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Houston Personal Injury Lawyers

Criminal DefenseLawyers

When disaster strikes, you need a Legal Emergency Lawyer™ who fights like your future depends on it — because it does.

$50M+ Recovered
25+ Years
4.9 251+ Reviews
NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN

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No Fee Unless We Win
24/7 Availability
Hablamos Español
Houston • Austin • Beaumont

Criminal Defense Lawyers

Have you been accused of a drug violation or other crime? Our criminal defense lawyers protect victims like you throughout Texas.

What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

People accused of drug violations will often remain free of suspicion for years. After suddenly receiving criminal charges, facing a ride in the back of a squad car, or a night in jail, it is easy to feel that law enforcement “has you where it wants you” and a conviction is inevitable.

If you face drug charges, a conviction is far from inevitable. We have handled hundreds of drug cases and have helped numerous individuals across the state of Texas successfully fight and beat their drug charges. We are skilled at defending against charges of drug possession, drug trafficking, drug manufacturing and DWI/DUI. We have handled cases involving:

What's an example of a criminal defense case?

In a recent case, police appeared at the home of our client, who was out in his yard. The police entered his home, where they found a large quantity of illegal drugs. The case went to trial and due to weaknesses we identified in his case, we succeeded in arranging for deferred adjudication. Our client will face no jail time and his charges will be dismissed, if he follows court rules. Prior to trial, he faced 5 to 99 years in jail.

We can analyze and fight your charges using defense strategies that include probable cause, illegal search & seizure, and other constitutional challenges. To learn more, contact our Houston criminal defense attorney team for a free initial consultation.

What are examples of criminal defense cases?

We have handled cases involving:

  • Drug Possession: Marijuana, Cocaine, Crystal meth, Crack cocaine, Heroin, Ecstasy
  • Animal Cruelty
  • Assault Crimes
  • Assault Family Violence, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence
  • Driving with an Invalid License
  • DUI / DWI Defense
  • Elder Abuse
  • Expunctions
  • Extortion
  • Fake I.D. or False Impersonation
  • Firearms Offenses
  • Fraud
  • Hit and Run
  • Homicide-Murder
  • Internet Crimes
  • Kidnapping
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance or Dangerous Drug
  • Public Intoxication
  • Sexual Assault
  • Theft Crimes
  • Vandalism

New Blog Articles

Yes, insurance companies do refuse to pay claims. So, what happens when an insurance company unfairly denies your claim?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident you’re probably wondering how you will pay your medical bills, your injuries, missed work, and repairs…

If you have been injured in a car accident and file a lawsuit, you will likely need to participate in a deposition…

Have a legal emergency?
Contact us.

Every day, people just like you reach out to us with questions. We want to hear about your case.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911
Frequently Asked Questions

COMMON QUESTIONS

Your consultation is 100% FREE with no obligation. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you'll speak with our team — not an answering service. Managing Partner Ralph Manginello (25+ years experience, Texas Bar since 1998) personally reviews cases. With 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating, we've built our reputation on giving real answers, not sales pitches. Call anytime — we answer 24/7 because legal emergencies don't wait.

You pay nothing unless we win. We work on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if your case goes to trial. We front ALL costs — medical records, expert witnesses, court fees, everything. As one client (Donald Wilcox) said: "One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello... I got a call to come pick up this handsome check." We've recovered multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death cases. Your fight is our fight.

Timelines vary, but we move fast. Client Tymesha Galloway: "Leonor got my case resolved within 6 months." Chavodrian Miles: "Leonor got me into the doctor the same day... it only took 6 months, amazing." Complex cases like our $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston take longer. Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of experience knowing when to push and when to build. We'll give you an honest timeline upfront and keep you informed every step — our clients consistently praise our communication.

