Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
3.9 /5.0
125 Client Reviews
PRO
Stephen A. Gustitis
also known as Stephen Gustitis, Criminal Defense Attorney
Virtual Consultation Available
About Stephen
Biography
While battling prosecutors in the heart of Aggieland, criminal defense attorney, Stephen Gustitis, takes late night calls from parents whose Texas Aggies have run afoul of the law. Board Certified in Criminal Law since 1995 by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Steve feels privileged when chosen to represent these cherished young people. "Pound for pound Bryan/College Station has the best defense bar in the state. I'm fortunate when favored to protect the future of my clients while competing with other great lawyers for business." Whether advising a student embroiled in the A&M student disciplinary system, or knocking heads with the prosecutor on a murder case, Steve is prepared for the 3 a.m. call.
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Bryan-College Station Criminal Defense lawyer, Stephen Gustitis, has practiced criminal law exclusively since 1990 - first as an assistant district attorney with Brazos County and then in private practice in the Bryan and College Station areas. Steve is Board Certified in Criminal Law and committed to the aggressive and ethical defense of citizens accused of crime. Steve's firm is dedicated to a continuing tradition of excellence in criminal trial practice.
Author of "Over the Limit - Under Arrest - DWI Survival Guide." Request your free copy today!
Author of "Over the Limit - Under Arrest - DWI Survival Guide." Request your free copy today!
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
40%
33 years | 1,500 cases
Criminal Defense
20%
33 years | 3,700 cases
Domestic Violence
20%
Violent Crime
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2021 2020
...
+
7
2013 2012
Licenses
Licensed in Texas for 35 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
Stephen Gustitis, Criminal Defense Attorney
307 Arguello Drive, College Station, TX, 77840
gustitislaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Stephen online.
Stephen A. Gustitis's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (77)
Advocacy (60)
Recommendation (38)
Communication Style (37)
Professionalism (35)
Practice Area Knowledge (26)
Responsiveness (26)
Staff & Support (25)
General Knowledge (24)
Character & Conduct (21)
Trustworthiness (19)
Compassion (16)
Cost of Services (12)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 121 - 123 of 123 reviews
Posted by Matt | February 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Probably Not
I chose to hire Mr. Gustitis immediately after consultation. The materials and information I received at the consultation led me to believe something more could be done about my case rather than simply plea out. A VAST majority of cases will be handled by a plea bargain agreement. I'm talking aro...
Stephen Gustitis
Replied last February 17, 2017Dear Matt: Thank you for your review of our Firm. Particularly, I appreciated your high praise for my assistant, Nelda. I always welcome reviews. In fact, your review raised some important points that are worth addressing with further comment to help future clients make informed choices about how they defend their criminal charges. First, you are right when you suggest that results and outcomes of a criminal case depend largely upon the facts and circumstances that occurred the night a person got arrested, well before they ever visit their attorney the first time. Often those facts and circumstances limit a person's choices because they create such a strong case for the prosecution. Second, you are also correct that the majority of criminal cases (not all) are settled by a plea bargain agreement with the state prosecutor. And, of course, accepting a plea bargain is always the client's choice, not the attorney's. In a DWI case like yours, where the prosecutor's facts are strong, the choices for a first time offender would be for probation or house-arrest (electronic monitor), which allows a person to go to school, work, and to perform other essential household duties without ever being incarcerated in the county jail. Trying the case to a jury is also an option. In this particular case, you had a choice between probation, house-arrest, or jury trial. A review of the public records show the house-arrest choice was made. Usually, the choice to accept an offer is to limit the potential risk of a more severe outcome. Additionally, at the time of the DWI plea bargain, the records show we were successful in keeping your driver's license from being suspended again. We were further successful in negotiating the lowest possible DPS surcharges (a $3,000.00 savings to you), even though the BAC results were well over .15. Lastly, a review of public records show that your house-arrest privileges were revoked by the judge because of a failure to follow the electronic monitor rules. I am very sorry you had to spend the Holidays in jail because of this failure. However, the electronic monitor rules are very strict and the judge advises everyone they must follow the rules exactly. Even something as simple as not charging a monitor battery can have grave consequences. So, thank you again for choosing us to help you navigate a very difficult case. Your review and your high praise for my staff is greatly appreciated. Thank you, further, for raising issues that may be important to others seeking expert legal advice in the field of criminal law. I wish you the best of luck. Steve
Posted by anonymous | June 03, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Very good lawyer
Mr. Gustitis was very helpful with my case. The outcome was better than I expected, Moreover, his assistant Nelda kept me informed. I would recommend Mr. Gustitis.
