Stephen Bowling

Stephen Bowling

also known as Steve Bowling, Stephen T Bowling

4.8
Rating: 9.4

Licensed for 12 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Austin, TX
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense

816 Congress Ave, Suite 950, Austin, TX

About Stephen

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 60%

Stephen T Bowling uses his prior law enforcement experience to seek the best possible outcome for his clients.

13 years | 2,237 cases

60%
Criminal Defense 40%

As DWI Attorneys we have clients who have other issues arise during the defense of the DWI case. As such, we offer defense for other criminal charges.

13 years | 1,053 cases

40%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 12 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2013

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Stephen T Bowling: DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys

816 Congress Ave, Suite 950, Austin, TX, 78701

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Stephen Bowling's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

20 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (20) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Kennedy | December 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Stephen T Bowling is exceptional.

Stephen T Bowling is exceptional. His military and law enforcement background shows in every part of his representation—discipline, precision, integrity, and a calm, strategic approach that immediately builds trust. From the start, he took command of my case, explained every option clearly, and handl...ed each step with confidence and professionalism. What impressed me most was his attention to detail and his ability to anticipate issues before they became problems. He communicates flawlessly, treats clients with respect, and works relentlessly to secure the best possible result. You can tell he genuinely cares about the people he represents. If you need an attorney who brings real-world experience, tactical thinking, and unmatched dedication, Stephen T Bowling is the one you want standing with you. Outstanding lawyer and an even better advocate.

Posted by anonymous | September 28, 2025

Good price and great service

Stephen Bowling is an outstanding attorney. He is knowledgeable, responsive, and truly cares about his clients. From the very beginning, he explained everything clearly and made me feel confident about my case. His professionalism and dedication are unmatched, and I couldn’t have asked for better rep...resentation. I highly recommend him to anyone needing a strong defense attorney.

Posted by anonymous | September 20, 2025

Awesome attornet

Stephen Bowling is an excellent attorney who truly cares about his clients. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, and always takes the time to explain everything clearly. His dedication and skill in the courtroom make a real difference, and you can tell he genuinely fights for the best outcome. I highly re...commend Stephen Bowling for anyone needing strong and reliable legal representation.

Posted by Mac | September 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Stephen T. Bowling is the kind of attorney you want in your corner when everything is on the line

Stephen T. Bowling is the kind of attorney you want in your corner when everything is on the line. His background in law enforcement and military service gives him a unique edge in the courtroom, and his knowledge of DWI and criminal defense is second to none. He took the time to explain every step o...f the process, fought aggressively for my rights, and delivered results that truly made a difference. I always felt like my case was a priority. I highly recommend Stephen Bowling to anyone in need of a strong, experienced defense lawyer.

Posted by Dixon | August 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

I would have been better off dealing with the prosecutor on my own

I wish I had known a thing or two about hiring an attorney before I caught my case so that I could have known to avoid this man. He did nothing for my case, besides delaying the process, after taking my money. Nothing happened with my case for almost a year-and-a-half and in that time I heard virtual...ly nothing from Stephen. He was two hours late for my last court appointment where I was offered the deal for probation, which I ended up taking. Hiring him was a complete waste of money. I would have been better off just dealing with the prosecutor on my own. I probably would have gotten the same deal without having to pay $3500 to an attorney who did nothing. He didn't even advise me to take the standard DWI/AOD classes offered by Travis County, or an IOP class, which not only would have helped my case, but which ended up being conditions of my probation anyway. He briefly mentioned the MADD panel during one of the two or three conversations I had with him in total. And I'm the one that set that meeting up, because I wanted to get more information, not because he was trying to guide me through the process as a good attorney should. I ended up taking the offer for 18 months probation, because I had absolutely no faith in Stephen's ability to take my case to trial. Probation has been an absolute nightmare. I have wasted thousands of dollars getting put through the private-interest-run racket that is community supervision. Not only has it drained my bank account, probation has completely ruined these last 18 months of my life and nearly driven me insane. It is humiliating, degrading, and dehumanizing. I have been surprise arrested while showing up to one of my monthly meetings, because I accidentally missed a court date. As a result, I had to spend two days in jail and another $1500 to get out. In that time, I missed two exams and some important assignments for school and ended up having to drop out of my engineering program at UT because of this disaster. In conclusion, I just want to say this: DO NOT HIRE THIS MAN. Unless your case is already a slam dunk for any attorney, he will not be able to help you. Do your research and hire someone that will actually take an active interest and put in the work to help your case. Because Stephen did none of that for me and my case.

