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Colin Thomas McLaughlin
also known as Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC
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About Colin
Biography
Colin McLaughlin is a trial‑tested, Board Certified criminal defense attorney at Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC whose background includes clerking at the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and prosecutorial service in both Harris and Tarrant counties. He has tried more than 40 felony jury trials and numerous misdemeanors, yielding a reported trial success rate exceeding 97%. Certified to handle capital‑murder‑level cases by the district courts, Colin represents clients facing DWI, sex offenses, felony theft, violent crimes such as aggravated assault or murder, and drug possession. Named a Top Fort Worth Criminal Lawyer each year from 2018 through 2025, he combines appellate insight, strategic advocacy, and courtroom tenacity to pursue dismissals, charge reductions, or acquittals.
Former prosecutor and Board Certified in Criminal Law. The legal expert you need fighting for you!
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
18 years | 1,000 cases
Sex Crime
25%
18 years | 200 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
18 years | 300 cases
Expungement
5%
11 years | 10 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2017
Licenses
Licensed in Texas for 18 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC
(817) 348-0045
Fax
101 Summit Avenue Suite 101, Fort Worth, TX, 76102
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Colin Thomas McLaughlin's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
15 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 6 - 10 of 15 reviews
Posted by anonymous | September 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Highly recommended Mr. McLaughlin
Mr. McLaughlin is an excellent lawyer. My husband got arrested a couple of months ago that same week we went to Mr. Mclaughin office to discuss about the case. We hired him that same day. Our first good impression is that we talked directly to him we didn't have to loop around the hoop to get to talk...
Posted by Justin Red | September 01, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best ever
Colin had helped me with a couple of things. First Colin was always able to explain anything that I had a question for and was easy to get a hold of. That is a huge thing. He also was able to get my charge knocked down and even when I messed up he was able to go to bat and help me so much. Colin made...
Posted by stephanie eleston | August 31, 2017
Fast work
Mr. Collin received my husband's case and went straight into action . He always kept me up with the case never turned down a phone call and if he missed my call he called me back within the next hour. I would recommend Mr Collin to anyone in need of a great hard working attorney... Thanks ...
Colin McLaughlin
Replied last August 31, 2017Stephanie, Thank you for your kind words. The key to effective representation is great communication. I understand that criminal matters are very stressful on, not only my clients, but their families. I always strive to communicate in a timely matter, because my clients and their families deserve professionalism and decency. Take care. - Colin
Posted by Shanette | July 04, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
He got my case dismissed!
Colin was a great lawyer. He started working on my case immediately, and saw me in jail within 24 hours. He put an investigator on it right away. Colin was able to get my case No Billed! I highly recommend him to anyone who needs help!
Posted by anonymous | July 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Great Attorney "He's a Beast"
Been down twice, i caught another poss. Of controled sub. 4-200. Found out it was Illegal search and seizure. He Got. The case no billed with out going to trial. I would use no other attorney then Collin. Reasonable price. Also worked with me on the fees. "Thank you Collin for my freedom"
Colin Thomas McLaughlin's Lawyer Endorsements
"Colin is knowledgeable and experienced. I highly recommend him to anyone needing a strong advocate for criminal defense and appellate work."
"I endorse this lawyer. Colin is a diligent, hardworking lawyer. I would highly recommend Colin for any client."
"Highly knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly recommend this lawyer."
"Colin is a hardworking, client-driven defense attorney. He first takes a real interest in the client personally which better prepares him to handle the client's legal situation. He then attacks each legal situation, outworking most other attorneys in the process. There are hundreds of other defense attorneys out there. But, if you want someone to give you the personal attention your require while explaining the details of your case so that you can understand what is happening, then you need Colin. In the end, the highest endorsement I could give Colin is that I would refer friends and family to him without reservation - and you should too."