Stephen Gustitis
Replied last June 03, 2015Thank you very much for your generous review of our Firm and services. I'm pleased the result of your case was better than expected. A satisfied client is a great blessing. Thank you, again.
Posted by anonymous | September 14, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Defense Attorney
Came to Steve for a DUI. Received very little contact other than from his assistant Nelda. Nelda was awesome and a great help. As soon as my case was settled via plea deal he was gone quicker than I could sign the papers. He was rude to my family, very condescending. I received no actual counsel on m...
Stephen Gustitis
Replied last September 14, 2016I regret you were not pleased with our Firm's service. My goal in every case is to provide clients with the highest quality service possible to help them make an informed decision about the best way to resolve their case. Although we cannot change the facts of a case, we strive to assist clients in understanding the risk/benefit of each important decision they make. Lastly, I encourage every client to contact me personally with any complaints or concerns about our legal services. I am always just a phone call away. I hope you will call to discuss this important issue. Thank you for sharing your thoughts in this review.
Stephen A. Gustitis's Lawyer Endorsements
"Steve is one of the most knowledgeable attorneys that I know. I consider it a privilege to watch him fight for his clients in negotiations, trial or at license revocation hearings. He is very, very thorough. His knowledge and confidence is evident in all that he does. I would not hesitate to recommend him to friends or family."
"Mr. Gustitis is a tireless advocate for his clients. His successful appeals are evidence of his tenacity and dedication as well as his skill. I recommend and endorse Mr. Gustitis without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Gustitis is one of the finest Criminal Defense attorneys in his state. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services."
"Stephen is my go-to guy for local area knowledge in Brazos County. He is a wise, caring, and ethical lawyer. I endorse him wholeheartedly."
"Steve is a tremendous lawyer. He has a vast array of criminal defense experience - from misdemeanor to death penalty. When someone calls and asks for a criminal attorney referral, Steve is always at the top of the list."
"Outstanding criminal defense lawyer, I would recommend Stephen to anyone needing top notch representation."
"Stephen is a very competent and experienced criminal defense lawyer."
"Stephen is a terrific, knowledgeable, and dedicated attorney. I would recommend him to anyone needing a criminal defense attorney in the Bryan-College Station area."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Donald Andreski
Criminal defense lawyer
W. McKinney
Criminal defense lawyer
Evan Pierce-Jones
Criminal defense lawyer
David Hilburn
Criminal defense lawyer
James Spencer
Criminal defense lawyer
David Botsford
Criminal defense lawyer
Joshua Benn
Business lawyer
Wayne Rife
Litigation lawyer
Heath Poole
Criminal defense lawyer
Murray Newman
Criminal defense lawyer
Mark Bennett
Criminal defense lawyer
Jami Lowry
Family lawyer
Clint Sare
Appeals lawyer
Robert Guest
Criminal defense lawyer
Jennifer Carpenter
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Peterson
Business lawyer
Mark Maltsberger
Criminal defense lawyer
Kyle Hawthorne
Criminal defense lawyer
Michele Esparza
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Matlock
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Texas Super Lawyer, Texas Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
1995
Board Certification - Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Work Experience
1994 - Present
Attorney, Stephen Gustitis, Attorney PLLC
1990 - 1994
Assistant District Attorney, Brazos County District Attorney's Office
Associations
1994 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
1994 - Present
Brazos County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Warner v. State, PD-1644-06, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Court of Criminal Appeals reversed and acquitted the Petitioner
Villanueva v. State, 227 S.W.3d 744 (Tex.Crim.App. 2007)
Court of Criminal Appeals reversed one conviction on a double jeopardy claim.