Stephen Bowling

Replied last August 02, 2019

This case was a Class A DWI with a BAC of .206, a car accident (hitting a series of signs on the sidewalk counts as an accident), the refusal to give a breath or blood sample, and the officer’s assertion that you were belligerent. Even with all this we DID IN FACT GET IT REDUCED in the end (it's all public record). The offer the State gave us was the same the entire time: 24 months probation (18 months if you did the CES and MADD classes up front), a $1,000 fine, 80 hours of community service, an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for the full term of probation, the CES and MADD classes (if not done upfront), keep driver’s license with insurance, and restitution for the accident. However, that was on a Class A DWI with a BAC of .206. That would also make the DPS surcharges $2,000 per year ($6,000 total) rather than $1,000 per year ($3,000 total). As mentioned above, if the CES and MADD class were taken up front the state would reduce probation to 18 months; however, that would still be on a Class A. The final outcome was: REDUCE THE CHARGE to a Class B with 18 months probation, $300 fine, CES with recs and MADD within 3 months, 60 hours community service, IID or portable alcohol monitor for 1/2 term (9 months). This outcome also reduced your surcharges to the Class B DWI amount, saving you $3,000. The savings on this outcome was over $5,000 compared to the offer the State insisted on. However, the biggest advantage is the possibility to seal the conviction. “Delaying the case”: We would like to get cases completed faster, just like you would, but we don’t delay them. What happens is it takes a long time for blood results to get analyzed at the lab or for the videos to come in that the case isn’t filed by the State so we are unable to do anything before it is. We still have to go every month on the court date and stand in line only to be told by the State they aren’t ready and get a new court date for a month later. It’s just as frustrating for us as it is for you. I agree it is an absurdly long time for the State to file the case but by law they have 2 years from the date of the incident to file it. The classes: Part of achieving the best outcome usually involves taking the 12 hour DWI education class and MADD panel. We tell everyone to take those classes. I vaguely remember you saying you didn’t have time because of school. However, it’s irrelevant in your case because the outcome we were able to get for you is better than most get with the same case facts even if they complete the classes up front. If you had plead guilty (or no contest) to the Class A DWI without the classes the prosecutor would have insisted on 24 months probation instead of 18 months. However, with the agreed reduction to a Class B it made it so the max they could do was 18 months. It also mandated a lower number of community service hours and, as a college student, I was able to get the fine reduced. The probation issues: I agree probation is not easy but getting through it is up to the person. When the State attempted to revoke your probation for 1. alcohol violations and 2. still not completing the CES and MADD classes eight months into probation (the deadline per probation was three months). At your probation revocation hearings we didn’t even charge you because you were a full time student. That was November and December of 2018, however, the classes still hadn’t been completed in June of 2019. I have no doubt probation also mentioned needing to get these classes done at every meeting; just as we mentioned them. With those still not completed the Judge extended your probation for 6 more months. The good news is we spoke to the Judge and she agreed to release you from probation as soon as you complete the classes. I don’t know if she had already mentioned that to you or not (you went alone to that court date) but once those classes are done we can do that motion and get you off probation.

See All Client Reviews

Stephen Bowling's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Stephen
Phillip Wayne Goff headshot
Phillip Goff

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 02

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Stephen and I have seen each other at seminars and communicated about legal matters since. He has a can-do attitude in abundance, a positivity which obviously serves him and his clients well."

