Philip Michael Gommels

Philip Michael Gommels

also known as Phil Gommels

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 15 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Houston, TX
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Violent Crime, White Collar Crime ... +2 more

1004 Prairie St., Suite 200, Houston, TX

About Philip

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 60%

By providing more than just legal representation to individuals charged with crimes, we take a holistic approach to criminal defense – dealing also with root causes of criminal behavior, such as poverty and mental illness, as well as collateral consequences, like license suspensions and disclosure to employers.

15 years | 300 cases

60%
Personal Injury 10%

Beginning in 2020, The Law Office of Philip M. Gommels is bringing the same award-winning customer service and trial skills to bear to help a new class of client: those injured by the careless or intentional acts of others.

10%
Violent Crime 10%

Violent crimes include assault, assault family member, aggravated assault, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault of a child, robbery, aggravated robbery, and others. Some of these carry special rules about punishment. Philip M. Gommels is a former prosecutor who has experience to handle these difficult cases.

15 years

10%
White Collar Crime 10%

White collar cases typically involve some type of fraud. They are usually referred to as "paper" cases by the lawyers because they involve such detailed research of volumes of records. Philip M. Gommels attended the University of Pennsylvania - home the the Wharton School of Business, where he took some of his courses. His background and acute mind suits the rigorous demands of these cases.

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 15 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2010

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Philip Gommels

1004 Prairie St., Suite 200, Houston, TX, 77002

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Philip Michael Gommels's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

65 Client Reviews

5 star (64)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Grace Pesek | July 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

He hardly ever loses a case .

Mr. Gommels , was the best lawyer I have ever known. He is very friendly, very knowledgeable, extremely smart and the most important t hing he is so patient with his clients.

Philip Gommels

Replied last August 7, 2025

Thank you so much for the kind words!

Posted by Marco | May 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A Sainted Genius-"Always True"

It's difficult to prepare a review of Phillip Gommels without simply gushing like a religious prostylite extolling a savior. But that's because that's exactly what he represents, to myself and my family. More than just an old fashioned man of his word, and ethical stalwart, throughout the unexpectedl...y long, several-years length of my case, he never once cut a corner, never once "left me out of the loop" but returned all questions and requests immediately, cheerfully, and most importantly, with consistent compassion. My case happened to involve mental-illness, and Phil has extended only compassion, and at every turn did his utmost to show not just consideration, but sincere Heart. This is a truly sterling example of humanity, ladies and gentlemen, the kind of person who literally renews your faith in humanity. If that weren't enough, his sheer mastery of the law, in a creative approach, resulted in my avoiding a 20 year sentence for a bogus DWI in a Podunk town with a crooked courthouse...with a sentence of only "time served". "Evading arrest in a motor vehicle" (no injuries) during a manic episode, in Harris county, also would have landed me a 20 years sentence, as well...but thanks to Phil, resulted instead in connecting me with a program guaranteed to address and oversee my related mental-health/safety issues. Though I suffer from bipolar disorder, and have a long history of drug arrests and failed probations...(no violent/sexual/property crimes), I have hurt no one, but would have spent the rest of my life in prison, if it weren't for the literally miraculous work of this sainted man-with his sincerity of heart-who saw that justice was finally done in my behalf..against incredible odds-always welcoming my input, but regularly seeing factors and strategies that I had missed. Anyone in need of an attorney could simply do no better than Phillip Gommels.As an attorney. As a Man. I could go on forever, but that's the bottom line. You can find no better representation than Phillip Gommels, a true blessing of a man.

Posted by Carlos | January 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly recommend!

Even though I am from Del Rio, Tx and he is from Houston, him and his team worked tirelessly on my case. I am super grateful for the outcome and the work they put in to my case even being so far away. We got the results we wanted and I will always recommend Phil and his team to anyone and everyone!

Posted by anonymous | March 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great lawyer got me out of a big problem I thought no one will able to help me and treated me me with so much respect !

Yo start off he not only helped me with my court stuff but helped me mentally get through this was with me every step of the way always updating me no matter what suck a great smart lawyer will definitely recommend to anyone with any type of charge he los going to get it done by any means really grea...t man/lawyer.glade I got him .

