Mr. Cleveland received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with honors from Dallas Baptist University while serving with the Dallas County Constable's Office. He attained the certification of Master Peace Officer in 1993, the first year that the certification was created. Mr. Cleveland was a Criminal Justice Honoree scholar and member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society. During his sixteen-year law enforcement career, Mr. Cleveland distinguished himself in the area of organized and financial criminal investigations while working in cooperation with other state and federal law enforcement organizations. Mr. Cleveland received his Juris Doctorate from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law where he participated in both Moot Court and Mock Trial honors programs. He was accepted into Phi Delta Phi honors fraternity and was later elected as Magister (president) of Elliott Inn of that organization.
Following law school, Mr. Cleveland was appointed as an Assistant District Attorney in Johnson and Somervell Counties where he prosecuted all types of felony offenses with an emphasis on drug crimes. He received special training in and worked on cases involving the civil forfeiture of assets arising out of felony prosecutions , an area he continues to practice in as a defense attorney.
Since entering private practice in 1999, Mr. Cleveland has focused his career on felony criminal defense and represents clients accused of offenses ranging from minor property crimes to capital murder. Mr. Cleveland has twice been named as one of the best criminal defense lawyers in Tarrant County by FORT WORTH MAGAZINE and has been interviewed and quoted by local media regarding several high profile cases that he has defended.
Mr. Cleveland volunteers his time with Boy Scouts of America, the I.O.O.F., and the Tarrant County Bar Association. He values the work he has donated or done at reduced rates defending juveniles accused of crimes as particularly rewarding.
Practice areas
Misdemeanor and Felony crimes (i.e. burglary, theft, murder, attempted murder, criminal mischief, assault, aggravated assault, unlawful carrying of weapon, resisting arrest, failure to ID, DWI, DUI, drug charges, etc.) Expungment of deferred cases. Juvenile criminal cases.
23 years, 20,000 cases
23 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
TX | Eligible To Practice In Texas | 1999 | 05/28/2022 |
Legal answers | 83 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Preeminent 4.8 out of 5 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2017 |
Annual Top Attorneys List | Fort Worth, Texas Magazine | 2005 |
Annual Top Attorneys List | Fort Worth, Texas Magazine | 2004 |
Annual Top Attorneys List | Fort Worth, Texas Magazine | 2002 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
National Services Coordinator | Concealed Handgun License Protection Plan | 2008 - 2014 |
Assistant District Attorney | Johnson County District Attorney | 1999 - 2001 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
The College of the State Bar | Member | 2004 - Present |
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | Member | 2001 - Present |
Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | Member | 2001 - Present |
Tarrant County Bar Association | Member | 1999 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Privateer Publications | The Concealed Handgun Manual (quoted) | 2008 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Texas A&M University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1999 |
Dallas Baptist University | BS - Bachelor of Science | 1990 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Monthly Meeting | What Problems Do We Have With The Criminal Justice System and How Did We Get Here? | 2014 |
Annual Meeting of Texas Concealed Handgun License Instructors Assoc. | Deadly force, Civil rights & recent court decisions as related to self defense | 2010 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
State v. Griffin | All charges dismissed prior to trial. |
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John Barnes, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 28, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Walt without reservation. Indeed, if I needed a criminal defense attorney, Walt is the one I would call for help.
Lisa Haines, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 11, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Walt for 16 years. He knows how to get a defendant a great resolution when he or she is arrested. Walt keeps up on changes in criminal laws and works to better represent his clients by attending intensive litigation training. I recommend Walt for any misdemeanor or felony criminal case.
John Barnes, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 28, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Walt without reservation. Indeed, if I needed a criminal defense attorney, Walt is the one I would call for help.
Lisa Haines, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 11, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Walt for 16 years. He knows how to get a defendant a great resolution when he or she is arrested. Walt keeps up on changes in criminal laws and works to better represent his clients by attending intensive litigation training. I recommend Walt for any misdemeanor or felony criminal case.
Sherry R. Armstrong, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 14, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
William Harber, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 3, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have gone to trial with Walt and can attest to his professionalism and court room skill. I can highly recommend Walt for your legal needs.
Robert Cohen, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
William Housley, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 18, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Tough, talented and thorough litigator.
Kathryn Craven, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Patricia Cole, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 6, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Cynthia Williams, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. He sincerely cares about his clients. He is always professional and highly skilled.
Christian Lassen, Unknown Attorney on Sep 25, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.
Marlaina Whitsitt, Family Attorney on Jun 18, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Paul Schneider, Criminal defense Attorney on May 25, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Leslie Burgoyne, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 13, 2008
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I think Walt is one of the most talented criminal defense attorneys I have ever met. If I only knew half of what he knows, I'd be a hell of an attorney.
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