Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.6 /5.0
237 Client Reviews
Free Consultation
$0 first 90 minutes
PRO
Mark Ryan Thiessen
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Mark
Biography
Born and raised in Houston, Texas. Went off to college at TCU and came back home for law school. I know Houston. I am raising my family in Houston. I love Houston. It's my job to protect the citizens of Houston.
Having long had strong ties to the greater Aspen area, my wife and fellow attorney Taly and I have opened a second office in Aspen. We look forward to bringing the results we have been achieving for over a decade in Houston to the people of Aspen!
My favorite part of this job is going to trial. And, it's that love of trial that gets great results before a trial is necessary. Too often the State will try and force you into a deal. Let me analyze the case. Let me analyze the State. The State has the burden of proof to prove that you committed that crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Don't go down without taking a swing of the bat. But, it's best to bring the biggest bat you can carry.
I live by my word and will always be straight with you. When you hire me, I will give you my cell phone number and you can call/text/email me at any time. Afterall, I work for you.
The ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD Quadruple Board Certified in Criminal Law, DUI Defense, DUI Law, and Criminal Trial Advocacy. Honestly, if I can't win your case, I don't know who can. The ONLY DWI attorney to Make Top 100 Super Lawyers in Houston and/or TX. I've personally won 140+ Not Guilty Verdicts!
The ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD Quadruple Board Certified in Criminal Law, DUI Defense, DUI Law and Criminal Trial Advocacy. Honestly, if I can't win your case, I don't know who can. Trial tested and proved! Specializing in Criminal Defense and DWI Defense.
The ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD Quadruple Board Certified in Criminal Law, DUI Defense, DUI Law and Criminal Trial Advocacy. Honestly, if I can't win your case, I don't know who can. Set it for trial! Specialize in Criminal and DWI Defense. I fight!
WE FIGHT GIANTS! We aren't scared of big insurance. If they won't pay policy limits, then we take them to trial and crack them open for maximum payment. Wait until you see us in trial!
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
21 years | 200 cases
DUI and DWI
40%
21 years | 500 cases
Personal Injury
20%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2021 2020
...
+
10
Licenses
Licensed in Colorado for 9 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2016
No misconduct found
Licensed in Texas for 22 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Location
Thiessen Law Firm
(713) 864-9006
Fax
(281) 612-5980
Mobile
733 E. 12 1/2 Street, Houston, TX, 77008
thetexastrialattorney.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Mark online.
Mark Ryan Thiessen's Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (232)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (185)
Advocacy (155)
Recommendation (114)
Professionalism (77)
Practice Area Knowledge (71)
General Knowledge (57)
Character & Conduct (54)
Communication Style (54)
Responsiveness (50)
Trustworthiness (37)
Cost of Services (31)
Staff & Support (27)
Compassion (22)
Punctuality (11)
Payment Plans (3)
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | Litigation
Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Litigation
Incredible lawyer
Making the call on my case was never one I wanted to make, but I clearly made the correct decision in calling Mark. He was confident from the start and told me that he would get it handled. After attending court a few times I felt things may not happen like I would like. Then out of the blue a call f...
Posted by Daut E | April 12, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Litigation
Dominant Attorney
Mark Thiessen is the the counsel and representation you want upon any entrance into a court. His expertise, knowledge, accessibility, and communication are incomparable. Mark is the lawyer that walks into a courtroom prepared and friendly. The combination of his personal vibe and professional inter...
Posted by anonymous | March 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Litigation
Fights the good fight !
Mark is a fighter and pulls out all the stops when working for his clients. Watching him in the courtroom is like watching a craftsman work with the tools of his trade. Mark was able to help give me my life back. Priceless!
Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2014 | Litigation
Houston's BEST DWI/DUI ATTORNEY!! HANDS DOWN, DO NOT HESITATE TO GO WITH MARK!!
To be caught in a DWI case is a very serious matter and endangerment to one's future. Initially, I had gone with another lawyer, but he actually recommended that I should go with Mark instead. To put it all in perspective, I was facing a dwi first offense with a 0.158 blood. I knew I had to fight...
Posted by JD | January 21, 2014 | Litigation
The Best.