David Michael Thomas headshot
David Thomas

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stephen is an excellent attorney. He started his own law firm directly out of law school and has become very successful. This is due to his tenacity with which he helps his clients and his deep understanding of the legal matters that he deals with on a daily basis. Stephen is also highly approachable and an all around likable guy, which helps him tremendously when dealing with prosecutors and negotiating the best deals for his clients. If I needed an attorney, I would definitely hire Stephen!"

Emilio Giovanni De Simone headshot
Emilio De Simone

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Other

"We met at various DUI defense seminars and I was immediately impressed with this lawyer. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a defense attorney."

Marcelino Gustav Lopez headshot
Marcelino Lopez

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stephen Is serious about DUI Defense. I met him at various national DUI seminars and his knowledge and dedication left me seriously impressed. I regularly consult with him on DUI issues and I appreciate his insight. It is without hesitation I recommend this attorney."

John Stephen Brandte headshot
John Brandte

General practice lawyer | Jan 01

Relationship: Friend

"I met Steve at UNH School of Law where he was a year ahead of me. He was always a serious student while also being very positive and friendly. I know that he worked under Attorney (now NH Superior Court Judge) Charles Temple in the Criminal Clinic and there is no better mentor. It was a pleasure having classes with him. I am not surprised that his clients find him dedicated, attentive and focused on providing the exceptional legal representation and getting them the best result possible."

View All Endorsements
Jennifer Ann Jamison headshot
Jennifer Jamison

Criminal defense lawyer

Phillip Wayne Goff headshot
Phillip Goff

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas David Flanagan headshot
Thomas Flanagan

Personal injury lawyer

Steven C. Lee headshot
Steven Lee

Trucking accident lawyer

Edmond S. Moreland headshot
Edmond Moreland

Employment and labor lawyer

Robert Aaron Mueller Jr. headshot
Robert Mueller

Criminal defense lawyer

David Michael Thomas headshot
David Thomas

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin Cooper Munoz headshot
Kevin Munoz

Criminal defense lawyer

Emilio Giovanni De Simone headshot
Emilio De Simone

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Ursha II headshot
Richard Ursha

Criminal defense lawyer

William Richard Holms headshot
William Holms

Child custody lawyer

Andrea Lee Zahrasntik headshot
Andrea Zahrasntik

Criminal defense lawyer

Tony G Mendoza headshot
Tony Mendoza

Personal injury lawyer

Marcelino Gustav Lopez headshot
Marcelino Lopez

DUI and DWI lawyer

John Stephen Brandte headshot
John Brandte

Estate planning lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.4 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Top Rated DWI Attorney 2018, Best DWI Attorneys

2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2018

Top 40 under 40, The National Trial Lawyers

2017

Top Rated DWI Attorney 2017, Best DWI Attorneys

2017

Top 40 under 40, The National Trial Lawyers

2016

Top Rated DWI Attorney 2016, Best DWI Attorneys

2007

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal- Fourth, US Navy

2006

Security Sailor of the Year, US Navy- Naval Station Ingleside, TX

2005

Command Sailor of the Quarter, US Navy- Naval Station Ingleside

2005

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, US Navy

2003

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, US Navy

2003

Commander Battle Group Letter of Commendation, US Navy

2002

Commander Battle Group Letter of Commendation, US Navy

2002

Command Sailor of the Quarter, US Navy- USS Stout (DDG 55)

2001

Commander Fifth Fleet Letter of Commendation, US Navy

2000

Certified- Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, US Navy

2000

Commander Battle Group Letter of Commendation, US Navy

1999

Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal, US Navy

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Founder/CEO, Stephen T Bowling: DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys

2012 - 2013

Attorney Intern, Lanham Blackwell

2012 - 2012

Criminal Clinic Student Attorney, UNH Law

2011 - 2012

Student Intern Mass Tort, McGrath Law Firm New Hampshire

2011 - 2011

Student Intern, New Hampshire Superior Court

2003 - 2007

Military Police, United States Navy (Active Duty)

1997 - 2003

FireControlman- Tomahawk Missile System/ Duty Master-at-Arms, United States Navy

Associations

2014 - Present

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2013 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2013 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2013 - Present

State Bar of Texas

Member

2007 - Present

Disabled American Veterans

Lifetime Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State of Texas v. E.J.

