Best Criminal Lawyer in Austin
Ben Michael
Criminal Lawyer
I’m Ben Michael, and I’ve been practicing criminal defense law for nearly a decade.
I’ve worked on cases ranging from DWIs, to assault, drug possession and many more. I won Top 40 under 40 and was named one of the Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Texas, among many other awards.
After a decade at some of the top Criminal Defense firms in the country, I decided to start Michael & Associates to provide white-glove, high touch criminal defense services with one goal: to get you the best outcome possible.
Christopher M. Gunter
Criminal Lawyer
Awards
- AV Peer Review Rated through Martindale Hubbell™
- Board Certified – Criminal Law
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1985
- 150+ jury trials tried to verdict
- Frequent lecturer on trial tactics
- Selected to Super Lawyers: 2003 – 2005, 2008 – 2018
(Super Lawyers Recognition is a Thomson Reuters Service) - Member of the American College of Trial Lawyers
Education
- University of Texas at Austin, J.D., 1980
- University of Texas at Austin, B.A. with honors, 1977
Licensure
- 1980, Texas
- 1985, United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
Memberships
- State Bar of Texas
- Austin Bar Association
- Williamson County Bar Association
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Delta Theta Phi
Experience
- Private Practice, 1982 –
- Assistant Travis County District Attorney, 1982
- Assistant Travis County Attorney, 1980 – 1982
- Chief of Trial Division
Personal
- Born San Marcos, Texas 1955
- Married, one child, two dogs
- Volunteer, Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
- Active Member of St. John Neumann’s Catholic Church
- Active in Austin running community
- Member: Travis Audubon Society, Coastal Conservation Association, Knights of Columbus
Stephen T Bowling
Criminal Lawyer
Founder and CEO Stephen Bowling has represented thousands of Criminal Defense clients in central Texas. His former law enforcement experience combined with his legal expertise has enabled him to establish the preeminent Criminal Defense law firm in Texas.
Steve served in the United States Navy from 1997 to 2007. He spent five years on the USS Stout (DDG 55), an Arleigh Burke Guided Missile Destroyer, as a Technician and Operator of the Tomahawk Missile System. His collateral duties included Duty Master-at-Arms (MA), Duty Force Protection Officer, Duty Combat Systems Officer, and many others.
After life on the ship, Steve attended the U.S. Navy’s Military Police School before reporting to Naval Station Ingleside. At Naval Station Ingleside, Steve served as a Patrolman before being promoted to Field Training Officer, Assistant Watch Commander and, finally, Watch Commander.
Steve credits his time as a military police officer with leading him into the practice of law. Specifically, an incident that occurred one weekend toward the end of his three year assignment, which led to Steve’s arrest in Corpus Christi, Texas. Even though the case was later dismissed, the mere fact that he was arrested led to professional consequences.
Accordingly, Steve is acutely aware of the areas in which police lack training, where they make mistakes, and how to demonstrate to Juries that, although an arrest had been made, inadequate training and methods may cause an innocent person to be found guilty.
Jason Trumpler
Criminal Lawyer
After serving in the United States Army and graduating from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, Mr. Trumpler started practicing law in 1999.
During his legal career, he has worked as a prosecutor for district attorneys in California and as a supervising attorney for a firm that specializes in DWI defense. His experience as a former prosecutor gives him a unique perspective of criminal law since he is familiar with strategies on both sides of a criminal case.
Today, Mr. Trumpler represents defendants in a variety of criminal cases including DWI, drug possession, domestic violence, and other life-changing charges.
Jason Trumpler is a respected criminal defense lawyer serving clients in the greater Austin, TX, region and throughout the state of Texas. Mr. Trumpler has worked on thousands of criminal cases over his distinguished career spanning back to 1999. Learn more about Jason Trumpler and why you can trust him with your defense.
David D. White
Criminal Lawyer
David D. White has defended the rights of those accused of crimes in Austin, Texas since 2008. He has a track record of successfully defending individuals facing a wide variety of charges. From the very first meeting at our law firm, you will recognize that you can expect much more than you would from other criminal defense lawyers.
The Law Office of David D. White, PLLC: Austin Criminal Lawyer, is a client-focused law firm. We fight to preserve the presumption of innocence on behalf of our clients in all criminal cases we take. We believe everyone is entitled to a fair trial and strive to provide our clients with the best possible defense to ensure that this is true.
Attorney David D. White approaches each case with the care and attention it deserves. We never treat any two cases as the same. When we take your case, you can expect that we will dedicate our time, resources, and energy to fight to protect your rights. You can rely on us for the highest level of support and the best representation from start to finish.
Jeff Bradley
Criminal Lawyer
Jeff Bradley has been defending people accused of crimes since 2007. After graduating from Liberty University School of Law in Virginia, he headed north for Alaska. While there, he accumulated lots of trial experience in between hiking and climbing adventures. He then migrated south to Williamson County, Texas, where he has since been practicing law. He has worked in both prosecution and defense; in government offices, solo practice, and a large firm. He has handled virtually every criminal charge imaginable, and secured righteous acquittals for clients who were wrongfully accused of the most heinous crimes. He has tried hundreds of cases before a jury, and learned many lessons along the way. He believes deeply in the adversarial part of the system, and will fight for his clients.
In his free time, he enjoys woodworking, competitive shooting, and time spent with his church.
Rick Cofer
Criminal Lawyer
Rick Cofer is the managing partner of Cofer & Connelly, PLLC. He has more than 15 years of experience as a felony prosecutor, judge, and defense attorney. Recognized as Best Lawyer from 2021 to 2024, by the Austin Chronicle Reader’s Poll, Rick Cofer has been selected multiple times for the Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists, recognized as a Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers, and listed in the 29th, 30th, and 31st editions of The Best Lawyers in America. Martindale-Hubbel has rated him as AV Preeminent (the highest rating based on peer feedback). He is widely recognized as among the top trial attorneys in the country.
I fix legal problems for good people. I always say that all my clients are innocent. And it’s true. Every person is presumed innocent, unless proven guilty. That’s where I come in, doing everything possible to defend my clients. I’ve tried more than 100 cases before a judge or a jury and I know that great legal work takes persistence.
For more than twenty years, I’ve lived and worked in Austin, Central Texas, and the Hill Country. I know our region. I know how it works. I know how to get things done in courthouses and how to resolve matters discreetly and quietly.
I grew up in Plano, Texas, and moved to Austin in 2000. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas School of Law. Throughout my time in school, I worked on political campaigns and policy initiatives from local issues to presidential races, and I most recently served on the National Finance Committee of a presidential campaign.
Jackson F. Gorski
Criminal Lawyer
ackson Gorski is the founding attorney of the Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski. He graduated in 2010 from Texas State University with a degree in Philosophy and Political Science. Mr. Gorski then earned his law degree at The South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas.
During his studies, Mr. Gorski developed a strong passion for the practice of law and a true devotion to assisting those in need of legal assistance.
Criminal defense attorney Jackson F. Gorski is experienced in defending clients who have a criminal case involving DWI-related charges, sex offenses, theft charges, domestic violence offenses, drug charges, juvenile crimes, and many other variations of criminal charges.
In addition to representing clients who have retained his services, Mr. Gorski also serves as assigned counsel in Austin and Travis County through CAPDS, the Capital Area Private Defender Service.
He takes the defense of his clients very seriously and knows how to obtain favorable results in even the most complex cases. Mr. Gorski strives to treat each case as though it were his own and to make each client feel like they are his only.
Hiring defense lawyer Jackson F. Gorski means retaining the experience and work ethic you need to obtain victory inside the courtroom.
What Is the Role of the Judge in a DWI
In a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) case, the role of the judge is multifaceted and critical to the legal process. Here are the key responsibilities and functions of a judge in such cases:
Judicial Oversight
The judge oversees the legal proceedings, ensuring that the trial is conducted fairly and in accordance with the law. This includes maintaining order in the courtroom and ruling on the admissibility of evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
Fact Finder
In a bench trial, where there is no jury, the judge acts as the sole fact finder. This means the judge evaluates the evidence, determines the credibility of witnesses, and makes factual determinations regarding the case. In contrast, during a jury trial, the jury serves as the fact finder, while the judge provides legal instructions and guidance.
Legal Guidance
Judges provide legal instructions to juries, explaining the relevant laws and legal standards that must be applied to the facts of the case. For instance, they define what constitutes “reasonable doubt” and other legal principles that jurors must consider when reaching a verdict.
Ruling on Motions
Judges are responsible for ruling on various pre-trial and trial motions, including motions to dismiss charges or suppress evidence. These rulings can significantly impact the outcome of the case, as they determine whether certain evidence can be considered by the jury or if the case should proceed to trial at all.
Sentencing Authority
If a defendant is found guilty, the judge is responsible for imposing a sentence. This includes determining penalties, which may involve fines, probation, mandatory treatment programs, or incarceration, depending on the severity of the offense and the defendant’s history.
Collaboration with Other Entities
Judges often collaborate with probation officers, treatment providers, and law enforcement to ensure that offenders receive appropriate supervision and support, particularly in specialized DWI courts aimed at addressing substance abuse issues.In summary, the judge in a DWI case plays a crucial role in ensuring justice is served, balancing the rights of the defendant with the need for public safety. Their decisions shape the legal landscape of the case from pre-trial motions to sentencing outcomes.