"I have known Colin for more than 6 years now. He has a bright criminal defense attorney and one of a small percentage of attorneys in our county who is board certified in criminal law. Colin diligently represents every client. He is a compassionate attorney who cares about his clients. He was a very reasonable prosecutor during his time in the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office. Honestly, many of us defense attorneys hated to see him leave TCDA because he was one of the few felony prosecutors who truly considered information the defense provided, rather than just believing everything a police officer wrote in a report. He is an ethical lawyer and is respected by the prosecutors, fellow defense attorneys and the judges in Tarrant County. I highly recommend Colin."
"I've known Colin for many years. He's a hard working attorney that cares for his clients. He's thorough, and will leave no stone unturned. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Colin for many years. He is a super smart attorney who I highly recommend. He has a strong work ethic, is trustworthy, and will represent his clients with determination to get the very best result. He is professional and approachable, as well as, aggressive yet compassionate."
"I've known Colin for several years and have seen firsthand the compassion and professionalism he gives his clients. He is a tenacious trial attorney who is well respected by his peers and his knowledge of the law is second to none. I highly endorse this lawyer."
"Colin is a top-notch defense attorney with tons of trial experience. His experience with child cases especially is second to none."
"I had the opportunity to work with Colin from his first day at the Tarrant County DA's office until he left. He always conducted himself with the utmost professionalism and integrity."
Lindsay Truly
DUI and DWI lawyer
Katharine Stone
Family lawyer
Bryan Hoeller
Criminal defense lawyer
Kimberly Knapp
Criminal defense lawyer
Monroe Solomon
Criminal defense lawyer
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Criminal defense lawyer
Kevin Harris
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Keith Harris
Criminal defense lawyer
Sherry R. Armstrong
Criminal defense lawyer
J. Bush
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Criminal defense lawyer
Luke Williams
Criminal defense lawyer
Brandon Barnett
Criminal defense lawyer
Jason Howard
Criminal defense lawyer
Jayson Nag
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Bradley Clark
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Kathy Ehmann-Clardy
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Courtney Miller
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Experience
Honors
2024
Board Certified - Criminal Law (2016-2024), Texas Board of Legal Specialization
2023
Top Criminal Attorney, Fort Worth, Texas Magazine
2022
Top Criminal Lawyer, Fort Worth Magazine
2021
Top Criminal Lawyer, Fort Worth Magazine
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Partner, Hoeller McLaughlin, PLLC
2016 - 2017
Attorney, Dunham & Jones
2011 - 2016
Assistant District Attorney, Tarrant County District Attorney's Office
2008 - 2010
Assistant District Attorney, Harris County District Attorney's Office
2007 - 2008
Briefing Attorney, Texas Court Of Criminal Appeals
Associations
2017 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Sexual Assault of a Child
DFAJ on misdemeanor
DWI 2nd with Open Container
Hung Jury. DFAJ on Obstruction
DWI with Open Container
Not Guilty and Expunction Granted
Education
2007
Case Western Reserve University
JD - Juris Doctor
2004
Alma College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2008
Texas Court of Appeals CLE
Case Law Update
Publications
2007
Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law
On Terrorism and Whistle-blowing
2007
Law and Practice of International Courts and Tribunals
The Sui Generis Trial Proceedings of the International Criminal Court
2007
Law and Practice of International Courts and Tribunals
Victim and Witness Provisions of the International Criminal Court: A Comparative Analysis
2007
The Law of International Organizations
International Criminal Police Organization: Interpol
2005
American Society of International Law Proceedings
Foreign Legal Advisers Roundtable: Panel Summary, Proceedings of the 99th Annual Meeting of the American Society of International Law
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is it Illegal for an 18 year old to have sex and date a 17 year old in Texas?
17 Jul 2018
Q&A
I was to get my real estate license but I have a deferred adjudication for a state jail felony of pos marijuana. ?
01 Aug 2017
Q&A
Can I get a drug paraphernalia citation expunged if this is my first offense?
30 Jul 2017