Testimonials From Clients & Their Families

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Testimonials from Clients

     Randy and Josh have enjoyed a special relationship with their clients over the years, as reflected by the following letters:

• Mr. Berg, serving a 70-year sentence for aggravated sexual assault, wrote the following letter to Randy after the evidentiary hearing in his habeas corpus proceeding:

“I have for some time wished to convey to you my great respect and admiration for the extremely professional, well-planned and executed attack against my trial attorney and prosecution at my evidentiary hearing.  I have told many that it was like watching the closing argument of Perry Mason in one of his better scripted series.  In fact, the two constables who escorted me from the courtroom after the hearing expressed how impressed they were with your presentation, and they see many.  Your arguments and objections have all shown the same degree of high caliber capability and professionalism.”

• Cynthia Simpler, serving a 35-year sentence for aggravated assault on a public servant, wrote the following letter to Randy after receiving a copy of her application for a writ of habeas corpus:

“Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for your super, outstanding work you have done for me.  I am proud to say you are on my team and fighting for my freedom.  My writ is so professional, and you didn’t miss a thing.  You waste no time at all and have answered all my questions.  I can write a page and you answer in one sentence and it’s complete.  Once again, thank you.

“Remarkable!  You are the top #1 lawyer in the state of Texas.  Just four months ago, I had no hope . . . .  God bless you and yours.”

• Christopher Norman, serving five 50-year sentences for aggravated robbery, wrote the following letter to Randy after receiving a copy of his application for a writ of habeas corpus:

“I have always heard that you were an excellent lawyer.  Now, I can speak from experience that you are not just a lawyer but a professional.  I have dealt with a multitude of lawyers in my past and have been lied to on many occasions.  At this point in my life I didn’t think I could ever trust a lawyer again.  But you have changed my mind.  I can say that there is one professional law office I can trust and it is your office.”

• Christopher Norman wrote the following letter to Randy after he was acquitted at the retrial:

“Mr. Schaffer, I want to thank you, your son, and your staff for digging me up from the graveyard!  Mere words cannot express how grateful I am.  You exceeded my expectations.  You and Josh are very skilled appeal and trial lawyers with superior knowledge.  Your law firm is in a class by itself.  There isn’t a stone in my case you didn’t turn over.  I want to thank you again from the bottom of my heart!”

• Carlos Coy (a.k.a. “South Park Mexican”), serving a 45-year sentence for aggravated sexual assault, wrote the following letter to Randy after receiving a copy of his application for a writ of habeas corpus:

“I just want to say that it looks very good, so to the point and direct.  I feel you’ve done an excellent, excellent job.  I just want to say thank you for your hard work and great work.”

• Mark Robertson, a death row inmate, wrote the following letter to Randy after he received a last-minute stay of execution:

“I hope everyone at the office will have a joyous holiday season.  For me, this one is extra special, for if it were not for your hard work, I could not enjoy it with my family and friends.  So thank you for being who you are.”

• Darwin Erwin, serving a 50-year sentence for aggravated sexual assault, wrote the following letter to Randy asking for advice regarding his teenage daughter, who expressed interest in studying law:

“The reason I am asking for your advice is because I trust, respect, and think of you as a man of integrity, one I would like my daughter to pattern herself after should she proceed in being a lawyer.  Your advice would mean a lot to her and me, and I would be extremely grateful.”

• Dale Hill, serving a 12-year sentence for aggravated assault, wrote the following letter to Randy after receiving a copy of his application for a writ of habeas corpus:

“I want to thank you for your excellent service.  I have noted that you are one of the best, if not the best, in the state of Texas and perhaps in the United States.  It is well known throughout the system that the name of Randy Schaffer is a light at the end of a dark tunnel and brings hope to many.” 

• Orin Lee Molo, serving a life sentence for aggravated robbery, wrote the following letter to Randy while his habeas corpus proceeding was pending:

“With you as my attorney, I have learned to respect and believe that there are caring people in the world.  From you I have learned to help others to achieve their goal whenever I can and at the same time learned to be honest about my approach toward my fellow man.”

• Kenneth West, serving cumulated 60-year sentences for two murders, wrote the following letter to Randy after he received a copy of his appellate brief:

“I want to thank you for the effective professional job you have done on my appeal.  I know that it was without hyperbole when it was stated that you and your firm are in a professional class of their own.”

