James Alston is a former state and federal prosecutor with over 28 years of experience in the courtroom. James uses his experience & knowledge to aggressively defend his clients in state & federal courts.
01

When You Are
In Trouble
Experience Matters

James Alston is able to use his unique experiences & knowledge to help get the best results for clients.

02

Former Harris
County Assistant
District Attorney

Assigned to the trial bureau, child abuse division and major fraud division (1994 - 2002).

03

Former Assistant
United States
Attorney

Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas (2002-2006) - Federal Drug Prosecutor.

04

Board Certified
in Criminal Law
by TBLS

Only 1% of licensed attorneys in Texas have qualified for board certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Houston
Criminal Defense Attorney for Federal and Serious Felony Charges

Facing a criminal investigation, a felony charge, or federal prosecution in Texas is one of the most serious situations a person can encounter. When your freedom, reputation, and future are at risk, the attorney you choose matters immediately.

Houston Defense Attorney

James Alston is a Houston criminal defense attorney with more than 30 years of experience in the criminal justice system, including service as a state and federal prosecutor. He understands how the government investigates cases, builds evidence, and seeks convictions—and uses his knowledge to defend individuals accused of serious crimes in state and federal courts.

Strategic Defense When the Stakes Are Highest

Serious criminal allegations require more than routine representation.
They require a thorough investigation, a precise legal strategy, and courtroom readiness.

The Law Offices of James Alston carefully examines:

  • the government’s evidence and investigative methods
  • constitutional and procedural violations
  • witness credibility and forensic proof
  • opportunities for dismissal, reduction, or trial defense

This disciplined approach allows the defense to challenge the prosecution at every stage and pursue the strongest possible outcome under the law.

Defense of Federal Charges and Serious Felonies

Our practice focuses on representing individuals accused of high-stakes criminal offenses, including:

  • Federal criminal investigations and indictments
  • Drug trafficking and conspiracy allegations
  • Fraud and other white-collar offenses
  • Firearms and weapons charges
  • Violent felony accusations
  • Sex-related criminal charges
  • Repeat or enhanced felony prosecutions

Federal cases involve powerful government investigative agencies, complex sentencing laws, and the possibility of significant prison time. Early, experienced legal representation can make a critical difference.

Board Certified. Former State & Federal Prosecutor. More Than 30 Years of Criminal Law Experience.

James Alston is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction earned by only a small percentage of criminal defense attorneys. He has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer for more than a decade and holds a 10.0 Avvo rating, reflecting peer respect and client trust.

Before entering private practice, he served as a prosecutor for more than twelve years, including:

  • Assistant District Attorney in Harris County
  • Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas

He has now spent over three decades in state and federal criminal courts, providing rare insight into:

  • how prosecutors build and evaluate cases
  • how government investigations lead to indictment and trial
  • when charges can be challenged, reduced, or dismissed

He has handled more than 400 federal criminal cases in the United States District Courts in Houston and brings deep experience defending complex and high-exposure federal matters.

This background enables him to anticipate government strategy and develop powerful defense approaches for clients facing the most serious allegations.

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Focused Representation in Serious Criminal Matters

The Law Offices of James Alston is dedicated to defending clients accused of felonies, federal crimes, and complex criminal charges where the consequences may include substantial prison exposure and permanent damage to reputation.

Clients rely on this firm for:

  • direct attorney involvement in every case
  • careful legal analysis and preparation
  • clear, honest guidance
  • determined courtroom advocacy

When the stakes are highest, experience and strategy matter most.

Texas State Criminal Defense

Individuals facing Texas state criminal charges are often at a serious disadvantage against the resources of law enforcement and the prosecution. Early and experienced legal representation is critical.

James Alston personally handles each case and works to protect constitutional rights from the earliest stage of investigation through trial. With more than 30 years in Texas criminal courts, he understands:

  • Texas criminal law and procedure
  • the strategies used by prosecutors
  • the mindset of judges and the court system

If you are charged with a state felony or serious criminal offense, diligent and knowledgeable defense representation is essential.

Federal Criminal Defense

A federal crime involves alleged violations of United States law and is typically investigated by agencies such as:

  • the FBI
  • DEA
  • Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
  • federal task forces and other government agencies

Federal prosecutions often carry severe penalties, complex legal procedures, and extensive government resources. Many attorneys lack the experience required to handle federal criminal litigation.

As a former Assistant United States Attorney with more than 20 years of federal court experience and hundreds of federal cases handled, James Alston provides experienced and strategic defense for individuals facing serious federal criminal charges.

When you are charged with a federal crime, your life and future are on the line. Experienced federal defense representation is critical from the very beginning.

Take the First Step to Protect Your Freedom

If you are under investigation or charged with a federal crime or serious felony in the Houston area, do not wait to seek legal counsel.

Contact The Law Offices of James Alston
📞 (713) 280-5615
to schedule a confidential consultation.

Your defense begins the moment we take action.

Reviews & Testimonials

74 “Five Star” Google reviews

“if I could give him
6 stars, I would”

“James Alston is one of those rare people you run across who do a fantastic job and makes you feel like a friend is taking care of something for you. He is a master of what he does, his staff is always on the ball. James Alston is someone you can trust to provide the legal help that you expect. ”

Paul R.
Yelp review
stars
“will forever
be grateful”

“James Alston knows the hurdles and challenges of legal defense. His decades of walking the halls of Harris County courts, strategic relationships, intentional partnerships, and docket handling has stood the test of time...I appreciate and value James techniques, diligence, knowledge, and care. Will forever be grateful and recommend James for years to come.”

Jay A.
Google review
stars
“you will not be
disappointed”

“It's a difficult situation when you need to find the right attorney to handle your situation, and there are countless attorneys who claim they can -- but never deliver. Stop looking now if you are considering James Alston to represent you, he is the best choice no matter what the situation.”

Wes
AVVO review
stars
“incredible and
prompt advice”

“After discovering some of the positive reviews of Mr. Alston online I decided to give him a call for a consultation... Mr. Alston provided me incredible and prompt advice and didn't even charge me a fee for the call; Incredible service! I will bring any of my future needs to the Law Office of James Alston!”

Kyle
Google review
stars
“made us both
feel comfortable”

“Highly recommended this law firm. Couple of months ago I got into some serious trouble with the law and I needed a good lawyer...The first time we met, he made us both feel comfortable talking about my case and what the plan is for future court. Months later after going in and out of court numerous times, things finally worked out for me. Thanks to Mr.James for his patient and professionalism.”

It’s Andy
Google review
stars
"highly
recommend'

He genuinely cares about the outcome of your case and does everything in his power to get the case dismissed... He is the best attorney in all of Houston and in the U.S.

Ingrid C.
Facebook Review
stars
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super lawyers 10 years
Avvo
Board Certified
Super Lawyers
NACDL
super lawyers 10 years
Avvo
Board Certified
Super Lawyers
NACDL

Case Results

Charge

Driving While Intoxicated

Result

Dismissed

Charge

International Kidnapping

Result

Not Guilty at Trial

Charge

Felony Drug Possession

Result

Dismissed

Charge

Child Pornography

Result

Dismissed

Charge

Civil Rights Violations

Result

Not Guilty at Trial

Charge

Assault of Family Member

Result

Dismissed

Click here View more results

James Alston
Houston criminal defense attorney

James Alston is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and he is considered by his peers as one of Houston’s Top Criminal Defense Attorneys. James Alston has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for more than ten years, and Avvo gives him the top rating of 10. James Alston dedicates 100% of his legal practice to defending clients who are under criminal investigation or facing criminal charges.

James Alston was a prosecutor for over 12 years, where he was an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County, Texas for 8 years and an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas for 4 years. James Alston has represented clients facing criminal charges in state and federal courts in Texas for over 18 years. James Alston’s extensive experience as a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney gives him very unique skills when defending his clients against criminal investigations and criminal charges brought by the government and law enforcement.

You have a Constitutional Right to an experienced and knowledgeable attorney.

 

Attorney James Alston is a native Texan and a proud resident of Houston, Texas. James Alston has worked in the state and federal courts for over 30 years, and he knows the justice system and the means and methods that prosecutors use to seek convictions. James Alston will use his knowledge to fight the system and get the best result he can for your case.

Protecting Your Rights – Protecting Your Future

When you are facing criminal charges, your future and freedom are at stake. Navigating the criminal justice system in Texas is stressful and frightening. Therefore, you need a skilled and knowledgeable Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer to protect your Constitutional rights and fight for you.

 

James Alston

Areas of Practice

Protect Your Rights and Protect Your Future.

TEXAS STATE CRIMES

Those who are facing Texas state criminal charges are at a serious disadvantage and are often facing an uphill battle. The justice system is often unfair and ignores the presumption of innocence. Law enforcement and the prosecution use their vast resources to seek convictions.

At the Law Office of James Alston, Mr. Alston is your dedicated legal advocate as he handles all cases himself and does not pass them on to a less experienced associate. James Alston strives to protect your legal rights from the moment you are contacted by law enforcement. From his over 30 years of experience in the criminal justice system, James Alston understands the criminal law and procedure as it relates to your specific case, and he also knows the prosecutors and judges, and he understands their mindset. When you have been charged with a crime in state court, you need diligent legal representation from a lawyer with an in-depth understanding of the laws and court systems in Texas. You need Criminal Defense Attorney James Alston.

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Federal Crimes

A federal crime is a crime that violates the laws of the United States. A federal crime is often investigated by a federal law enforcement agency, such as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or any other federal law enforcement agency or federal task force. Federal crimes differ from state crimes, both in the applicable law and by the fact that federal crimes often carry more severe penalties. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement agents often have extensive legal experience and training, not to mention they also have the vast resources of the United States government at their disposal. Federal criminal cases are often more complicated than state cases. Many attorneys do not have the knowledge or experience to represent clients in federal court and, thus, they avoid federal criminal cases.

As a former Assistant United States Attorney, James Alston has prosecuted serious federal criminal cases. As a criminal defense attorney, James Alston has defended all types of serious and complicated federal criminal cases. James Alston has over 20 years of experience practicing law in federal district courts. James Alston has handled over 375 federal criminal cases in the United States District Courts in Houston, Texas.

James Alston is dedicated to defending clients charged with any federal criminal charge. When you are charged with a federal crime, your life and future are on the line. You need a federal criminal defense attorney who has experience with federal cases and experience in federal court. You need federal criminal defense lawyer James Alston.

GETTING THE HELP OF AN ACCOMPLISHED HOUSTON CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

Whether you are facing state or federal criminal charges, James Alston is a highly sought-after Houston criminal defense attorney who understands what you are going through and can provide the defense you need to protect your freedom and secure the best possible result. If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime, Attorney James Alston can help. Call the Law Office of James Alston for a consultation at (713) 228-1400 or contact us through the online contact form.

Protect your rights

GETTING THE HELP OF AN ACCOMPLISHED HOUSTON CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

Whether you are facing state or federal criminal charges, James Alston is a highly sought-after Houston criminal defense attorney who understands what you are going through and can provide the defense you need to protect your freedom and secure the best possible result. If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime, Attorney James Alston can help. Call the Law Office of James Alston for a consultation at (713) 228-1400 or contact us through the online contact form.