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Erin Stephanie Shinn

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Avvo Rating8.6
  • Austin, TX
  • Licensed for 13 years
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About Erin

I hail from Lubbock, Texas, where I became a Red Raider at Texas Tech for both my undergraduate and law degrees.  After becoming involved with the West Texas Innocence Project in Lubbock, I decided that I wanted to practice criminal defense and provide a voice for the citizen accused. 

 

I moved to the Dallas area to become a public defender for Kaufman County after law school and handled nearly every type of offense there as First Assistant Public Defender.  In 2010 I moved to Austin to come to work at the Law Office of Jamie Balagia, where I received specialized training in the defense of DWIs. 

 

I am proud to have recently opened my own law practice where I will continue to serve Texans accused of all criminal offenses and the problems that stem from these kind of issues.  I have handled thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases in my four years of practicing law and love nothing more than helping defend the rights of others.

 

Personally, I am all about friends and family, love the arts, reading, and traveling.

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Practice areas

DUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 75%

    I immediately joined the Kaufman County Public Defender's office upon being licensed by the State Bar of Texas. I handled every type of criminal case excluding Capital Murder. In my solo practice I have expanded back into defending all types of state crime, from tickets and petty theft to violent offenses and other felonies. My goal has always been to attain the best result for my client.

    14 years, 1,000 cases

  2. DUI and DWI: 25%

    I focused on DWI defense while at the Law Office of Jamie Balagia. I filed Motions and argued them to the court and when necessary set cases for trial and if I didn't receive an offer that was too good to turn down I took the case to trial. I currently handle many DWIs in my solo practice, including the associated driver license problems that arise from DWI arrests.

    14 years, 500 cases

Languages spoken

Spanish, English

Contact

Law Office of Erin Shinn

1004 West Avenue
Austin, TX, 78701

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    TXEligible To Practice In Texas 200703/07/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers55
    Legal guides7
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Best Practice AwardTexas Association of Counties2008
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    OwnerLaw Office of Erin Shinn, P.L.L.C.2011 - Present
    Criminal Defense Trial AttorneyLaw Office of Jamie Balagia2010 - 2011
    First Assistant Public DefenderKaufman County Public Defender's Office2007 - 2010
    ClerkWest Texas Innocence Project2006 - 2007
    ClerkCraig, Terrill, Hale & Grantham, L.L.P.2006 - 2007
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Travis County Bar AssociationMember2010 - Present
    Austin Young Lawyers AssociationMember2010 - Present
    National College of DUI DefenseMember2010 - Present
    Williamson County Bar AssociationMember2010 - Present
    Young Women's AllianceMember2010 - Present
    Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember2008 - Present
    Kaufman County Bar AssociationMember2007 - 2010
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Nside MagazineAvoid an Arrest for Public Intoxicaton2010
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Texas Tech University School of LawJurisprudence2007
    Texas Tech UniversityB.G.S.2004
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Defense Attorney Round TableCriminal Defense in the Private Sector2012

    Reviews

    (12)
    5 Star
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    4 Star
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    Review Erin Shinn

    Above and beyond the call of duty.

    Posted by

    I was appointed Mrs.Shinn in for a case the end of last year .She came to see me immediatly. And after hearing my the circumstances that led up to my arrest. And seeing my past record. Mrs.Shinn referred my case to a program that is proving to b life changing. Her defense of people that are put in her path goes above an beyond the criminal charges agianst them. Her care an concern is a breath of fresh air at the court house as well as in our community. I for one havent had anyone show an intrest in my situation or the willingness to act in a way that truly has helped me long after the case is resolved.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Very pleased

    Posted by

    Erin Shinn did a fantastic job while representing me. She was available, accessible, and willing to take the steps necessary to provide a solid defense. I am very pleased with the outcome.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Offered Excellent Representation, Will Use AGAIN!

    Posted by

    I highly recommend Erin. Known her for many years. She has always been quick to respond, diligent and thorough when offering legal advice. She's helped our family out on several occasions when needing representation. Great attorney to work with!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    An understanding lawyer that will fight till the end

    Posted by

    As I was passing Georgetown(Williamson County) from Austin back to Arlington, I was pulled over supposedly for speeding going 88 in a 75. Which is impossible since I had my cruise control set at 80. To which I stated respectfully to the police in which he attempts to reply.. stutters.. then ignores. Asked for y lice/regis. then runs the info, and finds a speeding ticket warrant that was suppose to have been taken care of by an incompetent traffic lawyer 2 months prior(even got a text from the lawyer saying it will be removed today). I was arrested. When I was getting booked, I was told they found marijuana which did NOT belong to me. After asking multiple times what was the amount, I was denied of that information. I knew that instant this could mean a lot of trouble. When I got out I immediately looked for legal counsel since this charge is complete bogus! Now I understand there are definitely times when people lie about such things, but that was not case. The fact they wouldn't disclose the amount showed meant it could've been scraps found on the floorboard left by anybody in the car since I drove for Uber or a careless friend. When I was in the county jail, I was referred to someone inside to Ms. Shinn whom got his DUI charge dropped and is one of the best criminal lawyers in Williamson county. I called Ms. Shinn and spoke to her about my charge and my financial situation. Right off the bat I could tell she was sincere and wanted to help, who also treats me as her equal. Which I believe is a very rare and great quality in the legal field. Regardless of how many questions I asked and how antsy I was about this broken system and false accusation, she answered them patiently and was able to calm me down. Being understanding of me as a college student, she worked with me on the financial aspect by splitting the payments to fit my bills/pay. Then she explained her style of approach and that she is to fight till the end. And fight to the end is exactly what she did even when things started looking bad with the prosecutor's decisions. Using her skillful experience and knowledge, she was able to turn things around with the prosecutor by attaining set of information from me(called good guy package, my biochemistry/medical pursuit, financial aid, great credit/grades, community service, work/volunteering experience in medical field, and more). Then after going back and forth with the prosecutor, she was able to get my case reduce(basically dropped) after a prior with Poss. of marijuana that dropped to Poss. of paraphernalia, which meant my First time offense grace was already used(This one I knew of being in the car, foolish high school days). The reduction meant once I completed my class, community service, and 6 month probation period, the charge would be sealed and never made to be available again.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Quality counts

