declaration of independence

HCCLA 15th Annual Reading: Declaration of Independence

June 20, 2024 Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Robb Fickman, HCCLA Past President/Event Founder
(713) 962-8821 or email

15th Annual Reading: Declaration of Independence

Houston, Texas – July 2, 2024 – In celebration of Independence Day, the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) is holding its 15th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday, July 3rd at 11:00 am outside the criminal courthouse at 1201 Franklin Street, Houston, Texas. Local criminal defense lawyers will take part in reading sections of the text. The national anthem will be performed by attorney Ashley Smith.

Members of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) will also be holding readings in front of courtrooms across the state.

HCCLA President Joe Vinas said, “HCCLA is honored to continue its annual reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Harris County courthouse. It serves as a reminder to all about the sacred rights our founders fought and died for when establishing this great nation. Because of HCCLA leaders like Robb Fickman, this honored tradition has spread to all 254 counties in Texas, across the nation, and in some foreign countries around the world.”

The Reading of the Declaration of Independence by criminal defense lawyers is an annual tradition started by HCCLA Past President Robert Fickman. “We read the Declaration annually as a reminder that the fight against tyranny is a never-ending battle. We must always fight those who would rob us of our liberty. Ben Franklin reminded us that we would have a republic but only “if we can keep it”. The Greatest Generation fought the Nazis who would have robbed us of our liberty. We owe it to the Greatest Generation to continue that fight. We cannot open our arms to anyone who would turn our country into a dictatorship” said Fickman.

The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of the United States and contains within its text the fundamental truths and unalienable rights that typify and embody the American way of life: …that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Defense lawyers preserve these rights and hold the government to the laws of this nation.

Please join us in honoring our nation’s most sacred document in the spirit and celebration of Independence Day:

When: Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Where: Harris County Criminal Justice Center
1201 Franklin Street, Houston, Texas 77002
Time: 11:00 AM

The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association is the largest local criminal defense bar in the United States with more than 700 active members.

Click here for more information about the history of the Readings and photos

HCCLA 14th Annual Reading: Declaration of Independence

June 27, 2023 Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Murray Newman, HCCLA President
(713) 864-2080 or murray@murraynewman.com

14th ANNUAL READING OF THE
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Houston, Texas – June 27, 2023 – In celebration of Independence Day, the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) is holding the 14th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence on Friday, June 30 at 9:30 am outside of the Criminal Justice Center, 1201 Franklin, Houston, Texas.

HCCLA President Murray Newman said, “although the Declaration of Independence isn’t a perfect document, it was our country’s first valiant effort towards forming a more perfect Union and it is one that we recognize by reading in this tradition as we continue to strive to be closer to perfection in our criminal Justice system.”

The Reading of the Declaration of Independence by criminal defense lawyers is an annual tradition started by past president Robert Fickman in 2010. “Our reading is a message to those abusive judges who persistently ignore or trample on the Constitution. Our message is this: the defense bar will continue to stand United against them until they stop their abuse of the Constitution,” said Fickman.

Members of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) will also be holding readings in front of courtrooms across the state. From their website: “The Declaration of Independence is our nation’s most revered symbol of a nation’s stand against the illegal and immoral depredations of the crown against our citizens. It is only fitting that in Texas, which leads the country in the exoneration of those wrongfully accused and imprisoned, criminal defense attorneys serve at the forefront of the battle against the encroachment on our rights today. These readings are a reminder to all in the criminal justice system that abuses of power will be exposed and fought by members of the criminal defense bar.”

The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of the United States, and contains within its text the fundamental truths and unalienable rights that typify and embody the American way of life: …that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Please join us in honoring our nation’s most sacred document in the spirit of independence:

When:     Friday, June 30, 2023
Where:    Criminal Justice Center
1201 Franklin St, Houston, Texas
(outside in front of the courthouse)
Time:      9:30 AM

The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association is the largest local criminal defense bar in the United States with more than 600 active members.

