About the Author Jeff “The Rosster” Ross
I am a 42-year veteran Prosecutor (television clips) , Chief Prosecutor (newspaper clips) and criminal defense lawyer – and I created this website to acknowledge the excellent efforts of my colleagues who work with felonies and misdemeanors at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center in Houston, Texas.
I publish trials in progress, trial verdicts, in-trial pleas and dismissals, trial setting dismissals, trial standings, judge standings, lawyer statistics, lawyer standings, photos and other court news and nuggets.
“My goal is to shine a light on the fine prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges and other courthouse personnel who serve the interest of justice in our community. Our work is the last line of defense for those who will lose their freedom or become free. Thanks to all for your fine work!”
For additions, deletions, corrections or to send a head shot or trial victory in another county please contact me at (cell) 713-582-4462 or (email) jeffross486@gmail.com
Published: Weekly – Every Friday by 5pm – Publishing deadline is 3pm Fridays – First Publication February 2017
“TRIAL IN PROGRESS” – HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE. Trials in Progress are updated twice-a-day and the information is gathered from the Harris County District Clerk’s website – “preview docket sheet” found under the“images” tab of the case summary page
MAY 20, 2026 – trials in progress– updated 5p
208th – CONTINUOUS SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD
1729653 – Prosecutors Marie Defretin and Dylan Larsen – Defense James Smith (judge Beverly Armstrong presiding: RETRIAL – punishment evidence began 4p May 20th)
339th – MURDER
1915434 – Prosecutors Nisha Hawkins and Renee Serrato – Defense Arienna Toh, Zakiya Carter and Elle Jetton (judge Te’iva Bell presiding: closing arguments began 4p May 20th) HPD PRESS RELEASE
496th – SUPER AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD
1863802 – Prosecutors Samantha Barnhart and Traemon Anderson – Defense Jed Silverman and Neal Davis (judge Dan Simons presiding: opening statements 11a May 26th)
ERD Court – MURDER
1771720 – Family Law Center 4th floor – Prosecutors Bethany Belisle and Helen Le – Defense Jeanie Ortiz and Mark Escamilla (visiting judge Marc Brown presiding: state rested – case resumes 9a May 21st) HPD PRESS RELEASE
CCL9 – DWI 2nd
2309401 – Prosecutor Brekeese Pierce – Defense Antoy Bell (judge Toria Finch presiding for CCL4 case: state’s case resumes May 20th)
CCL15 – DWI
2587249 – Prosecutor Andrea Reyes – Defense Max Patterson and Brandt Wilde (judge Tonya Jones presiding: case resumes May 20th)
Congratulations to ALL the Criminal Defense Lawyers who were acknowledged at the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association annual party on May 14, 2026.
I have known 185th Criminal District Court judge Andy Beall since she first started at the DA’s office as a prosecutor. She is an excellent judge and deserving of another term. Please consider her candidacy!
EVERY VOTE COUNTS IN THIS RUN-OFF! Please take the time to go out and VOTE next week for the excellent judge of the 209th Criminal District Court – Brian Warren
Note: Any invitations I post for judge’s fundraisers are done on my own volition without pay. I only post judge campaign posters for judges that I know personally and can vouch for their excellent record and character as a judge, prosecutor or defense attorney.