Education
1990
University of Denver Sturm College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1981
Susquehanna University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Friday Afternoon Lunch Series
"How To Find the One Best Case For Your Client"
Publications
2018
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
“How to Use Stories to Distinguish Yourself From the Competition”
2017
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Preserving Error in Retrograde Extrapolation Cases"
2017
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"How Might Criminal Defendants Fare With a Justice Neil M. Gorsuch?"
2017
Speakeasy Publishing Company
"Over The Limit? Under Arrest - DWI Survival Guide"
2017
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"More Women Criminal Defense Lawyers Wanted"
2017
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Evaluating Anonymous Tips"
2017
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Summoning Courage to Try Something New"
2017
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Will H.B. 3016 Change the Way We Defend DWI Cases?
2017
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Staring Down the Wrath of Hurricane Harvey"
2017
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Challenging a Warrantless Search By Police In a Constitutionally Protected Space"
2016
Texas Bar Journal
Dynamic Duo
2016
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"A Toxicological Guide to Retrograde Extrapolation Cross Examination"
2016
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Using Metrology to Understand Forensic Measurements"
2016
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"How to Subpoena an Out-of-State Witness"
2016
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"How to Cultivate Your Personal Brand"
2016
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"How to Find the One Best Case for Your Client"
2016
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Do I Really Think I'm Helping Anybody?"
2016
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Planning for Life After the Practice of Law"
2016
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Transportation Code Section 724.017 Compliance in ALR Blood Test Failure Cases"
2016
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Safeguarding the Great American Experiment"
2016
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Use Kelly v. State to Challenge Any Scientific Evidence"
2015
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Using SFST Validation Studies in Your Next DWI Trial"
2015
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Another Nuts-and-Bolts Primer on Batson Challenges"
2015
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Forging Fear Into a Constructive Edge"
2015
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Getting Jurors to Tell Us the Truth"
2015
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"A Dark Side of Practicing Law"
2015
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"The Perfect Cross Examination"
2015
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"On Choosing the Right Law Partner"
2015
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Ignorance of the Law is Now an Excuse"
2015
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Marketing Your Credibility Online"
2014
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Quick-and-Dirty Phlebotomy Basics"
2014
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Defense at a Premium"
2014
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Who Should Polygraph Our Clients?"
2014
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
"Never Give Up"
2013
Inside the Minds - Utilizing Forensic Science in Criminal Cases (2014 Edition)
The Role of Forensic Evidence in Defending Criminal Cases
2013
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
University Discipline: The Illusion of Due Process
2008
The Defense Perspective
Retrograde Extrapolation and the Intoxilyzer 5000
2008
The Defense Perspective
Intoxilyzer 5000 Machine Tolerance
2008
The Defense Perspective
The Blood:Breath Partition Ratio
2008
The Defense Perspective
Mouth Alcohol and the Intoxilyzer 5000
2008
The Defense Perspective
Chemical Interference and the Intoxilyzer 5000
2008
The Defense Perspective
Temperature's Rising
2008
The Defense Perspective
More On Henry's Law
2008
The Defense Perspective
The Intoxilyzer 5000
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Stephen earned significant contribution points in 2013.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Does the Deferred Prosecution Program test for alcohol if you are entering for a possession of Marijuana charge under 2 ounces?
28 Jul 2018
Q&A
Why do I have two court dates for one charge??
25 Apr 2014
Q&A
Shouldn't a defense attorney always cross examine a plaintiff in the course of a trial ?
03 Apr 2014