• A nightclub owner wrote the following letter to Randy after charges of misapplication of fiduciary property were dismissed:

“The sense of relief and freedom has finally sunk in.  I want to thank you for representing me and your invaluable judgment in dealing with my otherwise insurmountable problem.  Regardless of the circumstances, I always felt that you treated me with dignity and respect, which was so important for me to get through my nightmare.”

• Evaristo Valencia, serving a 75-year sentence for aggravated possession of cocaine, wrote the following letter to Randy after learning that his conviction had been reversed on appeal:

“I cannot find the words to tell you how grateful I am.  I can only hope that you will realize the depth of my heartfelt thanks.  The smile just won’t come off my face.  The rude and disrespectful mannerisms of the guards have no effect on me now.  I know that it must be driving them up the wall that I can’t quit smiling.  I will never forget your amazing patience and kindness that you have shown me.”

• A lawyer wrote the following letter to Randy after his cocaine charge was successfully resolved:

“Before I ever stepped into your office I had heard excellent things about you.  Often times, people do not live up to their reputations.  You exceeded my expectations.  Thank you.”

• Ricky Morrow, a death row inmate, wrote the following letter to Randy at the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing in his habeas corpus proceeding:

“I only wish that I had the ability to verbally chronicle facts in the eloquent and potent way you did at the end of the hearing.  You were excellent, the most focused and skilled lawyer I have ever seen in a courtroom.  Thanks so much for the dedication you gave the case.  I am exhausted.”

• Clay Chabot, serving a life sentence for capital murder, wrote the following letter to the family of another inmate recommending that they hire Randy:

“Randy Schaffer has been working on my case for several years.  No matter what happens, I will always be satisfied with the representation he gave me.  I just don’t think it’s possible to get any better.  One of the biggest factors I had in mind when I hired him was that I would not question myself for the rest of my life about whether I hired a lawyer who did everything that could have been done.  Schaffer fights for his clients with a vengeance and pays attention to the little things too, like writing to answer a client’s questions.  Every time I have written Randy, he writes back within a few days.  Every time.  Like clockwork.  This in itself tells a great deal about him.  He is punctual, meticulous, and highly intelligent.  He does not play politics or bow to the good old boy system.  I found him to be a compassionate man with high values, morals, and ethics.  My strongest recommendation to you is to do your own research and make your own decision.  However, when all the votes are in, I believe you’ll find Schaffer wins by a landslide.”

• Martin Weinberg, a lawyer in Boston, wrote the following letter to Randy after the prosecutor withdrew a federal grand jury subpoena for his financial records regarding a client:

“You taught me by your wisdom and judgment the truth to the saying that when a lawyer represents himself he has a fool for a client.  You taught me a second indelible lesson; that instead of distancing themselves from their clients, lawyers need to continuously communicate and share not just the final decisions but also the process by which they are reached.  You were, to me, a loyal advocate in my time of distress.”

• Ernest Lombard, serving a 65-year sentence for aggravated robbery, wrote the following letter to Randy after his aggravated robbery conviction was reversed and the charge was dismissed:

“I ain’t no homosexual but I damn sure love you!  Thanks for everything.  I’ll never forget you!”

• Jack Franklin, serving a 75-year sentence for theft, wrote the following letter to Randy after he was acquitted on appeal:

“Well, it might interest you to know that your name, when mentioned, brings smiles and high praise from all that you have dealt with in the past.  A rare tribute to any attorney dealing with the criminal element for long.”

• Joel Stafford wrote the following letter to Josh after he was acquitted of assault:

“It brings great pleasure to have had the Schaffer Firm represent me in a critical time in my life.  I can say you raise the standard of the legal profession in what an attorney-client relationship is all about.  The Schaffer Firm zealously pursues superior actions and results to protect the rights of its clients.  Josh, it is a blessing that I had you representing me.  I know that you will take your father’s legacy to even greater heights.  I thank you and the Firm, for you are true professionals.”

