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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
Filter Avvo Reviews (15)
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Practice Areas
Showing 11 - 15 of 15 reviews
Posted by Tosha | June 28, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
4 out of 6 NO BILLED
I was blessed to get Colin as my court appointed attorney on 6 of my charges. He was there to visit me in jail the next day' even before family could get there. He didn't promise anything' but was thorough on all options and what could or could not happen. His professionalism and integrity paid o...
Posted by anonymous | June 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
I'd rate 6 stars if it went that high!!!
Colin took care of all the behind the scenes legwork. He was professional, smart and witty. He made me feel so comfortable and at ease. He was incredibly easy to talk to and confide in! He set up times for us to meet and review and scheduled appointments with those involved with the case I was asked ...
Posted by Daniel | June 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Amazing lawyer
Colin was beyond amazing, any question that I had he answered. He fought for me and got me an amazing deal! I was being charged with two things and he got one dismissed completely and he got the felony dropped down to a misdemeanor. Any time that I would call him he would always answer and if he was ...
Colin McLaughlin
Replied last June 15, 2017Daniel, I was happy to fight for you. I'm so thankful that we were able to get such a great deal. Take care.
Posted by Marcial | June 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I give a excellent score due to the fact he was straight forward and knew exactly what to do with my case. If I had any questions he would call right back. He is still helping me out after the case. He is also very professional at his job. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Posted by Kevin | June 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
HonorIng the Constitution of the United States of America
This attorney represented me in a case in which I had been illegally searched by River Oaks Police and arrested. Within a couple of days being incarcerated he came to visit and ask me details of my side of events. Mr. Mcglaughlin also kept in contact with my family while studying my case He was ...
Colin McLaughlin
Replied last June 05, 2017Thank you for your kind words. I strive to fight for each of my client's rights.
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
Curtis Fortinberry
Criminal defense lawyer
Kevin Harris
Criminal defense lawyer
Keith Harris
Criminal defense lawyer
Sherry R. Armstrong
Criminal defense lawyer
J. Bush
Criminal defense lawyer
Lisa Haines
Criminal defense lawyer
Luke Williams
Criminal defense lawyer
Brandon Barnett
Criminal defense lawyer
Jason Howard
Criminal defense lawyer
Jayson Nag
Criminal defense lawyer
Bradley Clark
Criminal defense lawyer
Kathy Ehmann-Clardy
Criminal defense lawyer
Courtney Miller
Criminal defense lawyer
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