Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys at Dunham & Jones

Paul Dunham, Austin Criminal Attorney

Paul J. Dunham got his degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. He moved to Austin, Texas shortly after to start practicing law.

Mr. Dunham has been practicing law for over three decades and has grown his law practice into one of the most successful criminal defense firms in the state of Texas. His law practice has over 50 attorneys and staff combined handling criminal defense cases throughout Texas. With law offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Harker Heights and Bryan, Texas, Dunham & Jones has grown into one of the largest criminal defense firms in Texas.

If you are in need of legal representation, you can reach attorney Paul Dunham at 512-777-7777 for a free case evaluation.

Scotty Jones, Fort Worth Criminal Attorney

Scotty D. Jones opened the Fort Worth division of the Dunham & Jones in 1997 and has managed it since it's opening. He has helped grow the Fort Worth criminal practice from a single attorney office to over 20 attorneys and staff combined. The Fort Worth division of the Dunham & Jones is now one of the largest criminal defense firms in the DFW metroplex.

Born in Cleburne, Texas, Mr. Jones graduated from Baylor Law School. Mr. Jones is a member of the Tarrant County Criminal Defense Attorneys.

Mr. Jones has handled every type of criminal case in Tarrant, Dallas, Denton, Johnson, Parker, and Collin counties. He has managed thousands of clients including those arrested for DWI, domestic violence, theft and other crimes. He also supervised and managed hundreds of jury trials for DWI, assaults, and other criminal cases in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Mitch Dooley, Dallas Criminal Attorney

Mitchell Dooley graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law earning the highest academic honors (magna cum laude) the University bestows. In addition to his academic accomplishments Mr. Dooley was a member of the University’s National Moot Court team, earning honors for distinguished arguments, as well as a member of the Dean’s Honor’s List each semester, graduating in the top 3% of his class.

Mr. Dooley is a former misdemeanor and felony prosecutor and successfully led the prosecutor’s auto-theft task force. Mr. Dooley became a member of the defense bar and has been successfully representing clients in that area since. Mr. Dooley has extensive trial experience in both felony and misdemeanor courts and has represented clients accused of crimes including Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault of a Minor, Aggravated Assault/Deadly Weapon, Manslaughter and Aggravated Robbery.

Recently Mr. Dooley’s efforts have resulted in the dismissal of 12 separate DWI cases, multiple Felony Theft charges, an Aggravated Sexual Assault charge as well as the dismissal of numerous misdemeanors including drug possessions, assaults, weapons charges and thefts.

Jeff Casey, Texas Criminal Attorney

Jeff Casey has been representing people arrested in Texas for over 20 years and has been practicing law for over 30 years. Mr. Casey worked his way through the University of Houston Law Center at the Harris County District Attorney’s office in Houston, Texas. He then began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney at the Brazos County District Attorney’s office in Bryan, Texas. There, Mr. Casey acquired experience trying felony cases including theft, DWI, burglary, drug possession and delivery, and homicide. Mr. Casey also wrote and argued numerous appeals to the First, Tenth, and Fourteenth Courts of Appeal.

This background led Mr. Casey to Austin to work as a staff attorney for the Court of Criminal Appeals where he researched the law and wrote proposed opinions for the judges of Texas’ highest court for criminal cases.

Mr. Casey also served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Florida where he wrote hundreds of appeals and argued to the District Court of Appeal in over 25 criminal cases.

Gary Barton, San Antonio Criminal Attorney

Gary J. Barton has lived in the San Antonio area nearly all his life and takes pride in calling San Antonio his home. Mr. Barton is a former Bexar County Felony Assistant District Attorney and uses his extensive knowledge of both sides of the criminal justice system to ensure the best outcome in every case. He has handled every type of criminal case from the most serious Capital Murders down to Possession of Marijuana charges. Mr. Barton has won numerous jury trials in a number of jurisdictions throughout Texas and New Mexico.

Before focusing on criminal defense, Mr. Barton was the youngest prosecutor to head a Major Crimes unit in the State of Texas where he solely worked on Capital Murders and Murders.

