Valentine Appeals & Appellate Lawyers

We are tough and practical regardless of the type of case that you bring to our office. In more than one consult, we find other attorneys or law firms offering services that the law simply doesn't allow, or that the client may not actually need. We pride ourselves on helping client's find practical, cost effective solutions. However, we are always ready to take a case to trial when needed. It is this balance of tough, but fair, that allows us to assert effective advocacy for all of our clients. We proudly serve clients in Kaufman...

I help people and businesses solve legal problems and plan for the future. My clients range from individuals who have never used a lawyer to banks and multi-national corporations. I provide honest, straight forward advice and solutions that are designed to accomplish your goals, protect your assets, avoid disputes, and save you time, money, and headaches. So, if you need to plan your own estate, need help handling the estate or affairs of a family member, or have a legal issue impacting your business, give me a call. In addition to myself, my firm has lawyers who specialize in real...

Gerald “Gerry” Harris Goldstein is a nationally known and respected defense lawyer and Past President of both the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Texas Lawyer’s Legal Legends, has been profiled in numerous publications, has served as an adjunct professor of law at University of Texas School of Law in Austin and at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, and is a fellow in the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of...

David Hodges, founding partner at Hodges & Foty, LLP, was born in McAllen, Texas, and moved to Cypress when he was seven. He attended Cy-Fair Senior High School, and discovered he wanted to go to law school after participating in a mock trial in his senior government class.

After graduation, he joined the Corps of Cadets and attended Texas A&M University where he earned his B.S. degree in 1989. After graduating from Texas A&M University, he was immediately commissioned in the Navy and deployed to the Persian Gulf. When he transferred from active duty to the Navy Reserves, he...

With more than 40 years of experience as a dedicated criminal defense attorney, Van Hilley confidently represents individuals from across Texas who have been charged with criminal offenses. He has diligently served as a respected member of Goldstein, Goldstein & Hilley through many complex and high profile cases, ranging from misdemeanor drug crimes to felony white collar fraud offenses. His many awards and leadership roles have made him an esteemed member of the legal community. In addition to practicing law throughout Texas courts, Mr. Hilley also is licensed to appear before the U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit and...

In an award-winning legal general-practice, Mr. Howard Glass, Esq. and his legal Team of Professionals provide and assist clients with a "vast & various range of legal topics, matters, & cases." Skilled & experienced, Mr. Glass was again recognized several times during this year, including his induction into the College of the State Bar of Texas & the Texas Bar's Pro Bono College & "Client Satisfaction" awards by both the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys & the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. Mr. Glass' downtown Houston-based firm not only practices virtually "every 'traditional' area of Texas State...

Fred Dahr is a Houston-based criminal lawyer who represents clients in criminal litigations from misdemeanors and felonies to appeals, writs of Habeas Corpus, and clearing record cases in state and federal courts. He has won dismissals or acquittals for clients charged with different assault cases, aggravated robbery, driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance, theft, and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

Daniel De La Garza is a skilled criminal defense lawyer in San Antonio, Texas, with extensive experience in criminal trial law, appellate litigation, and post-conviction writ proceedings in both state and federal court. With a strong commitment to protecting the rights of his clients, Mr. De La Garza has a proven track record of providing high-quality representation to individuals facing a range of criminal charges, from low-level marijuana offenses to high-profile capital murder charges. Mr. De La Garza has successfully defended clients in state and federal courtrooms on a wide range of criminal matters, including death penalty cases, federal drug trafficking,...

Krause Law Firm offers free consultations and free parking at our downtown office. Call 210-455-1333 to schedule your free consultation. Our office handles all criminal law cases in Bexar County, including DWI and Family Violence cases. Attorney Staci Krause first worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office before becoming a defense attorney. She then worked with Soyars & Morgan Law, a highly-respected criminal defense law firm in San Antonio, Texas, before starting her own law firm in 2018. Since then, Attorney Krause has defended hundreds of people with her knowledge of criminal law....