    Posted by

    Erin Shinn is a professional, highly competent, low key individual who practices law with integrity and provides quality service to her clients as a matter of principle. Erin is good at explaining the law as it applies, possible outcomes, asking for facts without judgement, collaborating to make certain she and her client have the same goal, communicating what to expect, not wasting time, coming well prepared for phone calls, conference, and court; and using a low key style which worked well with witnesses and that the jury liked, and for me, delivered a very successful outcome.There are many situations in which the outcome isn't going to be different no matter who the attorney is because the facts are what they are and all you can hope to do is protect your rights and minimize the damage. But when intelligence, knowledge, preparation, and effectiveness operating within the courthouse CAN make a difference in the outcome, it is in your interest to hire Erin and trust her advice.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    In a league of her own!

    Posted by

    Erin defines professionalism, and is incredibly knowledge. It's one thing to know the law, but to know all the other lawyers and judges is incredible! A+, don't bother calling anyone else.

    I would'nt trust anyone else.

    Posted by

    At the suggestion of a friend, I contacted Erin Shinn to handle an old case out of Travis County that had gotten re-filed. She attentively listened to my issues and provided clear, concise ideas for how to go forth. My calls were always promptly returned and along the way I was kept abreast of any new developments. Erin did not pull any punches about worst case scenarios and assured me that she would fight for the best result. And the best possible result is exactly what she got. I am extraordinarily thankful to have received a suggestion to call Erin Shinn when I was in trouble. Serioulsly. I wouldn't trust anyone else.

    One in a million

    Posted by

    This woman I owe my life and my freedom. She not only defended me in criminal course, I was her last case for civil court. She never judged me over the incident that landed me in trouble and suppprted all my hard work and progress through the process. She worked with my financial issues being a single mother and was just amazing. .. I trusted my freedom and the custody of my precious son to her and I would trust her again a million times over.

    1st rate lawyer, sharp, high-integrity and professional-Erin is now on my speed dial!

    Posted by

    Great to work with. Reasonable rates and extremely competent and professional. High integrity: Willing to give the right advice even if it's not what client wants to hear. Thorough in her work and strong and consistent follow-through. Erin is now on my speed dial!

    Wonderful!

    Posted by

    Last summer my brother was arrested and I immediately started searching for a lawyer. I was on websites requesting quotes and help and Erin was one of the lawyers who contacted me. I IMMEDIATELY felt at ease when she contacted me and she sounded like she really knew her stuff! Then I had a conversation with her over the phone and she was very confident and I knew right away that she would really help us out. The result of her representation was amazing as well! She worked quickly and even late to get him out and safe at home. Then continued to work his case and worked out an awesome bargain with the court for my brother. I must say I was impressed and it was such a relief to have her working on my brothers case. Would definitely recommend!
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (22)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Michelle Mays, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 22, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Erin is a colleague for whom I have great respect and adoration. I see her fighting for her client’s rights daily in court. Anyone she represents is in good hands.

    Dave Howard, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 17, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Ms. Shinn is professional and knowledgeable in all facets of criminal law. We have worked together on cases and her abilities are impressive.

    Merwan Bhatti, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 5, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Travis Newton, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 3, 2015
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Emma Shinn, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 23, 2014
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Erin Shinn is a determined, zealous, and super-smart advocate for her clients. Ms. Shinn and I attended law school together, worked together years ago at the Innocence Project of Texas fighting for long-lost justice, and we have continued to maintain contact over the years. Despite our same last name, we're not related; however, I'd be proud to call her family if she was. She is the kind of lawyer you want on your side.

    Roberto Ambrosino, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 31, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Irene Vaisman, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 13, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Ms. Shinn is knowledgeable and experienced. I endorse this lawyer.

    M. Miller, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 17, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    V. Iyer, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 14, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    William Towe, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 25, 2013
    Relationship: Other

    Erin is well-respected among judges, attorneys and clients alike, and her advise is spot-on. I happily endorse Erin.

    James Garrett, Criminal defense Attorney on May 14, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Her insightful contributions to Avvo show her thorough knowledge of criminal and DUI law.

    Peggy Raddatz, Criminal defense Attorney on May 1, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Michelle Cheney, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 11, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Erin because she is a zealous and knowledgeable attorney. She works hard in her cases to get the best outcome.

    Charles Franklin, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 13, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I highly recommend this attorney. Very intelligent and very thorough when analyzing legal issues! Compassionate with clients and aggressive with legal issues! 5 STARS!!

    Herbert Ellis

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Christian Lassen

    Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.

    Brian Corrigan, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 10, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Noaman Azhar, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 22, 2011
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. Erin is one the brightest and most dedicated lawyers in her field. She gives personal attention to each of her cases and sincerely cares about her clients. She's a good person and a great attorney to have on your side.

    Scott Gray, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 11, 2011
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Erin is a smart and talented advocate for her clients. She has the rare ability to analyze a case as well as zealously defend her clients in an adversarial proceeding. You can't go wrong with Erin.

    John Yetter, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 12, 2010
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I thoroughly endorse Ms. Shinn. Over the years I have been impressed with the depth of her legal knowledge and her ability to relate it to individuals feeling the stress of legal trouble. Anyone needing a knowledgeable, skilled attorney could do no better.