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James Morris Balagia
also known as Jamie Balagia, "the Dude"
About James
Biography
“I am dedicated to the zealous defense of my fellow citizens who are accused of DWI, DUI, or other alcohol related matters and drug offenses. I have developed close relationships with a variety of DWI Associated Professionals that assist in the defense of those charged with DWI. These Professionals are experts in the fields of: Standardized Field Sobriety Testing; Breath Test Devices; Blood Draw Analysis (phlebotomy); Urine Analysis; Hair Follicle Analysis; Pulmonary issues; Podiatry (balance and walking) issues; Radio Frequency Interference issues; Video and Audio Analysis; Drug Analysis; Laboratory Quality Assurance issues; Vehicular Safety issues; Accident Reconstruction Experts; Pharmacology; Toxicology; Police Procedure; Private Investigations, Adult Probation, Parole matters and many others.”
I have been married for twenty years to my lovely wife, Masae. We have four children and five grandchildren. We attend Cornerstone Church in San Antonio and conduct a Bible Study in our home every Wednesday evening. My greatest joy is to see clients make it through their case successfully and give their lives to the Lord in the process.
I got my undergraduate degree at Texas State University and my Law Degree from the University of Texas School of Law. I was admitted to the Texas State Bar in 1992 and have run my own law office since that time. I have represented a number of high profile cases in the Austin, Texas area. I am asked to speak on DWI related issues on the local news channels frequently.
I have been to the most prestigeous DWI related training in the nation on a regular basis for the past seven years and am known as the DWI Dude on a national level.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
75%
34 years | 3,800 cases
Criminal Defense
25%
34 years | 5,000 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 33 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 1992
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2024
Location
Law Office of Jamie Balagia, P.C.
313 South Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX, 78204-1016
Law Office of Jamie Balagia, P.C.
310 Murray Avenue, Manor, TX, 78653-3877
Law Offices of James Morris Balagia
310 Murray Avenue, P.O. Box 360, Manor, TX, 78653
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James Morris Balagia's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
22 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (22)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 16 - 20 of 22 reviews
Posted by Mike | September 06, 2012 | DUI & DWI
One of a kind Lawyer
Mike from Round Rock : This has been a long hard road for me to relive my williamson county nightmare . I was charged DWI , I had to fight all the way , dealing with untruthful Wilco Cop & DA . My first attorney threw me under the bus and I found out he works with wilco , so sad . Then I found Jamie...
James Balagia
Replied last September 06, 2012I humbly accept Mike's word and appreciate his determination to fight the case.
Posted by CZIMMER | September 05, 2012 | Criminal Defense
BELIEVE in the DUDE!
Jamie Balagia from day one made me feel that there is no case that is not able to be won. His skill, knowledge, experience and highly educated lawyers that also help handle all the cases (Tristian Dau!) are a power house of an attorney team. I would recommend you and I already recommend friends to pu...
James Balagia
Replied last September 06, 2012This was another case where CZ stood tall and trusted us enough to go to trial and risk a jail sentence had we lost. Good things happen when you go to trial and the jury sees that sometimes witnesses lie and then the jury does the right thing!
Posted by Joel | September 04, 2012 | DUI & DWI
DWI Expert!
I was arrested for DWI and was referred to Mr. Balagia by a very good friend of mine. Mr. Balagia and his staff have always been very responsive to my questions and keeping me informed; they treated me with dignity and respect through a rather difficult situation. I am very pleased with the compete...
James Balagia
Replied last September 06, 2012Compliments are well appreciated at my office and it is good to hear that we are being responsive. Sometimes I need to be reminded that a little hand holding is in order to help relieve some of the emotional pain of a criminal charge.
Posted by Chad | September 03, 2012 | DUI & DWI
Would Recommend!
I hired Mr. Balagia's team for my DWI case. We were able to get a Pre-Trial Diversion. Fees are alittle high but well worth every cent. The lawyer(s) who were assigned to me responsed to every communication within a reasonable time frame. Still working with the team and they have done an excellent jo...
James Balagia
Replied last September 06, 2012Pre-trial diversion means no conviction and the opportunity to file an Expunction to get a clean record. Chad had to perform a number of conditions to earn this PTD and we were happy to get him there. And remember "great lawyers aren't cheap and cheap lawyers aren't great". I consider this result "another win" Great job Chad!
Posted by anonymous | September 03, 2012 | Drug Crime
Current Client
I recently got in some legal trouble and called Jamie's office. No, he was not the one that I met with to discuss my case, but I didn't expect someone as busy and successful as him would be. Although he did come in and make a loud and entertaining appearance. Since my case has started, everyone in ...
James Balagia
Replied last September 06, 2012It is good to know that word of mouth is still our number one referral system and I am very thankful for this great endorsement.
James Morris Balagia's Lawyer Endorsements
"Jamie Balagia is a great lawyer with formidable legal skills; strongly liked and respected by the lawyers and judges in the legal community. This is an attorney that I absolutely endorse!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Jamie is for real."