Posted by Elizabeth | February 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best Attorney I could have prayed for!

From our very first initial meeting ( which was also during the COVID pandemic) I explained to him details of what happened when I was wrongly accused for something and charged for injury to an elderly. I told him I had all my documentation and sent it straight over to his office from that he told me... exactly what he was going to do without having to go any further into prolonging the case. He got my case dismissed and I never had to go to court expect for the very first time and that was to sign for a court appointed attorney and I was blessed with him. I never got to thank him for what he did for me so I am writing this review because he is an amazing lawyer and he listens and he will fight and do all he can for you.

Philip Gommels

Replied last February 18, 2024

I’m so glad we could be of service! Thank you for the kind review!

See All Client Reviews

Philip Michael Gommels's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Philip
Grant Matthew Scheiner headshot
Grant Scheiner

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Philip Gommels since his early days as a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Phil was widely respected as a tough, fair and honest prosecutor. He also developed formidable trial skills, racking up courtroom victories against some of the most seasoned criminal lawyers in Houston. What impresses me most about Phil is that he works harder, and thinks faster on his feet, than just about every attorney I have ever met. Now that he has opened his own private practice concentrating in criminal defense and juvenile matters, I am confident that Phil will soon join the ranks of the most outstanding criminal defense attorneys in Texas."

Rand A. Mintzer headshot
Rand Mintzer

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. One of my law professors would state that a great lawyer should be able to argue both sided of the same case. If that is the case, Mr. Gommels is a great lawyer. He was one of the few prosecutors that actually cared about my clients as human beings. He has now carried that compassion and empathy to the defense side. Of course, I would be remiss if I did not state the he is a talented lawyer and an outstanding advocate for the persecuted."

Diana Elizabeth Sims headshot
Diana Sims

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have know Phil since he was a young prosecutor. He is so talented and a strong advocate for his clients. I highly recommend him to anyone."

Clinton Blaine Portis headshot
Clinton Portis

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've worked alongside Mr. Gommels for many years and have always found him to be a passionate and professional advocate for his clients. I endorse him highly."

Andrew Joseph Willey headshot
Andrew Willey

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Phil has an amazing heart for his clients and will work harder for them than other attorneys. His background gives him insight into how the system operates so that he can better serve his clients. I fully endorse him."

Sean Reza Darvishi headshot
Sean Darvishi

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Phillip is an excellent lawyer and I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need."

Alan Albert Macias headshot
Alan Macias

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Gommels truly cares about his clients. As an ADA he was often the last person to leave the office. He has seemlessly transitioned to the defense bar and brings that same tireless work ethic to his clients. Anyone who hires Mr. Gommels is lucky to have him."

James Gary Sullivan headshot
James Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"When Phil was a prosecutor in the Harris County DA's office, I worked with him on several criminal cases where my clients were mentally ill or suffering from the effects of PTSD after having served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Having served as a combat medic himself in the U.S. Army, Phil both understood like no other how such trauma can lead to criminal charges and was compassionate to the defendants and their families. Since Phil left the DA's office and entered private practice, Phil has brought with him the same mindset, passion and zeal in his practice defending those accused of breaking the law. His clients are lucky to have him."

Elan S. Levy headshot
Elan Levy

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Phil and I tried a DWI case together in Fort Bend County. He convinced the judge to grant his "motion to suppress" evidence. In the end, this meant the prosecution was forced to dismiss the case during trial. The jury picked up on his good vibes and was ready to acquit his client if the judge hadn't stepped in. He is one of the most pleasant people you'll ever meet and I highly recommend him."

Christopher Dean Morton headshot
Christopher Morton

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Phillip is tough, smart, and tenacious. He zealously represents his clients and achieves excellent results for them. I wholeheartedly endorse Philip Gommels."

Daniel Eugene Lazarine headshot
Daniel Lazarine

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Philip and I have been colleagues for the last 5 years. Philip's ability to understand and analyze the law is matched only by his ability to communicate effectively with juries and judges. Mr. Gommels works hard for his clients, and anyone who hires him is in good hands."

