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Paul C. Looney

Criminal defense Attorney at Houston, TX

5.0   26 reviews
Licensed for 32 years Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Licensed for 32 years Free consultation Virtual consultation available

About Paul

Learn Paul’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    55%
    Assault, Burglary, Child Abuse, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, DUI/DWI, Expungements, Firearm Offenses, Juvenile, Marijuana, Murder, Riot, Robbery, Partner Abuse & more!

    35 years

  2. DUI and DWI
    15%
    Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Driving while intoxicated, Driving while distracted and more.

    35 years

  3. Personal injury
    15%
    Dedicated to these Areas of Personal Injury Law: 18-Wheeler Accidents Automobile Accidents Car Crashes Medical Malpractice Motorcycle Accidents Premises Liability RV Accidents Train Accidents Truck Accidents Workers Compensation Wrongful Death

    35 years

  4. Family
    10%
    Dedicated to the Following Areas of Family and Business Law: Adoption Child Custody Child Labor Civil Unions Divorce Elder Law Estate Planning Guardianship Juvenile Delinquency Paternity Probate Surrogacy Trusts Wills Consumer Law Contracts Corporate Law Deeds Landlord/Tenant Product Liability Real Estate

    35 years

  5. Appeals
    5%
    Dedicated to the Following Areas of Appellate Law: Civil and Criminal Appeals Pardons Post Conviction Relief

    35 years

I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU'VE BEEN ACCUSED OF - I CAN HELP! CALL MY OFFICE TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.

Since 1995, I have tried 60 criminal defense jury trials with zero final convictions.  I am fortunate to be in practice with Clay Conrad, an outstanding trial and appellate lawyer.   

 

I am an avid golfer and am a licensed pilot with my own airplane I use to fly across the country meeting with clients.  I am a cigar aficionado, enjoy martinis with friends and love spending time with my daughter and granddaughter.  

Awards

Top Contributor 2021,2020,2019,2018,2017,2016
Top Contributor
2021 2020 2019 + 3 ...
Client's Choice 2020,2018,2014
Client's Choice
2020 2018 2014

Photos and videos

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Licensed for 32 years
State TX
Status Eligible to Practice in Texas
Acquired 1990
Updated 04/20/2023
State IL
Status Active Out of State Lawyer - Permitted to Practice
Acquired N/A
Updated 11/22/2016

Contact Paul

Looney, Smith & Conrad, P.C.
Looney, Smith & Conrad, PC
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  26 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Client's Choice 2020
Client's Choice
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 Melissa | June 10, 2015
Rock Star
Mr. Looney and his entire team have been such a blessing! I was amazed at how quickly things started happening when they took us on. They are thorough, considering and anticipating every angle and response. Mr. Looney is upfront and honest about the case and has gone above and beyond to show his support in our situation. His team members have as well. Roxanne Avery is a gem! She has put in many long hours, stayed in constant contact throughout and has a heart of gold! To witness Mr. Looney at work and how others respond to him is something truly amazing. With his calm, patient and charismatic personality, he gets what he needs from people before they even realize what they have said. But, he's also not afraid to camp out on a courthouse bench if someone is taking too long to respond to him. His reputation precedes him wherever he goes and he has earned that with honest, hard work. We have not been disappointed and I cannot thank Mr. Looney and his team enough!
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Posted by Cheryl | December 5, 2014
The best of the best
Mr. Paul C. Looney is the professional that you want in your corner. When my son needed legal help, I did not know what to do or who to turn to; but God prevailed, and I found Mr. Looney. I am so grateful for all that he did for my son and for me. He truly listens and guides you step-by-step through a very difficult situation. He is thorough and a "force to be reckoned with" before you get to the courtroom and in the courtroom. I recommend Mr. Paul C. Looney when you want the best in legal representation.
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Posted by anonymous | December 3, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Lawyer Ever
Mr. Looney and his team went above and beyond to get my case dismissed! Everyone was very helpful and understanding of my situation and having the best perspective provided with solutions and outcomes. I would absolutely recommend Mr. Looney and his team to anyone that is in need of a legal consultant moving forward.
Response from Paul Looney December 4, 2020
Thank you so much for your review! It is our highest honor to assist our clients in achieving the very best outcome in their cases. We appreciate your confidence in us and recommendation to others!
Posted by Jeffery | September 23, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Consulted
A hick town in Texas charged me with multiple "crimes" in a blatant effort to retaliate against me for assisting the USDOJ in the prosecution of a local self-professed pastor. Mr. Looney gave me spot on advice, referred me to a civil rights lawyer and was always available to answer questions I had. Mr. Looney can battle and win anything you may be going through. You absolutely want this attorney on your side!
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Response from Paul Looney September 24, 2020
THANK YOU so much for your 5-Star review. I'm glad to be able to help you with your legal issues and am so happy with the outcome. Thanks for assisting us in getting the word out so we can help other people like yourself!
Posted by Jeffery | September 23, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Consulted
A hick town in Texas charged me with multiple "crimes" is a blatant effort to retaliate against me for assisting the USDOJ in the prosecution of a local self-professed pastor. Mr. Looney gave me spot on advice, referred me to a civil rights lawyer and was always available to answer questions I had. Mr. Looney can battle and win anything you may be going through. You absolutely want this attorney on your side!
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Response from Paul Looney September 24, 2020
“THANK YOU so much for your 5-Star review. I'm glad to be able to help you with your legal issues and am so happy with the outcome. Thanks for assisting us in getting the word out so we can help other people like yourself!”
Posted by anonymous | March 13, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best of the Best!
A powerful lawyer, loaded with knowledge, & confident in what he does & says. When I am faced with going to court, I want someone who is confident...has that no fear attitude, like we've already won...that's Paul.
Response from Paul Looney March 14, 2020
Thank you so much for your 5-Star review and for your confidence. I appreciate so much you helping get the word out about how our law firm takes care of clients and their cases. We are here for you.
Posted by Daniel | March 10, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The right team!!!
Paul Looney and colleagues and staff are nothing short of amazing!!!! They take their time with you, they work with you while working for you. When Paul says “give it to me and don’t worry about it”, that’s exactly what you should do. He and his staff are brilliant, creative fighters who will stop at nothing to help you. They turned my case from indictment to dismissal. Not a plea, straight up dismissal! They work tirelessly, relentlessly, and carefully, leaving no stone unturned. When there is something for you to do or for you to know, they will tell you. Otherwise, hire these guys and live your life! They have your back. They own your case. The case doesn’t own you! Don’t say “they are too expensive”. Say “what do I do to come up with the money to hire them” then figure it out and do it. Paul is commanding in a courtroom. He reads everybody like a book and then fixes whatever the issue is!
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Response from Paul Looney March 11, 2020
THANK YOU for this stellar review Daniel and for hiring us to handle your case. We appreciate your confidence in our ability to do our job and not micromanaging along the way. We are so happy with the result of a dismissal for you; it was so rewarding to "get to the bottom of this" and help the prosecutors do the same. We appreciate you letting people know about our work and that we had your back through the entire process. Go forth and live your life!
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Posted by Pamela | December 11, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A real hero!
Paul Looney and his associates cleaned house in McLennan County. As a McLennan County resident my whole life, I have witnessed the "Good Ol boy" system fail many accused people. The scare tactics used here in order to secure convictions are unreal and almost always result in the accused making a guilty plea in exchange for their freedom, whether they did or did not commit a crime. On May 17, 2015, almost 200 people were arrested for organized crime leading to murder, for being at a biker meeting that ended in a deadly massacre. Paul Looney stood his ground and led the other criminal attorneys and the accused to do the same. This has been an uphill battle that has only been bearable because of Mr. Looney's knowledge of the law and his persistence in pursuing justice. There is not a better attorney.
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Response from Paul Looney December 12, 2018
Thank you Pamela for your kind words and observations. The event at Twin Peaks and arrests was unprecedented beginning with the arrests of 177 American citizens who were then given $1 million bonds, one trial in two-and-a-half years that ended in a mistrial, 25 people still under indictment...as I said when this happened; It's the most un-American activity I've seen on American soil. I have been honored to represent five people in these cases and help as many more as I could and will continue to do.
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Posted by Martie | December 11, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Excellent attorney
Paul is prepared and diligent. I highly recommend Paul for all legal services. His team is hands on and fully invested. Five stars for Paul Looney!
Response from Paul Looney December 12, 2018
Thank you Martie! I enjoy working a case with you - you are a very diligent and talented attorney.
Posted by JONATHAN | December 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
THE BEST OF THE BEST!!
Mr. looney and Mr. Noah. are the best... none like them. have helped my family and i. they have worked tirelessly to help prove our innocence, will recommend to EVERYONE i know. could not be happier. thank you and god bless yall for everything yall do.
Response from Paul Looney December 11, 2018
Thank you Jonathan for trusting us with your case. We are honored to help you and your family.
Posted by anonymous | June 20, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
THE BEST ATTORNEY I KNOW
After sitting and stewing over a particular situation, and worrying over my family and career, I reached out to Roxanne Avery, who put me in touch with Paul Looney. Paul asked me to call him at 8pm one evening about my case. What attorney asks you to do that? Simple answer, NONE! From the moment i talked to Paul, I knew that my life was in good hands, and I haven't worried since. Paul listened, he studied, he asked questions no one had asked before. I asked Paul, "what do I do?" and he said "give it to me and don't worry about it." And I haven't. I cannot thank Looney and Conrad as well as their staff for their willingness to go the extra mile, to explain, to listen and everything else in between. Did it cost me money, sure did. But I don't care, and you shouldn't worry about cost. the firm, Paul Looney are upfront, honest, and do truly care about their clients. Youtube Paul Looney and watch a video of him in his car. The man is crying after receiving a not guilty verdict. Because the man cares about his clients. The firm takes every case to heart. They truly care. They have your best interest at heart.
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Response from Paul Looney December 12, 2018
Thank you so much for this review! I appreciate you giving me your case and then not worrying about it. I will take care of it and although it seems difficult to trust the system, it does work and helps for my clients to know they don't need to call my office to check on their case. When there's something to let you (and them) know, I assure you, we will let you know! Glad you watched my YouTube video! Those "Not Guilty" words are the sweetest words to hear.
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Posted by Nina | March 16, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer
Paul Looney is a lawyer that doesn’t give up on you no matter the battle or demons he has to fight. He finally got a dismissal in my son’s Twin Peaks case. He worked almost three years trying to prove to the McLennan County judicial system that my son was innocent. I can’t thank him enough for giving us our lives back.
Response from Paul Looney February 13, 2020
Thank you Nina for trusting us with your son's case. We fought the battle of Twin Peaks for over four years and at the end were victorious as none of the 177 people arrested were convicted. In a case where three members of the DA's office, including the DA himself, were torturing their oath of office, it was shocking to watch the justice system being fractured by this event. We are grateful for the end result and to be part of this historical battle.
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Posted by Ann Henderer | December 30, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Knowledgeable and provided very helpful information, thank you!!!
Mr. Looney offered very much needed helpful information. Very much appreciate the time it took him to send me a note. I hadn't heard from any other attorneys on AVVO, nor did anyone offer any guidance. But Mr. Looney took the time to point me in the right direction.
Posted by anonymous | June 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Not just a great lawyer, but also a compassionate advocate!
Mr. Looney had my complete confidence from the moment I met him. He worked swiftly and skillfully in resolving my case: Dismissal! He is a very kind man with a good heart, and he helps clients by caring for them above and beyond only legal matters. I was also very impressed with his outstanding reputation in the community. He is highly respected by elected officials, colleagues and the many people with whom he's worked in a volunteer or advocate capacity. Mr. Looney knows the right people, the right strategy, and runs a highly competent and ethical practice. I highly recommend him! and how could you go wrong with a strong, knowledgable legal professional who has won 60 trials in a row?!?!? :-)
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Posted by Stefen | April 29, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dwi
Looney and Conrad are amazing lawyers! They a have a lot of knowledge when it comes to having cases dismissed ! These are not plea bargain lawyers. My friend blew a .18 Bac and case was dimissed due to a technicality that they uncovered through extensive research and hard work. These are the big boys when it comes to criminal defenses!!
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Posted by Wendy | April 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Choice Attorney
I was blessed to meet Paul Looney about 16 years ago when he became my friend and later my attorney. He has helped me tremendously with my legal issues and I would recommend him to anyone seeking legal advice or counsel. I’m not sure how he does what he does but he has some special stuff! Thank you with all my heart, Paul! You’re the best in my book!
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Posted by Gilbert | July 29, 2015
An Excellent Attorney
I have known attorney Paul Looney for 23 years. He is an excellent attorney. His knowledge and expertise has helped me in difficult times. He makes sure I understand the process of the case from the beginning to end; and lets me know what is expected of me. I do not hesitate to contact him before making legal decisions. I know I can count on him because he has my best interest.
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Posted by Jessica | June 3, 2015
First class
Paul is an incredible attorney with a huge heart, he reached out to my family in a time of need and got the job done. I don't know what we would have done without him!
Posted by anonymous | June 2, 2015
Paul C Looney
Mr. Looney is very knowledgeable and communicates very effectively what to expect going forward in our case. We received a recommendation for Mr. Looney's services from a law enforcement officer who is a long-time family friend. . Mr. Looney was able to begin the process with the court within weeks after our initial meeting. In conclusion, if you would like an effective and pro-active lawyer and staff to help you through a difficult problem.... contact Mr Looney and his staff (Cynthia).
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Posted by anonymous | December 29, 2014
Client
Paul helped show the State that I was a productive member of society who, unfortunately, fell to an illness. Paul showed the State to not look at me as another offender. Instead, the State saw me as someone who both strives to make positive changes in the world and needs to maintain her own personal recovery. I don't know that the State would have looked at me in another light if his team didn't put so much work into my case. Not only that, but because of his team, I have made huge steps in my recovery. He didn't hold back on what would happen to me if I took my charge lightly. Further, his team was very patient with me when I panicked about possible outcomes, and gave helpful advice at any point I asked. I cannot thank his team enough for putting so much effort and time into my case. They helped change my future for the better, both legally and personally. Thanks, Melissa
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1996.

Public Reprimand issued in TX, 1996
updated on 01/13/2020

Public reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Paul's comment: “In 1996 I informed a client I was not going to pursue an appeal on his behalf that I felt was frivolous. I informed him of his right to hire another attorney to pursue the appeal but I failed to inform him of his right to pursue it himself without a lawyer. I had no idea I had to inform him he could do it on his own. As a result of his successful grievance against me he was granted an out of time appeal which he filed and the Appellate Court deemed to be without merit just as I had informed him.”

Work Experience

  • Trial Lawyer
  • Looney, Smith & Conrad, P.C.
  • 1996 - Present
  • Trial Lawyer
  • Lamson & Looney, P.C.
  • 1990 - 1996

Education

  • South Texas College of Law
  • Juris Doctorate
  • 1990
  • West Texas State University
  • Economics
  • 1978
  • West Texas State University
  • Political Science
  • 1978

Legal Cases

  • Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • Not Guilty aggravated assault and Not Guilty of assault with bodily injury
  • Aggravated Assault (Felony) Trial
  • NOT GUILTY!
  • U.S. Marshal Accused of Blowing Agent's Cover
  • Not Guilty on either count

Associations

  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
  • Attorney and Counselor of Law
  • 2004 - Present
  • United States Tax Court
  • Attorney and Counselor of Law
  • 2000 - Present
  • United States Court of Federal Claims
  • Attorney and Counselor
  • 1998 - Present
  • United States District Court Eastern District of Michigan
  • Attorney and Counselor at Law
  • 1998 - Present
  • Northern District of Texas District Court
  • Attorney and Counselor of Law
  • 1998 - Present
  • Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Attorney and Counselor of Law
  • 1997 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Attorney Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 1991 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • Attorney and Counselor of Law
  • 1991 - Present
  • Supreme Court of Texas
  • Attorney and Counselor of Law
  • 1990 - Present
  • Texas Trial Lawyers Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 1988 - Present
  • Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International
  • Attorney Member
  • 1988 - Present
  • Waller County Bar Association
  • Founding President
  • 2012 - 2013
  • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Executive Committee Member
  • 2000 - 2000
  • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers, Education Institute
  • Board Member
  • 1999 - 2003
  • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Board Member
  • 1990 - 1999
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Houston's Top Lawyers
  • H Texas Magazine
  • 2015
  • Nation's TOP ONE Percent
  • The National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • 2015
  • Fellow
  • Texas Bar Foundation
  • 2015
  • Super Fellow
  • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute
  • 2011
  • Dean's Honor List
  • South Texas College of Law
  • 1988
  • Law Fraternity International
  • Phi Alpha Delta
  • 1988
  • National Social Science Honor Society
  • Phi Gamma Mu
  • 1978
  • Economics Honor Society
  • Omicron Delta Upsilon
  • 1978
  • Freshman Honor Society
  • Phi Eta Sigma
  • 1977
View all awards

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Continuing Education Stanford Law School
  • Jury Persuasion in Criminal Cases: Utilizing "Solution Selling" Techniques
  • 1998

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)
Given (11)
Endorse Paul
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Looney is an active contributor on Avvo. I have had the opportunity to read several of his Q&A answers, and I endorse Mr. Looney as a professional, well-read and knowledgable attorney in the area of criminal law."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Looney has been practicing law for about as long as I have and has a well-deserved reputation as a fine criminal defense trial lawyer. I endorse him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He gives each client top notch representation. Paul’s preparation is excellent. I highly recommend Paul for your legal needs."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He's one of the best in the field."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Paul has a fantastic mind and gives his all to enable his clients to get the best results possible. Most of the time, he does just that! His trial record is nothing short of phenomenal!"
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Paul is a talented, intelligent, well-respected, and caring attorney, and I am pleased to be able to provide this endorsement of him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 24
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Paul is amazing. I have referred many criminal matters to him over the years and know the quality of his work. If you need a criminal defense lawyer, I can strongly recommend Paul C. Looney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Looney is passionately devoted to obtaining an acquittal for his client. He strives continually to improve his courtroom skills, to negotiate the most favorable results for his clients and to find unique and unconventional defenses for difficult cases."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I consider Paul to be an excellent criminal defense attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse Paul wholeheartedly. I have known and worked with Paul on several matters over the years and have found him to be exceptionally competent and genuinely concerned for his clients. His knowledge base is considerable as are his abilities to get the job done and get it done right."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 19
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer. He is the best trial lawyer that I know. If you're looking for a lawyer that can win the seemingly impossible case, then Paul Looney is your lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Looney always handles himself in the highest professional manner. While courteous to witnesses, lawyers and judges, he never fails to drive his point home time after time. His clients are well served by him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 17
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Probably a higher percentage of Not Guilty verdicts than any other lawyer in area. Knows how to recognize strengths and weaknesses of a case quickly. Superb cross-examiner, and excellent at jury selection. Looney is the lawyer I'd use if I got arrested."
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