Court records accuse Brianna Berry of forcing her way into a Humble-area home before striking and biting her former boyfriend.
HOUSTON, Texas — A 25-year-old lawyer with the Harris County Public Defender’s Office is facing two felony charges after authorities accused her of forcing her way into a Humble-area home and attacking her ex-boyfriend with a hammer, according to court records.
Brianna Berry was charged with burglary of a habitation and aggravated assault of a family member. The allegations stem from an encounter at the home of her former boyfriend’s aunt, where he was living. Berry has not been convicted, and the allegations against her remain pending in court.
According to records cited in local news reports, Berry went to the residence while seeking to reconcile with her former boyfriend. The man tried to keep her outside and told her to leave, but authorities allege Berry forced her way into the home, damaging two doors in the process.
The confrontation later moved around the property as several people became involved, according to a neighbor interviewed by ABC13. Authorities allege Berry obtained a hammer from the garage and struck her ex-boyfriend in the arm and back two or three times. Court records also accuse her of biting his hand during the altercation.
Neighbor T.J. Feathers told ABC13 that he saw a group of people outside amid yelling and fighting and called police with another neighbor. Harris County deputies arrested Berry near the residence, according to the Houston Chronicle.
The case places Berry on the opposite side of a criminal proceeding from her professional role. District clerk records reviewed by ABC13 showed that she had recently begun handling misdemeanor cases as a public defender after receiving her Texas law license in April. Other local reporting described her as a newly hired employee who had been working in the office for less than a month.
Berry requested appointed counsel during a probable cause hearing. The Houston Chronicle reported that prosecutors sought a $75,000 bond, while bail was set at $4,000 on each charge. FOX 26 also reported a $4,000 bond amount on both cases.
The Harris County Public Defender’s Office said it would consider employment decisions with the confidence of its employees and clients in mind while also recognizing Berry’s right to due process and the presumption of innocence. The office did not announce a final employment decision in the reports reviewed.
ABC13 reported that it contacted Berry’s attorney and attempted to reach Berry and her former boyfriend but did not receive responses before publication. A motive beyond the reported effort to reconcile has not been established, and the criminal charges remain allegations to be resolved through the court process.
Author note: Last updated September 12, 2026.