Retired Marine LtCol Vokey is a hard-nosed, zealous military and criminal defense trial attorney.Retired Marine LtCol Vokey is a hard-nosed, zealous military and criminal defense trial attorney.
Mr. Vokey is one of the most well known and prominent military lawyers in the world. He has earned a national reputation as a hard-nosed, zealous criminal defense trial attorney. A retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Marine Corps, he has been involved in some of the most highly publicized military cases this century. He served as the lead counsel for a Canadian teenager detained in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and held for trial by a military commission on murder and terrorism charges. Mr. Vokey also defended the Marine squad leader accused of killing 18 people in the now infamous city of Haditha, Iraq.
Mr. Vokey served his country as a Marine Corps officer for over 20 years. He first served as an artillery officer, to include a combat tour during the first Persian Gulf War. Mr. Vokey also handled a variety of critical jobs involving sensitive or classified information. He was then selected for the highly competitive military law program. After graduating with distinction from law school, where he was also honored with selection to the Order of the Barristers, Mr. Vokey began a career as a trial lawyer. With the exception of one year spent obtaining his Masters of Law, he spent all of his time as a military judge advocate in the courtroom as either a prosecutor or defense attorney.
Mr. Vokey has tried hundreds of cases as both a prosecutor and defense counsel. As chief prosecutor for the busiest trial team in all of the Department of Defense at Camp Pendleton, California, he supervised or tried hundreds of cases. Not the one to sit on the sidelines, Mr. Vokey served as lead prosecutor for many cases to include murder, drug distribution, rape and a highly publicized bank fraud case involving the attempted theft of millions of dollars from the Federal Reserve. Mr. Vokey often worked closely with law enforcement organizations such as NCIS, FBI and military investigators during both the investigation and trial stages. As a result of his performance, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Secretary of the Navy.
As a defense attorney, Mr. Vokey earned the reputation as an aggressive and tough advocate for his clients, both military and civilian. As the Chief of all Marine Corps defense counsel in the Western half of the United States and in Iraq, he was responsible for the defense of service members charged with a variety of crimes. Many of those cases would come out of combat actions in Iraq and Afghanistan and included numerous cases of war crimes cases against U.S. service members. He personally defended numerous clients, to include those charged with murder, manslaughter and other major offenses. He constantly fought for the rights of accused servicemembers in and out of the courtroom. Observing our men and women returning from multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mr. Vokey noticed that many were suffering from post traumatic stress, combat stress or other mental health issues. In an interview with USA Today newspaper, Mr. Vokey became a strong supporter of the rights of service members who returned from combat with a variety of mental health disorders only to find themselves being kicked out of the service.
Mr. Vokey has continued representing service members in the most difficult and, sometimes, notorious cases. He has represented at trial more service members charged with war crimes and crimes originating in a combat zone than any other attorney in the country. Mr. Vokey has also handled a great number of sexual assault cases over the years. In the last three years, after the military focused on prosecuting such cases, Mr. Vokey has won trial after trial involving sexual assault, rape and similar offenses. His zealous and dogged representation of his clients is noticeable no matter the type of case, no matter the location of the court.
Mr. Vokey has been asked to speak all over the United States and overseas on criminal law, international law, veterans’ rights and a variety of other topics. His speeches and presentations include those at Harvard Law School and Harvard International Legal Studies; Keynote Speaker for 2008 Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association Banquet; University of Virginia International Law Symposium; Human Rights Conference, House of Commons, London, England; Dallas Bar Association; Colorado Trial Lawyers Association; John Marshall Law School, Atlanta; Texas A&M University; Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego; South Texas College of Law, Houston; University of North Dakota School of Law; Federal Bar Association, Dallas Chapter; Banyard Inns of Court, Orange County, California; San Diego Public Defenders Association; Mira Costa College, Vista, California. In addition to hundreds of television, radio, magazine and newspaper interviews in the United States and abroad and his own entry on the online Wikipedia website, Mr. Vokey has been the subject of several feature stories, such as: the segment All Things Considered on National Public Radio; Texas Aggie magazine, San Diego Union Tribune newspaper; and the Dallas Morning News.
After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2008, Mr. Vokey joined the prestigious Dallas criminal law firm of Fitzpatrick Hagood Smith & Uhl LLP, where he was made a Partner. Adding to his military and criminal justice experience, he then worked at two different civil law firms, representing injured persons in personal injury cases. No matter the type of case – military, criminal or civil – Mr. Vokey brings to the courtroom a wealth of trial experience and an expertise. His trial record and reputation along with his impeccable qualifications and solid work ethic put him among the very best in the representation of injured persons and service members, citizens and businesses that find themselves subject to investigation and prosecution in criminal matters.
Additionally, Mr. Vokey has served as an expert witness and consultant in military matters for both state and federal cases. His wide and varied experiences qualify him to provide expert opinion, advice and testimonial in: general military matters; strategy, tactics and operations; military administration; military benefits, separation and retirement; criminal law; military law; and government contracting and ethics.
Practice areas
Trial, Court-martial, BCNR, BCMR, administrative separation boards, Article15, NJP, Physical Evaluation Boards (PEB), National Security Cases, Delays and Exemptions from activation for Reservists, Article 32 investigations, war crimes
25 years
All crimes, with an emphasis on military law, white collar crimes, corporate liability, and violent crimes.
All federal crimes, to include violent crimes, sexual assault, MEJA, drugs, white collar crimes
Languages spoken
English
Law Firm of Colby Vokey PC
6924 Spanky Branch Court
Dallas, TX, 75248
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
TX | Eligible To Practice In Texas | 2004 | 02/17/2022 |
ND | License Expired | 1998 | 05/12/2022 |
Legal answers | 13 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Charles R. English Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year | American Bar Association | 2007 |
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal | United States Marine Corps | 2004 |
Army Commendation Medal | United States Army | 2003 |
Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal | United States Army | 2003 |
Meritorious Service Medal | United States Marine Corps | 2002 |
Order of Barristers, Excellence in Courtroom Advocacy | Order of Barristers | 1998 |
Navy Commendation Medal | United States Marine Corps | 1995 |
Honorable Order of Saint Barbara | United States Marine Corps | 1995 |
Navy Achievement Medal | United States Marine Corps | 1992 |
All-Marine Rugby Team | United States Marine Corps | 1992 |
Combat Action Ribbon | U.S. Marine Corps | 1991 |
Combat Action Ribbon | United States Marine Corps | 1991 |
Kuwait Liberation Medal | United States Marine Corps | 1991 |
Southwest Asia Service Medal | United States Marine Corps | 1991 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Law Firm of Colby VokeyPC | 2013 - Present |
Partner | Fitzpatrick Hagood Smith & Uhl | 2008 - 2013 |
Regional Defense Counsel | United States Marine Corps | 2003 - 2008 |
Chief Prosecutor and OIC | United States Marine Corps | 1999 - 2002 |
Senior Defense Counsel | United States Marine Corps | 1998 - 1999 |
Inspector-Instructor | United States Marine Corps | 1992 - 1995 |
Combat Artillery Officer | United States Marine Corps | 1991 - 1992 |
Artillery Officer | United States Marine Corps | 1988 - 1991 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | Member | 2015 - Present |
Texas Aggie Bar Association | Member | 2015 - Present |
College of the State Bar of Texas | Member | 2013 - Present |
North American Law Center | Staff Attorney | 2012 - Present |
State Bar of Texas, Individual Rights and Responsibilities Section | Member | 2010 - Present |
National Institute of Military Justice | Advisory Board | 2009 - Present |
The Constitution Project | Committee Member | 2009 - Present |
Center for American and International Law | Course Director | 2009 - Present |
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College | Staff Instructor | 2005 - Present |
State Bar of Texas, Military Law Section | Member | 2004 - Present |
State Bar of Texas | Member | 2003 - Present |
Veterans of Foreign Wars | Lifetime Member | 1992 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Texas State Bar College Summer School CLE Book | Guantanamo Bay - The Rule of Law "Black Hole" | 2013 |
State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting Coursebook | Guantanamo Bay and the Golden Rule | 2010 |
The Warrior | A Few Good Scenes - Combat and Betrayal: The Story of 1stLt Shawn Blair, USMC | 2007 |
Military Law Review | Article 107, UCMJ: Do False Statements Really Have To Be Official? | 2004 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College | Graduate | 2010 |
Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army | LL.M - Master of Laws | 2003 |
University Of North Dakota | JD (Juris Doctor) with Distinction | 1998 |
Texas A&M University | Bachelor of Science | 1987 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
United American Patriots Rally, Washington,D.C. | Injustice in War Crimes Cases | 2015 |
Regional Seminar, Trial Lawyers College, San Diego | Voir Dire and the Jury - Staff Instructor | 2015 |
Regional Seminar, Trial Lawyers College, Austin, Texas | Opening Statements - Staff Instructor | 2015 |
Local Seminar, Trial Lawyers College, Dallas, Texas | Trial Skills – Staff Instructor | 2015 |
Legal Issues in War | The Just War Theory | 2015 |
A Taste of Voir Dire, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Houston, Texas | Selecting a Jury | 2015 |
Three-Week College, Trial Lawyers College, Dubois, Wyoming | Trial Skills Training – Staff Instructor | 2014 |
The Indiana Public Defender Council, Trial Practice Institute, Lawrenceburg, Indiana | Trial Skills and Preparation | 2014 |
Regional Seminar, Trial Lawyers College, Grapevine, Texas | Voir Dire – Staff Instructor | 2014 |
Military Defense Counsel Trial Litigation Course, Center for American and International Law, Plano, Texas | Defending Sexual Assault Cases – Co-Director and Lecturer | 2014 |
Local Seminar, Trial Lawyers College, Irving, Texas | Picking a Jury – Staff Instructor | 2014 |
Three-Week College, Trial Lawyers College, Dubois, Wyoming | Trial Techniques – Staff Instructor | 2013 |
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Veterans Seminar, Southern Methodist University, University Park, Texas | Military Justice | 2013 |
State Bar of Texas, Bill of Rights CLE, Austin, Texas | The Guantanamo Bay Update | 2013 |
State Bar College, Summer School CLE, Galveston, Texas | The Rule of Law “Black Hole” | 2013 |
Regional Seminar, Trial Lawyers College, Pottsboro, Texas | Closing Arguments – Staff Instructor | 2013 |
Military Defense Counsel Trial Litigation Course, Center for American and International Law, Plano, Texas | Defending Sexual Assault Cases – Co-Director and Lecturer | 2013 |
Dallas Bar Association, Judicial Committee CLE, Dallas, Texas | Modern Jury Trials | 2013 |
Bob Chaloupka Trial Skills Seminar, Scottsbluff, Nebraska | Putting Trials in Action: Witness Demonstrations | 2013 |
World Affairs Council of Dallas/Ft.Worth, Dallas, Texas | You Don’t Like the Truth: Four Days Inside Guantanamo | 2012 |
Three-Week College, Trial Lawyers College, Dubois, Wyoming | Psychodramatic Techniques and Discovering the Story – Staff Instructor | 2012 |
Regional Seminar, Trial Lawyers College, Roundtop, Texas | Cross Examination Techniques – Staff Instructor | 2012 |
Regional Seminar, Trial Lawyers College, Cambria, California | Discovering the Story of the Case – Staff Instructor | 2012 |
Military Defense Counsel Trial Litigation Course, Center for American and International Law, Plano, Texas | Military Defense Counsel Trial Litigation – Co-Director and Lecturer | 2012 |
Yavneh Prep School, Dallas, Texas | Legal and Moral Issues in War | 2011 |
Regional Seminar, Trial Lawyers College, Roundtop, Texas | Voir Dire – Staff Instructor | 2011 |
Naval Justice School, Newport, Rhode Island | Defending Complex Cases | 2011 |
Military Defense Counsel Trial Litigation Course, Center for American and International Law, Plano, Texas | Pretrial Investigation and Discovery | 2011 |
Marine Corps Defense Conference, Mirimar, California | Developing Case Theory | 2011 |
International Law Symposium, Rutgers School of Law, Newark, New Jersey | Reform of Military Commissions | 2011 |
Dedman School of Law, Southern Methodist University, University Park, Texas | Human Rights Law | 2011 |
Army Advanced Trial Advocacy Training, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Persuading the Jury | 2011 |
Yavneh Prep School, Dallas, Texas | War Crimes Comparison: Haditha Versus Guantanamo | 2010 |