Scott Joel Markowitz headshot
Scott Markowitz

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Phil has a warmth and genuiness about him that are evident the first time you meet him. Above all other traits, these are the ones that distinguish the really great defense lawyers from all the others!"

Eric Joe Benavides headshot
Eric Benavides

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Gommels is an attorney who truly cares about people. That came through when he was a district attorney, and it has followed him into private practice. He is an asset to the defense bar and to all of his potential clients."

Russell Allen Neumann headshot
Russell Neumann

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Phillip is a great defense attorney. When he left the District Attorneys office he wasted no time getting cases and doing a thorough job. I have seen some of the results of his cases and his demeanor in court and both are impressive."

Jason Luong headshot
Jason Luong

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Phil and I worked together as prosecutors in Harris County, and I had the pleasure of sitting with him on several trials. He is an excellent advocate. He always knew the law and always went beyond the call of duty in preparing. I highly recommend Phil."

Patricia Fortney Sedita headshot
Patricia Sedita

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Phil has a great deal of experience in cases and always works hard."

Maverick Ray headshot
Maverick Ray

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"While I worked under Phil at the Harris County DA's Office, I watched and learned as Phil tried many cases including DWIs and Assaults to a jury. At the time I didn't understand the importance of interviewing and preparing witnesses for trial, but after spending a Saturday at the office with Phil, I watched how he was able to question his witnesses in a truly conversational approach that put them at ease and got them ready to testify at trial. I know Phil still takes this approach to his client's cases today. Phil also comes with the added benefit of working for several years at the DA's office, which gives him the ability to truly know how the prosecutors think and work. I highly recommend Phil if you are looking for a smart and dedicated attorney that is willing to put his client first and fight for the best possible outcome."

Staci Dian Biggar headshot
Staci Biggar

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"When Phil was a prosecutor, I worked closely with him on innumerable criminal cases where my clients were mentally ill. Not only does Phil have an annoyingly good understanding of the law (he's always citing the code by chapter and verse), he more importantly deals with mentally ill people and their families with human compassion and understanding. Since Phil has entered private practice, I haven't hesitated to ask him for help with my own clients. And he has helped them with the same attention to detail and personal care as he did when he was a prosecutor. Phil is an excellent lawyer and I endorse him strongly."

Priscilla Tommye Bush headshot
Priscilla Bush

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 04

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"When Phil was with the District Attorney's Office, I had the pleasure of working with him as opposing counsel. Phil was always professional, knowledgeable and hard working. Since his leaving the District Attorney's Office, I've asked Phil consult on a case because I could think of no better lawyer to assist my client. Phil is extremely knowledgeable as well as kind and generous. Phil Gommels is a dedicated, talented advocate for his clients. I endorse him."

Abel Izaguirre headshot
Abel Izaguirre

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Kevin P. Keating headshot
Kevin Keating

Criminal defense lawyer

James Gary Sullivan headshot
James Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer

Elan S. Levy headshot
Elan Levy

DUI and DWI lawyer

Dennis James Hung headshot
Dennis Hung

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Eugene Lazarine headshot
Daniel Lazarine

Criminal defense lawyer

Cheryl E. Irvin headshot
Cheryl Irvin

Criminal defense lawyer

Scott Joel Markowitz headshot
Scott Markowitz

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Patricia Fortney Sedita headshot
Patricia Sedita

Criminal defense lawyer

Rebekah Brooke Lorenz headshot
Rebekah Lorenz

Estate planning lawyer

Maverick Ray headshot
Maverick Ray

Criminal defense lawyer

Abel Izaguirre headshot
Abel Izaguirre

Criminal defense lawyer

David Mitcham headshot
David Mitcham

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan Joseph Mitchell headshot
Ryan Mitchell

Criminal defense lawyer

Brittany Carroll Lacayo headshot
Brittany Carroll Lacayo

Criminal defense lawyer

Heather Morrow Lytle headshot
Heather Lytle

Criminal defense lawyer

David Daniel Cook headshot
David Cook

Business lawyer

Staci Dian Biggar headshot
Staci Biggar

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason Luong headshot
Jason Luong

