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About W.
Summary
Troy McKinney, a shareholder in Schneider & McKinney, P.C., has been licensed for over 25 years having graduated magna cum laude from South Texas College of Law and having been a briefing attorney at the First Court of Appeals. He is a Triple Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, Criminal Appellate Law and in DWI Defense Law (the only lawyer in the State to have all three Board certifications). He is the Dean of the National College for DUI Defense and is a past President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association and past Board member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Criminal Defense Lawyer's Project. He is a Fellow of the College of the State Bar of Texas and of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute. McKinney is co-author of Texas Drunk Driving Law (Lexis 4th Ed) and has authored dozens of published articles. He is a frequent speaker throughout the country (26 states) and internationally (5 foreign countries) on DWI and other criminal law issues. He has spoken and taught at over 150 CLE courses. He was named Lawyer of the Year in 2012 by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association has twice named him the Outstanding Member of the Year. He has been named a "Texas Super Lawyer" in Criminal Law and in DWI Defense, a "Top Lawyer for the People" by H Texas Magazine, and one of "Americas Best Lawyers." Schneider & McKinney, P.C. is listed as Tier 1 Houston area law firm by U.S. News and World Report in Criminal Defense: non white collar, in Criminal Defense; white collar, and in DWI Defense -- the only law firm to be ranked in all three categories.
Details
W. Troy McKinney received his Bachelor of Science degree from Houston Baptist University in 1981 with a double major in Political Science and Speech. He attended law school at South Texas College of Law, graduating number one in his class -- summa cum laude -- in 1986. While in law school, Mr. McKinney was a member of the Justice Court, the Order of the Barristers, and the Order of the Lytae. He was awarded several American Jurisprudence Awards and also won awards in various moot court competitions.
From 1986 through 1987, Mr. McKinney was a briefing attorney for the Honorable Murry Cohen at the First Court of Appeals in Houston, Texas. Mr. McKinney was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1986, and has been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas.
Mr. McKinney is Board Certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and in DWI Defense Law by the National College for DUI Defense: this specialization program has been approved by the American Bar Association and accredited by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is Dean, a member of the Board of Regents, and a sustaining member of the National College for DUI Defense, a member of the Houston Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas (Criminal and Appellate Law Sections), the College of the State Bar of Texas (Fellow), the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (Vice President 2000-2001, President Elect 2001-2002, President 2002-2003), the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Board of Directors 2004 - 2007, Executive Committee 2004-2007,2011-2012, DWI Committee Co-Chair 2006-2007), the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and has been on the Board of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer's Project (2002-2005, 2007).
Mr. McKinney is co-author of Texas Drunk Driving Law (Lexis, 4th Ed.), and a frequent speaker throughout the country (26 states) and internationally (5 foreign countries) on DWI and other criminal law issues. He has spoken and taught at over 150 courses. He has authored articles related to criminal defense and DWI defense that have been published in The Champion, The Voice for the Defense, and The Defender. He is frequently consulted and quoted in a variety of media publications, which have included Time Magazine, Texas Lawyer, the National Law Journal, and the Houston Chronicle. He has appeared on Donahue, Larry King, A&E, CNBC, MSNBC, CNN, TNN, Current Affairs, as well all major networks and a variety of local news programs. Two movies have been made (ABC and HBO) about cases defended by Mr. McKinney.
In June 2012, McKinney was named Lawyer of the Year by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. In June 2001 and again in May 2007, the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association named Mr. McKinney the Outstanding Member of the Year. Mr. McKinney has been named a Texas Super Lawyer in Criminal Law (2004-2012) and in DWI Defense (2005-2012), a "Top Lawyer for the People" by H Texas Magazine (2005-2012) and one of "Americas Best Lawyers" (2007-2012). Schneider & McKinney, P.C. is listed as Tier 1 Houston area law firm by U.S. News and World Report in Criminal Defense: non white collar, in Criminal Defense; white collar, and in DWI Defense -- the only law firm to be ranked in all three categories.
Mr. McKinney is trained as a practitioner and instructor in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Standardized Field Sobriety Tests -- the roadside exercises that officers ask citizens to perform -- and is a DOT trained Intoxilyzer 5000 operator and maintenance technician. Mr McKinney owns an Intoxilyzer 5000 EN, the breath test machine used throughout Texas for the last decade.
He is an associate member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and a member of the American Chemical Society, the Association of Analytical Communities International, and the American Association for Clinical Chemistry.
Practice areas
- DUI and DWI: 60%
35 years
- Criminal defense: 40%
35 years
Languages spoken
English
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Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| TX | Eligible To Practice In Texas | 1986 | 12/05/2020 |
| Legal answers | 24 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2012 |
| Lawyer of the Year | Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | 2012 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Super Lawyers | 2012 |
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2011 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Super Lawyers | 2011 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Super Lawyers | 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2010 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Super Lawyers | 2009 |
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2009 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Super Lawyers | 2008 |
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2008 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Super Lawyers | 2007 |
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2007 |
| Member of the Year | Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association | 2007 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Super Lawyers | 2006 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Super Lawyers | 2005 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Super Lawyers | 2004 |
| Member of the Year | Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association | 2001 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Shareholder | Schneider & McKinney | 1987 - 2012 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| National College for DUI Defense | Dean | 2000 - Present |
| Fort Bend County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | Member | 1995 - Present |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 1987 - Present |
| Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | Member | 1987 - Present |
| Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association | Member | 1987 - Present |
| Houston Bar Association | Member | 1987 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association | President | 2000 - 2001 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Lexis (4th Ed) | Texas Drunk Driving Law | 1990 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| South Texas College Of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1986 |
| Houston Baptist University | Bachelor of Science | 1981 |
DUI -2001
Posted by Miranda
Tue Jun 16 2015
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Attorney endorsements
(25)Stephen Baxley, Criminal defense Attorney on May 13, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Troy is an amazing lawyer and trusted friend. When I practiced in Houston I had the pleasure of sharing an office with him. Although he is most well known for his DWI work, he is really a walking encyclopedia of legal knowledge. I can’t recall a single issue that he didn’t know the case on, likely argued it, and told me how to incorporate it in my defense. I have never met anyone with as vast a bank of knowledge and common sense. I endorse him without any reservation.
Gary Medlin, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 17, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Troy. He has an incredible work ethic, unsurpassed knowledge of the law and science in DWI cases, and the talent to persuade juries to acquit.
Robert Fickman, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 3, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have worked on federal and state criminal cases with Troy. Troy is one of the best criminal defense lawyers in the country. Simply put, he is brilliant. Troy is always a dozen moves ahead of the prosecution. His knowledge of the law is encyclopedic. Most importantly, He knows how to win cases that no one else could win. Troy is also a leader in the defense bar. I don't know a lawyer who is more respected by the defense bar, the prosecution and the judiciary.
Craig Greening, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Phillip Goff, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 30, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Troy is excellent, simply put. He has a gift for seeing not only details, but how they all fit into the big picture. You cannot go wrong with him.
Lynn Gorelick, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 18, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Mckinney is one of the top DUI attorneys in Houston. If you have a DUI in the Houston area, call Mr. Mckinney for expert advice and assistance.
Stephen Gustitis, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 7, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Troy McKinney is a top flight criminal attorney. Hiring Troy is an investment in your future.
Edward Fiandach, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 7, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. He is a superior litigator and a tireless worker.
Jim Medley, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 12, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Troy McKinney is without question one of the most knowledgable lawyers in the country. Troy knows more about blood and breath tests than most witnesses who call themselves "scientists." Troy backs up his knowledge with a thorough representation that often leaves the prosecution with nowhere to go.
