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also known as Phil Gommels
I'm a Houston criminal defense lawyer. Advocate for the poor everywhere. Believer in redemption. Former motorcycle adventurer, and barbecue fiend. Now dad with high cholesterol and life insurance.
I'm a former Army Reserve Combat Medic and former prosecutor. I dedicate almost all of my practice to criminal defense: from allegations of driving while intoxicated and domestic violence to murder and complex white-collar cases. Though I also handle cases involving involuntary mental hospitalizations and cases involving serious personal injuries.
I have been a frequent lecturer around the world on criminal justice topics. I've appeared on television to discuss arrests and crime in the media, and have contributed criminal justice expertise to the Huffington Post (found here: ) and the Harris County Criminal Lawyer's Association's blog "Reasonable Doubt" (found here: )
I use my experience to defend anyone accused of committing a crime. And I do my best to do so with compassion and zeal each and every day.
Call me for a no-obligation consultation:
5
Practice Areas
15 years | 300 cases
15 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
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Chat withState: Texas
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
1004 Prairie St., Suite 200, Houston, TX, 77002
Showing 1 - 5 of 65 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Grace Pesek | July 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
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.
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Posted by Marco | May 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by Carlos | January 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
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
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...
Posted by Elizabeth | February 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney
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...
I’m so glad we could be of service! Thank you for the kind review!
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Phillip is an excellent lawyer and I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Phillip is tough, smart, and tenacious. He zealously represents his clients and achieves excellent results for them. I wholeheartedly endorse Philip Gommels."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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DUI and DWI lawyer
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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
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)
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 TexasMember
2013 - Present
Harris County Criminal Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
State Bar of Texas, Computer and Technology SectionMember
2013 - Present
State Bar of Texas, Juvenile Law SectionMember
2013 - Present
State Bar of Texas, Criminal Justice SectionMember
2013 - Present
Fort Bend County Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2010 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
2007 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
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Case dismissed (Grand Jury no-bill)
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No Bill (Case Dismissed)
Case Dismissed
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Not Guilty
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Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Motion to Adjudicate Guilt Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Motion to Suppress Granted - Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Motion to Suppress Granted - Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Cases Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Not Guilty - Jury Trial Verdict
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Non-suited (Dismissed)
Case Dismissed
Motion Granted
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
2010
J.D.
2006
B.A.
2016
Effective Use Of Technology In The Courtroom
2015
Using PowerPoint Effectively in Trial
2015
2015
Procedures and Billing
2015
2015
Technology in Trial Preparation and in the Courtroom
2014
Evidence Collection and Preservation in Sexual Assault Cases
2014
Preserving Information
2014
The Right to Representation
2013
Legal Challenges Facing Job-Seeking Veterans
2012
Challenges to Prosecution: Contemporary Model for Prosecution of Mentally Ill or Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Defendants
2016
2016
2016
2015
English
Spanish
Legal Answers
Successful completion of Deferred Adjudication ?
10 Nov 2022
Does I need a lawyer for the pre-indictment docket call?
10 Nov 2022
Why would the DA offer a Pre Trial Diversion for something that was an error in judgement?
17 Oct 2018