For more information about the history of the readings and photos, visit:
Declaration of Independence Readings (hccla.org)

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HCCLA 13th Annual Reading: Declaration of Independence

June 30, 2022 Leave a Comment

Houston, Texas – June 30, 2022 – As part of our long history of celebrating the birth of this great democracy, the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association will host the 13th annual reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 1,2022 at 11:00 AM.

“During this time when our highest court is stripping away rights of its citizens and there our those whose actions threaten the most fundamental ideals of our great nation, it is of the utmost importance that we remind ourselves of the words of our declaration of independence,” said Jed Silverman, HCCLA President.

See the source image The Reading of the Declaration of Independence by criminal defense lawyers is an annual tradition started by past president Robert Fickman. “Our Founding Fathers declared that they would not live under the tyranny of King George. In reading the Declaration, we annually remind ourselves and our community that as Americans, we will never live under the yoke of any tyrant or tyrants,” said Fickman.

Members of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) will also be holding readings in front of courthouses across the state.

The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of the United States and contains within its text the fundamental truths and unalienable rights that typify and embody the American way of life: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Please join us in honoring our nation’s most sacred document in the spirit of independence:

When: Friday, July 1, 2022
Where: Harris County Family Law Center
1115 Congress Street, Houston, Texas 77002
(southwest lawn of the courthouse) – in the event of rain, the reading will take place under the awning at the same location.
Time: 11:00 AM

Click here for more information about the history of the Readings and photos

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HCCLA 12th Annual Reading: Declaration of Independence

July 1, 2021 Leave a Comment

Houston, Texas – July 1, 2021 – In celebration of Independence Day, the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) is holding its 12th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence on Friday, July 2 at 12:00 pm outside the courthouse in person at 1115 Congress Street, Houston, Texas.

Members of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) will also be holding readings in front of courtrooms across the state. “We are proud to emphasize the patriotism associated with Independence Day,” said TCDLA President Grant Scheiner of Houston. “TCDLA recognizes the Declaration of Independence as a bedrock document that not only liberated the colonies but eventually led to the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the American rule of law—concepts criminal defense lawyers use every day to protect individual liberties in courthouses across the land.”

HCCLA President Joe Vinas said, “HCCLA is honored to continue, for the 12^th consecutive year, its annual reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Harris County courthouse. It serves as a reminder to all about the sacred rights our founders fought and died for when establishing this great nation. Because of HCCLA leaders like Robb Fickman, this honored tradition has spread to all 254 counties in Texas, across the nation, and in some foreign countries around the world.”

The Reading of the Declaration of Independence by criminal defense lawyers is an annual tradition started by past president Robert Fickman. “We read the Declaration annually as a reminder that the fight against tyranny is a never-ending battle. We must always fight those who would rob us of our liberty,” said Fickman.

Please join us in honoring our nation’s most sacred document in the spirit of independence:

When: Friday, July 2, 2021
Where: Harris County Family Law Center
1115 Congress Street, Houston, Texas 77002
(southwest lawn of the courthouse)
Time: 12:00 PM

The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association is the largest local criminal defense bar in the United States with more than 700 active members.

Click here for more information about the history of the Readings and photos

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PR: HCCLA 10th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence

June 26, 2019 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Neal Davis, HCCLA President
(713) 227-4444 or email: neal@nealdavislaw.com

10th ANNUAL READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Houston, Texas – June 28, 2019 – In celebration of Independence Day, the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) is holding its 10th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 12:00 pm outside of the Criminal Justice Center, 1201 Franklin Street.

HCCLA President Neal Davis said, “While our Declaration of Independence is over 200 years old, it continues to be part of our DNA as Americans. It is also a reminder that liberty is an inalienable right and that the government’s power comes from us, the governed. The rights found in the Declaration do not come easily; they must be fought for and enforced every day in our great nation. Many in the criminal justice system, from police to prosecutors to judges, frequently need to be reminded that we are all equal and they work for all of us. It is a testament that not only has the Declaration endured this long, but has become a blueprint for developing democracies around the world.”

The Reading of the Declaration of Independence by criminal defense lawyers is an annual tradition started in 2010 by attorney Robert Fickman, HCCLA Past President. This year, he has coordinated with the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) to hold similar criminal defense lawyer readings in front of more than 140 courthouses across the state.

“Our annual reading of the Declaration comes at a critical time in our nation’s history. Our reading is a reminder that as Americans we cherish liberty, and we reject tyranny in any form,” said Fickman. “We are not a nation that embraces the rule of a king. If we wanted a king, our Founding Fathers would not have risked their Lives, their Fortunes, and their Sacred Honor so that we might all be free.”

Please join us in honoring our nation’s most sacred document in the spirit of independence:

When:     Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Where:   Harris County Criminal Justice Center
1201 Franklin Street, Houston, Texas 77002
(Front steps of the courthouse)
Time:      12:00 PM

The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association is the largest local criminal defense bar in the United States with more than 600 active members.

For more information about the history of the readings and photos, visit:

https://hccla.org/declaration

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

June 29, 2018 Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Doug Murphy, HCCLA President
(713) 229-8333 or email

9th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Houston, Texas – June 29, 2018 – In celebration of Independence Day, the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) is holding its 9th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence on Tuesday, July 3 at 12:00 pm outside of the Criminal Justice Center, 1201 Franklin Street.

HCCLA President Doug Murphy said, “The Declaration of Independence signifies what truly makes America great. The Declaration is not full of empty promises, but these Declarations ultimately became guarantees of liberty, freedom, equality and justice for all.”

The Reading of the Declaration of Independence by criminal defense lawyers is an annual tradition started by past president Robert Fickman. He has also coordinated with the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) to hold more than 100 readings in front of courthouses across the state, including one in front of the Tornillo immigrant minor detention camp near El Paso, Texas.

Please join us in honoring our nation’s most sacred document in the spirit of independence:

The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association is the largest local criminal defense bar in the United States with more than 700 active members.

For more information about the history of the readings and photos, visit here:

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PR: 8th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence

June 27, 2017 Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Tucker Graves, HCCLA President 713-225-4273 office

8th ANNUAL READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Houston, Texas – June 27, 2017 – In celebration of Independence Day, the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) is holding its 8th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence on Friday, June 30 at 11:30 am. This year’s event will be led by Doug Murphy, the association’s president elect, at the Criminal Justice Center, 1201 Franklin Street, Houston, Texas.

HCCLA’s reading of the Declaration is an annual tradition that was started by HCCLA Past President, Robert Fickman. This year he has organized similar readings across the state in front of over 115 local courthouses.

HCCLA continues to lead Texas with the largest gathering, boasting over 100 local attorneys, judges and Houstonians in attendance.

The Declaration of Independence is our nation’s most cherished symbol of liberty. This sacred document is the founding document of the United States, and contains within its text the fundamental truths and unalienable rights that typify and embody the American way of life: …that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Please join us in honoring our nation’s most sacred document in the spirit of independence:

When:     Friday, June 30, 2017
Where:   Harris County Criminal Justice Center
1201 Franklin Street , Houston, Texas (Front steps of the courthouse)
Time:      11:30 AM

The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association is the largest local criminal defense bar in the United States with more than 700 active members.

For more information about the history of the readings and photos, visit:
https://hccla.org/declaration-of-independence-reading

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Our Lives, Our Fortunes, Our Sacred Honor

July 4, 2016 Leave a Comment

As Free and Independent States, Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

July 1, 2016: 7th Annual Reading

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Nicole DeBorde

In this 240th celebration of the Declaration of Independence, we again assembled to pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. In this our 7th annual reading, we stood together to renew our vigor and remind those in power that their power will be checked. As a local activist organization, we, the members of HCCLA, stood together and renewed our promises to our clients and colleagues. We will be the ones who stand against tyranny. We will be the ones who daily fight for individual freedoms and rights so that all will be protected.

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Robert Pelton

In a day where our judiciary thinks they are part of the home team, prosecution and law enforcement, we are the ones who stand to remind them governments can be overthrown. Governments are instituted among men and derive their powers from the consent of the governed. It is not government who decides right or wrong. It is the people. And whenever government becomes destructive, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.

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Robert Fickman and Tyler Flood

We are fortunate to have started this great tradition which has now spread across Texas and is gaining national and even international momentum. Many thanks to Robert Fickman for leading the statewide effort and securing readings in each and every of Texas’ 254 counties.

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Bob Rosenberg

Our history is reflected in a short synopsis of our years. And we hope to continue to grow our symbolic stand against the abuses in our system.

Additional thanks to Bob Rosenberg who tirelessly assists each year, not only with our reading but with photographs to document.

We’d also like to thank those judges and public officials who were able to attend and share our experience: Judge Kristin Guiney, Justice Marc Brown, Judge Ryan Patrick, Judge Jay Karahan, and District Clerk Chris Daniel. Judges Stacey Bond, Mike Fields, and Maria Jackson sent their regrets.

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Steve Halpert

Special thanks to ABC 13 and Jaime Zamora for livestreaming our event! Check out some video HERE

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Earl Musick

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JoAnne Musick

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Romy Kaplan, George Parnham, Mary Conn, Jay Cohen

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Alex Bunin, Chris Tritico

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John Raley, Nicole DeBorde, JoAnne Musick

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Vivian King, Robert Fickman

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Robert Pelton, JoAnne Musick, Danny Easterling

Media from our event:

Click2Houston carries the full video of the event HERE

ABC13 Coverage HERE

Breitbart – Texas Lawyers Celebrate in Every County by Reading Declaration of Independence: Started with HCCLA

Texas News quotes member Tom Berg

International Readings by our Members:

Enjoy members Ken and Judy Mingledorff reading in Prague on behalf of HCCLA

Member Brent Mayr reading on the steps of the Palazzo Publico taken from the Piazza del Campo in Siena, Tuscany, Italy. The relative significance of this location to the Declaration is two-fold. First, the Palazzo was home to one of the first forms of republican government outside of Rome. Second, and more importantly, painted on the walls inside are two famous frescos, The Allegory of Good Government and The Allegory of Bad Government. In The Allegory of Good Government, the central character is guided by Faith, Hope, and Charity, while conferring with the proper virtues necessary for a proper and just ruler: Peace, Fortitude, Prudence, Magnanimity, Temperance and Justice. Appropriately, Justice is depicted balancing the scales held by Wisdom. On the other hand, in The Allegory of Bad Government, the central figure is a demonish looking character with horns and fangs depicting Tyranny. Surrounding him are characters representing Cruelty, Deceit, Fraud, Fury, Division, and War.

Declaration Reading Statewide!

June 6, 2016 Leave a Comment

What started with HCCLA has now grown into a statewide mission due to the continued efforts of our own Robert Fickman, HCCLA past president.

Timeline:

2010 – Robb started this tradition in Harris County for HCCLA

2011 – Robb started organizing readings statewide for TCDLA

2012 – Robb took it nationwide (and continued growing it statewide)

2013 – 52 readings across Texas

2014 – 74 readings across Texas

2015 – 139 readings across Texas

2016 – 254 readings across Texas – if you didn’t know, 254 represents every county in Texas!

Robb Fickman grew up in Midland Texas and moved to Houston to finish high school and then to Austin where he got his degree in political science. He then came back to Houston and attended the University of Houston Law School. Robb had an interest in the law and like many other members saw an opportunity to help those who could not help themselves. Robb never worked as a prosecutor and always has done his best to protect the rights of those citizens who are accused of crimes.

