad path with the use of steroids and eventually it led to other addictions. One thing led to another, all bad, but Cynthia was there to help us all of the way. Through her knowledge and her contacts with the bench, DA...s, and the such, she always got our son the best justice and addiction help that he could receive. Her fees were always very reasonable and she worked with us on financing. Two weeks ago my son graduated from a major university with a 4.0 average and was ranked number 1 out of 1271 graduates. He is going into the counseling profession to try to help others. Without Cynthia's help, he would be incarcerated in Huntsville rather than graduating from a university in Huntsville with a 4.0 average!

Cynthia Henley

Replied last July 15, 2009

This client is very special. He had so much talent it was a shame to see him caught up in his addictions, which led him to the criminal justice system. I am so proud to have had the opportunity to represent him. He will be important in so many lives! He still calls on occasion to thank me, and it really helps boost my continued desire to help people. He also had the awesome support of his family. Congratulations to him for overcoming the obstacles to be so outstanding!

See All Client Reviews

Cynthia Russell Henley's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Cynthia
Diana Elizabeth Sims headshot
Diana Sims

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Cynthia since I became an attorney 19 years ago. She is truly a force of nature in the courtroom and an outstanding advocate for her clients. I highly recommend this attorney."

Trayson Nicholas Stephany headshot
Trayson Stephany

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Cynthia Russell Henley has a long track record of success defending the accused."

Stephen Anthony Nicholas headshot
Stephen Nicholas

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer because she always takes the time to give the answer to questions in a well thought out manner, that is knowledgeable, as well as, caring to the questioner. Her knowledge of the law is outstanding and she will do research, if needed, to properly answer the question. She is also not afraid to correct any of her peers on any legal points necessary, and does so in a very positive and professional manner."

David N. Payma headshot
David Payma

Unknown lawyer | Aug 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Trinidad Zamora III headshot
Trinidad Zamora

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Cynthia is a force to be reckoned with. Her knowledge of the law and processes makes her methods and strategies second to none. Her presence in the courtroom places the State's prosecutors on edge, because Cynthia will take the time to guide less experienced advocates through the smoke of prosecution. One would do well choosing Cynthia to be their voice."

Armen Gabriel Merjanian headshot
Armen Merjanian

Criminal defense lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have the pleasure of having Cynthia Henley as my designated mentor. I wouldn't be half the lawyer I am today without Cynthia's mentoring and guidance. She is a true believer who fights extremely hard for her clients. She knows how to beat cases and she routinely gets dismissals. I can't recommend Cynthia enough for you to hire her as your lawyer!"

Thomas G. Briody headshot
Thomas Briody

Criminal defense lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Henley has the ability and the experience to quickly assess and solve difficult situations encountered by criminal defendants. I endorse her without reservation."

Karim K Arzadi headshot
Karim Arzadi

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"A prolific and insightful contributor here at Avvo, Ms. Russell Henley's long list of endorsements indicates the respect she has earned among her peers. I endorse Cynthia Russell Henley."

Edward K. Le headshot
Edward Le

Unknown lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. His advice and legal answers to complex issues demonstrate rare legal acumen seen in an attorney."

Michael Paul LeMond headshot
Michael LeMond

Criminal defense lawyer | May 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I know this Cynthia to be a knowledgeable and kind attorney who spends time offering free advise to help others, I endorse this attorney!"

Randall Lee Kallinen headshot
Randall Kallinen

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Cynthia works hard for each client. She is knowledgeable and experienced in all types of criminal cases and not afraid to put the pressure on the prosecution. I would want her in my corner if I am caught up with legal trouble."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Other

"I not only endorse this lawyer. I give this lawyer 5 stars!"

Adam Michael Lahood headshot
Adam Lahood

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Other

"I endorse Cynthia Russell. She has demonstrated a great command of both Texas Criminal Law and Procedure, and has demonstrated she has the knowledge and ability to fully, and zealously, advocate for her clients."

Kyle R. Tatum headshot
Kyle Tatum

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Henley's contributions and advice are always on point. She is an asset to this website and the legal profession."

Christopher Dean Morton headshot
Christopher Morton

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Cynthia is tough, smart, and tenacious. She zealously represents her clients and achieves excellent results for them. I wholeheartedly endorse Cynthia Henley."

Jonathan Tyler Adkins headshot
Jonathan Adkins

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 16

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Her answers to the questions show her depth of legal knowledge."

Gene Tsukasa Sera headshot
Gene Sera

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Based upon my reviews of answers Ms. Henley has provided on AVVO. She clearly understands what she is talking about and what a client might be facing in Harris County. Calling her would be a good decision if you had criminal matters in the Houston area."

Peter John Marek headshot
Peter Marek

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I would reccomend Cynthia to any client thinking of retaining an attorney. She is an avid contributor to the avvo community. Her legal knowledge is spot on. Give her a call first, you won't be disappointed."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sarah Thomas Kovoor headshot
Sarah Kovoor

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have learned a lot from Attorney Henley on criminal defense strategy. Her responses on the Q/A forums are very informative. She is a well respected member of the legal community."

View All Endorsements
Armen Gabriel Merjanian headshot
Armen Merjanian

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Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2006

Top Lawyer for the People, H Texas Magazine

2005

Top Lawyer for the People, H Texas Magazine

2002

President's Outstanding Member, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

2002

President's Award, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Work Experience

2000 - Present

Sole Practitioner, Cynthia Henley, Lawyer

1996 - 2000

Partner, Schaffer & Henley

1988 - 1996

Associate, Schaffer, Lambright, Odom & Sparks

Associations

Houston Bar Association

Member

2003 - 2004

Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

President

2002 - 2003

Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

President-Elect

2001 - 2002

Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

Vice President

2001 - 2005

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

2000 - 2001

Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

Secretary

1988 - 2008

State Bar of Texas

Member

Education

1987

University of Houston Law Center

JD - Juris Doctor

1984

University of Houston

BS - Bachelor of Science

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
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  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution