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Joseph Francis Vinas

Criminal defense Attorney at Houston, TX

5.0   4 reviews

also known as Joe Vinas

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  • Licensed for 21 years
    State TX
    Acquired 2002
    Status
    Eligible to Practice in Texas No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

The best
Andres
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Dismissed felony retaliation
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Read more reviews

About Joseph

Learn Joseph’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area
  1. Criminal defense
    100%
    I handle all State and Federal criminal cases, both felonies and misdemeanors. I have been exclusively practicing criminal law for over a decade and have worked on cases at every level from class c misdemeanors up to capital murders. Put my experience to work for you.

    21 years

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 .

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Similar lawyers nearby

Vinas & Graham, PLLC
1210 W. Clay
Suite 12
Houston, TX, 77019
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  4 customer reviews
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Posted by Andres | May 2, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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 fought my case for me and through it all kept great communication with myself and family. After a couple months with Joes hard work was able to get the grand jury to dismiss my case which I’ve heard and researched is one of the hardest counties to even fight in the state of Texas and the US. So if your in need of a Criminaldefense attorney Joe is the one. Thanks again for all your hard work joe Vinas
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Posted by anonymous | November 30, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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 respected in courtoom plus an overall good person. He knows the law well and pays attention to all the important details. Highly recommend
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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 finds themselves in a similar situation.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | May 6, 2013
Felony Case Dissmisal
Mr. J,Vinas was very efficient in handling my case, and his outstanding expertise helped in the dissmisal of this case. He did an excellent job in keeping me informed with every step of the entire process of this case, and he was very responsive in answering my questions during our meetings or through Emails.

Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner / Managing Member
  • Vinas & Graham, PLLC
  • 2013 - Present
  • Assistant District Attorney
  • Harris County District Attorney's Office
  • 2002 - 2013
  • Legal Intern
  • Harris County District Attorney's Office
  • 1999 - 2002

Education

  • University of Houston
  • 2002
  • University of Texas
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • 1998
  • University of Texas
  • Business Foundations Program
  • 1998

Legal Cases

  • Felony Drug Case - Dismissed
  • Dismissed
  • Felony Burglary of a Habitation - Dismissed
  • Dismissed
  • Felony Child Endangerment - Dismissed
  • Dismissed
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
  • President-Elect
  • 2020 - Present
  • Fifth Circuit Bar Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2019 - Present
  • Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • College of the State Bar of Texas
  • Attorney Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • Admitted to Practice
  • 2013 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • Admitted to Practice
  • 2013 - Present
  • Harris County Fair Defense Act - First Degree Certified
  • Attorney Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • State Bar of Texas
  • Member
  • 2002 - Present
  • Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
  • Vice President
  • 2019 - 2020
  • Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
  • Board Member
  • 2017 - 2019
  • Houston Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2002 - 2013
  • Texas District and County Attorneys Association
  • Member
  • 2002 - 2012
  • Texas Young Lawyers Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2002 - 2012
  • Board of Advocates, University of Houston Law Center
  • Board Member
  • 2001 - 2002
  • Student Bar Association, University of Houston Law Center
  • President
  • 2000 - 2001
  • Student Bar Association, University of Houston Law Center
  • Section Representative
  • 1999 - 2000
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • President's Award
  • Harris County Criminal Lawyers' Association
  • 2020
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Top Lawyers
  • Houstonia Magazine
  • 2014
  • Board Certified - Criminal Law
  • Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • 2014
  • Top Lawyer
  • Houstonia Magazine
  • 2013
  • Top Contributor
  • Avvo
  • 2013
  • Shining Star award
  • Harris County District Attorney's Office
  • 2011
  • Shining Star Award
  • Harris County District Attorney's Office
  • 2010
  • 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
  • 2002
  • Hippard Open Mock Trial Competition Quarterfinalist
  • University of Houston Law Center
  • 2001
View all awards

Publications

  • AVVO Legal Guides
  • The Criminal Charging Process in Harris County
  • 2013

Speaking Engagements

  • Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists
  • Snooping and Stalking and Spying...Oh My!
  • 2013
  • 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
  • 2012
  • 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
  • 2011
  • 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
  • 2010
  • Houston Lawyers Association CLE
  • Criminal Charges and the Plea Bargaining Process
  • 2009
  • HCDA Legislative Update
  • 81st Texas Legislative Update
  • 2009
  • Texas House of Representatives Criminal Jurisprudence Committee Hearing
  • Expanding Deferred Adjudication
  • 2007
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (26)
Given (41)
Endorse Joseph
Diana Elizabeth Sims headshot
Diana Sims
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Lewis Ashton Thomas headshot
Lewis Thomas
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Andreea Ionescu headshot
Andreea Ionescu
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 30
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"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"
Jeffery L. Greco headshot
Jeffery Greco
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 05
Relationship: Co-worker
"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..."
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington
Criminal defense Attorney | May 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Herman Martinez headshot
Herman Martinez
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Vinas is a conscious lawyer. Any client that hires him will be more than well represented."
Aaron Christopher Harper headshot
Aaron Harper
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top-notch defense lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community."
Dustan Orlando Neyland headshot
Dustan Neyland
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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."
Eric Joe Benavides headshot
Eric Benavides
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Lucio Antonio Montes headshot
Lucio Montes
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Woodrow Wilson I Dixon III headshot
Woodrow Dixon
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Russell Allen Neumann headshot
Russell Neumann
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 26
Relationship: Co-worker
"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."
Tyrone Cedric Moncriffe headshot
Tyrone Moncriffe
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
John Michael Phillips headshot
John Phillips
Unknown Attorney | Jun 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Douglas I Richards headshot
Douglas Richards
Criminal defense Attorney | May 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Paul Antonio Calzada headshot
Paul Calzada
Criminal defense Attorney | May 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Steven D Shellist headshot
Steven Shellist
Criminal defense Attorney | May 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Peyton Zimmerman Peebles III headshot
Peyton Peebles
Criminal defense Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Sean Timothy Mcalister headshot
Sean Mcalister
Criminal defense Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Christian F. Capitaine headshot
Christian Capitaine
Criminal defense Attorney | May 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
View more endorsements
Casey Lynn Little headshot
Casey Little
Criminal defense
Brett A. Podolsky headshot
Brett Podolsky
Criminal defense
Joshua Hill headshot
Joshua Hill
Criminal defense
Jeffery L. Greco headshot
Jeffery Greco
Criminal defense
Herman Martinez headshot
Herman Martinez
Criminal defense
Mario Madrid headshot
Mario Madrid
Criminal defense
Dustan Orlando Neyland headshot
Dustan Neyland
Criminal defense
Eric Joe Benavides headshot
Eric Benavides
Criminal defense
Mekisha Jane Walker headshot
Mekisha Walker
Criminal defense
Russell Allen Neumann headshot
Russell Neumann
Criminal defense
Paul Antonio Calzada headshot
Paul Calzada
Family
Steven D Shellist headshot
Steven Shellist
Criminal defense
Peyton Zimmerman Peebles III headshot
Peyton Peebles
Appeals
Sean Timothy Mcalister headshot
Sean Mcalister
Juvenile law
Christian F. Capitaine headshot
Christian Capitaine
Criminal defense
John Joseph Kahn Jr. headshot
John Kahn
Personal injury
Shahin Zamir headshot
Shahin Zamir
Criminal defense
Tyler Ashley Flood headshot
Tyler Flood
DUI and DWI
Dan Lamar Cogdell headshot
Dan Cogdell
Criminal defense
Douglas I Richards headshot
Douglas Richards
Criminal defense
Houston Criminal defense Lawyer Joseph Francis Vinas
Joseph Francis Vinas
Criminal defense Attorney
Houston, TX
Licensed for 21 years
Free Consultation
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