Mr. Barton graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law and holds a Master’s in Business Administration degree from Texas Tech Rawls School of Business. Before attending graduate school, Mr. Barton obtained a degree in Political Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Ben Florey, Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist

Ben Florey is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has been practicing law in Texas since 1977. Mr. Florey is AV rated by Martindale Hubble which means his peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. He is a former Assistant County and District Attorney in Travis County, Texas. Mr. Florey received both his Bachelors and Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

Mr. Florey handles all types of criminal cases – misdemeanors, felonies, and federal. He has represented people arrested for possession and delivery of drugs, organized crime, DWI, burglary, internet crimes, arson and all other charges. Mr. Florey is of counsel to the law firm of Dunham & Jones.

Jim Erickson, Texas Criminal Attorney

Jim Erickson grew up in Austin, Texas and received his B.A. with Honors from the University of Texas in 1978. He also received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas Law School in 1982. Mr. Erickson has been practicing law for over 30 years with his focus on criminal defense. He started his felony trial work in 1988 and since then has tried over 100 jury cases, most of those being felony trials.

Mr. Erickson received the first ever Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity jury verdict in Travis County. There have been less than 5 such verdicts in the State, since 1846.

Jim was also a part of the defense team for Capital Murder Defendant Paul Devoe.

Thad Thomason, Austin Criminal Attorney

Thad Thomason has been representing Texas citizen’s accused of crimes for over 18 years. Criminal defense has been the focus of Thad’s practice for over a decade while at the Dunham & Jones.

Mr. Thomason graduated from Texas Tech University and received his legal education with honors from Texas Tech University School of Law.

During his legal career, he has prevailed in numerous jury trials including ones in Travis, Williamson and Bastrop counties. Mr. Thomason has also convinced the court to suppress evidence in cases resulting in the dismissal of client’s cases.

Chris Jeansonne, Texas Criminal Attorney

Chris Jeansonne graduated with honors from The University of Texas – Austin with a B.A. in Economics. Mr. Jeansonne graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law where he was an Articles Editor for the Texas Tech Law Review. During his second year of law school, Mr. Jeansonne wrote an article outlining Texas DWI law and the constitutionality of Deferred Adjudication/Deferred Prosecution programs for DWI across the State.

Mr. Jeansonne is also licensed in Federal Court in the Western, Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas. Mr. Jeansonne currently works exclusively on criminal cases for the firm.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys music, golf, being outdoors, and his pit bull/catahoula mix dog named Bauer.

Connor Ambrosini, Austin Criminal Attorney

Connor Ambrosini graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas State University with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. Mr. Ambrosini then earned his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center.

Mr. Ambrosini later returned to his hometown of Austin, Texas and currently works as a criminal defense attorney for the firm and often times is called upon to bond his clients out of jail at all hours of the day and night.

Outside of work, Connor enjoys running, biking, and reading.

Matthew Byrne, Austin Criminal Attorney

Matthew Byrne graduated from Tulane University with a B.S. and majors in Molecular Biology and Philosophy and received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law.

Mr. Byrne has practiced both criminal law as a defense attorney and civil law as an attorney for the State. He was part of a trial team that avoided the death penalty, and has obtained multiple stays of execution from the Court of Criminal Appeals.

For the State, Mr. Byrne conducted administrative hearings and rendered decisions, and later defended agency decisions as an Assistant Attorney General.

Michael Candelas, Austin Criminal Attorney

Michael Candelas is an Austin native who grew up on Austin’s eastside. He received a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Texas in 2010 and later graduated with a Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law.

While at St. Mary’s, Michael sharpened his advocacy skills as a member of the St. Mary’s Mock Trial Team and as a staff writer for the St. Mary’s Law Journal. Following law school, he returned home to practice personal injury before joining Dunham & Jones. Mr. Candelas currently practices criminal law with the firm and is often called upon to handle warrants, bond forfeitures, and after-hours jail releases.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys running, golf, and playing Texas Hold’em.

Michael Casaretto, Bryan Criminal Attorney

Michael Casaretto has an extensive criminal defense, CPS, and child support defense practice. In the course of his legal career Mr. Casaretto has been involved in important legal matters including but not limited to capital murder, sexual crimes, DWIs, and complex CPS matters. Furthermore, Michael has been involved in high profile cases seeking to protect important civil rights.

Also, Michael has served both as Town/City Attorney and City Prosecutor for communities in Texas, advising on legal matters of local importance and prosecuted Class C Misdemeanors.

Mr. Casaretto attended California State University, Fresno and graduated at the top of the School of Social Sciences with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science. While at Fresno State, Michael helped to found the Political Science Association. Later, Mr. Casaretto graduated from Regent University School of Law where he was a member of the Trial Advocacy Board, where he competed in National Trial Competitions and helped to organize a campus TYLA trial competition. He also served as the President of the campus’ Federalist Society Chapter, the founding Vice President of the Hamilton-Jefferson Society, founding Treasurer of the George Washington Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and served as a delegate to the Biennial International Convention.

In practice, Mr. Casaretto has served as President of the Waller County Bar Association and represented the Bar Association at several Local Bar Leaders Conferences hosted by the Texas State Bar. Further, Michael is a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association and the Texas Bar College, an honorary society that recognizes those attorneys who greatly exceed the State Bar’s required minimum continuing legal education.

Michael is a family man and enjoys spending time with his wife, Lynette and children, Joseph, Francesca, and Ava. In his spare time Michael is an avid golfer, New York Mets fan, Washington Capitals fanatic, and serves as a swim league official with the league in which his children swim.

Ryan Church, Austin Criminal Attorney

Ryan W. Church has thirteen years of legal experience, the last seven exclusively in criminal law. Mr. Church has tried a variety of criminal cases in state and federal court, including DWI, theft, lottery fraud, domestic violence, unlawful weapon possession, and robbery.

Mr. Church has obtained a number of "not guilty" jury verdicts in felony and misdemeanor cases, and has on several occasions gotten criminal charges dismissed on the grounds that a client's arrest was illegal.

Mr. Church graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College of Law in Houston.

Mr. Church began his legal career as a law clerk for U.S. Magistrate Judge Felix Recio, and spent several years practicing business litigation for civil firms in Austin and San Antonio.

Will Clark, Fort Worth Criminal Attorney

Will Clark graduated with from The University of Texas at Arlington with a B.A. in Political Science. Mr. Clark graduated from Texas A&M University School of Law. After graduation, Mr. Clark worked for a small boutique law firm representing Fortune 500 companies in complex business litigation, before turning his time to representing immigrants attempting to gain legal status here in the United States.

Mr. Clark is also licensed in Federal Immigration Court. Mr. Clark currently works on criminal, federal immigration, and personal injury cases for the firm and routinely is called upon to release clients from immigration ICE holds.

Outside of work, Will enjoys music, golf, being outdoors, boating, and spending time with his family.

Andrew Dammann, Dallas Criminal Attorney

Andrew J. Dammann graduated from The University of North Texas with a B.A. in Philosophy. Mr. Damman graduated third in his class from Texas A&M School of Law.

Upon graduation he received the Equal Justice Award for the most pro bono hours with 301 hours of pro bono work at the Fort Worth Public Defenders Office. Mr. Dammann was on the Texas A&M Law Review and his article Categorical and vague Claims that Criminal Activity is Afoot was published in the second volume of the Texas A&M Law Review. Mr. Dammann also co-authored the paper Money Laundering: Running to It; From It; and Around It presented at the 2014 National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Association conference.

Mr. Dammann focuses his practice exclusively on criminal defense.

Chris Delisio, Austin Criminal Attorney

Chris A. Delisio graduated with honors from Oklahoma Christian University with a B.A. in Theology. Mr. Delisio later graduated from Texas A&M School of Law in Fort Worth, Texas.

Prior to law school, Mr. Delisio served in the United States Army in the 101st Airborne and 1st Infantry Division for eight years.

After law school, Mr. Delisio was an Assistant District Attorney in Van Zandt County. Since them, Mr. Delisio has focused his practice on criminal defense. Mr. Delisio currently works as a criminal defense trial attorney for the firm.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys music, writing, and volunteering in different military charities. Most importantly, he loves spending time with his wife and children.

Michael Derrick, Fort Worth Criminal Attorney

Michael Derrick received a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of North Texas, where he graduated with honors and as a member of the Philosophy Honors Society. He earned his law school degree from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis and then returned home to Texas to begin his career as an attorney.

Michael became very passionate about criminal defense and the criminal justice system during his time in St. Louis, throughout which he worked for multiple public defender offices, including St. Louis and Dallas counties, as well as the Public Defender Service for Washington D.C.

He has received personal mentorship from several leading experts in the nation on criminal defense in America, as well as international criminal law.

When not at work, Michael enjoys playing drums with his band at open mic events, reading as much as he can on modern and ancient philosophy, playing basketball, and jogging.

Kathy Ehmann-Clardy, Fort Worth Criminal Attorney

Kathy Ehmann-Clardy graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She earned her law degree at Texas Wesleyan School of Law, in Fort Worth, now Texas A & M University School of Law. Ms. Ehmann-Clardy began her law career at a large, multi-state Hispanic law firm, practicing immigration, family law and criminal law. She has represented hundreds of clients in federal Immigration cases in three states.

For the past several years she has exclusively practiced criminal law at Dunham & Jones and uses her immigration law background to successfully represent individuals with status issues. Kathy enjoys trial work and has successfully represented clients facing serious criminal charges such as DWI, Assault Family Violence, and Sexual Assault and handled many misdemeanor cases that led to a dismissal of the charges.

Jason Foster, Fort Worth Criminal Attorney

Jason Foster was born and raised in Arkansas. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio, Television and Film and received membership into the Golden Key National Honor Society. He earned his J.D. from Western Michigan University, Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan where he received a concentration certificate in Administrative Law. During law school, he volunteered with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and interned with one of the top entertainment law firms in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mr. Foster began his legal career working for the indigent at the Dallas Offices of Northwest Texas Legal Aid, he then began work as a prosecutor for the City of Dallas. As a prosecutor Jason handled all aspects of misdemeanor violations and city code violations. Jason has litigated and tried hundreds of cases, including misdemeanor and felony cases, as well as family law and civil disputes.

Jason brings in over 10 years of criminal defense experience and his knowledge of the trial process, courtroom demeanor, and comforting attitude provides our clients with an understanding of their legal matter, in what can be a very difficult and emotional time.

Dan Garcia, Austin Criminal Attorney

Daniel Garcia graduated with honors from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi with a B.S. in Management Information Systems. Mr. Garcia later graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas.

After law school, Mr. Garcia was an Assistant District Attorney in Nueces County for 2 years. Since then Mr. Garcia has focused his practice on criminal defense. Mr. Garcia currently works as a criminal defense trial attorney for the firm.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys music and playing poker. Mr. Garcia is married and has a young child that keeps him busy.

Jason Garcia, San Antonio Criminal Attorney

Jason Garcia was born and raised in south Texas and is proud to call San Antonio Home. He graduated from the University of Texas San Antonio with a B.S. in Biology. Then, obtained his law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas.

After law school, Mr. Garcia began his legal career as a criminal defense attorney. He defended the rights of his clients in a wide variety of felony and misdemeanor charges. Later, Mr. Garcia continued his career as an Assistant County Attorney in Jim Wells County for 4 1/2 years. There, he acquired experience prosecuting DWI, theft, and possession cases. Mr. Garcia now brings this experience to Dunham & Jones.

Brent Gleason, Dallas Criminal Attorney

Brent Gleason earned his J.D from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. He began his legal career as a Federal White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney in Orange County, California. In 2014 Brent was hired by the Dallas City Attorney’s office as an Environmental Prosecutor. In this role, he prosecuted more than 75 trials in front of a jury.

Two years later, Mr. Gleason accepted a position as a Juvenile prosecutor at the Hunt County Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted more than 25 jury trials. Prior to joining Dunham & Jones, Brent worked as a Dallas County Public Defender where he conducted more than 15 jury trials, and countless hearings and trials.

Brent is knowledgeable about the law, friendly to his clients, colleagues, clerks and Judges, however, he is relentless at trial and in his pursuit of justice as an advocate for his clients.

Rob Hayden, Fort Worth Criminal Attorney

Rob Hayden is a former senior felony prosecutor with over a decade of experience in criminal law. Rob worked as a prosecutor for Smith and Midland counties for a combined seven years and has tried a broad range of serious felony and misdemeanor offenses.

Additionally, Rob worked as a special prosecutor for felony family violence offenses and successfully argued a case of first impression before the 11th Court of Appeals. As a Criminal Defense Attorney, Rob has handled numerous felony and misdemeanor cases that resulted in a dismissal or reduction of charges.

Brett Hiser, Dallas Criminal Attorney

Brett Hiser graduated with honors from the University of Florida with a B.A. in Criminology. Mr. Hiser later graduated from Southern Methodist University School of Law in Dallas, Texas where he first began defending clients in the Criminal Defense Clinic.

Following law school, Mr. Hiser became an Assistant District Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in the Tampa Bay Area where he prosecuted thousands of criminal cases that came across his desk.

Since then Mr. Hiser has focused his practice exclusively on criminal defense.

Bohumila Jones, Fort Worth Criminal Attorney

Bohumila (Bo) Jones is an associate attorney in the Fort Worth, Texas office of the Dunham & Jones. She received her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Cum Laude, from Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas. She was a Texas Christian University Scholar, on the Dean’s Honor List; and noted as an Outstanding College Student of America.

She received her Juris Doctor from Baylor University School of Law in Waco, Texas. Ms. Jones is a member of the Harvey M. Richey Moot Court Society, the Order of Barristers, Eldon B. Mahon Inn of Court, and has been a Top Ten Speaker in Appellate Advocacy.

During her legal career, Ms. Jones has been an Assistant County Attorney in Johnson County, Texas. She was also an Assistant District Attorney in Johnson County and Somervell County, Texas. She has handled cases in both state and federal courts and was noticed as a Texas Super Lawyers, Texas Rising Star.

Sean Kipp, Austin Criminal Attorney

Sean Kipp grew up in Cedar Park, Texas. He received his undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Sam Houston State University. Sean received a full scholarship to the University of Nebraska College of Law where he earned his Juris Doctorate.

After graduating, Sean practiced criminal defense and family law at a law firm in Bryan, Texas until moving to Georgetown, Texas with his wife.

In his spare time, Sean enjoys playing golf and watching sports, especially Sam Houston State and University of Nebraska football.

Jeff Libersat, Texas Criminal Attorney

Jeff Libersat studied Psychology, first at the University of Pennsylvania and then at Davidson College where he graduated with a B.S. in Psychology. He was a competitive Division I athlete, wrestling for Penn when its squad reached 7th place at nationals and becoming captain of his team at Davidson. Jeff earned his J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law.

Jeff was admitted to practice in Texas in 2011. Before joining Dunham & Jones, Jeff formed a firm which handled expungements in multiple states. He has personally handled hundreds of expunction and nondisclosure cases and handles all of the firm’s cases in this area. Mr. Libersat also works on criminal defense cases in Travis and Williamson counties. Jeff has provided a great deal of Pro Bono representation to clients, and in past years, has been a member of the Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas, which includes Texas attorneys who perform the greatest amount of Pro Bono representation.

Mr. Libersat and his wife, Chelsea, have a three-year old son and an infant daughter. When he is not occupied with his new family, Jeff enjoys submission wrestling, basketball, reading, and tinkering with electronics design (Arduino).

Clayton Littlefield, San Antonio Criminal Attorney

Clayton Littlefield graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos, earning a B.A.I.S. focused on international trade and business. He earned his J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. During law school he was a member of the Criminal Law Association and served as its Vice President. He was active as a law clerk for criminal defense attorneys in the San Antonio community for the entirety of his law school career. Clayton has lived in Central Texas for the last 10 years and in San Antonio since 2012.

After law school, Clayton continued working in the criminal defense field, and is passionate about continuing that work with Dunham & Jones, P.C. He has worked on all types of cases, from federal Engaging in Organized Crime cases and federal criminal appeals, to State and county level misdemeanors.

In his free time, Clayton enjoys live music, Texas BBQ, traveling the country and the world, and spending time with family and friends.

Jesus Marquez, Dallas Criminal Attorney

Jesus Marquez graduated from the University of Texas at Austin where he double majored in Psychology and Philosophy. Mr. Marquez went on to earn his law degree from Texas A&M University School of Law, where he served as an Associate Editor of the Law Review.

Mr. Marquez’s work experience has provided him with a unique skill set that allows him to take on complex criminal cases with immigration or family law related issues.

When Mr. Marquez is not advocating for his clients in the courtroom, he volunteers with the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program’s Veterans Clinic and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Steven Mendoza, Fort Worth Criminal Attorney

Steven Mendoza is a native Texan who graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelors of Art in Political Science. He attended the Texas Wesleyan School of Law, where he excelled in Criminal and Constitutional law. He also interned with North Texas Legal Aid located in Downtown Fort Worth.

Upon graduation and passing the Bar, Steven immediately started practicing primarily criminal and tort law in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. He gained a great deal of trial experience at R.E. Lopez & Associates where he handled negotiation and litigation of personal injury claims all over the state of Texas.

Outside of work, Steven enjoys music, reading, and participating in the Tough Mudder.

Courtney Miller, Fort Worth Criminal Attorney

Courtney Miller is a Fort Worth native who graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelors of Art in English. She attended Texas Tech School of Law, where she was named to the Board of Barristers. She also interned with the Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office in the juvenile division, handling the entirety of the Truancy docket in the Justice of the Peace courts.

Upon graduation and passing the Bar, Courtney started as a prosecutor in Collin County. She rose through the ranks as a Misdemeanor Chief, then a felony prosecutor in less than three years. She left the District Attorney’s office to start work on the criminal defense side.

After 8 years away, Ms. Miller decided it was time to come back to Fort Worth and she joined the law firm of Dunham & Jones. Ms. Miller is skilled in both trial and appellate work and has argued in front of the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas, the court of final jurisdiction for criminal cases in the state. She is also a sought after public speaker on various aspects of DWI trials.

Stuart Neal, Fort Worth Criminal Attorney

Stuart V. Neal is a criminal defense trial lawyer with over ten years of experience as both a prosecutor and a defense lawyer. He graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science. During his time at TCU, he also worked as a student equipment manager for the Horned Frog football team. He earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College Of Law and interned with the Texas Attorney General, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office, and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.

After law school, Mr. Neal began his legal career as a misdemeanor prosecutor in the Hood County Attorney’s Office. He was appointed to a felony prosecutor position in the Johnson and Somervell Counties District Attorney’s Office. One year later, the district attorney assigned Mr. Neal to the position of chief felony prosecutor for Somervell County; a position that allowed Mr. Neal to manage, oversee and try all of the felony cases filed in Somervell County.

Later the Granbury City Council appointed Mr. Neal to serve as the City Attorney and chief legal officer for the city. In this capacity, Mr. Neal advised both the City Council and the city staff on a variety of legal issues. Mr. Neal held this position for six years.

Afterwards Mr. Neal made the decision to get back into criminal law and began his criminal defense practice. He has defended many clients in both misdemeanor and felony courts in Tarrant, Johnson, Hood, Parker and Palo Pinto Counties. He has represented individuals charged with all manner of crimes including: DWI, theft, fraud, drug possession, drug delivery, assault, robbery, sexual assault and capital murder.

Adam Nicholson, Fort Worth Criminal Attorney

Adam Nicholson graduated first in his class and Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry from Abilene Christian University. Adam also obtained a Master of Divinity degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from Abilene Christian University.

Adam graduated first in his law school class and Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M University School of Law. During law school Adam worked for the offices of the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney, the United States Attorney, and the Federal Public Defender.

Adam has worked on a wide variety of criminal cases, and his experience includes work on death penalty litigation, briefs to the United States Supreme Court, and preparing cases for Tarrant County grand juries.

Joseph O’Bell, Texas Criminal Attorney

Joseph O’Bell graduated from the University of Texas at Brownsville with a B.A. in Government. Mr. O’Bell later graduated from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan.

Mr. O’Bell practices criminal law and civil litigation. He has served as Planning & Zoning Commissioner. He also worked for Governor Rick Perry and Governor Greg Abbott. Mr. O’Bell also served as General Counsel and CEO of Votalize Inc., an Austin tech startup company.

Chris Parks, Austin Criminal Attorney

Chris Parks grew up in Houston, Texas and received his B.S. in Political Science from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. After receiving his undergraduate degree, Mr. Parks graduated from The University of Texas Law School with honors and at the top of his class. He became a member of the Order of the Coif. During law school, Mr. Parks was the winner of St. Mary’s University School of Law 1st Year Moot Court competition and was selected as “Best Speaker” by a panel of the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Chris also interned with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office in the 167th District Court. While at the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, he assisted with various proceedings from murder and capital murder trials to search and seizure issues and indictments.

After becoming licensed by the State Bar of Texas, Mr. Parks served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston. While an Assistant District Attorney, he prosecuted a wide variety of misdemeanor and felony cases in County Criminal Courts and District Courts, from grand jury indictment through jury trial. Mr. Parks left the Harris County District Attorney’s Office as a felony prosecutor and now represents people charged with a wide range of criminal offenses from misdemeanors to high level felonies.

Michael Parsons, Austin Criminal Attorney

Michael Parsons graduated with honors from Texas State University with a B.S. in Geography and a minor in Anthropology. Mr. Parsons later graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. During his third year, Michael wrote an extensive paper dealing with the adverse consequences of appointed counsel for those individuals unable to afford proper legal representation. His paper was part of the report reviewed by the Bexar County Task Force on Indigent Defense.

Mr. Parsons currently works as a criminal defense trial attorney for the firm.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys running, going to the gym, and playing basketball. Most importantly, he loves spending time with his amazing wife.

Charles Peters, San Antonio Criminal

Charles T. Peters came to San Antonio for law school and stayed so that he could use his knowledge and skills to help the community. Mr. Peters’ focus has always been on defending those who have found themselves accused of crimes or had their rights violated by the police. After law school, he opened his own office practicing criminal defense and federal civil rights cases. Mr. Peters has handled cases ranging from Murder and Aggravated Sexual Assault to DWI and Possession of Marijuana. In addition to trial work, Mr. Peters has written Appeals, Petitions for Discretionary Review, and Writs of Habeas Corpus.

Mr. Peters is licensed to practice in Federal District Court and has experience with federal criminal cases as well as civil excessive force cases.

Mr. Peters graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Before attending graduate school, Mr. Peters obtained a degree in Political Science from Texas A&M University at College Station.

Nicholas Smith, Killeen Criminal Attorney

Nicholas Smith attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas on a full athletic scholarship, and graduated with honors with a B.B.A. in Business Management. Mr. Smith graduated from The University of Tulsa College of Law. While in law school, Mr. Smith worked for the Tulsa County Public Defender’s Office and volunteered at the university sponsored Boesche Legal Clinic, where he offered free legal advice and services to low income individuals.

Prior to joining Dunham & Jones, Mr. Smith operated a successful solo practice in the Dallas Fort Worth area, eventually relocating to Central Texas. Mr. Smith currently works on criminal cases for the firm in Bell, Coryell, Lampasas, and McLennan counties.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys spending time with his family and pets, lifting weights, and competing in Scottish Heavy Athletics.

Jim Spangler, Dallas Criminal Attorney

Jim Spangler graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Government and History. Upon graduation, Mr. Spangler moved to Vienna, Austria, where he taught English for five years. After returning to the United States, Mr. Spangler graduated from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, where he was an Articles Editor for the Indiana Law Journal.

After graduating law school, Mr. Spangler worked as a public defender in Bedford, Indiana. Jim won the Gault Award “for commitment, competency, and professionalism in representing juvenile clients.”

Mr. Spangler has obtained multiple Not Guilty verdicts in cases ranging from misdemeanors to major felonies. Mr. Spangler returned to his hometown of Dallas, Texas, where he exclusively practices criminal defense.

Warren Waterman, Dallas Criminal Attorney

Warren O. Waterman is a Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer who received his law degree from the Texas Tech University School of Law in 1992. He is a former Williamson County Assistant District Attorney and served the citizens of both Williamson and Ector counties as an Assistant County Attorney. He has tried more than 100 jury trials to verdict in his 25 plus years as a lawyer.

In Williamson County he was the Juvenile Division Chief and he was the Prosecutor in the DWI/Drug Court. He has handled more than 20,000 cases in his career. He has represented both the State of Texas and persons accused of committing a wide range of offenses such as DWI, Drug Possession, Assaultive Offenses, Weapons Charges, Fraud and many serious felonies.

Mr. Waterman focuses his practice exclusively on criminal defense.

Will Williams, San Antonio Criminal Attorney

Will Williams has spent his entire career defending clients who the government has accused of violating the law. Will spent the first six years of his career at the Bowie County Public Defender’s Office where he was the First Assistant Public Defender. Will has handled the most serious of cases including Capital Murder, Murder, Aggravated Sexual Assaults, Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Kidnapping, and Felony DWI. Will joined our firm where he puts his extensive trial experience to work for our clients.

Will graduated from Texas Tech School of Law and obtained a degree in Political Science from Texas A&M—Commerce.