Fake Attorney Arrested for Soliciting Houston Crash Victims, Claims He Sells Solar Panels During Court Hearing

HOUSTON, Texas – A 54-year-old man accused of posing as an attorney and approaching accident victims at an active crash scene in North Houston was arrested Saturday, October 17, 2026, on a barratry charge, according to Harris County Constable Mark Herman’s Office.

Pedro Guajardo Cura, 54, allegedly wore a green vest and approached people involved in a major traffic accident while falsely representing himself as an attorney and attempting to solicit their business.

In an unusual development during his initial court hearing, Cura told the court that he worked selling solar panels.

He remained in custody at the Harris County Jail as of October 20, with his bond set at $10,000.

Deputies Encounter Suspected Fake Attorney at Major Accident Scene

On October 17, deputies with Constable Mark Herman’s Office responded to a major traffic accident in the 500 block of North Sam Houston Parkway West, near Greens Crossing Boulevard.

While investigating the crash, deputies encountered Cura, who was allegedly approaching people involved in the collision and offering legal services.

According to the constable’s office, Cura was wearing a green vest and falsely presenting himself as an attorney.

Deputies determined that he was engaging in unlawful solicitation of business at the active accident scene.

Cura was arrested and charged with barratry, an offense commonly associated with the practice known as “ambulance chasing.”

The constable’s office did not disclose how many crash victims Cura approached or whether anyone had agreed to hire him or pay for services.

Magistrate Warns About Exploiting Vulnerable Accident Victims

During Cura’s initial court appearance, the magistrate expressed concern about the circumstances surrounding the alleged solicitation.

The magistrate emphasized that accident victims may be especially vulnerable immediately following a collision, particularly when someone approaches them claiming to have legal expertise.

“There is a real danger in this type of behavior because you’re talking to people who have just been in an accident and in a vulnerable state,” the magistrate told Cura.

The court also noted that individuals involved in the accident were speaking Spanish and could have been particularly reliant on someone offering assistance.

“Claiming you have legal knowledge and can help somebody is illegal because there is a specific level of trust that is conferred upon people of authority, which includes lawyers,” the magistrate said.

“In other words, this entire situation is fraud.”

The magistrate’s remarks addressed the alleged conduct. Cura was booked on a barratry charge, and the information released did not identify a separate fraud charge.

Defendant Tells Court He Works Selling Solar Panels

During the hearing, Cura told the court that he worked selling solar panels.

His statement contrasted with allegations that he had presented himself as an attorney while approaching accident victims.

Authorities described Cura as falsely claiming to be an attorney. The information released did not establish that he held a license to practice law.

Investigators have not explained whether Cura was working independently or attempting to refer accident victims to a law firm or another business.

What Is Barratry Under Texas Law?

Barratry is a criminal offense involving certain prohibited methods of soliciting legal clients or obtaining professional employment for financial gain.

Under Texas Penal Code Section 38.12, the law prohibits specified forms of improper solicitation, including certain direct approaches to accident victims for the purpose of obtaining legal business.

The practice is commonly referred to as “ambulance chasing” because it can involve individuals seeking clients immediately after traffic accidents or other traumatic events.

Texas law is intended to protect people from prohibited solicitation practices when they may be dealing with injuries, financial concerns or other stressful circumstances.

Barratry offenses can carry different penalties depending on the conduct charged and applicable statutory provisions.

Certain violations are classified as Class A misdemeanors, which can carry up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

Other violations may constitute third-degree felonies, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The available information does not specify the exact subsection of the barratry statute under which Cura was charged.

Licensed attorneys who engage in prohibited solicitation can also face professional disciplinary proceedings through the State Bar of Texas. In Cura’s case, however, authorities allege he was falsely presenting himself as an attorney.

Constable Mark Herman Warns Against Unlawful Solicitation

Harris County Constable Mark Herman said deputies will continue taking action against people who attempt to exploit accident victims.

“Accident victims should never be pressured or taken advantage of during an already stressful situation,” Herman said.

“Our deputies will continue enforcing the law and protecting those involved in traffic accidents from unlawful solicitation.”

Cura Remains in Harris County Jail, Next Hearing Set for December

Following his arrest, Cura was transported to the Harris County Jail and booked on a barratry charge.

His bond was set at $10,000 through the 174th District Court.

As of October 20, Cura remained in custody.

His next court appearance is scheduled for December 8, 2026.