One DWI dismissed, Possession charge dismissed, and the last arrest was dismissed.

State of Texas v. K.P.

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. M.A.

Case reduced to a non-DWI

State of Texas v. A.A.

DWI dismissed. Reduced to speeding ticket. Speeding ticket dismissed after six months.

State of Texas v. B.H.

Case Dismissed

State of Texas v. S.L.

Case dismissed

State of Texas v L.R.

DWI reduced to non-DWI and Possession of Marijuana dismissed.

State of Texas v. J.V.

DWI dismissed. Reduced to Class C traffic ticket. Traffic Ticket later dismissed.

State of Texas v. M.G.

DWI dismissed.

State of Texas v. C.G.

Case Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2013

University of New Hampshire School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2008

Liberty University

MS - Master of Science

2006

Liberty University

BS - Bachelor of Science

2005

Texas Department of Public Safety Law Enforcement Academy

Police Training

2004

Joint Services Police Department

DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Testing Certification

2004

Kustom Signals, Inc

Law Enforcement Radar Certification

2004

US Navy

Law Enforcement Academy

Speaking Engagements

2006

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Training

Gathering Voluntary Statements from Suspects and Witnesses

2006

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Training

Rules of Engagement: When are Police authorized to use Deadly Force

2006

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Training

Types of Police Jurisdictions

2006

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Training

Traffic Stops and Citation Issuance

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Training

Investigating and Completing Traffic Accident/Incident Reports

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Training

Management of Crisis Situations

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Training

Securing a Crime Scene- Phase II

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Training

Suspects Acknowledgement and Waiver of Miranda Rights

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Training

Crisis Intervention

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Training

Writing Police Reports and Completing Required Forms

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Training

Intoxicated Drivers: Detection, Testing, and Apprehension of the DWI Driver

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Training

Street Survival for the Patrolman

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Annual Phase II Training

Public Relations and Police Interaction for Law Enforcement

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Police/Law Enforcement Annual Phase II Training

Law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Law Enforcement Training

Crime Prevention

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Law Enforcement Training

Suspect Custody and Evidence Handling Procedures

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Law Enforcement Training

Procedures for obtaining and executing arrest warrants

2005

Naval Station Ingleside Annual Phase I Training

Conducting Proper Police Patrol Procedures

2005

Law Enforcement Training

FBI Guide to Concealable Weapons

2005

Law Enforcement Training

Handling Domestic Violence

2005

Law Enforcement Training

Issuing Traffic Tickets

2005

Law Enforcement Training

Juvenile Criminal Offenses

2004

Law Enforcement Training

Procedures for Receipt of Prisoners or Detained Persons

2004

Law Enforcement Training

Alarm Activation Response Plan

Publications

2017

National College for DUI Defense What happens when you get a DWI?

2016

National College for DUI Defense What is “Operating” a motor vehicle in Texas?

2015

National College for DUI Defense What is “Intoxicated”?

2014

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association What are your rights in a Texas DWI stop?

2007

NAVSTA Ingleside Policies and Procedures Traffic Stops and Citation Issuance

2006

Naval Station Ingleside Police Operating Manual Intoxicated Drivers: Detection, Testing, and Apprehension of the DWI Driver

2006

Naval Station Ingleside, Texas Operating Procedures Conducting Proper Police Patrol Procedures

2004

Naval Station Ingleside Police Training Procedures Suspects Acknowledgement and Waiver of Miranda Rights

2002

US Navy; Naval Station Ingleside, TX Standard Operating Procedures DWI Detection, Field Sobriety Testing, and Apprehension Standard Operating Procedures

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution