Illegal solicitation—known in Texas law as barratry—isn’t just unethical; it’s a serious offense that can destroy public trust and harm victims already reeling from an accident or injury. If were approached unlawfully after a crash, you need a skilled solicitation lawyer in Houston who understands how to fight back.
At The Miller Law Firm – The Texas Bulldog, we’ve built a reputation on aggressive advocacy, ethical integrity, and unmatched client dedication. Our firm doesn’t tolerate shady practices—and we don’t let our clients fall prey to them either.
If you’ve been contacted by someone promising “legal help” before you even had time to heal, that could be a sign of barratry. Let’s walk through what it means, how we handle these cases, and how you can take action today.
Table of Contents
- What Is Solicitation in Texas?
- Why You Need a Solicitation Lawyer in Houston
- Texas Laws on Barratry and Solicitation
- How The Texas Bulldog Fights Back Against Illegal Solicitation
- Examples of Solicitation in Houston
- Your Rights if You Were Illegally Contacted
- Defending Against Solicitation Allegations
- The Legal Process: Step-by-Step
- Why Choose The Miller Law Firm – The Texas Bulldog
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Video Resource
- Client Reviews
- Contact Us / Free Consultation
- Our Houston Office Location
What Is Solicitation in Texas?
Solicitation—legally referred to as barratry under Texas Penal Code §38.12—happens when someone improperly solicits a client for financial gain after an accident or legal incident.
Examples include:
- A “runner” or “case manager” showing up at your hospital bed urging you to sign with a law firm.
- Receiving phone calls or messages from lawyers you never contacted.
- Being promised money, rides, or medical treatment if you “sign up.”
This behavior is illegal in Texas and carries civil penalties and even criminal charges. Victims of solicitation may also be entitled to compensation under the Texas Government Code §82.0651, which allows individuals to recover up to $50,000 in damages (per infraction!) —plus legal fees.
Our team at The Miller Law Firm doesn’t just know the law—we use it to expose those who break it.
Why You Need a Solicitation Lawyer in Houston
The reality is simple: illegal solicitation can ruin your case before it even starts. Unscrupulous actors prey on people who are confused and hurt, convincing them to sign representation agreements they don’t understand.
A dedicated Houston solicitation lawyer can:
- Investigate and identify those who engaged in improper contact.
- Void unethical contracts signed under pressure.
- Recover money lost due to illegal solicitation.
- Defend legitimate businesses or attorneys wrongly accused of solicitation.
If you suspect someone reached out to you without your permission after a crash or arrest, contact The Texas Bulldog immediately.
Even if you were at fault for the accident, if you were contacted illegally you may be entitle to $50,000! We’ve handled solicitation, barratry, and accident-related legal issues across Houston, Harris County, and beyond.
👉 Related: Texas Barratry Lawyer – Protecting Victims of Illegal Solicitation
Texas Laws on Barratry and Solicitation
Texas law takes solicitation extremely seriously. The state imposes both criminal and civil penalties for violations.
- Criminal Barratry (§38.12 Texas Penal Code):
- It is illegal for a person to solicit employment for profit if the contact wasn’t initiated by the potential client.
- Violations may lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
- Civil Barratry (§82.0651 Texas Government Code):
- Allows victims to void contracts and seek damages.
- Enables recovery of actual damages, a $50,000 penalty (per infraction), AND attorney fees.
The Texas Bulldog team helps victims file these claims, navigate complex timelines, and ensure they get justice.
How The Texas Bulldog Fights Back Against Illegal Solicitation
We don’t just file cases—we build ironclad strategies. Here’s how our firm handles solicitation matters:
- Immediate Free Consultation:
We listen to your story, review your documentation, and evaluate your options. - Evidence Gathering:
From call records to hospital visitor logs, we uncover how and when the illegal contact occurred. - Negotiation or Litigation:
When necessary, we bring the full Bulldog energy to court. Our legal team is trial-tested and relentless. - Client Protection:
We guide you through voiding illegal contracts and securing rightful compensation.
Read more: Why Choose Our Top-Rated Houston Law Firm
Examples of Solicitation in Houston
Houston’s size and accident volume make it a hot spot for improper solicitation. Some of the most common examples we encounter include:
- Wreck chasers: People who listen to police scanners and show up at crash sites pretending to help.
- Hospital hustlers: Representatives disguised as medical staff pushing legal paperwork.
- Insurance interference: Adjusters steering you toward specific law firms or chiropractors.
- Online data mining: Using accident reports to cold-call victims.
If any of these sound familiar, you might be a victim of illegal solicitation—and The Texas Bulldog can help you bite back.
Your Rights if You Were Illegally Contacted
Under Texas law, you have powerful rights if someone tried to sign you up unlawfully:
- You may void any contract signed due to illegal solicitation.
- You can file a civil lawsuit for damages and attorney’s fees.
- You can report the offenders to the State Bar or law enforcement.
These rights exist to protect accident victims from exploitation. Our job is to make those protections count.
If you suspect misconduct, contact us for a free consultation and we’ll review every step of your case to uncover violations.
Defending Against Solicitation Accusations
Not every accusation of solicitation is valid. Competitors, disgruntled clients, or overzealous regulators may misinterpret legitimate marketing as solicitation.
The Texas Bulldog team defends law firms, investigators, and business owners by:
- Demonstrating compliance with State Bar advertising rules.
- Presenting verified communication records and call logs.
- Highlighting client-initiated contact and referral documentation.
- Negotiating with licensing agencies to resolve disputes privately.
When your professional reputation is at stake, having a Bulldog in your corner makes all the difference.
The Legal Process: Step-by-Step
| Phase | What Happens | Client Role |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | Review of facts, intake of documents, identification of violations | Provide details & evidence |
| Investigation | Subpoenas, witness interviews, hospital log reviews | Stay available for updates |
| Filing | Demand letters or lawsuits prepared | Approve filings |
| Negotiation | Settlement discussions or disciplinary proceedings | Participate in discussions |
| Trial Prep | Evidence presentation, expert witness prep | Review exhibits |
| Resolution | Settlement or verdict reached | Sign releases, collect compensation |
Our communication is open, honest, and constant—because when you hire The Texas Bulldog, you’re part of the pack.
Why Choose The Miller Law Firm – The Texas Bulldog
- Local Houston Leadership: We’re based in the Galleria area, minutes from Uptown and Memorial.
- Over 30 Years of Experience: Representing accident victims, professionals, and whistleblowers.
- Award-Winning Advocacy: Featured in Digital Journal, Grit Daily, and other publications.
- Aggressive Results: Hundreds of Millions recovered for clients across Texas.
- Client Commitment: We win with compassion, not shortcuts.
Visit our About page or Testimonials section to see what makes us the most trusted solicitation lawyer in Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What’s the penalty for illegal solicitation in Texas?
A: Civil penalties can include up to $10,000 in damages plus attorney fees. Criminal penalties range from fines to jail time depending on severity.
Q2: How soon should I report solicitation?
A: Immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it is to gather evidence.
Q3: Can I recover money if I was tricked into signing a contract?
A: Yes. Texas law allows you to void that contract and seek compensation.
Q4: What if a lawyer’s assistant contacted me first?
A: The same restrictions apply to agents and runners acting on a lawyer’s behalf.
Q5: What if I’m falsely accused of solicitation?
A: Our firm will investigate and defend your professional integrity with documented proof of proper conduct.
Barratry Lawyer in Houston Video:
Client Reviews
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“Best Lawyer I ever had!!” — Edgar S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Mr. Miller is amazing! He got me more money than expected!” — Jordan S. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I have had the pleasure of working with Adam at Miller Law Firm and I am thoroughly impressed with his professionalism and expertise. He is diligent, knowledgeable and always goes above and beyond to ensure that our legal needs are met promptly and effectively. I highly recommend Adam and the entire team at Miller Law Firm for any legal services you may require.” — Mark ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
More reviews: See What Clients Are Saying on Google
Free Consultation
If you’ve been a victim of illegal solicitation or are facing barratry allegations, call The Miller Law Firm – The Texas Bulldog today.
📍 Address: 4900 Woodway Drive, Suite 900, Houston, TX 77056
📞 Phone: 713-572-3333
🌐 Website: https://texasbulldoglaw.com
📅 Free Consultations | No Upfront Fees | Confidential Representation
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