Amanda Webb, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 17, 2012
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
Troy is an amazing lawyer. Everything I learned about the law (well... almost everything) came from him when I was employed as his associate for close to 4 years. He is an expert at handling any DWI related case and has special expertise in dealing with blood evidence. In addition, Troy has a vast knowledge of the legal system beyond just DWI law. He is a master at the appellate practice as well. He is the first person that I call for advice when I am in a bind and he is always more than willing to help. If you can convince him to handle your case, you can't go wrong.
Jason Cerbone, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 28, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Your DUI charge has about as good a chance as a race horse beating Secretariat if Troy is on your side. Troy is the best I've ever heard of. I endorse this lawyer.
Peter Gerstenzang, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 29, 2012
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. Aside from being one of the most respected DUI Defense Attorneys in the Country, Troy McKinney is also one of the hardest working lawyers that I have ever known. His expertise goes far beyond his mastery of the law and encompasses the complex science of breath and blood testing. He has lectured and shared his knowledge with lawyers from Manhattan to San Diego. Troy fights hard for his clients and has achieved outstanding results. Texas is fortunate to have one of the Country's very best lawyers practicing in their Courts.
Jessica Joyner, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 19, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Troy McKinney is a fantastic lawyer who gets results for his client. He is at the top of his game and a standout attorney in his field. I would certainly recommend him to anyone charged with DWI.
Cynthia Henley, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 20, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
This man knows the laws related to criminal defense, and most particularly to alcohol related offenses. He is the "go to" person for many lawyers who handle DWI cases. I endorse his work.
Okorie Okorocha, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 29, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Mark Thiessen, Criminal defense Attorney on May 18, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Troy McKinney is THE FORCE in Harris County. He's who I look up to in trial, who I call when the Judge is threatening to hold me in contempt, my first call for any appellate issues, and even a great call for an after work cigar. You can't miss this 6'8" legal encyclopedia with a booming voice. Judge's listen to him, defense attorneys take notes when he talks, and prosecutors fear him. You can't go wrong with Troy.
Bruce Kapsack, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 6, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Mr. McKinney for quite some time. I have been practicing law myself for over 25 years. Troy is the onlyh lawyer I know that can be called the "complete package". He has the personality to be a fine trial lawyer, yet the encyclopedic knowledge to also be extremely effective in appellate work. Few lawyers can do both. Finally, his scientific acumen allows him to stand toe to toe with scinetists who would run roughshod over most other attorneys.
Harley Wagner, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 25, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Having been a member of the National College for DUI Defense for over 10 years now, and as an annual attendee of two to three national DUI defense seminars, I have been privileged to get to know many of our nation's finest DUI defense attorneys. Troy McKinney is undoubtedly amongst this group. His reputation for professional excellence is not limited to the borders of Texas. He has a national reputation of being one of our nation's most experienced, well trained, compassionate DUI defense attorneys that you will find anywhere in America. I loudly and proudly endorse Troy McKinney. The citizen accused could find no better. The fact he is a personal friend is but a bonus!
Victor Carmody, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 17, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Troy for almost 20 years as a friend and fellow Lawyer.During that time I have taught many seminars with him,spent countless hours in social time,traveled abroad to teach well over 2000 Texas and Mississippi Lawyers and Judges.I have read and own his co-authored DUI Defense Book for Texas Attorneys and adapted the forms for use in my state.As a current Regent for the National College for DUI Defense he has taken on the difficult role of managing the Listserve for over 1000 Attorneys from all over the country with a deft but firm and succesful hand. I count his as one of the best and brightest in our field and one of my best friends. Troyhas my highest recommendation.
Robert Keefer, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 14, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Troy understands the law in DUI/DWI cases; he also understands the science. For someone to be a great DUI/DWI defense lawyer, he needs to have more than a basic understanding how blood and breath testing works and how alcohol affects people. Troy teaches other lawyers this science. I give Troy the highest endorsement possible; he is a great lawyer who cares about his clients.