PRO
also known as Shane Phelps Law
I am a former Marine, having served on active duty from 1977-80. I graduated from Rice University in Houston in 1983 and the University of Texas School of Law in Austin in 1987. I was licensed to practice law in Texas in 1987. I served as an assistant district attorney in Houston from 1987 to 1990, when I left to accept a position as a special prosecutor for the Texas Attorney General's Office in Austin. After two years there, I was promoted to head a division of special prosecutors, investigators, and staff at the Attorney General's Office. In that role, I traveled all over Texas handling complicated and high-profile criminal cases and grand jury investigations at the request of District Attorneys, County Attorneys, and Judges. In 1995, I left the Attorney General's Office and went into private practice with a private insurance defense firm in Austin where I practiced insurance defense and criminal defense work. In 1999, after John Cornyn was elected Texas Attorney General, he appointed me his Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice. In that position, I managed 100 attorney, numerous investigators and paralegals, and staff. I also served as the Attorney General's advisor on criminal justice matters. In 2001, I left the Attorney General's Office and accepted a position in Brazos County as First Assistant District Attorney for the Brazos County District Attorney's Office, where I served until leaving for that office to start my own law firm.
Since leaving the DA's office in Brazos County, my practice has exploded. I practice criminal defense almost exclusively, but accept other family law and civil cases on a case-by-case basis. I am a board-certified criminal law specialist (by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization) and have been designated by the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific organization, as a Forensic Lawyer Scientist in recognition of my completion of extensive coursework in gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and the chemistry and pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects of alcohol and controlled substances on the human body. This training is critical in my extensive DWI practice.
I currently am the owner, founder, and lead attorney at Shane Phelps Law. I have three associate attorneys working for me.
I am married to Jean Ricciardello Phelps. Jean is an attorney and a Certified Public Accountant and serves as the chief financial officer (CFO) of my law firm She is also a trained and certified mediator. Jean's expertise in financial matters is a huge help to me in handling white collar criminal cases.
We have a very smart and strong-willed daughter, Mary Claire, who is the most important thing in our lives. We live in College Station, Texas with two rescue dogs and three rescue cats.
4
Practice Areas
15 years
15 years
13 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: Arkansas
Acquired: 2025
No misconduct found
State: Texas
Acquired: 1987
No misconduct found
Other places you can find Shane online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 72 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Amanda | May 27, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Shane was the best ! He was very active and helping my son with his case. He suggested several extra things to do such as lie detector test , monthly drug tests, expert tox report…it all cost us additional money but well worth it since it meant getting a case dismissed. I highly recommend him !
Posted by Hoda | May 7, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Shane Phelps deserves immense praise and gratitude for his exceptional dedication and expertise in legal matters. His unwavering commitment to his clients and relentless pursuit of justice make him an invaluable asset to the legal community. With his sharp analytical skills and profound knowledge of ...
Posted by anonymous | March 27, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
I was referred to Shane Phelps Law in Bryan, Texas, by a long term friend and acquaintance for questions that I had about a matter that had been referred to our county DA office for review. I was upset that our DA had been involved and I was therefore anxious about any unknown potential for criminal ...
Posted by anonymous | December 20, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
I met with Shane Phelps several times. Everytime we met he not only took the time to meet with me, but also to ensure that I understood what was taking place, and that he cared about the results of my case.
Posted by anonymous | November 30, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Shane Phelps and his team did an INCREDIBLE job on a complicated and lengthy case. Shane's results were outstanding. I could not have asked for a better outcome. Shane's persistence defending me was remarkable. As the scope of the case evolved over time, Shane was flexible, fair, and easy to work wit...
"I endorse this lawyer. Shane is an excellent litigator and his knowledge of the law is top notch. I would recommend him to anyone looking for representation in the Brazos Valley."
"Shane Phelps is an excellent attorney. I have known him as both the First Assistant in the Brazos County District Attorney's Office and as an attorney in private practice. He is an effective, results oriented and ethical advocate who is seldom rivaled."
"I endorse this lawyer. If you need an attorney in Houston, Shane is your man."
"Shane is a very experienced and competent attorney. We have tried cases together as a prosecutor and defense attorney and Shane is always well prepared and understands the most complex legal issues."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I worked with Shane when he was the first assistant DA. He is an excellent attorney and one of the very few attorneys whom I routinely turn to for advice. I would recommend Shane without reservation on any criminal matter."
"Shane Phelps is a first rate lawyer. He is highly intelligent, a skilled advocate, and extremely knowledgeable in criminal law matters. I recommend Shane without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Shane for my entire legal career and he is knowledgeable, hard working and passionate about what he does. He is my "go to" guy in the Bryan/College Station area of Texas and I would also endorse him for work throughout the State."
"I consider working with Shane to be a privilege. He has a wealth of legal knowledge and he uses it to his clients benefit. I see first hand the time and hard work he puts into each and every one of his clients cases. I certainly recommend Shane for your legal needs."
"I have known Shane for the entire time he has practiced here in the Brazos County. He was a prosecutor with the district attorney and has now seen the light and gone out to hang his own shingle in the criminal defense area as well as other general areas of practice. As a prosecutor, Shane had a passion for the law and victims and I have seen him carry that passion over to his private practice. I would have no problems referring anyone to Shane on whatever legal matters they may have."
"I have known Shane Phelps professionaly as a practicing attorney in the Brazos County area for over 10 years. He is a consumate professional who approaches each case with an eye toward what is best for his client. Shane is aggressive, well prepared, and thorough. He is also highly respected for his skills as a criminal attorney. I recommend Shane without reservation."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Business lawyer
Business lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Atticus Finch Award, Brazos County Bar Association
2017
Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, American Chemical Society/Chemistry and Law Division
2000
Outstanding Dedication to Texas Children, Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
1992
Board Certified - Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
1984
Best Team, Oral Advocacy and Brief Writing, UT School of Law
2011 - Present
Owner, Shane Phelps Law
2001 - 2011
First Assistant District Attorney, Brazos County District Attorney's Office
1999 - 2001
Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice, Office of the Texas Attorney General
1996 - 1998
Attorney, De Leon, Boggins, & Icenogle
1990 - 1996
Chief, Prosecutor Assistance and Special Investigations Division, Office of the Texas Attorney General
1987 - 1990
Assistant District Attorney, Harris County District Attorney's Office
1977 - 1980
Sergeant, United States Marine Corps
2019 - Present
Brazos County Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationFormer President
2019 - Present
Bryan/College Station Chamber of CommerceFormer Board of Directors
2012 - Present
DUI-Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)Founding Member
2009 - Present
College of the State Bar of TexasFellow
Member
Member
Director
All charges dismissed.
2010
1987
Doctor of Jurisprudence
1983
B.A.
2022
Online Solicitation of a Minor
2012
The Role of the District Attorney
2011
Search and Seizure, Confessions, and Report Writing
2010
Presenting the White Collar Case
2007
Advanced Voir Dire
2006
Grand Jury
2006
The Decision to Seek Death
2005
Creative Sentencing
2022
2003
English
Legal Answers
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