Federal Criminal
Defense Attorney in Houston

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.

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.