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Joseph Francis Vinas
also known as Joe Vinas
About Joseph
Biography
Joe Vinas has been trying criminal cases for over 15 years. As a former prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney's Office, Joe Vinas has tried over 100 criminal cases including Capital Murder, Murder, Aggravated Robbery, Drug Crimes, DWI, Theft, and more.
Joe was a Felony Chief Prosecutor for four years, training other felony prosecutors how to try criminal cases. Joe also taught over 500 Houston and Tomball Police Officers various aspects of criminal law including the complex area of Arrest, Search, and Seizure. Several times throughout his career, other lawyers have called on Joe Vinas to teach Continuing Legal Education courses on criminal law. For two years, Joe volunteered in the Harris County S.T.A.R. Court program.
Joe Vinas knows how to navigate the complex and often confusing world of the criminal justice system. Call him today at for a FREE CONSULTATION on your criminal case, or visit his website at .
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
24 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 23 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
Vinas & Graham, PLLC
1210 W. Clay, Suite 12, Houston, TX, 77019
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Joseph Francis Vinas's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Brian | October 31, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Joseph "Joe' Vinas will compassionately fight for you
Joseph "Joe' Vinas was my lawyer for a Federal criminal Case I was involved in back in September 2020. Mr Vians worked tirelessly and with the utmost professionalism on my case. At the end of the day I ended up receiving exactly what I deserved for my involvement in this complicated case and with the...
Posted by Mike | July 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The Truth About Joseph F. Vinas
Joseph "Joe' Vinas is the epitome and quintessence of the words stated in not only the Attorney's Oath, but exemplifies the standards outlined in The Texas Lawyer's Creed. He has the ability to provide a calm, reassuring presence to those, like myself, who find themselves in scary and unfamiliar si...
Posted by Andres | May 2, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The best
I am a resident of Houston Texas area that was badly assaulted and shot then charged with 2 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Even though I was innocent things were a little more difficult and harder to fight because I’m a convicted felon so it looked bad on me but I met Joe Vinas he...
Posted by anonymous | November 30, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Dismissed felony retaliation
Joe and Spence are a great team. Got my family retaliation case dismissed from a delusional ex spouse. Unfortunately, i got framed and me and my family suffered due to the flawed legal system which many times sides with abuser without any proof in domestic violence cases. I have seen Joe is well resp...
Posted by anonymous | June 25, 2014
DWI 2 OFFENSE - POSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
I recently hired Mr Vinas to handle my criminal defense on the two cases listed above. During the process he was always respectful and treated me with dignity. He was on top of the case at all times and was actually able to have both cases dismissed. I would recommend his services to anyone who find...
Joseph Francis Vinas's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Joe since he was a young prosecutor. He has an impeccable reputation and is known for his great trial skills. I highly recommend this attorney to anyone."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is an outstanding advocate, and with his years of experience both as a felony court chief and as a defender, Joe is able to provide his clients the best possible outcome."
"I worked with Joe on multiple occasions when I was a prosecutor. He is very knowledgeable of the law and fights hard for his clients. He was very pleasant to work with, while getting the best result for his clients"
"Joe & I worked together at the DA's office before he left and joined the defense bar. He was a level-headed and fair prosecutor and his experience at the DA's office has served him well on the defense side. As a defense lawyer, he is a lawyer who will fight for his client. He is a proven trial attorney, with years of success under his belt. You can't go wrong with Joe..."
"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Mr. Vinas is a conscious lawyer. Any client that hires him will be more than well represented."
"Top-notch defense lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Joe is an experienced attorney. He was a very good prosecutor and is an even better defense attorney. He knows the law and is not afraid to fight against the state."
"Joe is a good guy, easy to work with, and does everything he can for his clients. He is an asset to the Defense bar, and any client would be fortunate to have Joe on his/her side."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe was smart, personable, and reasonable when he was a district attorney. I am sure that he now uses his talents to zealously advocate for his clients. He is definitely a good attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Joe was one of the smartest, reasonable, and intelligent D.A.I had the pleasure of dealing with. I see him on the defense side using those exact qualities for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer.Joe is not only a great lawyer, but he is an out-standing human being. i have gone to trial against him as a defense lawyer and observed him as a fellow defense lawyer. He is a man of high integrity and always fights for his clients with great zeal."
"I endorse Attorney Vinas. From seeing the time and effort he spends on AVVO, providing answers, for free, to the public, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos."
"Joe worked his way through the Harris Co DA's Office and earned a reputation as a fierce trial lawyer. He sacrificed personal time to investigate all of his cases and ensure positive results at trial. As a defense attorney Joe spends the same time dedicated to each of his clients. Anyone in Texas would be fortunate to have Joe standing next to them in court."
"I've known Joe since law school and I have always found him to be a conscientious and confident advocate. He has a great understanding of criminal law and procedure. He understands the inner workings of the criminal justice system and has the well-earned respect of the judges and prosecutors."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Vinas was a long time prosecutor at the Harris County DA's Office. He left there under the title District Court Chief. Needless to say, he has an overwhelming amount of experience in criminal law. Hiring Mr. Vinas would give anyone an edge in fighting their case. He is liked and well-respected by all of the prosecutors and judges alike. He is capable of handling the simplest up to the most complex cases-- DWIs to multi-defendant capital murders. Mr. Vinas is a force to be reckoned with."
"I fully endorse Joe Vinas. Joe was a longtime prosecutor at the Harris County DA's Office and received invaluable training in cases ranging from small misdemeanors to capital murders. He now uses this training to his client's benefit. Joe is a thorough and effective lawyer and I endorse him without hesitation."