Veteran’s Law Seminar, Dedman School of Law, Southern Methodist University, University Park, Texas | Military Discharge Upgrades and the Boards for Correction for Military Records | 2010 |
State Bar of Texas, Military Law Section, New Braunfels, Texas | War Crimes: Hamdania and Haditha | 2010 |
State Bar of Texas, Bill of Rights CLE, Austin, Texas | Guantanamo Bay and the Golden Rule | 2010 |
State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, Ft.Worth, Texas | The Future of Guantanamo Bay: Where Do We (And the Detainees) Go From Here? | 2010 |
Mac Taylor Inn of Court, Dallas, Texas | Courts-Martial and Modern War Crimes | 2010 |
University of California, Davis, California | Human Rights Workshop | 2009 |
State Bar of Texas, Bill of Rights CLE, Houston, Texas | Lawyers and the Rule of Law | 2009 |
St. Ignatius Prep, Chicago | War Crimes and the Golden Rule | 2009 |
Rockwall County Bar Association, Rockwall, Texas | Lessons from Guantanamo | 2009 |
Naval Justice School, Newport, Rhode Island | The Use of Media in High Visibility Cases | 2009 |
Metroplex Marines Association, Dallas, Texas | Marine Corps War Crimes | 2009 |
Knights of Colombus, Dallas, Texas | Rules of Engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan | 2009 |
Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego, California | Military Trials and Rules of Evidence | 2008 |
June 2008 Texas Aggie Magazine | Standing Up For Justice | 2008 |
HCCLA Annual Banquet, Houston, Texas | PTSD Among Servicemembers and Defending Military Cases - Keynote Speaker | 2008 |
Harvard International Legal Studies, Harvard Law School, Boston, Massachusettes | War Crimes | 2008 |
Dallas Federal Bar Association CLE, Dallas, Texas | How 9/11 Has Changed the Practice of Law | 2008 |
Criminal Law Association, University of North Dakota School of Law, Grand Forks, North Dakota | Lawyers are the key to Freedom - Guantanamo to Iraq | 2008 |
Colorado Trial Lawyers Association Annual CLE | Defending a Detainee at Guantanamo Bay | 2008 |
Western Region Trial Advocacy Training, San Diego, California | Trial Advocacy Skills Training | 2007 |
Texas A&M University Featured Speaker, College Station, Texas | Haditha, Iraq - Lessons Learned from the Marines Charged with War Crimes | 2007 |
Pacific Region Trial Advocacy Training, Hawaii/Okinawa, Japan | Trial Advocacy Skills Training | 2007 |
NPR - All Things Considered radio show | Respected Marine Lawyer Alleges Military Injustice | 2007 |
Mira Costa College, Vista, California | Interrogations and the Law of War | 2007 |
British Human Rights Conference - House of Commons, London, England | Legality of Guantanamo Bay Detentions | 2007 |
University of Virgina International Studies Conference, Charlottesville, Virgina | Guantanamo Bay and Issues of International Law | 2006 |
Trial Advocacy Training, Camp Pendleton,California | Cross Examination and Closing Argument with Gerry Spence | 2006 |
John Marshall Law School Human Rights, Atlanta | Human Rights and Guantanamo Bay | 2006 |
East Coast Trial Advocacy Training, Camp Lejuene, North Carolina | Trial Advocacy Skills Training | 2006 |
Dallas Bar Association CLE, Dallas, Texas | Defending an Accused Terrorist at Guantanamo Bay | 2006 |
Banyard Inn of Court, Orange County, California | Military Commissions and Tribunals | 2006 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Army SPC previously convicted of murder gets paroled | Parole Granted |
Woman charged with social security fraud in federal court | Charges reduced to misdemeanor, no jail time, minimum probation |
Air Force pilot charged with drug importation and distribution | Motion to suppress statement granted, case dismissed |
Army doctor accused of domestic violence at BOI | Misconduct unsubstantiated, case closed |
Senior officer charged with sexual harassment | Charges dismissed, retired with honorable discharge |
Posted by J
April 22, 2015
Posted by SGT USMC
April 22, 2015
Posted by anonymous
January 13, 2022
Posted by anonymous
November 18, 2020
Posted by MGUNZ T.
March 14, 2018
Posted by Rickey
February 6, 2018
Posted by anonymous
February 25, 2017
Posted by anonymous
May 31, 2016
Posted by Sam
February 1, 2016
Posted by Shawn
August 2, 2015
David Ashe, Military law Attorney on Jul 31, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Brilliant. Dedicated. Fearless. What else do you need to know about a lawyer like Colby?
Thomas Davenport, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 5, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I've worked with Colby for a number of years. He is a very hard worker, and a strong and compassionate advocate. He takes pride in his work and law practice. He is able and willing to put in the time to properly represent his clients. Colby will not be "pushed around" by the government. He stands up for his clients. His study and application of the law is meticulous. I consider Colby to be one of the most effective and knowledgeable advocates in the United States. He pays attention to the details of his cases. Most important, Colby listens to and works to understand his clients. I highly recommend him.
David Ashe, Military law Attorney on Jul 31, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Brilliant. Dedicated. Fearless. What else do you need to know about a lawyer like Colby?
Thomas Davenport, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 5, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I've worked with Colby for a number of years. He is a very hard worker, and a strong and compassionate advocate. He takes pride in his work and law practice. He is able and willing to put in the time to properly represent his clients. Colby will not be "pushed around" by the government. He stands up for his clients. His study and application of the law is meticulous. I consider Colby to be one of the most effective and knowledgeable advocates in the United States. He pays attention to the details of his cases. Most important, Colby listens to and works to understand his clients. I highly recommend him.
Wade Faulkner, Military law Attorney on Apr 12, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I know Mr. Vokey from our work together on the Military Commissions. I found him to be a tenacious litigator who will fight for his client at every opportunity. I would trust him with the most complex legal matters.
Michael Cardoza, Military law Attorney on Jul 15, 2015
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
Almost nobody is more enthusiastic about a court fight than Colby Vokey. He loves it! He makes prosecutors cringe because he has all day to take their case apart. I've seen him in action and it works. I endorse this lawyer!
Paul McConnell, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 1, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Colby Vokey. Colby is a fantastic trial lawyer and ferocious fighter. I highly recommend Colby to anyone in Texas facing charges.
Aaron Meyer, Military law Attorney on Sep 18, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Colby is hands-down one of the best military defense attorneys in the world. I have known him since 2009, seen him handle many different matters, and have been inspired each time. He takes a personal interest in his client's case and fights with genuine passion. Plus, the guy is masterful in the courtroom. That combination explains his exceptional results. Lawyers, young and old, consult with Colby on their own matters, including myself. If you are looking at Colby's profile, congratulations, you found a heavy-hitter advocate, not just some "case-handler," faking it to get your business.
John Smith, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 28, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Colby was one of my instructors at TLC, and I was amazed at his ability to covey and teach. A tremendous trial lawyer. I strongly endorse this lawyer.
Robert Wyatt, Military law Attorney on Aug 23, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Colby is a go-to guy in Texas for criminal defense and military law.
Gerald Healy, Military law Attorney on Feb 22, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Vokey is a talented litigator, hardworking advocate, and courtroom warrior.
Samuel Gazzo, Military law Attorney on Nov 18, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Colby for over a decade. He is a leader in the community, an exceptionally aggressive and effective advocate for his clients, and just an all around professional to work with. Enthusiastically endorsed and recommended!
William Cassara, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 15, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Colby has an excellent reputation, because he gets excellent results for his clients.
Raymond Beal, Military law Attorney on Oct 13, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I worked with Colby Vokey on active duty from 2000 to 2004. He was a zealous advocate as both a defense and prosecuting attorney. He was deeply committed to fight for the rights of the individual service member and he would not hesitate to advance his client's case, even if doing so resulted in jeopardizing his own personal standing with authority. In my opinion he is an experience military justice practitioner who will provided you dedicated and loyal representation.
Michael Waddington, Military law Attorney on Oct 8, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Jeffery King, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 16, 2011
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I worked for Colby Vokey while serving as a Marine defense attorney, and am honored to call him a colleague now in Dallas. He is quite simply one of the most aggressive and imaginative lawyers I have known in my 9 years of practicing trial law. Colby Vokey is the lawyer to hire if you are in the fight of your life.
Bruce White, Military law Attorney on Nov 27, 2008
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I fully endorse Colby Vokey's work. Colby is an extremely hard working and dedicated attorney who will leave no stone unturned in zealously defending a client. He is very loyal and trustworthy. Bottom line -- they don't come any finer. Bruce White Col USMC (Ret)
Patrick Mclain, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 30, 2008
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Lieutentant Colonel Vokey is one of the top attorneys serving on active duty now. He takes on the toughest cases, he handles a huge workload, and he supervises other attorneys all over the world. He is an superb Marine officer, a very knowledgable and capable attorney, and utterly devoted to his clients and their welfare. It will be a great loss to the Marine Corps when he finally does move on to civilian practice.