PRO
also known as Ben Michael, Mr Dismissal
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
Ben Michael is the founder and Managing Partner of Michael & Associates. He has practiced criminal defense in Austin for more than a decade and personally defended hundreds of clients across Texas courts. His caseload focuses on the charges that most often upend ordinary lives: DWI, assault, drug possession, and serious felonies.
ABOUT MICHAEL & ASSOCIATES
Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys is a criminal defense firm with a unique model: the high-touch, personalized attention of a boutique firm, backed by the resources and collective experience of a 40+ lawyer defense team.
Every client is assigned a dedicated Senior Trial Attorney who owns the defense from intake through resolution. That attorney focuses on a specific county and court — practicing there regularly and knowing the judges, the prosecutors, and the local tendencies that shape outcomes. Cases are not rotated, reassigned, or passed to junior attorneys (the firm doesn't employ any).
Behind that lead attorney is a team of forty criminal-defense lawyers with more than 1,000 jury trials between them, including attorneys Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, ten Super Lawyers honorees, ACS-CHAL Forensic DWI Lawyer-Scientists, former prosecutors, former judges, and former law-enforcement professionals, including a former FBI agent.
That structure gives clients the 40-on-1 advantage: one senior lawyer leading your case, backed by the collective knowledge of 40+ criminal-defense attorneys. It means the prosecutor is not up against one lawyer — they're up against a brain trust.
The firm's main metric is client satisfaction, which is measured using standard CSAT surveys to every client at the conclusion of the case. The firm has achieved a 98.5% client satisfaction rate based on 1,840 survey responses. The full breakdown by case type is below:
Data from September 2022 through May 6, 2026.
The firm's 2025 trial record was 65% favorable outcomes with a 50% outright acquittal rate. A 5.0 rating on Google. More than 1,400 five-star reviews on Google, Avvo, BBB, and Martindale, an A+ BBB rating, and combined criminal-defense experience exceeding 540 years. Attorney caseloads run below ABA recommendations. Case reviews are free. No trial fees - ever.
CREDENTIALS AND RECOGNITION
Selected to the Texas Super Lawyers / Rising Stars list (2026), Thomson Reuters — peer-reviewed and independently researched
"Superb" 10.0/10.0 rating on Avvo, the highest rating Avvo issues
Client Champion Platinum, Martindale-Hubbell (2025) — based on quantity and quality of verified client reviews
Client's Choice, Avvo — based on verified client reviews
Top-Rated on Justia
Named to America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys (2026)
Recognized for Professional Involvement (2026), Lawyer Legion
Member, National College of DUI Defense Lawyers
Member, The National Trial Lawyers
ABOUT BEN
CREDENTIALS AND RECOGNITION
CAREER JOURNEY
Ben grew up the son of a defense attorney. From an early age he knew defending the accused was his calling.
After graduating from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, he returned to his hometown of Austin to join the state's largest criminal defense firm. Within a few years of practicing, he earned a reputation around the Travis County courthouse as "Mr. Dismissal" — a nickname for his ability to get seemingly unwinnable cases dismissed. As his reputation grew, he was recruited to a prominent Austin boutique, where he continued to grow his reputation and refine his craft as a trial attorney.
Despite the early success, Ben could not ignore that the criminal defense system was broken. He had seen it first hand.
High-volume firms had no real quality control — only pressure to push case files through. Good lawyers and bad lawyers worked side by side, and there was no incentive whatsoever to do a good job.
The ‘big name’ boutiques - surprisingly - weren’t much better: senior attorneys spent the majority of their hours on administrative work — billing, intake, staffing, scheduling, vendor management — and on the road, driving between a dozen different counties to keep enough cases on the books to make ends meet. The actual defense work, more often than not, was delegated to junior associates.
Either model was failing the client.
That is why Ben founded Michael & Associates.
2
Practice Areas
12 years | 4,624 cases
12 years | 1,553 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
State: Texas
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Mobile
500 W 2nd St, Suite 1900, Austin, TX, 78701
zealousadvocate.com/Mobile
6301 Gaston Ave, suite 1524, Dallas, TX, 75214
zealousadvocate.com/Mobile
200 Post Oak Blvd, 10th floor, Houston, TX, 77056
zealousadvocate.com/Mobile
321 S Flores St, Suite A, San Antonio, TX, 78204
zealousadvocate.com/Mobile
159 4th Ave N Suite 203, Nashville, TN, 37219
zealousadvocate.com/Mobile
301 E Colorado Blvd, Suite 520, Pasadena, CA, 91101
zealousadvocate.com/
Other places you can find Benjamin online.
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Showing 71 - 75 of 139 reviews
Posted by anonymous | June 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Highly recommend!!
The process of each payment was very specific, it was easy to do . Each lawyer was on top of their assigned duties . Very well presented & prepared for the day of court . Well organized, highly recommended.
Posted by Jordy morales | June 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney
What a lawyer should be
I want to give the highest praise to Benjamin Edward Michael for the exceptional work he did on my case. I was facing serious charges—reckless driving and unlawful carry of a firearm—and I truly didn’t know what the outcome would be. From the very beginning, Benjamin was a total professional. He was ...
Posted by anonymous | June 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Always respectful and very knowledgeable.
The team here was always quick to respond, always respectful, and very knowledgeable. They really know their stuff and made sure I was taken care of during this crazy time.
Posted by Price | June 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Extremely quality legal support and personal support
Kaytlyn Knowles and her team including Lori are the best legal defense team you can find. It’s hard to explain to someone whose life hasn’t fallen apart but I have never felt more supported as a person not just legally. Most of us that get in trouble aren’t doing it to be nefarious, some trauma has o...