"Joe was a star at the District Attorney's Office and will be a star as a criminal defense attorney. He is diligent, his judgment is top notch and he is well respected by all of his peers. Any client who chooses to hire Joe will be well taken care of and will undoubtedly get a great result."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is an example of what a criminal defense attorney should be. He is an able trial lawyer who has benefited from the many years of experience he had as a prosecutor. Any potential client would be fortunate to have Joe fighting on his behalf."
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Experience
Honors
2020
President's Award, Harris County Criminal Lawyers' Association
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top Lawyers, Houstonia Magazine
2014
Board Certified - Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
2013
Top Lawyer, Houstonia Magazine
2013
Top Contributor, Avvo
2011
Shining Star award, Harris County District Attorney's Office
2010
Shining Star Award, Harris County District Attorney's Office
2002
Distinguished Service Award, University of Houston Law Center
2002
Outstanding Advocate, University of Houston Law Center
2002
National Mock Trial Competition Regional Champion, Texas Young Lawyers Association
2001
Hippard Open Mock Trial Competition Quarterfinalist, University of Houston Law Center
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Partner / Managing Member, Vinas & Graham, PLLC
2002 - 2013
Assistant District Attorney, Harris County District Attorney's Office
1999 - 2002
Legal Intern, Harris County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2020 - Present
Harris County Criminal Lawyers AssociationPresident-Elect
2019 - Present
Fifth Circuit Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Harris County Criminal Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
College of the State Bar of TexasAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of TexasAdmitted to Practice
2013 - Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of TexasAdmitted to Practice
2008 - Present
Harris County Fair Defense Act - First Degree CertifiedAttorney Member
2002 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
2019 - 2020
Harris County Criminal Lawyers AssociationVice President
2017 - 2019
Harris County Criminal Lawyers AssociationBoard Member
2002 - 2013
Houston Bar AssociationMember
2002 - 2012
Texas District and County Attorneys AssociationMember
2002 - 2012
Texas Young Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
2001 - 2002
Board of Advocates, University of Houston Law CenterBoard Member
2000 - 2001
Student Bar Association, University of Houston Law CenterPresident
1999 - 2000
Student Bar Association, University of Houston Law CenterSection Representative
Sample of Legal Cases
Felony Drug Case - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Burglary of a Habitation - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Child Endangerment - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Assault of a Peace Officer - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Drug Case - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Tampering with a Government Document - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Aggravated Assault Case - Reduced to Misdemeanor with Probation
Reduced to Misdemeanor - Deferred Adjudication
Burglary of a Habitation- Reduced to Misdemeanor, time served
Reduced to Misdemeanor - Time Served
Felony Evading Arrest - Grand Jury No Bill
Grand Jury No Bill
Felony Drug Case - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Drug Case - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Motion to Adjudicate - Dismissed
Motion Dismissed
Burglary of a Habitation Motion to Adjudicate - Dismissed
Motion Dismissed
Felony Drug Case - Dismissed
Dismissed
Aggravated Assault - Motion to Adjudicate Dismissed
Motion Dismissed
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon - reduced to misdemeanor, given deferred adjudication
Reduced to Misdemeanor - Deferred Adjudication
Felony Theft Motion to Adjudicate - Dismissed
Motion Dismissed
Felon in Possession of a Firearm - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Delivery of a Controlled Substance - reduced to misdemeanor, given deferred adjudication
Reduced to Misdemeanor - Deferred Adjudication
Felony Retaliation Motion to Adjudicate - Dismissed
Motion Dismissed
Felony Assault (Domestic Violence) - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Tampering with Physical Evidence - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Theft Motion to Adjudicate - Dismissed
Motion Dismissed
Felony DWI Motion to Revoke Probation - Dismissed
Motion Dismissed
Felony Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Drug case - Dismissed
Dismissed
Education
2002
University of Houston
1998
University of Texas
Bachelor of Arts
1998
University of Texas
Business Foundations Program
Speaking Engagements
2013
Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists
Snooping and Stalking and Spying...Oh My!
2012
Tomball Police Department
Arrest, Search, and Seizure Refresher Course
2012
Tomball Police Department
Intermediate Arrest, Search, and Seizure
2012
HPD Academy Cadet Class 214
Arrest, Search, and Seizure
2012
HPD Academy Cadet Class 213
Arrest, Search, and Seizure
2012
Harris County Public Defender's Office CLE
Harris County S.T.A.R Court
2011
Miller School of Technology
The Criminal Justice System
2011
HPD Academy Cadet Class 212
Arrest, Search, and Seizure
2011
HPD Academy Cadet Class 211
Arrest, Search, and Seizure
2011
HPD Academy Cadet Class 210
Arrest, Search, and Seizure
2011
HCDA Legislative Update
82nd Texas Legislative Update
2010
Miller School of Technology
The Criminal Justice System
2010
HPD Academy Cadet Class 209
Arrest, Search, and Seizure
2010
HPD Academy Cadet Class 208
Arrest, Search, and Seizure
2010
Houston Police Academy
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
2009
Houston Lawyers Association CLE
Criminal Charges and the Plea Bargaining Process
2009
HCDA Legislative Update
81st Texas Legislative Update
2007
Texas House of Representatives Criminal Jurisprudence Committee Hearing
Expanding Deferred Adjudication
Publications
2013
AVVO Legal Guides
The Criminal Charging Process in Harris County
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How do you can find out that your PO submitted a motion to revoke your probation or is going to violate you?
23 May 2018
Q&A
What is procedure when being booked in Harris County ?
12 Dec 2017
Q&A
Can you get arrested for talking about giving drugs to someone in a recorded phone call?
10 Jun 2013