"I highly recommend Jamie Balagia and his staff at the Law Office of Jamie Balagia, P.C. The amount of experience that Jamie and his associates bring to a client's defense is unparalleled. As a police officer for 13 years and as a defense attorney for more than 20 years, Jamie's caliber of experience is unmatched. He also has the respect of both prosecutors and judges in every county in South and Central Texas."
"Jamie has put in the hours to be an expert in DWI. He's a great lawyer!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Jaime is one of the best marijuana and DWI lawyers in the Austin and San Antonio areas. If you see the red and blues call his office before you talk to the cops."
"Top notch DWI lawyer. HIGHLY RECOMMEND."
"Excellent Trial Lawyer for DUI/DWI Defense who can be trusted to give you the best representation both personally and professionally."
"The best DWI attorney in Texas"
"Jamie Balagia is an outstanding trial attorney. He is passionate and compassionate about every case, and I would highly recommend Jamie for any and all criminal cases."
"I endorse this lawyer...easily. Jamie's practice is dedicated to DUI defense, which means it's doubtful that there's a DUI matter with issues that he has not seen or successfully handled before. Moreover, Jamie is a member of the National College for DUI Defense ("NCDD") which is the only true national organization for continuing legal education of DUI attorneys. While all good lawyers are always learning new things, it's attorney's like Jamie who are usually the ones doing the teaching! Beyond that, he's also a good guy, which honestly cannot be said of all lawyers."
"I endorse this lawyer. He had provided an Outstanding analysis and answers on several issues that I have taken note of and he is highly respected among his peers as a leader in his field."
""Jamie" Balagia is a nationally known and respected DWI and criminal defense attorney who is sought after for his advise and expertise nationwide. Without question, I would entrust Jamie to the representation of a family member or loved one in need of an excellent DUI or Criminal Defense attorney. I highly recommend Jamie's services, without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Balagia for many years now, from when I started my DUI/DWI defense career. Mr. Balagia has always been a good friend and mentor to me in my career. Ive attended seminars all of the county where Mr. Balagia himself is the speaker. He has mastered the areas of SFST, breath testing, and blood testing. He is a top member in the National College for DUI/DWI Defense which is an organization where all of the top DWI lawyers in the country are members,and would advise any good friend or relative to hire him if they were ever arrested in Texas."
"I have been to several seminars where Mr. Balagia spoke on DUI defense. He is very knowledgeable when it comes to the proper way to defend a DUI."
"Mr. Balagia is an exceptional attorney. Although I have been practicing law for 24 years as a judge, magistrate, law professor, prosecutor, and private attorney, I learn from his responses on Avvo every time that he posts. If I needed an attorney, I would hire him. I recommend him with no reservation. It would be the best investment of your life to hire him to represent you."
"I endorse this lawyer. If you are involved in a criminal matter, you definitely want Jamie on your side!"
"Jamie is a hard working lawyer. He doesn't put up with anything from the state. He is someone you want on your side! I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Brian Manchester
DUI and DWI lawyer
Charles Laroue
DUI and DWI lawyer
Gregory Oberhauser
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William Head
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Matthew Terry
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Blakely Mohr
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Gerald Smith
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Tad Nelson
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Toquyen Dau
DUI and DWI lawyer
Megan Roper
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2024.
Disbarment issued in TX, 2024
updated on 08/15/2024This is the most serious penalty for a lawyer. If this attorney is currently practicing law, you should contact the Texas State Bar to understand the reasons for this disbarment.
Interlocutory Suspension issued in TX, 2022
updated on 11/23/2022Interlocutory suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice while appealing an unrelated, but serious, criminal conviction. If the conviction is upheld the attorney will be disbarred.
Fully Probated Suspension issued in TX, 2014
updated on 02/03/2015Fully probated suspension means an attorney is technically suspended but may still practice law. The State monitors the lawyer's activities during the suspension to make sure that he or she does not repeat the behavior.
James’s comment:
“I accepted this fair resolution because it was the right thing to do. I failed to properly supervise a (now) former non-lawyer employee to ensure that the person's conduct was compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer (me). I failed to verify that the employee had obtained a signed written agreement in a contingency based contract. I appreciate that the State Bar completed a full investigation and advised me on how to avoid situations like this in the future.”
Public Reprimand issued in TX, 2003
updated on 11/29/2012Public 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.
James’s comment:
“I agreed to take this Public Reprimand, for Failing to Provide a Property Inventory on Request, because I did technically violate the rule. I should have followed the rule and avoided the problem. I should have known I was being set up but let anger get the best of me. Long ago and long forgotten about.”