When I got pulled over for DWI, I spent the next two weeks looking for a good attorney. I met with several, but opted to go with Mark after a friend of mine working with the Harris County DA told me that he was "the best". This whole thing came at a very inconvenient time for me because I had just be...
Mark Ryan Thiessen's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Thiessen was a mentor to me when I was young lawyer and I couldn't be more grateful. This man was born to try cases. Not only is he a brilliant legal mind, but also relatable to juries and a fearless advocate. His results speak for themselves. He's won more than jury trials then average 20 lawyers combined. He's a great lawyer, great friend, and a great man I fully and sincerely him endorse him."
"Mark Thiessen is the GOAT in DUI & DWI law. Only a fool would face a DWI charge without Mark by your side."
"I was a career prosecutor until I retired. I knew Mark way back when and knew him to be special at what he does. He knew it all then and does so now, as well. He is not afraid to make the state prove its case. He is the only lawyer I know who is triple board-certified in DWI law and is a Lawyer-Scientist...Now, as a defense attorney and having the opportunity to watch him teach other lawyers all over the state, it is cemented in my mind... He is one of a kind."
"Mark is known as one of the best of the best in not just DWI defense but criminal law as well in the legal community throughout the state of Texas. He's helped me elevate my skills as a trial lawyer, fight aggressively and relentlessly for our clients, and always has his door open for advise. I'm honored to have him as a mentor. He's a great lawyer and even better person."
"Yes, he's my husband. But the best and hardest working attorney I know! Look at his stats, they speak for themselves."
"Mark recently honored the Iowa Association for Justice (aka Iowa Trial Lawyers Association) as a guest speaker. The greats give back to the legal profession not expecting anything in return. He simply hopes to raise the bar for everyone. Mark did not disappoint. He flew into Iowa on a red eye and spoke the following day for over two hours. Mark could have spoken for the entire day as he captivated a room of accomplished trial lawyers. He is energetic and commands a mastery of OWI/DUI defense. As important to his control of a dynamic area of the law he extremely personable. I am happy to call him a friend. He would be at the top of my list to defend a serious criminal matter in the great state of Texas!"
"If I ever have a DWI, I would hire Mark!"
"Mark Thiessen is one of the top DWI lawyers in the country. He is a highly aggressive and effective trial lawyer. He fights harder than anyone I know. He routinely speaks and teaches other lawyers about DWI related issues. He consistently gets cases dismissed and not guilty verdicts at trial. If I was ever in trouble, I would want Mark Thiessen representing me. I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer."
"Mark is a skilled attorney. He's personable and persuasive, two essential traits for defending a case to a jury. One of the "not guilty" verdicts he obtained that I heard about was shocking considering that it appeared to be an open and shut case for the prosecution. A truly gifted advocate."
"Mark is an exceptional lawyer and fights hard for his clients. Whenever I can, I try to either watch Mark defend his clients in court or learn from him in CLEs. This year alone, Mark beat down a case where a client was charged with 4 counts of felony intox. manslaughter and 1 count intox. assault. This is in addition to the mountain of acquittals he has under his belt. I would recommend Mark to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney."
"The best DWI lawyer in Texas!"
"Mark Thiessen is a "Lawyer's Lawyer". In other words, lawyers call him for advice. He is one of the most respected DWI Lawyers in the United States."
"Mark's results speak for themselves. What nobody sees on his Facebook page or website is what he does for fellow attorneys. I've personally only met Mark on one occasion, but I've talked to him on the phone and exchanged emails numerous times for advice and questions on cases. To me, a persons actions outside of the public view are the best barometer of their true character. My first time talking to Mark was before I even met him. He was working late on a Friday and I had some questions on an upcoming case. After finishing his work day, he took time out of his personal time to walk me through my questions. If someone is willing to do that for a complete stranger, without recognition, imagine the job he will do for your case."
"Mark is one of the best there is in the State of Texas for defending DWI cases."
