Criminal lawyers within 20 miles of Houston Texas

Karen George-Baunchand proudly serves Barker, Texas and the neighboring communities in the areas of criminal defense, divorce & family law, estate, immigration, and accident & injury law.

Lisa M VanAuken is a Houston Family Law Attorney. While she grew up in Northern New York, she has lived in Houston, Texas area since 1995 and has made the Houston area her home. Lisa VanAuken graduated Magna Cum Laude from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1995 with a B.A. in Political Science. Lisa went on to graduate from the University of Houston Law Center, where she was a member of Phi Delta Phi, a national legal honor society. While in law school Lisa M VanAuken gained her first exposure to the family law court system when she did her legal internship with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Family Criminal Law Division, where she advocated on behalf of victims of domestic violence to obtain protective orders. Since being licensed in November 1998 Lisa has practiced exclusively in the area of family law. Over the last 19 years she has gained valuable experience handling uncontested divorces, contested divorces, high asset property divisions, paternity suits, step-parent adoptions, infant adoptions, interstate adoptions, contested child custody suits, child custody modifications, child support cases, child support modification cases, protective orders, and Attorney General Office cases. While she practices primarily in Harris County, she has also represented clients in Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Galveston Counties.

Doug Murphy stands as a prominent figure in the legal realm of Houston, Texas, with a focus on Criminal Law and DWI Defense. His career, which began in 1999 with the establishment of Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C., showcases a deep commitment to justice and legal proficiency. As President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association and a member of the Board of Regents for the National College for DUI Defense, Doug's role in the legal community is marked by leadership and advocacy. Recognized consistently in listings like Best Lawyers in America and as a Texas Super Lawyer since 2009, Doug's achievements highlight his dedication to his practice. His significant role in revealing flaws in the Houston Police Department's breath alcohol testing vans led to his receiving the Sharon Levine Unsung Hero Lawyer of the Year Award in 2012, demonstrating his commitment to fairness in legal practices. Lauded by the Houston Press as the “Drinking Driver’s Best Friend,” Doug's influence extends beyond individual cases to broader systemic change and advocacy for equitable legal standards. Doug's practice covers a wide range of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DWI defense. His approach melds a comprehensive understanding of the law with a compassionate grasp of his clients' situations, ensuring they receive not just robust legal representation but also respectful and dignified treatment. Beyond his practice, Doug is a leader in legal discussions, evidenced by his numerous speaking engagements and contributions to publications. Fluent in Spanish, he reaches a diverse clientele, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility. In essence, Doug Murphy is more than just a lawyer; he is a key figure in the Houston legal community, an advocate for justice, and a dedicated representative for his clients. His unwavering commitment to excellence in criminal law and DWI defense makes him a distinguished choice for legal representation in Houston, Texas.

If you are facing a serious criminal charge in the Houston area, you'll need an experienced, quality, aggressive defense attorney. The name that should stand above the others when you seek an attorney is Houston's — Ned Barnett. Ned Barnett is a skilled and leading Houston criminal defense lawyer with nearly 30 years of practical legal experience that includes trying criminal cases as a state and federal prosecutor, as well as more than 20 years as a defense lawyer. Since opening his firm in 1994, Ned has represented countless individuals charged with the most serious criminal offenses from DWI, to sex crimes and violent offenses. Barnett is a native of Houston who followed his father, grandfathers, and great-grandfather into legal practice when he pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a criminal defense attorney. After earning his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 1987, he sharpened his trial skills as a prosecutor in Galveston County and with the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston before taking on the mantle of criminal defense. As an assistant district attorney in Galveston, Barnett prosecuted countless DWI cases, as well as serious felonies including rape, robbery, and murder. During his time as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s office, he focused on large drug prosecutions and gained a valuable perspective on how the government pursues cases involving international narcotics trafficking. Regardless of the offense, whether it’s a misdemeanor DWI or a felony sex crime, Barnett understands how devastating and disruptive a criminal charge can be for the person accused and how necessary a positive result is for your career and life. Barnett fights to obtain the best possible result for each person he defends, with the goal of helping defendants to move on with their lives and leave the stress and uncertainty of a criminal charge behind them. He brings a blend of compassion, discretion, superior ethics, and sharp trial skills to each case, as well as a commitment to providing personal, one-on-one service and communication. For free case evaluation with our reputable law firm, call (713) 222-6767.

Mr. Banker is a board certified specialist in criminal law with 30 years experience. He is dedicated to the best interest and well-being of those he represents, and with whom he is a true “brother in arms”. As such, he advocates for the success of his clients in courts of law all over Texas and the United States. A native Texan, Mr. Banker was born and raised in the Houston area. He graduated with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin and received his Law degree (J.D.) from the University of Houston Law Center. In between these degrees, Mr. Banker achieved a Master’s degree in Theology from Regent College, and a Master’s in Legal and Constitutional History from Rice University. Additionally, Mr. Banker has travelled extensively throughout Latin America and is fluent in the Spanish language. All this training and education has prepared Mr. Banker for what he believes is his vocational “calling” in life: To stand with and defend those who have found themselves in the very difficult circumstance of facing judgment in a court of law. As a Christian lawyer, he believes that helping people through difficult times is a natural outworking of this faith. Additionally, he counsels his clients to ultimately look to God as their helper, and see that adversity often produces more strength of character and greater faith in Him. Over the years, Mr. Banker has been involved in several “high profile” cases. One of which involved his representation of a high ranking member of the separatist group, the Republic of Texas. Several members had been charged in Federal Court in Dallas with bank fraud. After a month long trial, Mr. Banker’s client was the only one of the nine defendants found "not guilty". Another case involved the owner of a bus company, whose bus caught on fire when evacuating the Houston area because if Hurricane Rita. More than a dozen elderly people were killed in the accident. Mr. Banker’s client was charged in Federal Court in McAllen with several counts involving the operation of his buses. He was found “not guilty” of the felony charges that could have put him in prison for up to ten years, and given probation for two minor misdemeanors. On a personal note, Mr. Banker has been happily married to his wife Rose for over 20 years, and he has been actively involved in the lives of their children, Stevan, Faith and Joshua. They are members of Christ Family Church, where Mr. Banker teaches Sunday school and has been active in leadership for many years.

