In November of 2018 I was arrested for the first time in my life. I spent time in jail for family violence and it was a moment of failure for me. I feared that my future and everything I had worked for over the course of my life would be in jeopardy. I’m not rich but I wasn’t going to risk my future any further, so I reached out to Mr. James Sullivan. I found Mr. Sullivan by googling for family violence lawyers. It was a Sunday and his name popped up showing that he worked on Sundays, so I gave him a call and we spent about an hour talking on that Sunday evening.
Mr. Sullivan turned out to be the best decision I made in 2018. I told him I would be pleading not guilty and he told me he could possibly get the case dismissed, which was a relief to my stress. We went through 4 settings together, which required little to no work on my part.
At each of our meetings Mr. Sullivan showed great professionalism, positivity, dependability, passion, and most of all he showed me that I could trust him. We talked about life, goals, and achievements. He shared his experiences and wisdom with me, recommending changes to certain aspects of my life. Overall, James Sullivan not only helped me legally, but he connected with me as a human being, and for that I will be forever grateful.
My case was dismissed in exchange for community service and I left this experience as a better person. I 100% and wholeheartedly recommend Mr. James Sullivan as an attorney.
I was arrested, unfortunately, for the 3rd time in almost 18 years for theft. Each arrest being almost 6 years apart to the day. After meeting James he treated me with humility and grace despite my wrong doings. He truly tapped into why did I do what I did, what led me down this road, and was able to finally uncover something I was so badly needing to heal. I was in and out of the foster care system growing up with documented abuse for years- I was able to share this information with James and he connected me with the perfect therapist. I had hired two lawyers previously who never even cared to ask about my past- and had they I may have had a chance to heal sooner. Given my history and psychological explanation, and with the help of James and his knowledge, we were able to get my case DISMISSED. (Which is beyond rare given prior arrests) God led me to James and I will forever be in debt for his help not only with my case but to better my entire life. He has been an incredible light in the legal system. He is an outstanding lawyer, but an even better human being who is doing what he can to truly HELP people.
Houston Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan represents clients only in Harris County during this pandemic. Since 1994, Sullivan has worked to get hundreds of criminal cases dismissed.
Houston Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan represents clients only in Harris County during this pandemic. Since 1994, Sullivan has worked to get hundreds of criminal cases dismissed.
Houston Attorney James Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law. Sullivan represents juveniles only in Harris County during this pandemic. Since 1994, Sullivan has worked to get hundreds of juvenile cases dismissed.
Houston Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan represents clients only in Harris County during this pandemic. Since 1994, Sullivan has worked to get hundreds of family violence cases dismissed.
Houston Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan represents clients to get their criminal records expunged in Harris County only. Since 1994, Sullivan has worked to get hundreds of criminal cases expunged or non-disclosed (sealed).
PROVEN RESULTS SINCE 1994. BOARD CERTIFIED. TRIAL LAWYER. WE CARE FOR OUR CLIENTS. WE FIGHT FOR OUR CLIENTS LIKE THEY ARE FAMILY. WE CHARGE FAIR FEES FOR OUR EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE. GIVE US A CALL.CRIMINAL TRIAL LAWYERS WITH PROVEN RESULTS. WE CARE FOR OUR CLIENTS AND WE FIGHT FOR THEM LIKE THEY ARE FAMILY. OUR #1 GOAL IS TO GET YOUR CASE DISMISSED. WE MOSTLY FOCUS ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, VIOLENT CRIME, DRUG DEFENSE AND JUVENILE CASES. GIVE US A CALL.BOARD CERTIFIED JUVENILE LAWYER. I CARE FOR MY JUVENILE CLIENTS. I FIGHT FOR THEM AS IF THEY ARE MY OWN CHILDREN. MY GOAL IS TO GET THE BEST RESULT POSSIBLE SO IT WILL NOT IMPACT THEIR FUTURE. I HAVE WON FELONY JURY TRIALS IN ALL 3 HARRIS COUNTY JUVENILE DISTRICT COURTS. GIVE US A CALL.DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWYERS WITH PROVEN RESULTS. WE CARE FOR OUR CLIENTS AND WE FIGHT FOR THEM LIKE THEY ARE FAMILY. OUR #1 GOAL IS TO GET YOUR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE DISMISSED. OVER 50% OF OUR PRACTICE INVOLVES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES. GIVE US A CALL.CRIMINAL LAWYERS WITH PROVEN RESULTS. WE CARE FOR OUR CLIENTS AND WE FIGHT FOR THEM LIKE THEY ARE FAMILY. OUR #1 GOAL IS TO GET YOUR VIOLENT CRIME CASE DISMISSED, WON AT TRIAL, OR REDUCED. WE EACH HAVE OVER 28 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. GIVE US A CALL.CRIMINAL TRIAL LAWYER THAT ALSO WORKS TO GET CRIMINAL CASES EXPUNGED FROM CLIENTS' RECORD. CASES NOT EXPUNGED CAN LOWER A PERSON'S ALTITUDE IN LIFE. EVEN THOUGH YOUR CASE WAS DISMISSED, IT STILL SHOWS UP ON YOUR RECORD AND CAN COST YOU JOBS AND INCOME. GIVE US A CALL.
Our #1 Priority is to get your case dismissed. Many of our cases get dismissed because we win most of our trials. As winning trial lawyers, we have the most leverage, so many of our cases get dismissed even without a trial setting. We each have over 29 years of experience and have helped thousands of people. We mostly handle criminal cases involving assault of a family member (domestic violence), drugs, robbery, theft, burglary; as well as juvenile defense and record expungement. We care for people and take all the time necessary to discover the full story. We help people fight criminal charges so they can have a better life. We charge fair fees for our experience and expertise. Office consultations are by appointment only. We work in Harris and Fort Bend County.
Â
We have successfully represented people on almost the full spectrum of criminal and juvenile law cases. We have won many serious felony and misdemeanor jury trials. We have a high win rate for cases taken to trial, including the large majority that are dismissed at trial. We have persuaded the prosecutors and/or grand jury to dismiss thousands of felony and misdemeanor criminal and juvenile cases. Certainly, each case is different. Similar results may not be obtained in your case and past performance is no guarantee of future results. We also handle expungement and sealing of criminal cases.
Â
Sullivan graduated from Baylor University in 1990 with a degree in Journalism, the ideal degree for investigating, discovering and telling winning stories in court. In 1993, he graduated from South Texas College of Law, which is nationally recognized as the top law school for trial advocacy. He has been married to his wife Araceli for over 30 years. They have 2 children and worship in a Catholic church. Sullivan is also an Eagle Scout.
Â
Sullivan also graduated from Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College (TLC), the most selective and prestigious trial advocacy program in America. The TLC teaches advanced trial techniques to defense attorneys. The few TLC graduates form an extremely unique community of the most accomplished trial lawyers across the United States.
If you need a defense attorney to represent you, your child or a loved one, call us. We can help.
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Jesse | January 24, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Family Violence
In November of 2018 I was arrested for the first time in my life. I spent time in jail for family violence and it was a moment of failure for me. I feared that my future and everything I had worked for over the course of my life would be in jeopardy. I’m not rich but I wasn’t going to risk my future any further, so I reached out to Mr. James Sullivan. I found Mr. Sullivan by googling for family violence lawyers. It was a Sunday and his name popped up showing that he worked on Sundays, so I gave him a call and we spent about an hour talking on that Sunday evening.
Mr. Sullivan turned out to be the best decision I made in 2018. I told him I would be pleading not guilty and he told me he could possibly get the case dismissed, which was a relief to my stress. We went through 4 settings together, which required little to no work on my part.
At each of our meetings Mr. Sullivan showed great professionalism, positivity, dependability, passion, and most of all he showed me that I could trust him. We talked about life, goals, and achievements. He shared his experiences and wisdom with me, recommending changes to certain aspects of my life. Overall, James Sullivan not only helped me legally, but he connected with me as a human being, and for that I will be forever grateful.
My case was dismissed in exchange for community service and I left this experience as a better person. I 100% and wholeheartedly recommend Mr. James Sullivan as an attorney.
Read less
Posted by Robin | December 1, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Incredible Lawyer
I was arrested, unfortunately, for the 3rd time in almost 18 years for theft. Each arrest being almost 6 years apart to the day. After meeting James he treated me with humility and grace despite my wrong doings. He truly tapped into why did I do what I did, what led me down this road, and was able to finally uncover something I was so badly needing to heal. I was in and out of the foster care system growing up with documented abuse for years- I was able to share this information with James and he connected me with the perfect therapist. I had hired two lawyers previously who never even cared to ask about my past- and had they I may have had a chance to heal sooner. Given my history and psychological explanation, and with the help of James and his knowledge, we were able to get my case DISMISSED. (Which is beyond rare given prior arrests) God led me to James and I will forever be in debt for his help not only with my case but to better my entire life. He has been an incredible light in the legal system. He is an outstanding lawyer, but an even better human being who is doing what he can to truly HELP people.
Read less
Response from James SullivanDecember 2, 2022
Thank you Robin for your beautiful review and for trusting me. You are very kind. It was not me, I only played a small part. You were the brave one. When we first spoke, I looked your cases up and noticed a 6 year pattern between them. I felt something bad was hidden in your past. I asked, what horrible thing happened to you in your childhood that causes you to act out in this way? You took a leap of faith and told me about your very traumatic childhood. Your incredible inner strength and spirit sustained you these many years until you were ready to face your fears and start down the painful path to healing. I applaud you for your courage.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | September 6, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Compassionate and Understanding
I highly recommend James Sullivan as a juvenile defense attorney. My son was wrongfully arrested for retaliation of a peace officer and assault of a family member. Both of these charges are very serious felony charges. The juvenile system treated him as if he were already a convicted criminal, without hearing the full story. I read several reviews of many different juvenile attorneys and I firmly believed that James Sullivan was the best around. I called him and he spent over an hour on the phone with me. He listened to my heartbreaking story of an awesome young man that was about to have his life turned upside down for something that was beyond his control. We met in person the very next Saturday. He accommodated my schedule and planned to meet my entire family that evening. James Sullivan interviewed all of us and was very kind and patient. My son had been physically and mentally abused by his father for several years and acted in self defense against an intoxicated, grown man. Without getting into details of the nature of the abuse, Attorney Sullivan was able to get BOTH felony charges dismissed. He saved my son's life and now he has an awesome opportunity heading into adulthood!
Read less
Response from James SullivanOctober 18, 2019
Thank you for your kind review. Your son was charged with aggravated assault of a family member and retaliation for mouthing off at the officer. After years of physical abuse, your son fought back when his drunken father attacked him for the final time, only this time his father wound up in the hospital. As we both know, his father should have been arrested for injury to a child for prior abuse and for this incident. Instead, your son was arrested when he was merely defending himself. I pray all goes well with your son going forward in life.
Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.
What determines Avvo Rating?
Experience & background
Years licensed, work experience, education
Legal community recognition
Peer endorsements, associations, awards
Legal thought leadership
Publications, speaking engagements
Discipline
Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"James ia a wonderful criminal and juvenile criminal defense attorney. He works tiredlessly for his clients and is always on top of the law. The DAs, Judges, and fellow attorneys all respect him. A client would be lucky to have James fighting for them."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jim is an excellent lawyer who deeply cares for his clients. He has even taken time out of his busy schedule to help other lawyers prepare their cases. He is the rare attorney who is well-versed in adult AND juvenile criminal law. He is honest, hardworking, and is relentless in fighting for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 21
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Jim and I worked opposite one another when I was a prosecutor for Harris County. I watched him compassionately represent a client with a mental illness.
I can't say anything about Jim that hasn't already been said. He's an outstanding criminal defense lawyer. He's smart, hard-working and professional. He is well regarded by his peers. I endorse him without hesitation."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I would recommend Jim Sullivan to any criminal defendant. He is truly concerned about each and every client. His knowledge of the law, experience, and fighting spirit will give you the edge in the troubles you face. Get Jim in your corner."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is a quiet, thoughtful criminal defense lawyer who digs in for his clients.
He is well-respected and he goes the distance for his clients."
Juvenile law Attorney | Jul 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Mr. Sullivan. He is a board certified juvenile law specialist. Reviews tell the story. read them. If you are in or anywhere near Houston get a consultation and than hire him. KUDOS"
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim os the real deal. He fights hard for the rights of his clients and obtains some pretty outstanding results. By running for office he has shown his willingness to give back to the community. He is also a fellow distance runner and an all around good guy."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I am very grateful to have met Jim Sullivan through the Trial Lawyers College. Jim is a very caring and compassionate lawyer who is very client centered. He is the kind of lawyer I would want fighting for me or my family. Jim is a credit to our profession."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Jim Sullivan. Jim sees his clients as human beings and treats them that way. He listens well and communicates very effectively. I worked with Jim at the Trial Lawyers College founded by Gerry Spence and know that Jim is brave and honest. He is afraid of no one and fights hard for his clients!"
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He has passion for every client he represents and juries see that passion and he touches their hearts. He is incredible in front of a jury because he works with them as HIS jury and they become part of the defense team, you cannot ask more than that of a criminal defense attorney. Further, he is caring, prepared, and effective. I highly recommend for any criminal matter."
Child custody Attorney | Dec 22
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Having worked with Jim at Trial Lawyers College I fully endorse him. Jim has the guts to challenge the power structure and the experience to get results for his clients. He really cares about his clients as people."
Juvenile law Attorney | Nov 14
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. You will find no more dedicated or brilliant criminal defense attorney, and he has a heart of warrior in his juvenile defense cases. I have worked with Jim Sullivan on his cases at Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers' College, and I have seen how much he gives to each client and each case. You will be served by the very best if you hire Jim Sullivan as your defender. Semper Fi, Patrick McLain"
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 17
Relationship: Co-worker
"Jim Sullivan has all the traits that a good criminal defense attorney should have. He is knowledgeable, compassionate and has an excellent rapport with the prosecutors and the judges. I endorse him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have gotten to know Jim within the past year and am better for it. His passion for his family and clients is unique in this profession."
Juvenile law Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have always known Mr. Sullivan to be an absolute professional. He makes it his business to know everything he can about his cases. He most certainly fights for his clients and achieves great results for them."
Juvenile law Attorney | Jun 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"James, "Jim" and I met when we were students in an advanced Political Science course on Asian politics with the late Dr. Gerald Fielder, at Baylor University.I later met Jim here in Houston where he was a lawyer practicing juvenile law. Jim is a passionate advocate for the clients he represents. Jim is first a man of God, a devoted husband and father, and a fine lawyer, always seeking opportunities to become better. For these reasons, I endorse this lawyer."
Juvenile law Attorney | Jun 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jim is an excellent attorney and has a vast knowledge of the juvenile justice system in Texas. Whevever I have a complicated issue, Jim is the fisrt person I turn to for advice."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jim Sullivan is an outstanding criminal law and juvenile law defense attorney. He fights hard for his clients, yet never strays from a professional demeanor in court. Virtually every judge, prosecutor and colleague in Harris County and the surrounding area has tremendous respect for Jim. It is a privilege to endorse this talented lawyer."