Honors
2015
General Felony Category, United States District Court - Western DIstrict of Texas
2015
Charter Member, DUIDLA
2015
Super Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Lawyer-Scientist, American Chemical Society
2014
Lawyer-Scientist, American Chemical Society
2014
DWI Defense & Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year, Consumer Business Review
2014
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Super Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
2014
Charter Member, DUIDLA
2014
General Felony Category, United States District Court - Western DIstrict of Texas
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
General Felony Category, United States District Court - Western DIstrict of Texas
2013
Super Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
2013
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
National College for DUI Defense- Summer Session, NCDD
2013
DWI Defense & Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year, Consumer Business Review
2013
Best S.A. Lawyers - Criminal DUI/DWI, S.A. Scene Magazine
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2012
General Felony Category, United States District Court - Western DIstrict of Texas
2012
DWI Defense & Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year, Consumer Business Review
2012
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
2012
National College for DUI Defense- Summer Session, NCDD
2011
General Felony Category, United States District Court - Western DIstrict of Texas
2011
DWI Defense & Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year, Consumer Business Review
2011
Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
2011
Best S.A. Lawyers - Criminal DUI/DWI, Scene in SA Magazine
2011
National College for DUI Defense- Summer Session, NCDD
2010
Mastering Scientific Evidence in DWI/DUI Cases, TCDLA/NCDD
2010
Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
2010
National College for DUI Defense- Summer Session, NCDD
2010
Best S.A. Lawyers - Criminal DUI/DWI, Scene in SA Magazine
2010
DWI Defense & Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year, Consumer Business Review
2010
General Felony Category, United States District Court - Western DIstrict of Texas
2009
National College for DUI Defense- Summer Session, NCDD
2009
Breath Alcohol Technician Course, Industrial Training & Design ltd.
2009
DWI Defense Attorney of the Year, Consumer Business Review
2009
Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
2008
National College for DUI Defense- Summer Session, NCDD
2008
Super Fellow, TCDLA
2007
National College for DUI Defense- Summer Session, NCDD
2007
Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Technician, US DOT Breath Alcohol Technician Jan Semenoff
2006
National College for DUI Defense- Summer Session, NCDD
2006
Mastering Scientific Evidence in DWI/DUI Cases, TCDLA/NCDD
2006
Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Refresher Course, Walden, Platt, and Associates
2006
Intoxilyzer 5000 Overview Course, Walden, Platt, and Associates
2005
National College for DUI Defense- Summer Session, NCDD
2005
Maintenance and Repair on the Intoxilyzer 5000 series, C.E.S. Consulting, Inc.
2005
Phlebotomy Certification, North American Associates of Phlebotomy Technicians
2004
Drug Evaluation and Classification Overview Course, Walden, Platt, and Associates
2004
National College for DUI Defense- Summer Session, NCDD
2004
Scientific and Mechanical Operation of the Intoxilyzer 5000, Mary McMurray
2004
Instructor in the Operation & Maintenance of Intoxilyzer 5000, Charles E. Smith of C.E.S. Consulting, Inc.
2003
Maintenance Technician of the Intoxilyzer 5000 series Operator, C.E.S. Consulting, Inc.
2003
Intoxilyzer 5000 series Operator, C.E.S. Consulting Inc.
Work Experience
1992 - Present
Owner, Law Office of Jamie Balagia
2000 - 2000
Municipal Court Judge, City of Manor, Texas
1979 - 1992
Senior Patrol Officer, Austin Police Department
1978 - 1979
Texas Peace Officer, Brenham Police Department
1977 - 1978
Security Officer, Federal Government
Associations
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationCharter Member
2013 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseFaculty Member
2012 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseSustaining Member
2012 - Present
NORML Legal CommitteeLifetime Member
National College of DUI Defense
Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Texas v. S.B.
United States v. J.C.
Client received Federal probation
Education
2014
Axion Training Institute, Inc.
Lawyer-Scientist
1992
University of Texas School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1978
Texas State University-San Marcos
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
1976
Blinn College
Associate Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
NCDD Summer Session – Boston, MA July 22 – July 25, 2015
Cross Examination and Opening Statement
2013
Seminar – Breckenridge, Colorado
DWI
2010
2010 Texas Traffic Institute Seminar
DWI from Probable Cause to Reasonable Doubt
2008
Texas DWI Top Gun Seminar 2008
Direct Examination of the Intoxilyzer Expert
Publications
2013
Texas DWI Survival Guide
A Citizens Protection Manual
2012
Inside the Minds (Aspatore Books)
Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in Texas
2010
NSIDE Magazine
When You Really Need A DWI Attorney
2010
NSIDE Business Magazine
Boating While Intoxicated (don't let it happen to you)
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I simply call or fax a request to D.A. to release recorded video to me now that my case has been dismissed?
06 Feb 2014
Q&A
Why would someone have a supplemental setting in the magistrate court in Tarrant County for a 3rd DWI felony?
05 Feb 2014
Q&A
How long will he be in there ?
10 Jan 2014
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Big Brother is Watching You
09 May 2012
Legal Guide
How to Act in a Citizen and Police Interaction
09 May 2012
Legal Guide
Another Bad DWI Arrest
28 Jul 2010