Clients | schafferfirm

Testimonials From Clients

Randy has enjoyed a special relationship with his clients over the years, as reflected by the following letters:

Feanyichi Uvukansi wrote the following letter to Randy after he learned that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals had granted a certificate of appealability:

"Sending this letter to thank you for the extraordinary work that you put in on my behalf. I am truly thankful to God for your representation."

Wilberto Arellano wrote the following letter to Randy after the trial court recommended habeas corpus relief on his murder conviction:

"I want to thank you for your help and counsel. I have never met an attorney who exudes the fervor and ability to engage people as you do. I am grateful to have you on my side."

C. Patek, whom Randy represented on an aggravated assault charge that was dismissed in 1987, wrote the following letter to Randy in 2022:

“Not sure if you remember me. I was charged with a third-degree felony. You saved my life for sure. I cannot thank you enough. I've had a very productive life and career. Every once and a while I think what my life would have been like if you hadn't helped me. Best money I ever spent!”

A business man wrote the following letter to Randy and Josh after the State dismissed felony child endangerment charges that had been filed against his wife and him:

“We thank you both for your hard work and success in this case. Its been a very trying time for all of our family. Honestly, we couldn't have gotten through this process without your help and guidance. The outcome is obviously the best conclusion we could have hoped for and I believe it was directly due to your representation. You guys are true pros and the best in the business and I am glad to have made your acquaintance. We look forward to being in touch.”

Keith Hill wrote this letter when habeas corpus relief was denied after a nine-year battle in state and federal court:

"I appreciate the amazing, relentless work that you did on my case.If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.All I wanted from you from day one was a fight, and a fight to the finish is exactly what I’ve received.Thank you."

Arthur Bautista wrote this letter after his habeas corpus evidentiary hearing:

“You were flawless. I saw that in the courtroom with my own eyes. By the look on the judge’s face, she was amazed. The prosecutor was at a loss for words and all she could do was blink her eyes! I talked to my brother after court was over, and he said, ‘Wow!’”

Randy settled a civil lawsuit against Houston's Restaurant in 1991 on behalf of a female employee who was sexually assaulted by a convicted rapist that Houston's negligently hired to work in the kitchen. Randy represented her in 2018 when she was charged with aggravated assault. He made a written presentation to the grand jury that resulted in a no bill. She wrote him the following letter:

"Almost 30 years ago you helped give me a life. This time you saved it. Thank you. I am truly grateful for your assistance."

Pastor Diaz wrote this letter after his first degree felony charge was dismissed:

"Mr. Schaffer, the reason for this letter is to once again thank you for all you did for me and my family. I’m sorry if I couldn’t find the right words to thank you yesterday, but I just wasn’t able to process what had just taken place. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for all the care and concern you have shown me, and for working tirelessly to ensure my second chance at life. If it weren’t for your ethical and professional approach, I wouldn’t be able to write this letter to you today. Thanks once again for your legal advice, time, and efforts. Me and my loved ones will always be in great debt to you. I promise to take full advantage of this second chance you worked so hard for."

Robert Jennings, a death row inmate, wrote the following letter after he received an execution date:

"Only you stand between me and certain death. For your unceasing efforts on my behalf, I am grateful. The State wants its revenge, but you've stood for fairness and justice."

Heath Stoneman wrote the following letter after the Court of Criminal Appeals reversed his convictions and ten-year sentences for aggravated assault on a public servant:

"Thank you so much for all that you've done. Your representation has been more than I could have asked for. You are a man that looked at everything, saw the truth, and set out to have that truth revealed. From the investigation to the writing to the hearing, now to this point, you have done an amazing job, and I thank you so much for standing up and fighting for me."

David Holford wrote the following letter to Randy after the final arguments in his habeas corpus hearing:

"Thank you for the phenomenal job you did on your final arguments. Both the content and the delivery were sublime. I truly appreciate that amount of work you put into not only the final arguments, but the case as a whole."

Pastor Diaz wrote the following letter to Randy while his case was being prepared for trial after the trial court granted a motion for new trial:

"The effort and dedication you have shown toward my case has been nothing short of amazing. You have gone above and beyond any of our expectations, but that does not surprise me, it only speaks to your professionalism. My family and I cannot thank you enough."

Freddy Gonzalez wrote the following letter to Randy after he received a copy of his application for a writ of habeas corpus:

“I must confess that I am beyond astonishment. I cannot express my gratitude enough. I thank you and extol you for your great services. I now know that I made a great decision by having my family retain you after I had already given up and lost hope.”

David Holford, serving a life sentence for capital murder, wrote the following letter to Randy after he received a copy of his application for a writ of habeas corpus:

“Needless to say, Mr. Schaffer, not only does your reputation precede you, but this is the most subtly forceful, elegant piece of legal reasoning that I have ever read. Bravo, bravo. My dearest mother is forever in your debt.”

Steven Logan, serving a life sentence for capital murder, wrote the following letter to Randy after receiving the application for a writ of habeas corpus:

“In the year that you have been my counsel, you have shown me nothing but the utmost responsibility and professionalism. For that, words cannot explain my appreciation. My respect and loyalty to you is undying.”

Charlie Bradley, serving 75-year sentences for aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping, wrote the following letter to Randy after the habeas corpus hearing:

“Randy, you are talked about a lot, meaning people love you. It’s a lot of respect for you in the system. I want you to know I thank God for an attorney like you to fight for people like me who don’t understand the law.”

David Donovan, serving a 45-year sentence for aggravated sexual assault, wrote the following letter to Randy following the habeas corpus hearing:

"Thank you very much for your time, interest, dedication, and hard work in my case. Thank you for your patience with me and for your understanding. I really appreciate all of this from the bottom of my heart. Please tell Mr. Hayter that I appreciate all of his time and dedication as well. There has not been a day that has gone by since our first meeting that I don't wish that I had had you as my lawyer back in 1997. I know I would have never ended up in this situation. I don't know if this will mean anything, but I believe that every individual who goes to law school with the desire and drive to defend criminal cases should want to strive to be like you."

Henry Molina, serving a 60-year sentence for murder, wrote the following letter to Randy after habeas corpus relief was denied despite the trial court's recommendation that it be granted:

"I was honored to sit by you in that court room and have you representing me. It is hard to find people like you who have a heart and integrity for people and the intelligence and "know how" to somewhat even the playing field in a very unfair system. You did all you could. You and your amazing staff and co-workers. I am forever grateful. Keep doing what you do, Mr. Schaffer. You and your staff do make a difference. Your name is a legend here. You give us hope."

Tim Myers, serving a 50-year sentence for aggravated robbery, wrote the following letter to Randy after habeas corpus relief was denied:

"Even though I'm so sick of the judicial system, how it has done us, I'm very satisfied and appreciative of everything you have done for me. You have went above and beyond the call of duty to fight for my innocence and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You did everything you possibly could. I couldn't ask for more."

Lee Tollefson, serving a 50-year sentence for murder, wrote the following letter to Randy after he received his brief in the Fifth Circuit:

"I wanted to express my appreciation to you personally because of your show of loyalty and perseverance in my case. You truly are one of a kind."

Dana Contreras, who had served 15 years of a 40-year sentence for murder, wrote the following letter to Randy after the Court of Criminal Appeals granted a new trial on punishment because the State used false testimony, and the State agreed to reduce her sentence to 20 years:

"I was excited to receive your letter saying the DA has gone down to 20 years! It's what I've hoped for, but didn't expect. I'm more than pleased with your representation of me. It's hard to express the gratitude, hope, and opportunity your work has given me. You do much more than a job, you're bringing life to someone who would not have otherwise had it. I hope it's returned to you a thousandfold. Please know that at the end of your day, you've brought joy into the lives of many people. Surely the feeling for you must be victorious and it's well deserved . . . . I could never express my gratitude adequately. You did an outstanding job. I've recommended you to everyone I know. Thanks so much."

Zac Hernandez, appealing his conviction for manslaughter, wrote the following letter to Randy after he received his Petition For Discretionary Review:

“Wow! I am speechless. I owe you a ‘Big Thanks’ and am indebted to you. My family agrees that there is finally a feeling of support and backing. So many of the points made we have been trying to make along the way and, to top it off, you put them very eloquently. Our thanks again in following through with your professional experience and expertise.”

Donnie Ducksworth, serving a 60-year sentence for aggravated robbery, wrote the following letter to Randy after he received his habeas corpus application and brief:

"I just want to say thanks, buddy! You are the best. I hear nothing but positive things about you. You are a very hardworking man."

Huy Bui, serving a life sentence for capital murder, wrote the following letter to Randy after the conclusion of his habeas corpus proceeding:

“I wanted to write to thank you for all your efforts on my behalf during the course of the writ proceedings. Although the result wasn't what I was looking for, I do know that I had the best in there fighting for me, and that you gave it your best. You, sir, are what I can only describe as a real 'trench fighter,' and your reputation is very much deserved!”

Max Moussazadeh, serving a life sentence for murder, wrote the following letter to Randy after he received habeas corpus relief and was resentenced to 30 years:

“I want to thank you for all your help and for getting me to where I am now. I know that I could not have done it without you. Over the years I lost hope and never thought I would make it to this point. You made all of this possible for me and once again I want to thank you.”

Ramy Hozaifeh, serving a life sentence for capital murder, wrote the following letter to Randy after a prison visit during his state habeas corpus proceeding:

“Thank you for your last visit. As always, it is an amazing thing to me to see the impact a person such as you can have on people’s lives. I know a lot of the men you represent on this facility, and it is a sobering thing to see the power God has given men of authority. After one of your visits, if it’s good news…woohoo, men are on top of the world. You do a great job balancing reality and understanding. That must be an art in itself! And I thank you for your honesty and convictions in what you do. Your zeal is unmistakable! Thank you also for your work on my behalf. What makes you such an impact in these men’s lives is your unmistakable familiarity with the cases. Not just cursory knowledge of the facts, but real-time knowledge of details. It personalizes your work, and more so, it makes your every word a thousand times more taken to heart. Your ability to know so much about the cases (personally), and to convey that confidence…you make it real, my friend! In the end, I would like to just shake your hand and say thanks.”

Tim Alley, serving a five-year sentence for aggravated assault, wrote the following letter to Randy after the evidentiary hearing in his habeas corpus proceeding:

“Regardless of the outcome of the hearing, I want to sincerely thank you for everything you have done for me. You have fought a battle for justice on my behalf with integrity and honor and for that I am truly grateful. My wife and I will always feel indebted to you for your tremendous effort to help us, and may God bless you always.”

A lawyer wrote the following letter to Randy after his felony charges were dismissed:

“Please, let me thank you for your kind and courteous representation in my case. As stressful as this case was to my family and me, I could always rely upon you to calm me down and keep me going. There are, unfortunately, lawyers who will not communicate with their clients. You are certainly not one of them, as you ALWAYS return calls, send correspondence, and otherwise communicate promptly. This is so beneficial to a worried client.”

Jerry Green, serving an 80-year sentence for murder, wrote the following letter to Randy after learning that there would be an evidentiary hearing in his habeas corpus proceeding:

“I thank you so much for all that you are doing for me. I owe you everything for getting me back into the courts. And I will never stop showing you my appreciation. You are a blessing to this world and to my family. Just wanted you to know that me and my family appreciate you very much.”

E.B., 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.”

Randall Dale Adams, who was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death, became the subject of the movie, "The Thin Blue Line," and the book, " Adams v. Texas," after Randy obtained a new trial and dismissal of the charge. He wrote the following inscription on the inside cover of the book that he gave to Randy:

"Thank you for being in the right place at the right time...while I was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

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.”

THE SCHAFFER FIRM

C. Patek, whom Randy represented on an aggravated assault charge that was dismissed in 1987, wrote the following letter to Randy in 2022:

“Not sure if you remember me. I was charged with a third-degree felony. You saved my life for sure. I cannot thank you enough. I've had a very productive life and career. Every once and a while I think what my life would have been like if you hadn't helped me. Best money I ever spent!”

A business man wrote the following letter to Randy and Josh after the State dismissed felony child endangerment charges that had been filed against his wife and him:

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Huy Bui, serving a life sentence for capital murder, wrote the following letter to Randy after the conclusion of his habeas corpus proceeding:

Max Moussazadeh, serving a life sentence for murder, wrote the following letter to Randy after he received habeas corpus relief and was resentenced to 30 years:

Ramy Hozaifeh, serving a life sentence for capital murder, wrote the following letter to Randy after a prison visit during his state habeas corpus proceeding:

Tim Alley, serving a five-year sentence for aggravated assault, wrote the following letter to Randy after the evidentiary hearing in his habeas corpus proceeding:

A lawyer wrote the following letter to Randy after his felony charges were dismissed:

Jerry Green, serving an 80-year sentence for murder, wrote the following letter to Randy after learning that there would be an evidentiary hearing in his habeas corpus proceeding:

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

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:

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:

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

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:

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

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:

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:

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

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:

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

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:

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

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

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

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:

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:

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