We come to YOU. Hospital visits, home visits, video calls — whatever works. Client Stephanie Hernandez: "When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me... She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders." With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, plus virtual consultations statewide, distance is never a barrier. Seriously injured clients often can't travel — we understand. Ralph Manginello personally reaches out to clients who need it.

Sí, hablamos español. Attorney Lupe Peña is completely fluent in Spanish and conducts full consultations in Spanish. Our bilingual staff members — including Zulema, who clients specifically praise for her kindness and translation skills — ensure nothing gets lost. Client Celia Dominguez: "Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates." Client Angel Walle: "They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years." La comunidad hispana de Houston merece representación de primera clase.

We serve all of Texas from three office locations:

Houston (Primary): Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston Counties
Austin: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop Counties
Beaumont: Jefferson, Orange, Hardin Counties (Golden Triangle)

Ralph Manginello is admitted to U.S. Federal Court (Southern District of Texas) and the New York State Bar, handling cases that cross state lines. We've litigated against major corporations including BP in the Texas City explosion case.

We know how insurance companies think — because we used to work for them. Attorney Lupe Peña spent years at a national insurance defense firm learning exactly how they undervalue claims. Now he fights FOR you with that insider knowledge.

Our track record speaks: Multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, maritime injuries, and wrongful death. We're one of the few Texas firms involved in BP explosion litigation. Ralph Manginello has been inducted into the Cheshire Academy Hall of Fame and has 25+ years of courtroom experience. Client Chad Harris said it best: "You are NOT just some client... You are FAMILY to them."

Personal Injury: Car accidents, 18-wheeler/truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents, hit & run, drunk driving accidents, maritime/offshore injuries (Jones Act), construction accidents, refinery accidents, workers' compensation, wrongful death, product liability, and fraternity/sorority hazing cases (currently litigating a $10M case against University of Houston).

Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI defense, drug charges, and general criminal defense. We've had DWI cases dismissed by exposing improperly maintained breathalyzers and missing evidence.

People Are Talking...

"

Ralph Manginello is indeed the best attorney I ever had. He cares greatly about his results.

- AMAZIAH A.T
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Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise... tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.

- Jamin Marroquin
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Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer... Ralph reached out personally.

- Dame Haskett
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Leonor got me into the doctor the same day... it only took 6 months amazing.

- Chavodrian Miles
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Leonor is the best!!! She was able to assist me with my case within 6 months.

- Tymesha Galloway
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I was rear-ended and the team got right to work... I also got a very nice settlement.

- MONGO SLADE
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One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello... I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.

- Donald Wilcox
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You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client... You are FAMILY to them.

- Chad Harris
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They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.

- Glenda Walker
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Mr. Maginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.

- Ernest Cano
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Ralph took his bogus case and had it dismissed within a WEEK! I have been trying for over 2 years.

- Beth Bonds
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In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.

- Greg Garcia
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When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me... She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.

- Stephanie Hernandez
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Melanie kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.

- Brian Butchee
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Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.

- Celia Dominguez
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They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.

- Angel Walle
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One of Houston's Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.

- Jacqueline Johnson
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PROVEN RESULTS. REAL RECOVERIES.

We've recovered millions for Texas families. Here are some of our victories.

Multi-Million
Personal Injury
Client suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.
Multi-Million
Personal Injury
Client's leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation.
Significant Settlement
Maritime
Client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Investigation revealed he should have been assisted.
$10,000,000
Hazing Litigation
Active lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Harris County, November 2025.

YOUR LEGAL EMERGENCY TEAM.

Ralph Manginello - Houston Personal Injury Lawyer

RALPH MANGINELLO

Managing Partner
  • TX Bar 1998 (25+ yrs)
  • NY Bar, Federal Court (S.D. TX)
  • B.A. UT Austin, J.D. South TX
Lupe Peña - Houston Personal Injury Attorney

LUPE PEÑA

Associate Attorney
  • TX Bar 2012 (12+ yrs)
  • Former Insurance Defense Atty
  • FLUENT SPANISH

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911