Spolin Law P.C.’s founder, Aaron Spolin, is a former prosecutor and award-winning criminal appeals attorney. He has achieved successful outcomes on hundreds of criminal cases, including numerous dismissals of major felony cases; non-criminal resolutions to complex fraud and insurance fraud defense cases; successful appellate outcomes from various appellate courts; and multiple not-guilty jury verdicts at trial. Innocent Spolin Law clients wrongfully accused of murder and other serious crimes are now free because of his work. Aaron is the recipient of various awards for his advocacy, including the American College of Trial Lawyer’s Medal for Excellence in Oral Advocacy as well as...

At the Houston, Texas law firm of Abraham Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, firm partner Brant J. Stogner consistently tries cases to verdict, successfully trying 12 cases in his first three years at the firm. Today, he exclusively represents plaintiffs, focusing his practice on catastrophic personal injury matters, product defect cases, gas explosions, drownings, 18 wheeler and commercial auto accidents. Brant is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in personal injury trial law and received this certification within the first five years of legal practice. In 2009, Brant won the largest verdict in Texas...

Cynthia Hujar Orr uses her extensive experience to aid those across Texas facing a range of criminal charges. She is a highly respected member of the criminal defense community and has received numerous awards for her contributions to her field. She is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in both Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law, a distinction earned by less than 10% of attorneys. After earning her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Cynthia began studying law at St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio. She received her license to practice law in Texas...

After working at Houston mega-firms, Corpus Christi and Victoria mid-size firms, and two different Courts of Appeals, Leslie A. Werner opened her own firm in Victoria, TX, in 2007 under The Soliz Law Group, her then-married last name. Leslie has taken what she learned from her variety of experiences and has not only become a well-rounded attorney but created a firm that has embodied the best attributes of her previous workplaces. Her experience at the 1st and 13th Court of Appeals and her association with the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for Civil Appeals has allowed her to be the...

Robert Chisholm's law practice focuses on representing disabled veterans in the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and before the Department of Veterans Affairs. Robert has been representing disabled veterans since 1990. During his extensive career, Robert has successfully represented veterans before the Board of Veterans' Appeals, Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Robert is a founding member of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Bar Association and served as President of that organization for the year 2002-2003. Mr. Chisholm served as the President of the...

Ms. Walter is an experienced trial lawyer, with a practical, business-oriented approach to handling cases. Her practice focuses on business litigation matters, including contracts, leases, construction, real estate, collections and Deceptive Trade Practices case and business owners' disputes. It Feels Good to Prevail!

1997 to Present President, Walter Law Firm, P.C., Houston, TX

2011 to 2012 Burleson, LLP, Houston, TX
Senior Counsel. Business litigation matters, including contracts, leases, collections, construction, real estate title, DTPA, fraud. Preparation of oil and gas title opinions.

1991 to 1996 Whittington, Pfeiffer & Vacek, Houston, TX
Associate Attorney....

Laura D. Heard has practiced law in San Antonio, Texas for her entire career, spanning more than 3 decades. She is known for her motto: "Justice Flows from Truth, Compassion, Wisdom & Persistence." She is a Family Law Mediator, Divorce Attorney, Wills and Probate Attorney. Laura is tenacious and experienced, and also a great listener. She has handled hundreds of cases in Bexar County and the surrounding counties. She can help with child custody cases, property division disputes, alimony, child support, adoptions, executing new Wills, creating trusts, and probate after death. Laura is a family law Mediator...

I worked in the Dallas County crime lab (SWIFS) after graduating from college. I worked as a DNA Technologist in the Forensic Biology department. Part of my job included testifying as a Forensic Biology expert in court. After three years of working at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences I decided to attend law school with the purpose of being a lifetime prosecutor. Although I enjoyed being a prosecutor, my work in criminal defense is where I belong. I became part of an elite group of criminal defense attorneys when I became Board Certified by the Texas Board...