"I knew Mark when I was in the Houston area from 2010 to 2015. Mark is easily among the top 5 DWI Attorneys in the State. He is routinely invited to lecture at Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer seminars. I observed Mark speak to a Jury Panel for Jury Selection during a misdemeanor DWI trial. The prosecutors were so intimated by Mark that they constantly objected--during Jury Selection! Objections are not very common during Jury Selection. The Judge was cautioning Mark in response to these objections (she was partial to the State). The objections were pretty silly and designed to disrupt Mark's speaking to the Jury. Mark confidently responded to the Judge's comments and resumed speaking to the Jury Panel. I learned something very valuable from Mark that day. When you are good like Mark, prosecutors fear you and this is obvious to the Jury. Mark's reputation as the best results in Not Guilty Verdics for his clients. He wins. Period."
"As a former prosecutor, you always knew that when Mark walked through the door you were in for a fight if you went to trial. He knows his stuff, especially DWI law."
"There are many great trial lawyers in Texas and there are many great DWI lawyers in Texas. What really sets Mark apart from the rest of the pack is his ability to be both. Mark has some of the most thorough understanding of all aspects of DWI cases, from the science involved to the applicable laws. Usually, more technical lawyers who understand the science or the law do not also excel in connecting with the common juror or in explaining difficult concepts to a jury or judge. Mark Thiessen is able to bridge this gap very successfully: his trial results clearly speak to this ability. I'm a board certified criminal trial attorney with over a decade of experience and multiple trials under my belt and I still learn and pick up a few tricks when watching Mark in trial or when he speaks at continuing legal education events. I endorse Mark Thiessen - he knows what he's doing."
"I highly endorse Attorney Thiessen. He is a powerhouse in the field of DUI Defense. Well educated, highly skilled, aggressive trial lawyer. The type of lawyer that does not roll over! You need a fighter? Mark is your man!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Need a not guilty? Then this is the lawyer to call. I've known Mark for nearly four years and I've never seen him plead a case. When winning is what's important then this is who you need. Not only are you hiring a consummate professional you'll also be hiring a super nice person."
Andrew Gendi
Criminal defense lawyer
Kacie Penman
Criminal defense lawyer
Clinton Morgan
Personal injury lawyer
Brian Roberts
Criminal defense lawyer
Ronald Yeates
Criminal defense lawyer
Chris Denuna
Criminal defense lawyer
Taly Thiessen
Family lawyer
Thomas Farnsworth
Criminal defense lawyer
Diana Sims
Criminal defense lawyer
James Rubin
Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer
Cheryl Brown
Criminal defense lawyer
Ralph Manginello
Personal injury lawyer
Jarrod Smith
Criminal defense lawyer
Tristan Longino
Family lawyer
Jeth Jones
Criminal defense lawyer
Jason Milam
Criminal defense lawyer
Chris Hesse
Criminal defense lawyer
Paul Schiffer
Criminal defense lawyer
Tom Hill
Criminal defense lawyer
Joshua Hill
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Top 100 Super Lawyers in Texas, Thomson Reuters
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Top 100 Super Lawyer in Texas, Thomson Reuters
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Board Certified Advocate in Criminal Trial Law, NBTA Foundation
2023
Top 100 Super Lawyers in Texas, Thomson Reuters
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Top 100 Super Lawyers in Texas, Thomson Reuters
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
BJJ Black Belt, IBJJF
2021
Top 100 Super Lawyer in Texas, Thomson Reuters
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Top 100 Super Lawyer in Texas, Thomson Reuters
2020
Board Certified DUI Defense Specialist, National College for DUI Defense
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Top 100 Super Lawyer in Texas, Thomson Reuters
2018
Top 100 Super Lawyers- Houston, Thomson Reuters
2018
Board Certified - DUI Defense, DUI Defense Lawyers Association
2018
Board Certified - Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2017
Top 100 Super Lawyers- Houston, Thomson Reuters
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2012
Unsung Hero Award, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
2012
Texas Rising Star, Texas Monthly Magazine
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2011
Texas Super Lawyer: Rising Star, Texas Monthly Magazine
2011
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2010
Who's Who, Strathmore
2010
Rising Star, Texas Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Attorney, The Thiessen Law Firm
2006 - 2011
Attorney, Trichter & Murphy, P.C.
Associations
2017 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationBoard of Directors
2016 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationBoard Member, Officer
2010 - Present
Harris County Criminal Lawyers AssociationBoard of Directors
2010 - Present
Team Hoger MMA and Muay ThaiMember
2008 - Present
Harris County Criminal Lawyers AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Brazil- 021 BJJ Competition TeamMember
2007 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2006 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
Texas Young Lawyers Association
Member
Houston Bar Association
Member
2023 - 2024
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationPresident
2020 - 2021
Harris County Criminal Lawyers AssociationPresident
2013 - 2021
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationDWI Committee Chair
Sample of Legal Cases
Intoxication Manslaughter / State v. B.P.
Not Guilty
Assault Family Violence | State v. R.B
Dismissed Morning of Trial
Assault Family Violence | State v. W.R
Dismissed Mid-Trial
Intoxication Manslaughter | State v. G.G.
Not Guilty
Felony DUI 4th and felony DWAI 4th | People V CG
Not Guilty
DWI 4th / People v. B.D
Not Guilty
State v. L.E.
Dismissed
DWI / State v. A.S.
Dismissed
DWI 2nd / State v. C.M.
Not Guilty
DUI / People v G.E.
Dismissed
Intoxicated Manslaughter / State v. W.C.
Not Guilty
DWI / STATE OF TEXAS vs. J.E.
Dismissed
People of State of Colorado v. S.G.
Not Guilty
State v. A.J.
Not Guilty
Texas v. J.A.
Not Guilty
State v. P.I.
Not Guilty
State v. P.T.
Not Guilty
Texas V. T.W.
Not Guilty
SEE MY WEBSITE FOR CURRENT NOTABLE VICTORIES
NOT GUILTY
TEXAS V. H.B.
Not Guilty
Texas V. J.A.
Not Guilty
DWI 2nd / Texas V. L.J.
Not Guilty
Texas v. I.L
Not Guilty
Texas v. S.J.
Not Guilty
Texas v. H.D.
Not Guilty
Texas v. S.V.
Not Guilty
Texas v. Z.M.
Not Guilty
Texas v. H.S.
Not Guilty
Texas v. B.E.
Not Guilty
Texas v. M.A.
Not Guilty
Texas v. C.R.
Dismissed
Texas v. R.E.
Not Guilty
Texas v. B.S.
Dismissed
Texas v. H.D.
Not Guilty
Texas v. T.N.
Dismissed
Texas v. C.C.
Not Guilty
Texas v. K.R.
Dismissed
Texas v. C.T.
Dismissed
State v. E.O.
NOT GUILTY
Texas v. J.H.
Dismissed
Texas v. C.B.
Dismissed
State of Texas v. A.A.
NOT GUILTY
State of Texas v. M.H.
DISMISSED
State of Texas v. W.T.
NOT GUILTY
State of Texas v. C.R.
DISMISSED
State of Texas v. R.M.
NOT GUILTY
Texas v. G.A.
NOT GUILTY
State v. T.P.
DISMISSED
State v. L.V.
NOT GUILTY
State of Texas v. J. B.
NOT GUILTY
State v. A.D.
NOT GUILTY
State v. T.M.
DISMISSED
State v. T.B.
NO BILLED
State v. B.N.
NOT GUILTY
State of Texas v. C.L.
DISMISSED
State of Texas v. K.J
DISMISSED
State of Texas v. E.O.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. M.R.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. W.H
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. J.D.
Dismissed
State of Texas v. W. S.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. F.K.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. J.I.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. K.W.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. A.F.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. C.C.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. S.P.
Directed Verdict of Not Guilty
State of Texas v. S.M.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. D.G.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. K.P.
Mistrial
State of Texas v. Z.S.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. B.H.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. B.W.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. S.C
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. I.R.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. M.S.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. R.P
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. J.F.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. L.R.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. D.D.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. C.J.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. S.C.
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. J.H.
Not Guilty
State of Texas. K.R.
Not Guilty
Texas v. G.R.
Dismissed
State of Texas v. O.S.
Dismissed
State of Texas v. T.M.
DISMISSED
State of Texas v. E.F.
DISMISSED
Education
2003
South Texas College Of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2000
Texas Christian University
Bachelor of Business Administration
1996
The Kinkaid School
High School Diploma
N/A
William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii
Speaking Engagements
2025
TCDLA 23rd Annual Top Gun DWI CLE
Top 10 Intoxicated Manslaughter Issues
2024
TCDLA Top Gun Advanced DWI CLE
Breaking Down Blood Testing for Lawyers
2023
TCDLA President’s Trip
Almost Everything You Need to Win DWI Trials
2023
Florida Bar Association Criminal Law Seminar
Intoxicated Manslaughter
2022
NHACDL Criminal Law Seminar
Images, Analogies, and Stories
2022
FACDL Blood Breath and Tears
Defending BWI Cases and Mock Trial
2021
TCDLA 8th Annual Lonestar DWI
Closing Arguments and Story Telling
2020
TCDLA 18th Annual Top Gun DWI Seminar
DWI Voir Dire
2020
OACDL Advanced Criminal Law
Defending Intoxicated Manslaughter Cases
2019
State Bar of Texas Advanced Criminal Law Course
Intoxicated Manslaughter Cases
2019
32nd Annual Rusty Duncan Advanced Criminal Law Seminar
Intoxilyzer 9000 and NEW Defenses
2018
ALL OVER USA
SEE MY WEBSITE FOR CURRENT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
2015
Prairie Dog Seminar
Not Guilty v Goliath; Beating High Blood Tests Using the Disconnect Defense
2014
TCDLA: Top Gun DWI Seminar
Blood Test Voir Dire & Preparing the Jury for Acquittal
2014
TCDLA: Cross Examination
Cross of DWI Blood Expert
2014
TCDLA Lone Star DWI
Blood 101: Basics of Blood Testing & Taking Down High Blood Tests Using the Disconnect Defense
2014
2014 Stuart Kinard Memorial Advanced DWI Seminar
Not Guilty vs. Goliath, Taking Down High Blood Tests with the Disconnect Defense
2012
HCCLA CLE
Trial Tactics From The Trenches
2011
Voir Dire Seminar
DWI Voir Dire - Accident and Blood Testing
2011
TOP GUN DWI
Final Argument - Blood Testing
2011
Art of War : Trial Tactics
DWI Trial Tactics: Running the Bases
2011
Art of War - Survivor Trial Tactics
DWI Survival Tactics
2010
Stuart Kinard Advanced DWI CLE
TIMBER! Chopping Down High Breath Tests
2010
Network of Professional Brazilians in Houston
Understanding Your Rights in Texas and Secrets to Avoiding a DWI Arrest and Conviction
2010
Galveston County Criminal Lawyers Association
Timber!; Chopping Down High Breath Tests
2010
DWI, Drugs, Assault, Criminal Mischief and the Prom
Keeping Students Safe from DWI and Drugs
2009
Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyers Assoc.
Death to the "E" Jury; Getting a Fair Trial
2009
DWI Defense Project
DWI Trial Tactics
N/A
No refusal debate draws strong opinions
DUI
Publications
2024
The Voice (TCDLA))
TCDLA Voice for the Defense
2018
Various Magazines
SEE MY WEBSITE FOR CURRENT PUBLICATIONS
2014
The Voice (TCDLA))
Not Guilty v Goliath; Beathing High Blood Tests Using the Disconnect Defense
2012
HCCLA Defender Magazine
Falesly Elevated Ethanol Results Using Hospital Enzymatic Assay Blood Testing
2012
2011
HCCLA Defender
Building the Disconnect Defense
2010
TCDLA VOICE for the Defense
Catch of the Day: Motion Challenging Jury Array and to Quash Jury Panel
2010
HCCLA Defender Magazine
Motion of the Month: Challenging Electronic Juries
2009
Voice for the Defense
Catch of the Day: Defendant's Motion to Protect the Fairness of Future Juries
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I have a prescription for a benzodiazepine and still get a drivers license in Texas?
20 Aug 2019
Q&A
Will I go to jail if I was arrested with a pi while on probation for a dwi?
26 Dec 2011
Q&A
Should I plead not guilty for an open container violation while on Conditional Discharge?
13 Oct 2011