Posted by Cristian | June 07, 2025 | Hired Attorney
2 Cases Dismissal by the Winning Team
I have two difficult cases 3rd DWI and UNLAWFUL Carried OF A WEAPON . Initially I had another lawyer which it don't do anything even worse almost put me in jail. I had to do something and I found Michael and associates thank God. I was being defend by the best team not just a lawyer a whole team of ...
"I endorse Ben. His integrity and professionalism inspire full confidence in his work."
"Ben brings both passion and precision to his practice, earning trust and respect from colleagues and clients alike."
"Ben is a passionate and dedicated advocate who truly fights for his clients."
"If you’re looking for someone to stand up and fight for you, Ben is that lawyer. I strongly recommend him to anyone in need of effective, passionate legal representation."
"I have full confidence in Ben’s abilities and integrity. Without hesitation, I gladly endorse him."
"Ben is a highly skilled and dynamic attorney whose dedication sets him apart. His sharp legal acumen is matched by a relentless commitment to achieving the best outcomes for his clients."
"Ben is a rare breed of attorney who masterfully combines sharp intellect and tireless work ethic. This blend makes him a standout professional in any legal setting."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Michael is a class act and will never stop fighting for his clients no matter what. He will see your case through as long as it takes to get justice for you."
"Ben is not only very bright but also a meticulous and hard-working attorney. He very much cares for his clients. I am consistently impressed with the results he gets for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"Ben is exactly the type of lawyer you want fighting for you-- he's sharp, compassionate, and committed to his clients. With Ben in your corner, you know you have one of the best fighting for you."
"Ben is a highly skilled criminal defense attorney. He works tirelessly for his clients, and his passion for his work is evident in his many successes. I would recommend Ben to anyone in need of criminal defense services."
"Ben Michael will always put the best interests of his clients first. He will go to bat for them courageously both at the negotiating table, and in the Courtroom. He treats his clients with the utmost respect and zealously advocates for them, no matter what circumstances they find themselves in!"
"Ben is a highly competent attorney and is an excellent criminal defense lawyer. He's familiar with every Judge, prosecutor, and court staff. If you hire Ben, you can rest assured that he will fight for you and handle your case as if it was his own."
"Ben is a very skilled attorney, and works very hard for his clients. In my experience, he works very diligently to find answers to complex legal questions, and provides "hands on" assistance to his clients."
"My experience is that Ben is an exceptional criminal defense attorney and incredibly responsive to his clients. Ben is the attorney I send people to for anything that is related to criminal law."
"I had the pleasure of attending law school with Ben in Los Angeles, California. He's smart, creative, and a zealous advocate. If I have matters that are to be resolved in Texas, Ben is my first choice."
"Ben is a highly skilled and dynamic lawyer. I'm continually impressed by his work ethic and commitment to fighting for his clients. Would recommend to anyone needing representation!"
"Ben is a rare lawyer able to combine intellect, work ethic, and charisma. As a result, he is able to analyse a client's legal issue, determine the best legal strategy, and then effectively advocate on that client's behalf. I gladly endorse Ben Michael."
"Ben is amazing with our clients. He is hard working and driven to get the best results for the client. He works tirelessly and is always available for consultation."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Employment and labor lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Employment and labor lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving San Antonio, Expertise
2025
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Austin, Expertise
2025
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Dallas, Expertise
2022
Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2022
10 Best Attorney, American Institute of DUI / DWI attorneys
2018
Rising Star, American Institute of Legal Advocates
2018
Top 40 Under 40, American Academy of Attorneys
2022 - Present
Founding Attorney, Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys
2017 - Present
Attorney, The Hull Firm
2014 - 2017
Defense Attorney, Dunham & Jones
2013 - 2013
Law Clerk, Manuwal & Manuwal
2012 - 2012
Law Clerk, DeWitt Algorri & Algorri
2011 - 2012
Law Clerk, Kaye, McLane & Bednarski
2025 - Present
Houston Northwest Chamber of CommerceMember
2025 - Present
West Austin Chamber of CommerceMember
2025 - Present
South Texas Business PartnershipMember
2025 - Present
South East Dallas Chamber of CommerceMember
2025 - Present
Fort Worth ChamberMember
2025 - Present
Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of CommerceMember
2025 - Present
Georgetown Chamber of CommerceMember
2025 - Present
Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of CommerceMember
2025 - Present
Greater East Dallas Chamber of CommerceMember
2025 - Present
Oak Cliff ChamberMember
2025 - Present
Houston East End Chamber of CommerceMember
2025 - Present
Houston West Chamber of CommerceMember
2025 - Present
North Dallas Chamber of CommerceMember
2024 - Present
Greater San Antonio Chamber of CommerceMember
2024 - Present
San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of CommerceMember
2024 - Present
North San Antonio ChamberMember
2024 - Present
Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of CommerceMember
2024 - Present
Austin ChamberMember
2017 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
2011 - 2013
Consumer Attorneys Association of Los AngelesBoard Member
Dismissed after motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
Case Dismissed due to Lack of Evidence
Dismissed after motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
Case Plead Down to Reckless Driving
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case dismissed
The evidence was gathered illegally. Full dismissal.
All charges reduced to misdemeanors
Case Dismissed
Charges Pleaded Down to Reckless Driving
Case Dismissed
Charges Reduced
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Pleaded Down to Traffic Violation
2013
Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)
2010
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2024
2024
2024
2023
English
Legal Answers
How can a keller police pull you over in denton county for a dwi and take you to tarrant county jail?
19 Oct 2025
Class A misdemeanor DUI 2nd ? county time or state.
12 Oct 2025
What will happen?
13 Oct 2025