Criminal defense lawyer

Grant Matthew Scheiner headshot
Grant Scheiner

Criminal defense lawyer

Rand A. Mintzer headshot
Rand Mintzer

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Winner of Distinction Award for Excellence, Better business bureau

2020

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2016

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Houston, Expertise.com

2016

Texas Bar Today Top 10 Blog Post, State Bar of Texas

2016

Texas Bar Today Top 10 Blog Post, State Bar of Texas

2015

Winner of Distinction Award for Excellence, Better Business Bureau

2015

Top Lawyers, Houstonia Magazine

2015

Client's Choice Award, AVVO

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2014

Top Lawyers, Houstonia Magazine

2014

Client's Choice Award, AVVO

2014

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Top Lawyers, Houstonia Magazine

2013

Client's Choice Award, AVVO

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Attorney, The Law Office of Philip M. Gommels, PLLC

2010 - 2012

Assistant District Attorney, Harris County District Attorney's Office

2002 - 2010

Combat Medic, United States Army (Active & Reserve)

Associations

2018 - Present

Houston Bar Association, Criminal Law and Procedure Section

2018 - Present

Galveston County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

2015 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

2015 - Present

American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys

2014 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2013 - Present

The College of The State Bar of Texas

Member

2013 - Present

Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

Member

2013 - Present

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2013 - Present

State Bar of Texas, Computer and Technology Section

Member

2013 - Present

State Bar of Texas, Juvenile Law Section

Member

2013 - Present

State Bar of Texas, Criminal Justice Section

Member

2013 - Present

Fort Bend County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2010 - Present

State Bar of Texas

Member

2007 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State of Texas v. RS

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. GM

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. DH

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. AS

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. IV

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. CH

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. RZ

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. WB

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. MA

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. KS

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. JE

Case dismissed (Grand Jury no-bill)

State of Texas v. MV

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. AN

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. AS

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. GO

Cases dismissed

State of Texas v. CJ

Case dismissed

State of Texas v. SV

No Bill (Case Dismissed)

State of Texas v. SS

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. JH

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. JH

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. MJ

Not Guilty

State of Texas v. PA

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. CS

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. LL

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. TF

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. CE

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. AS

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. ND

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. ZF

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. RB

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. FW

Motion to Adjudicate Guilt Dismissed

State of Texas v. VB

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. EL

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. ZF

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. KD

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. JG

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. AW

Motion to Suppress Granted - Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. KD

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. NC

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. JB

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. MH

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. PC

Dismissed

State of Texas v. AM

Dismissed

State of Texas v. DH

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. MG

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. RJ

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. MC

Motion to Suppress Granted - Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. EG

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. JS

Cases Dismissed

State of Texas v. QB

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. JM

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. MH

Not Guilty - Jury Trial Verdict

State of Texas v. JZ

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. TL

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. TA

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. DI

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. CG

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. OC

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. LM

Case Non-suited (Dismissed)

State of Texas v. LA

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. YR

Motion Granted

State of Texas v. EM

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. MA

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. JG

Case Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2010

Southern Methodist University

J.D.

2006

University of Pennsylvania

B.A.

Speaking Engagements

2016

Capital Defense College

Effective Use Of Technology In The Courtroom

2015

Military Defense Counsel Trial Litigation

Using PowerPoint Effectively in Trial

2015

Harris County Indigent Defense

Procedures and Billing

2015

Criminal Defense Trial Skills & Trial Law Program Technology in Pretrial Preparation

2015

Capital Defense College

Technology in Trial Preparation and in the Courtroom

2014

ALARM Conference

Evidence Collection and Preservation in Sexual Assault Cases

2014

ALARM Conference

Preserving Information

2014

ALARM Conference

The Right to Representation

2013

Veterans Job Conference

Legal Challenges Facing Job-Seeking Veterans

2012

Continuing Legal Education

Challenges to Prosecution: Contemporary Model for Prosecution of Mentally Ill or Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Defendants

Publications

2016

Reasonable Doubt, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) Even Criminal Lawyers Tire of Violent Crime

2016

Reasonable Doubt, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) A Parents’ Guide to Criminal Charges

2016

Reasonable Doubt, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) Student, Father Jailed for Missing Four Midnight Phone Calls

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution