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Call us today for a consultation
(713) 228-1400
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.
Federal Criminal
Defense Attorney in Houston
The Law Offices of James Alston
A federal criminal investigation or indictment is one of the most serious legal threats a person can face. Federal prosecutors have extensive resources, highly trained investigators, and complex sentencing laws that can expose a defendant to substantial prison time and life-altering consequences.
If you are under investigation by a federal agency or charged in the United States District Court in Houston, experienced legal representation is critical from the very beginning.
James Alston is a Houston criminal defense attorney with more than 30 years of criminal law experience, including service as a former Assistant United States Attorney. He understands how federal prosecutors build cases, evaluate evidence, and pursue convictions—and he uses that knowledge to defend individuals accused of serious federal crimes.
Former Federal Prosecutor With Decades of Federal Court Experience
Before entering private practice, James Alston served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, where he prosecuted serious federal criminal cases.
Today, he brings that insider knowledge to the defense of individuals facing high-stakes federal charges, including:
- how federal investigations are developed
- how evidence is presented to the grand jury
- how prosecutors evaluate trial risk and sentencing exposure
- when charges may be challenged, reduced, or dismissed
Mr. Alston has handled more than 400 federal criminal cases in the United States District Courts for the Southern District of Texas in Houston and has over 20 years of experience practicing in federal court. This background provides clients with strategic, informed, and aggressive federal defense representation.
Federal Criminal Cases We Defend
The Law Offices of James Alston represents clients accused of a wide range of serious federal offenses, including:
- Federal drug trafficking and conspiracy charges
- Fraud and white-collar criminal offenses
- Federal firearms and weapons charges
- Internet and computer-related crimes
- Sex-related federal offenses
- Child pornography charges
- Repeat or enhanced federal felony allegations
- Other complex federal criminal investigations and indictments
Each federal case involves unique procedural rules, sentencing guidelines, and evidentiary challenges that require an experienced and focused defense strategy.
Learn more
Early Defense in Federal Investigations
Many federal cases begin long before an arrest, often involving:
- contact from federal agents
- subpoenas or target letters
- search warrants or seizures
- grand jury investigations
What you do before charges are filed can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Early legal representation may create opportunities to:
- avoid charges entirely
- limit the scope of an investigation
- protect constitutional rights
- position the case for a stronger defense
Why Experience Matters in Federal Court
Federal criminal litigation is fundamentally different from state prosecution.
It requires:
- deep knowledge of federal procedure and sentencing guidelines
- experience handling complex investigations and evidence
- confidence and credibility in federal courtrooms
- the ability to prepare a case for trial when necessary
With Board Certification in Criminal Law, prior service as a federal prosecutor, and three decades of courtroom experience, James Alston provides the level of representation serious federal cases demand.
Speak With a Houston Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are under investigation or charged with a federal crime in Houston or the Southern District of Texas, do not wait to seek legal counsel.
Contact The Law Offices of James Alston
📞 (713) 280-5615
to schedule a confidential consultation.
Early action can make a critical difference in a federal case.
Reviews & Testimonials
74 “Five Star” Google reviews
“if I could give him
6 stars, I would”
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
Yelp review
“will forever
be grateful”
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
Google review
“you will not be
disappointed”
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
AVVO review
“incredible and
prompt advice”
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
Google review
“made us both
feel comfortable”
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
Google review
"highly
recommend"
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
Facebook Review
James Alston
Houston criminal defense attorney
Attorney James Alston, with a background in both state and federal court, is recognized as one of Houston’s elite lawyers. He knows the criminal justice system like no other lawyer! His years spent observing prosecutors’ techniques have given him exceptional trial skills that help his clients get off with minimal prison time while achieving results when they go on trial for their crimes. Facing charges can be scary, but Mr. Alston takes his job seriously because he knows how important it truly is to protect people from harm.
You have a Constitutional right to an attorney. Experience counts, so make sure you hire a knowledgeable and proven attorney to defend your freedom.
Attorney James Alston is a Texas native who was born in Beaumont, Texas. He started his legal career as a prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office where he served for eight years and gained valuable experience.
He moved to the next phase in his illustrious career when he accepted an offer to become a federal prosecutor for the United States Attorney’s Office in Houston, Texas. James Alston was a member of the Organized Crime Drug Task Force where he investigated and prosecuted national and international drug trafficking organizations. His vast experience as both a state and federal prosecutor gives him very unique experience and skills as a federal criminal defense attorney in Houston.
Areas of Practice
Analyzing Crimes On The Federal Level
Federal Crime Experience
The conditions below are regulated by numerous laws and procedures, and not all lawyers are licensed to represent clients at the federal level. It is important to have an accomplished Houston federal criminal defense attorney by your side when battling these types of charges and crimes.
While assigned to the Organized Crime Drug Task Force, Mr. Alston investigated and prosecuted national and international drug organizations. Mr. Alston has extensive experience and training in federal law enforcement investigative techniques including: Confidential informants, cell site tracking devices, title III wire intercepts (telephone taps) and surveillance.
If you have been arrested and charged with a federal crime, call the federal criminal defense attorney James Alston immediately for a free, in-person consultation about your case.
James Alston is committed to protecting and defending his clients’ legal rights. His goal is to pursue a favorable outcome by reducing or, in some cases, complete dismissal of the charges.
Learn more
Contact our Houston Federal Crimes Attorney
It can be an unsettling experience to be charged with a crime in federal court. When facing such charges, the only thing you can do is work with our professional Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer to protect your rights and represent you in federal court.
Federal crimes, including heavy fines and probable prison time, carry severe penalties. Do not find yourself without proper legal representation if you have been charged with a Federal Crime in Houston; allow our legal team to represent you.
