Lawyer of Firm Description

About Law Office of Amanda Skillern — Criminal Defense Houston, Texas

The Law Office of Amanda Skillern, PLLC provides criminal defense Houston residents need when their property or liberty is on the line. Amanda Skillern served more than 11 years as a Harris County Assistant District Attorney, including tenure in the Asset Forfeiture Division. Because of that prosecutorial background, she brings an insider’s view to every case — from airport cash seizures to white-collar fraud. The firm also covers Houston attorney listings for adjacent practice areas. Free consultations are available 24/7 by phone.

Skillern has tried more than 30 jury and bench trials across Harris County courts. Additionally, she handles civil asset forfeiture matters that most defense attorneys avoid — real estate, vehicle, and cash seizure cases. Her office at 411 Fannin Street sits minutes from the Harris County Criminal Justice Center, making court appearances efficient.

What Clients Say

Reviewers consistently describe Skillern as responsive and detailed — an attorney who returns calls promptly and explains procedural steps before they happen. Clients facing forfeiture actions appreciate her willingness to pursue property recovery aggressively. Spanish-speaking clients also note her ability to communicate key concepts in their preferred language.

Criminal Defense Houston — Practice Areas & Services

Civil asset forfeiture — recovery of real estate, vehicles, and airport cash seizures under Texas Chapter 59.
Drug crime defense — representation for possession, distribution, and manufacturing charges in Harris County courts.
White-collar defense — money laundering, fraud, and organized crime matters in state and federal court.
Weapons and assault charges — aggravated assault and unlawful carry cases in the Greater Houston area.
Gambling and related offenses — defense for regulatory and criminal enforcement actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does civil asset forfeiture work in Houston?

Texas allows prosecutors to seize property they allege was used in or derived from criminal activity, separate from any criminal case. Property owners have 30 days to file an answer after being served. Missing that deadline usually means permanent loss of the asset.

What is the conviction rate in Harris County criminal cases?

Harris County felony conviction rates have hovered near 55% in recent years, lower than many other large Texas counties. That figure underscores why early defense work — suppression motions, plea leverage, and trial preparation — directly affects outcomes.

Should I talk to Houston police before hiring an attorney?

No. Texas allows police to use recorded statements against defendants at trial. Polite refusal to answer substantive questions, followed by a request for counsel, is the safest posture until an attorney reviews the allegations.

Quick Facts: Criminal Defense in Houston, Texas

Harris County conviction rate: Approximately 55% for felony defendants, lower than Tarrant County’s 79% — Texas DPS Crime Records
Court location: Most Harris County felonies are heard at the Criminal Justice Center, 1201 Franklin Street — Harris County District Clerk
Forfeiture deadline: Texas Chapter 59 requires property owners to file an answer within 30 days of service or forfeit rights — Texas Code of Criminal Procedure

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

At the Law Office of Amanda Skillern, PLLC in Houston, Texas, clients consistently rave about Amanda’s exceptional legal expertise and genuine care for their cases. Her attentive communication, fierce courtroom presence, and unwavering commitment to achieving positive outcomes have left a lasting impression on those she represents. Many clients express their gratitude for her ability to navigate complex situations, often resulting in successful resolutions, and wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of a dedicated attorney.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

My attorney Amanda Skillern was amazing!

I’m really glad I’ve met her. She demonstrated a deep understanding of the legal issues in my case. She understood me and treated me as a real person. Amanda is so amazing.

My attorney “ Amanda Skillern “ was AMAZING very attentive and informative about my case. I really didn’t know what to expect going into this whole situation but she went above and beyond to get everything resolved and DISMISSED

Amanda truly helped me with everything she could ! she is amazing and im so happy we were able to resolve the situation with a success ! She came highly recommended to me from a series of different lawyers and she did not dissapoint !! thank you so much amanda!!

Amanda is the best most down hearted person I have met she is amazing and I love her and though I don’t plan on getting into anymore trouble if I do I know exactly who to call. She is very genuine and very on point I recommend her to any and everyone! Don’t hesitate!

If you find yourself needing a lawyer, you won’t find any better than Amanda Skillern. She takes the time to carefully explain everything and is fierce in the courtroom. As busy as she is, you always feel like a priority to her. It was not a pleasant situation to find myself in but from Day 1, I felt comfortable and felt that I was in good hands. In my opinion, there is no one better to have in your corner than Amanda Skillern. If there were 10 stars, then I would give her a 10 star review.

The Best Lawyer in Houston… she has gotten all 5 of my cases dropped. Very demanding to the D.A and firm on what she’s going to get you, very very Thankful for her!!!!

Amanda Skillern is extremely professional and will do everything she can to beat your case!

Amanda is truly the best in the game. Her communication skills are exactly what you are looking for when dealing with something like this. Always kept me updated the whole process and was easy to communicate with. She stood behind me and fought for me. I highly recommend her to anyone dealing with asset forfeiture. Thanks again Amanda

Awesome Attorney

Great Attorney, Terrific Person and was able to get my two cases dropped in the last 4y. I am thrilled to be apart of her journey and would recommend her to anyone who interested in a lawyer.

It was a pleasure working with Amanda. She is highly professional and definitely the best in the business. My car got seized and I had been through a number of other lawyers who weren’t able to retrieve the car back. I had pretty much given up hope. A friend introduced me to Amanda and from the first day we spoke she was open, honest and transparent. She managed to help get the car back and ensured all the paperwork was sorted out too. She went over and beyond my expectations.

Mrs. Skillern went above and beyond on our sons case. Had we not had her hard work on the case and attention to detail it would have been a much different outcome for us. She also kept up with the courts miss-filing of court documents months afterwards to ensure everything was as it should be. Our family highly recommended her services.

I was in a deep hole and afraid of moving forward with my life because of my charges. When I presented to court I thought to myself I am doomed, but then I was blessed with Amanda to represent me. She immediately took information from my case and made sense of everything. She guaranteed me a dismissal and succeeded ! I feel such a relief and I hope to not need these services again, but if anyone ever was in a tough criminal circumstance I would 100% refer Amanda Skillern to represent them !’