Robb is also mindful of the history of the United States and in 2010 organized the 1st reading of the Declaration of Independence in Harris County. In 2011, this event went statewide with lawyers reading in many counties. In 2012, lawyers started reading nationwide. In 2013, 2014, and 2015 the mission and reach continued to grow.

Now in 2016, thanks to Robb’s unrelenting efforts the Declaration of Independence will be read on the courthouse steps in every county in Texas. Managing 254 counties requires a lot of time and effort and for this Lawyer Fickman deserves our thanks and gratitude.

Our country is in a state of turmoil now and events like this emphasize to the public the importance of the laws and rules we follow in the United states of America. As July 4 approaches be aware of what Lawyer Fickman and many others will be doing by publicly reading this historic document. You too can join us on Friday, July 1st on the Harris County Criminal Justice Center’s steps for our reading. Lawyer Fickman is not a soldier fighting on a battlefield, but he is doing something that will inspire our citizens and remind them that we still live in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

Free from Tyranny

July 4, 2015 1 Comment

11713762_10207087343963333_5644811668517364144_o On July 2, 2015 members of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association again assembled on the courthouse steps for our annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. Began in 2010 by Robert Fickman, this was our 6th Annual Reading.
Always moving and inspiring, this year we were fortunate to have the added joy of hearing two World War II Veterans, Virgil Poe and Joseph Varela Sr., read with us.

We would like to thank all those in attendance as well as those who participated in the reading.

Readings by:
Virgil Poe, JoAnne Musick, Todd Dupont, Chris Tritico, Paul Schiffer, John Raley, Evan Myers, Carmen Roe, Damon Parrish II, Jason Sosa, Robert Fickman, Joseph Varela Sr. (assisted by his son Joe Varela Jr.), Grant Scheiner, Alex Bunin, Danny Easterling, Justin Harris, Ernesst Bo Hopman, Vivienne Schiffer, Mark Metzger, Drew Prisner, Gemayel Haynes, Sarah Wood, Mike Trent, Paul Kennedy, Robert Pelton, Vivian King, Wade Smith, Paul St. John, Jackie Carpenter, Thuy Le, Alejandro Macias, Philip Gommels, Tristan Legrande, Mary Moore, J. Julio Vela, Mark Bennett, Earl Musick, and Nicolas Hughes.

Special thanks to these judges who attended:
Brad Hart, Jay Karahan, Susan Brown, Kristin Guiney, Robin Brown, Brett Busby, Marc Brown, Brock Thomas, Denise Bradley, Mike Fields, Paula Goodhart, Mary Lou Keel, and Michael Schneider.

Very special thanks to those behind the scenes that make it all happen:
Christina Appelt, Joel Avendano, and Bob Rosenberg (official HCCLA photographer).

Our photos can be found via Bob Rosenberg’s Facebook (public posting) here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

We are proud to have started this tradition and watch it grow across the State of Texas. Joined by TCDLA, Robert Fickman has grown this event to cover more than one-half of Texas Counties. A recap can be found here: http://www.criminaldefensedeclarationreading.com/

Some of our members have blogged their personal experiences:

JoAnne Musick, HCCLA President

Philip Gommels, Board Member

You can view the video of our reading here: https://youtu.be/3Bm55f-FQnI

And lastly, KTRH added a little insight into the practice!

HCCLA 15th Annual Reading: Declaration of Independence

HCCLA 14th Annual Reading: Declaration of Independence

HCCLA 13th Annual Reading: Declaration of Independence

HCCLA 12th Annual Reading: Declaration of Independence

PR: HCCLA 10th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

9th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence

PR: 8th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Our Lives, Our Fortunes, Our Sacred Honor

Media from our event:

International Readings by our Members:

Declaration Reading Statewide!

Timeline:

Free from Tyranny

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