As the founder of the Law Offices of D. Chris Hesse, Mr. Hesse is a dedicated legal professional who is not afraid to take on tough cases. He has served as a Marine Officer in the past and was a prosecutor for the Potter County Attorney’s office, giving him a unique background and level of experience. Mr. Hesse takes on cases involving drug crimes, DWI, sex offenses, and other various matters. His main priority is to build a strategic defense that works to safeguard his clients as best as possible. Mr. Hesse has handled hundreds of cases and is prepared...

A former court of appeals briefing attorney, Dallas appellate lawyer Chad Ruback devotes his practice to handling appeals and trial court motions likely to be at issue on appeal.

I litigate and appeal in real estate and Constitutional law. I defend homeowners against HOAs, banks, and insurance companies. Foreclosure and foreclosure defense, eviction defense, and home equity loan litigation are most of what we do.

Prominent cases included Pangborn v. Burnet County over a bill of attainder limiting real estate development rights, Piatt v. City of Austin over racially discriminatory affirmative action in the Police Department, and Hendee v. Dewhurst over Texas constitutional spending limits.

Former clerk for Texas Supreme Court Justice Steven Wayne Smith.

I’m an Austin criminal defense lawyer that puts in all the effort required of an attorney striving to be recognized as one of the best criminal defense lawyers in Austin. I investigate evidence, hire experts when needed, and locate and interview witnesses on behalf of my clients. Some Austin defense lawyers choose to help the state by coaching a defendant into a plea-deal for the sake of convenience. Unless the circumstances of the case demands it, that’s not how business is done at the Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski. I prefer to fight for the accused. My law firm provides...

Chris is an experienced trial and appellate attorney respected throughout the State of Texas who is frequently called on to handle high-profile matters. He served as Chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and has worked to reform and standardize custody and possession rules statewide. Chris is well known for his appellate experience and deep understanding of marital property laws. He is especially adept at dividing business ownership and ensuring value and security for the non-owning spouse. Dual Board Certified in Family Law and Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Chris...

An appellate specialist with a broad base of experience on both sides of the bar, Lance handles matters in State and Federal courts at both the trial and appellate level, including business litigation, insurance coverage, personal injury and complex litigation matters.

Matthew Ploeger is dedicated to serving Sutliff & Stout’s clients with diligence, skill, and commitment. He enjoys the intellectual challenges, but even more importantly, finds great satisfaction in helping people understand and navigate the legal system and championing them in the courts. ———— Matthew Ploeger began his legal career serving as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Nathan L. Hecht, the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. He then joined the appellate practice group at a major law firm, where, for over ten years, he handled all manner of appeals and worked closely with trial teams, providing crucial support...

After attending both undergraduate and law school at the University of Texas, Corey Young began his legal career as an appellate prosecutor in Montgomery County, Texas.

John T. Floyd is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is rated as a Super Lawyer by the prestigious rating service of Thomson–Reuters, distinguishing him as a lawyer who has attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Mr. Floyd takes great pride in leading his premier criminal defense litigation firm, which focuses exclusively on successfully defending Individuals and businesses accused of serious crimes in Houston, throughout the State of Texas and in Federal Court across the United States. Mr. Floyd’s experience, determination, and talent has also earned him...

As one of the founding partners at Lyons & Simmons, LLP, Attorney Michael Lyons is dedicated to providing top-tier legal services for each and every one of his clients. Currently, he handles a wide range of cases in several practice areas, including those that involve personal injury, products liability, professional liability, wrongful death, and complex business disputes. Before committing his life to trial work, Lyons attended The University of Texas where he achieved his Bachelor of Arts degree. Following his undergraduate studies, he attended South Texas College of Law where he achieved his Juris Doctorate, graduating cum laude and as a...

Levi G. McCathern, II is widely recognized as one of the premier litigation lawyers in Texas. He is Board Certified in both Civil Trial Law and Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a double certification held by only 26 of the 87,000 attorneys in Texas.

Mr. McCathern specializes in catastrophic damage litigation and is frequently summoned to defend specialized, high-damage claims, including all types of commercial litigation. In addition, he has served as lead counsel for numerous jury trials and is regularly called upon to provide legal consultation to companies throughout the country.