Focused on criminal defense, family law and personal injury, I can help with a range of legal needs.

Kevin became licensed to practice law in Texas in 2013. After living in Puerto Rico and San Antonio, he relocated to Houston in 2015 to expand his legal practice. For many years, he served as the Head of the Personal Injury, Civil and Criminal Defense departments at The Gonzalez Law Group, helping thousands of clients obtain successful results in the Greater Houston area, including Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston, Brazoria, and surrounding counties. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Kevin provides accessible legal representation to a diverse community. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for being a fierce advocate in the courtroom and a compassionate counselor outside of it, guiding clients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Known for being both savvy and street-smart, Kevin is prepared to try any case in Texas, obtaining favorable results, even when facing unfavorable odds. In January 2025, he founded Ace Law, based in Houston, Texas and focuses his practice on Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Civil and Business Litigation. At his firm, Kevin and his team remain 100% committed to each case, delivering strategic, results-driven advocacy while maintaining a client-first approach. Whether fighting for accident victims, defending individuals against criminal charges, advising businesses, or navigating complex immigration matters, Kevin’s mission is to provide justice, protection, and peace of mind to every client he represents. Beyond the courtroom, Kevin regularly appears on television newscast providing legal commentary on significant cases in Houston, Texas, for various Latino news outlets, including Telemundo and Univision. While at The Gonzalez Law Group, he also appeared on nationally televised programs such as Despierta America. Kevin has handled numerous high-profile cases, further establishing his reputation as a trusted legal expert. Off the clock, Kevin enjoys spending time in his backyard, relaxing by the pool and unwinding with his wife, their two pugs JJ and Bitzy, and cat, Amadeus.

William L. Nealy, IIhas been practicing law for almost 15 years. He received his undergraduate degree from Florida A & M University in accounting in April, 1997. He began working for Parker Hannifin as an accountant in their managerial accounting program in May of 1997; however, after a year and a half, he attended law school at the University of Houston Law Center in August, 1998. He received his law degree in May of 2001. William L. Nealy, II, was licensed to practice law in Texas in November of 2001. He began practicing with Davis & Associates, also in 2001, representing Plaintiffs in employment matters, discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, age discrimination, and religious discrimination. Additionally, William L. Nealy, II represented individuals in criminal matters on the state and federal level. As an associate, he represented clients in criminal appeals in federal court, civil appeals in federal court, and litigation in various employment matters, including sexual harassment, disability discrimination, national origin discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower actions, and worker’s compensation retaliation. William L. Nealy, II also represented clients in mediations and administrative hearings in regards to for cause termination. In April of 2005, William L. Nealy, II became licensed to practice law in Louisiana, where he began working for the Thomas Law Firm. At the Thomas Law Firm, William L. Nealy, II primarily represented a major insurance company in Louisiana and various individuals in Plaintiff’s lawsuits, mostly in personal injury, auto accidents, and wrongful death. William L. Nealy, II also handled several appeals, and represented Defendants in insurance contract disputes and post trial disputes regarding accidents, and subsequent injuries. William L. Nealy, II began his private practice in 2008, which is based in Houston, Texas, and primarily services Houston, Galveston, Pearland, Sugarland, Missouri City, and the surrounding area. Additionally, William L. Nealy, II provides legal services in Louisiana. The Law Office of William L. Nealy, II can represent you, whether you live in Fort Bend County, Brazoria County, Harris County, Montgomery County, Galveston County or Ascension Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, or Orleans Parish. Call the Law Office of William L. Nealy, II and we will provide you with the unyielding fighting spirit that your lawsuit deserves!

Mr. Kennedy is a native Houstonian with more than 13 years of trial and appellate experience. He built a practice that focused on family, criminal, personal injury and probate law. He has tried over 50 cases, both criminal and civil, to a jury. Mr. Kennedy believes that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions because everyone’s legal issue is unique and personal. He provides vigorous representation for his clients with an eye toward finding creative solutions to complex problems. Mr. Kennedy has experience representing clients in Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Montgomery and Waller counties. Mr. Kennedy was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 2005 and is licensed to practice in all state courts.

Jessica Horace is an experienced family law attorney who values kindness and compassion as a cornerstone of her practice. Her clients and opponents alike have learned to respect her abilities and appreciate the personal touch she brings to her practice of the law. Jessica is a native of Lufkin, Texas. She attended Lamar University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. While attending South Texas College of Law, Jessica clerked for the 312th Family District Court. She also participated in the law school’s family and domestic violence clinics. Jessica has been a member of the Texas State Bar since 2011 and is also a proud member of the Legal Fraternity Phi Alpha Delta. Like many family law attorneys, Jessica entered the legal field to help others. She has a passion for supporting families throughout each step of the adoption process. Jessica builds relationships with her clients, and she cares about providing them with the best legal representation possible. A deep believer in social justice, she is engaged in community outreach throughout Texas. In her spare time, Jessica can be found instructing a Zumba class, focusing on personal health, and speaking to youth at career days.