• A businessman wrote the following letter to Josh after he was acquitted of DWI:

“I’m of the opinion that it could have only been a ‘top notch’ lawyer to do what you did.  You are a true professional, and I honestly appreciate everything you did.  You were a true ‘prize fighter’ in the courtroom, and the jury saw it.  GREAT JOB Josh!!!  I will hopefully never need your services again in a courtroom, but you will be the first I recommend to anyone.  Thanks again.”

• Mr. Jensen, serving a 40-year sentence for aggravated sexual assault wrote the following letter to Josh after receiving a copy of his habeas corpus application:

“I am writing to thank you for the excellent service you provided on my writ of habeas corpus and for your quick and prompt response in answering all letters and questions.  I honestly believe that I have finally found a lawyer that goes above and beyond the call of normal lawyering duties, who really cares about his clients.  When I received my brief and read it for the first time, I knew that you had dedicated a lot of time, effort, and research into making sure I received the best possible outcome.  Mere words cannot express how grateful I am to have found an attorney of your caliber.  Regardless of the outcome of this proceeding, I honestly believe that you have rendered unto me the best representation out there.  Once again, thank you for a job well done.”

• Scotty Taylor, serving a 99-year sentence for possession of a controlled substance, wrote the following letter to Josh at the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing in his habeas corpus proceeding:

“Thank you.  I’m very proud of you and your work at this hearing.  You covered absolutely every avenue that this or any court could possibly run to now or in the future.  Marvelous job.  You should have seen the looks on these clowns from the State when you and the judge were going back and forth at the end of the hearing.  They could do only one thing.  Sit with their mouths open and stare at you.  Even the judge had a smile at the end and said great job.”

• Evangelica Aguilar, serving a 25-year sentence for murder, wrote the following letter to Josh at the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing in her habeas corpus proceeding:

“I just want to say thank you for all that you and Randy have done.  I was amazed and in awe by what I saw in court.  Too bad I couldn’t have had the Schaffer Firm from the beginning.”

• Mr. Ferguson wrote the following letter to Josh after his conviction was set aside and the case was dismissed and expunged:

“I really appreciate all the work you did on my case.  You got done exactly what I needed done, and it couldn’t have turned out any better.  I will recommend you anytime.”

Testimonials from Family Members of Clients

     Randy and Josh have received praise from the families of clients, as reflected by the following letters:

• Lisa Threet wrote the following letter to Randy during his representation of her son, serving a 20-year sentence for manslaughter, in a habeas corpus proceeding:

“It’s only two small words but they are said with BIG heartfelt thanks for all that you have done for Brandon.  We received our paperwork and Thank You for everything.  It all looks and sounds great.  We are jazzed about his case!  Thank you for all of your hard work and for taking on Brandon’s case.  If not for you we wouldn’t even stand a chance.  So again Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!”

• The Campos family wrote the following letter to Randy during his representation of their son, serving a life sentence for murder, in a habeas corpus proceeding:

“As a family we recognize that our involvement with the justice system is far from over.  However, we already desire to express how truly grateful we are for you not only deciding to take our case but moreover for your highly professional work and your seemingly exhaustless tenacity in your representation.  There were several things we took note of and from the very beginning you distinguished yourself.  Especially during your argument before the court, where you enumerated the issues which require an evidentiary hearing, we commonly felt as though you held our very own convictions.  You even stood up to “his honor” in asserting your views when he dissented.  That said and meant a lot to us.  For all your efforts…as a family, we thank you.”

• Wanda Powell wrote the following letter to Randy after observing him present argument at a habeas corpus hearing for Gary Lewis, serving a 12-year sentence for murder:

“You could see from the demeanor of the judge as well as the other judge who stayed to observe the hearing that they knew they were in the presence of a well-recognized specialist in criminal cases.  I loved it!  Good job Randy and Josh!  Thank you again for all your expertise!”

• Carlos Bounds wrote the following letter to Randy after the evidentiary hearing in her son’s habeas corpus proceeding:

“You handled yourself in such a way that I wanted to just call everyone to see you at work.  There was not a stone that you didn’t turn to prove the case.  It is a fight to the finish.  I have the attorney that I know can get the job done.  I am very proud of your professionalism, demeanor, attitude, and your heart for justice.”

• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas wrote the following letter to Randy after he persuaded a juvenile court not to transfer their son from a juvenile detention facility to state prison:

“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the enormous efforts of you and your staff in defense of our son. Words cannot express the gratefulness that we feel toward your personal involvement and care.”

• Jim McCloskey, the president of Centurion Ministries, an organization that investigates the wrongful convictions of innocent prisoners, sent the following letter to Randy during his representation of A.B. Butler (later proven to be innocent) in post-conviction proceedings:

“I want you to know that not only does A.B. and his family thank God you are on this case, but so do I.  Your experience, skill, and patience are vast and without equal.  As I know you will, please keep up your unflagging efforts on behalf of A.B. to assure his freedom as soon as possible, and his pardon as soon as practicable.  Neither of us can rest until he is free and clear.”

• Mr. McCloskey also sent the following letter to Randy during his representation of Juan Chavez in post-conviction proceedings:

“I just read your brief on behalf of Juan.  BRAVO!  Your words are so direct and unequivocal.  They ring with clarity.  Thank you for being such a strong advocate.”

• Mr. and Mrs. Evans wrote the following letter to Randy after he favorably resolved their son’s aggravated sexual assault charge:

“We are sending our heartfelt thanks for your expert knowledge and help in getting all three of us through a heartbreaking, heart-stopping ordeal.  We shall be eternally grateful for your guidance and work.  We will always consider you a dear friend who lent a helping hand when we needed one so badly.  God bless you always.”

• Mrs. Belin wrote the following letter to Randy after her son was acquitted on a drug possession charge:

“Just a quick note from a grateful mother.  You were so diligent in preparing everything for us and so reassuring that you really were a help to this harried mother.  As you conducted yourself and I saw how competent and well-spoken you were, I felt myself relaxing.  I am sure you will have many years of helping heartsick, frightened people through many agonizing hours.  They will be grateful to you too, but for this moment, please know how much we appreciate you!”

• Mrs. Brennan wrote the following letter to Josh after her husband’s assault on a peace officer charge was dismissed on the day of trial:

“Paul and I are so very thankful to have met both you and your father.  Because of your determination, will to succeed, and belief in justice, you were able to put an end to a yearlong nightmare.  We will never forget all your efforts, and hope you know just how grateful we are.”

• Robert Squire wrote the following letter to Josh during the habeas corpus proceeding for his wife, Evangelica Aguilar:

“I have been reading your work on her writ and am extremely very proud of what you have done and said.  This is a fantastic piece of work.  I get very excited every time I review this.  It’s an amazing statement.  I am/we are, very happy we hired you and the Schaffer Firm for this habeas filing.  I know you are going to get the best results possible out of this hearing and am very anxious to see this hearing.  Keep up the great work, and hopefully we’ll see Evie home in the near future.  We both know we have a long road ahead of us, but you’ve gotten what we’ve needed so far, there is no reason to think more can’t be achieved.  Our hopes and prayers are with you, your talent and ability.  Thank you for everything.”

• Mr. Squire wrote the following letter to Josh at the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing in his wife’s habeas corpus proceeding:

“Once again, Josh, we cannot thank you enough for the way you handled the courtroom proceedings.  Together, you [and Randy] are unmatchable, peerless.  I had a chance to speak with [Ms. Aguilar’s trial lawyer] afterwards.  He said that he had never seen anyone better prepared.  Thank you and Randy for your more than hard work and tough fought battle.  You guys are the greatest.  Even if this doesn’t go our way, you will forever have our support and recommendations to anyone who asks.  We give you the highest marks for your work.  No matter the outcome, we know the effort you put forward and appreciate it more than words can express.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  It’s not over quite yet, but I wanted to say these things to you before it is over because of how strongly we feel about the work you preformed for Evie for us.  Good luck and keep up the fantastic work you and your firm is doing.”

• The parents of a high school student wrote the following letter to Josh after he obtained the reduction of a felony charge to a misdemeanor:

“We want to thank you for all the work you did and time you spent on our son’s case.  The outcome was much better than expected.  Your dad and now you have been a great influence on him.  Please keep in touch with him.”

• Virgil Stone wrote the following letter to Josh after he represented Stone’s grandson:

“You are a good lawyer, and an honest one on legal fees.  Your actions are very much appreciated.  When we need legal help in the future, or when our friends need such service, I certainly will not forget you.”