Mr. McCathern serves as...

For more than 20 years, Attorney Jeffrey C. Grass has committed his life to safeguarding the rights and futures of those who have been accused of crimes. Due to his steadfast commitment to judiciary work, Attorney Grass has representation clients before the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Texas. His successes have led him to an inclusion among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association as well as the 10 Best for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. Before founding the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass, he served as...

David Scoggins was born in Dallas, Texas and has been a lifelong Texan. He graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and thereafter graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree. He immediately obtained his license to practice law from the Supreme Court of the State of Texas and shortly thereafter was licensed in the Federal Courts of the United States. In 1981, David Scoggins commenced the practice of law in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex and has resolved over 6,000 criminal cases. He has represented citizens accused in...

Troy Hornsby has been involved in over 250 appellate proceedings including civil and criminal appeals to Texas, Federal and Arkansas Courts of Appeals. He also has extensive experience in complex probate litigation matters.

Dan focuses on real estate litigation and transactions, estate planning and probate, and general civil litigation matters. He draws on his experience as a former County Court at Law Judge in Hays County handling thousands of civil and criminal matters. He is an AV-Preeminent rated lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell and recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer® (a Thompson Reuters rating service) in the area of General Litigation. He served as law clerk to Justice Davie L. Wilson of the First Court of Appeals in Houston before practicing for several years in the commercial litigation section a large Austin-based law firm. He is...

A native of Commerce and Temple, Texas, Attorney Paul F. Wieneskie brings over 30 years of practice experience to Bailey & Galyen, with an emphasis on civil appeals, municipal law (representing cities or private citizens), economic development concerns, and land use and planning. He has been board-certified in civil appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1994, an honor accorded to less than one in every ten lawyers in the state of Texas. He is also AV-rated by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System®* (since 1997). Paul has successfully represented clients...

Sean Pevsner established this law firm with his best friend, Mark Whitburn. They have been best friends since 1986. Mr. Whitburn assisted Mr. Pevsner throughout these years. This firm is one among many goals which they have accomplished together. For more on their story, please visit our news page. Mr. Pevsner is a University of Texas Law graduate with severe cerebral palsy who operates a motorized wheelchair by the use of head movements. Due to his quadriplegia, he cannot write but must rely on an interpreter or a specialized computer to do...

I am Amie Augenstein, I thank you for considering my firm for legal representation. After living in Dallas for over 15 years, my family and I recently relocated to Corpus Christi. Prior to opening my firm here, I worked as an associate for a Dallas Employment Law Firm I represent both Employers and Employees, which gives me insight into both sides and keeps me sharp from every angle of any legal issue that comes up.

I am experienced in several areas of law, such as Criminal Law, Employment Law, Mental Health Law, Juvenile Law, Contract Law, Family Law, and Guardianship...

Professional Summary
Experienced appellate and criminal defense counsel with accomplished background in State and Federal litigation. Over twenty years of experience in both whitecollar and blue-collar cases ranging from State misdemeanors to Federal felonies.

Education
University of Texas School of Law,
J.D., cum laude – 1995

Academic Publications
Yes: Juries Can and Should Correct the Overly Broad use of Criminal
Sanctions, in W.R. Palacios, P.F. Cromwell, R.G. Dunham, ed., Crime and Justice in America: Present Realities and Future Prospects, Prentice Hall,
2002

Jury Nullification: The Evolution of a Doctrine (Carolina Academic Press, 1998) 334 pages.

Professional...

James P. Whalen is the owner of Whalen Law Office in Frisco, Texas.

James graduated from Southern Methodist University School of Law in May 1995 and was admitted to the Texas Bar in November 1995 and is admitted to practice in the federal courts of the Eastern, Northern, Western and Southern Districts of Texas, Northern District of Illinois, as well as the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. James has been Board Certified in Criminal Law since 2002 and has been Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law since 2017. Mr. Whalen practices exclusively in federal...