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 - 5 of 20 reviews | Recommendation

Posted by Kevin | August 15, 2021 | Criminal Defense

I'm sorry I'm just a worried father and husband ..

I have a jury trial coming up in November for some charges a acquired last December when I was visiting my wife's side of the family , (her mother and her grandmother) , we brought our kids to visit for Christmas holiday together , My wife's mother lives with her mother(my wifes grandmother ) Bec...ause she is very bad in health from complications from diabetes and she is on hospice and she needs around the clock assistance due to her condition , she also has mental health issues and one of the byproducts of her mental condition is she frequently has manic type episodes and attacks , she has been having these for a couple of years now and its got pretty bad since but we had became used to it and we didn't really ever think of it like something we should be worried about or anything like that other than she got a little loud and scream and cuss like she is agitated or upset and sometimes say things that wouldnt make any sense or talk to herself but for the most part we never had a problem with it, but on that day she had an episode but this time she was a bit more aggressive and angry with it, she was throwing stuff like the house phone , TV remote she would direct them at Nana when she came to try and calm her down and start cursing at her calling her obscenities. At that point me I didn't know what to do and my wife was trying to keep our kids attention off them and I could tell that the kids were getting curious and my oldest (my son who is 3 years old ) was trying to walk towards the comotion because because her bedroom door was open still so I did all I knew to do at that moment and told my wife let's just take the kids outside while we waited for her calm down , well it seemed like she was calming down Nana came outside and said she was okay and we figured that was it but as we were outside a police car comes speeding from down the street with lights on and turns into our DRI away and then another comes up and the officers jump out and ask me if I'm me by name and I said yes and he proceeded to tell me to stay right there and the other cops went in and they started went towards her mothers room and I started to guess they were just checking to make sure she was okay and her granny must have called them , but then she asked the cop standing by us outside and he said that there was a report of me hitting my wifes mother and I was being detained while they get everyone's account of what happened and couldn't believe of I thought they must have mixed up a call or something with someone else , I was still thinking it would all get sorted out tho once we all told what was really going on and that would be it but then after a few moments the cop from inside came out and told me to put my hands behind my back and I began to ask why you heard what happened I didn't do anything but he said well she has marks on her and shes saying you hit her and we have to go off what the report says and even with my wife begging and telling them I was there I seen it all he never hit anyone and my mom is sick she has mental health problems they said it didn't matter it was the state picking it up , I didn't know what he meant by that and he said its a family violence because there were children there and the marks on her mom , those marks they were referring to were her own injuries from falls she takes due to her condition she always had bruises and marks on her , after I was charged with family violence act and simple battery and taken to jail I bonded out and I just went to my court date and I pled not guilt and they gave me a jury trial date for this November , I can't afford an Attorney Should I get a public defender and what should I do before trial

Cynthia Henley

Replied last May 28, 2025

This is more of a question than a review and unfortunately was posted when I was a magistrate thus not taking cases or able to respond. I hope it worked out and I apologize I was not notified of your inquiry.

Posted by Sandy | August 08, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent lawyer

Cynthia Henley was my court appointed attorney. I really didn't know what to expect as this was my very first interaction with the law and attorneys. I have to say she is a phenomenal attorney. She was well prepared for my case and she prepared me well for what was needed to have this case dismissed.... I am recommending her as she made this process go as smooth as it could have possible went. Thank you Cynthia! It is your 30 years of experience and skillfulness that relieved this burden from my shoulders.

Posted by Krismen Gooden | July 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Cynthia Henley

Excellent Attorney, she really helped me out and for a Court Appointed i couldn't have asked for better. I will also use her for a private attorney if i need one. She explained everything step by step never once did she try to rush me along!!!

Cynthia Henley

Replied last July 23, 2018

Thank you for your post! I enjoyed representing you and appreciate that you were able to communicate with me and follow my requests that resulted in the dismissal of your case. Client cooperation is so important. Best of luck in your future!!

Posted by Manuel | November 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Dismissed Case: Trespassing

One of the best lawyers I've used, she was my court appointed lawyer when I managed to get myself arrested at court for missing court. Having no lawyer she was my court appointed lawyer, let me tell you that she knows what she is doing and does a darn well job too. She worked with the prosecutor and... managed to DISMISS my case for trespassing. She is straight to the point type of lawyer, would definitely recommend.

Posted by Wendy | January 21, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Highly Recommended and Professional

With Cynthia as my lawyer, I was able to get "no bill" for my case. She is professional, understanding, and very knowledgeable of the law. She listened to my case entirely during the free consultation and after I hired her, she immediately set an appointment to discuss the next thing to do. With h...er expertise in law, the truth prevailed and the grand jury dismissed the case as "no bill". I was charged with aggravated assault with deadly weapon. I defended myself against a dangerous person but ended up being the one with a case against me. Using an unbiased approach, Cynthia presented the facts and the grand jury saw that it was a case of self-defense. The duration of this case was 3 months. After the facts were presented, the prosecutor realized that he was defending a mentally ill person. After many attempts to contact his client to verify the truth, the prosecutor also realized that it was indeed a case of self-defense. From the first meeting, I could already tell that Cynthia is a down to earth person who is passionate about helping others. I am lucky to have come across her on this AVVO website and hope that this positive review will also help others in finding her.

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

Criminal defense lawyer

Randall Lee Kallinen headshot
Randall Kallinen

Civil rights lawyer

Wade Bennett Smith headshot
Wade Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter John Marek headshot
Peter Marek

Criminal defense lawyer

Dustan Orlando Neyland headshot
Dustan Neyland

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael P. Heiskell headshot
Michael Heiskell

Criminal defense lawyer

Betty Blackwell headshot
Betty Blackwell

Criminal defense lawyer

Cynthia Eva Hujar Orr headshot
Cynthia Orr

Criminal defense lawyer

Kathryn M. Kase headshot
Kathryn Kase

Criminal defense lawyer

W. Troy McKinney headshot
W. McKinney

Criminal defense lawyer

John William Armstrong III headshot
John Armstrong

DUI and DWI lawyer

Norman J. Silverman headshot
Norman Silverman

Criminal defense lawyer

Charles Elwood Soechting Jr. headshot
Charles Soechting

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael E. Turner headshot
Michael Turner

Criminal defense lawyer

Sarah Vernier Wood headshot
Sarah Wood

Criminal defense lawyer

Tyrone Cedric Moncriffe headshot
Tyrone Moncriffe

Criminal defense lawyer

Paul Vincent Kendall headshot
Paul Kendall

Criminal defense lawyer

Joshua Zientek headshot
Joshua Zientek

Criminal defense lawyer

John P. Yetter headshot
John Yetter

Criminal defense lawyer

Danny Karl Easterling headshot
Danny Easterling

Criminal defense lawyer

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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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