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Sean Timothy Mcalister
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About Sean
Biography
Sean T. McAlister is a native Houstonian. He is a Class of 1996 graduate from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas with a double major in Finance and Accounting. While at Texas A&M University he held various leadership positions in campus organizations and honed his writing skills as an opinion columnist for the University’s Student Newspaper, The Battalion. After graduating from Texas A&M, Mr. McAlister attended law school at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas and received his Juris Doctorate in 2000. While at SMU, he volunteered his time at the public defenders office in Dallas County. After graduating from Law School in 2000, he accepted a position with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney (ADA).
Mr. McAlister spent six years at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office honing his skills as an advocate and trial lawyer. During his tenure as an ADA, Mr. McAlister was a Chief Prosecutor on both the County Court and District Court level. In District Court, Mr. McAlister was responsible for the handling of the most serious of felony cases including Aggravated Robberies, Aggravated Sexual Assaults and Murders. Mr. McAlister also spent a significant amount of time in the Juvenile Division assigned to each of the three Juvenile District Courts in Harris County. He has handled all aspects of Juvenile cases from stipulations to certification hearings and trials.
Mr. McAlister has tried over 60 first chair trials, ranging from 1st degree Felonies to Class C Misdemeanors. While at the District Attorney’s office he also handled three second chair Capital Murder trials. As a prosecutor he had an outstanding success rate at trial, with only two not guilty verdicts in District Court. Mr. McAlister is also a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, an honorary society of lawyers who are among the best trained attorneys in Texas
Charged with a crime in Texas? Feeling confused about the whole process? I can help. 22-years exp.
CPS calling? Sexual Abuse Allegations? Physical Abuse Allegations? My experience can help.
Former Prosecutor. Knowledgeable defense attorney. Get advice from someone who knows both sides.
Former Chief Juvenile Prosecutor. Strong and valuable relationships in the juvenile division.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
65%
25 years
DUI and DWI
15%
Child Abuse
10%
25 years
Juvenile Law
10%
25 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Texas for 25 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
Shellist, Peebles & McAlister, L.L.P.
(713) 715-4505
Fax
601 Sawyer St., Ste. 750, Houston, TX, 77007
texaslegalteam.net/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Sean online.
Sean Timothy Mcalister's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | January 31, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best Defense attorney
An excellent attorney in his field very honest and helpful, and will do his best job no matter the situation.
Posted by Stan | May 4, 2015
Best in His Field
Sean has done an excellent job representing me and my friends. He is tough, but fair and is well versed in criminal law matters. He is always available to answer questions and is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to matters of the law. He is personable and very familiar with prosecutors and ju...
Posted by ealaina1627 | December 23, 2014
Very Helpful!
Sean heard my story and went to work to ensure my DWI didn't effect my future. He fought for my cause and educated me on my options a long the way. I felt blessed and grateful to have his guidance in a tough time. I highly recommend Sean and thoroughly thank him for his support.
Posted by anonymous | May 23, 2013
Willing to Take on Hard Cases, Excellent Problem Solving Skills
Sean guided us through a very difficult and emotional situation. The outcome of our case was not only sucessful but more so than others in our same situation. Sean gathered all the facts and helped us make the best decisions as we went before our Judge. He understood the situation we were facing a...
Posted by Robert | May 20, 2013
Sean Timothy McAlister
I hired Sean to defend my son who was charged with two counts of aggravated robbery. He was the third attorney I hired with the first one quitting to become a corporate attorney and the second one being totally unresponsive. Within 5 weeks, my son who had been in county jail for over a year was head...
Sean Timothy Mcalister's Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly endorse Sean. He is a tireless and dedicated advocate. I've seen him get great results and his clients are grateful for the time and energy he puts into every single matter."
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked on the opposite side from Sean on several matters. He was always professional, honest and aggressive. He made me work hard. I had to be very prepared when going up against Sean. He is extremely skilled in trial."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I see Sean in every court. I can say without hesitation that he does a great job for his clients. He knows the law and is well respected by everyone he comes in contact with. He is a sharp legal mind and tenacious fighter."
"A very talented and hard working criminal defense lawyer. And a former Harris County prosecutor. I endorse this lawyer."
"Sean has been a great asset in helping me evaluate those difficult cases that deal with family law, criminal law and CPS. His approach to difficult cases is impressive and, especially important in juvenile cases, compassionate. Sean will always work hard for his client and has the ability to get the best results."
"Sean and I worked together at the District Attorney's Office when we were prosecutors. Sean has earned a reputation in the courthouse as a talented trial lawyer and advocate for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"Sean earned a reputation for fairness, honesty and toughness as a Harris County Felony Chief Prosecutor. As a criminal defense attorney, Sean's stellar reputation at the courthouse and extraordinary trial skills provide the ideal representation for his clients. Any person charged with a criminal offense would be fortunate to have Sean in their corner."
"Sean in an outstanding attorney who tirelessly defends the Constitution and the rights it provides. Sean treats each client as a person and each case with great attention to detail. I highly recommend Sean to anyone needing help with a criminal matter."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sean has a great amount of experience in criminal defense and juvenile law. He's one of the go-to guys for most lawyers with issues regarding juvenile cases."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sean is a very talented and able criminal defense attorney. He regularly gets amazing results for his clients. He has solid reputation with prosecutors and judges. We are fortunate to have him as part of our team."
"I endorse Sean McAlister without hesitation. I've known Sean for over a decade and he has consistently fought hard for his clients. In addition, Sean knows most people in the courthouse (judges, prosecutors, etc.) and uses those connections to fight for his clients."
"I have worked with Sean as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. He is overwhelmingly one of the best advocates for his clients that I have encountered in my career. He is incredibily effective at communicating with his audience - whether it's a prosecutor he is trying to convince to drop charges or a jury he is asking to find his client, "Not Guilty." Without any reservation, I endorse Sean McAlister."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sean is an experienced criminal, juvenile and CPS trial lawyer. We worked together at the DA's office where Sean was a Chief Prosecutor in the Juvenile division. He is well-liked and respected by DA's and judges alike. After a not guilty on a very tough manslaughter case, my opinion of his skills rose even more."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sean is a very good lawyer. He fights hard for his clients and gets results. Any client is fortunate to have him as their attorney."
"Sean is well known and respected around the courthouse as a trial lawyer. His years as a district attorney not only help him know the law, but also provide excellent connections with the current DAs. He knows what is fair and he knows the loop holes in every case. Any client would be lucky to have Sean represent them."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sean is a former felony chief prosecutor at the DA's office who was known as a tough-as-nails prosecutor. Sean has succeeded in taking that skill from the prosecution to the defense. He is a hand full of lawyers that I would trust with my family if they ever got in trouble."
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James Sullivan
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Steven Shellist
Criminal defense lawyer
Peyton Peebles
Criminal defense lawyer
Christian Capitaine
Criminal defense lawyer
Luis Midence
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2024
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1996
Sheild and Diamond Award, Pi Kappa Alpha
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Partner, Shellist, Peebles & McAlister, L.L.P.
2011 - 2015
Partner, Capitaine, Shellist, Peebles & McAlister, L.L.P.
2010 - 2011
Managing Partner, Capitaine, Shellist & McAlister, L.L.P.
2006 - 2010
Partner, Capitaine, Shellist, Warren & McAlister, L.L.P.
2000 - 2006
Assistant District Attorney, Harris County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2011 - Present
College of the State Bar of Texas
2009 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2007 - Present
Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
2000 - Present
Houston Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
Dismissed
Multi-Million Dollar Mortgage Fraud
Dismissed on Trial Date
Juvenile Murder
Not Guilty
Murder/Manslaughter
Not Guilty
Education
2000
Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
Texas A&M University, College Station
BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration
Speaking Engagements
2004
Juvenile Probation Orientation
A Prosecutor's Perspective
2004
Juvenile Law Section CLE
Defending Child Abuse Cases
Publications
2013
AVVO Legal Guides
Bond Issues and Initial Considerations When Someone Has Been Arrested
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How long will cps take to move on a positive ua result?
19 Jan 2014
Q&A
Is there any way to avoid jail time on a felony POC less than a gram arrest?
22 Sep 2013
Q&A
If sentenced to 160 days in jail will they serve the 160 days in jail or can they get out earlier?
02 Sep 2013