Daniel H. Wannamaker

I have now known Dan for nearly five years. I feel exceptionally lucky to have found him when the federal government, specifically the US Fish and Wildlife Service, began investigating me years ago for violations of the Lacey Act and Endangered Species Act. From day one, Dan gave me very specific and... helpful advice on how to navigate the fallout from the investigation (there was a lot) and immediately took things off of my plate, such as correspondence with my place of employment and federal and state investigators. Throughout the years, Dan kept tabs on where things were at with the investigation and, in his calm and reassuring way, kept me updated on the important matters. When the statute of limitations had nearly run out on my violations after five years, the government let Dan know that they intended to charge me. Dan promptly and successfully negotiated the charges down from several possible felony charges to a single misdemeanor. Very importantly, he also convinced them to remove restitution and prison-time from a plea agreement. Ultimately, during my sentencing, the prosecution still argued for a six-month prison sentence but Dan convinced the judge to restrict my sentence to a modest fine. Dan was also adept at handling all the press that resulted around my case. He had constructive advice on how we should respond to reporters (only he dealt with them directly to protect me) and he always gave me options. He clearly explained what the potential scenarios were for the different options. He convinced the biggest journalist that there was no story of interest. I have never met anyone with higher emotional intelligence than Dan. He reads people and a room like no one else and has a quick mind that allows him to respond perfectly to any situation. He can rapidly pivot when necessary to redirect a conversation in favor of his client. His legal intellect is clearly deep and his decades of experience shine through in every situation. I always felt like I was in a movie with Dan because, well, he was that perfect. What I mean by that is that he always had a response that was spot on, as if he had rehearsed it a thousand times even though the situations were volatile and totally unpredictable. He has a special way of fighting hard for his client without riling up the prosecutors, agents, and judges. In my case, he had known the judge for 40 years. I imagine that he knows just about everyone in the courts within Texas (and probably many in other states too). Every person I met within the courts told me that I had a great defense attorney. He commands a lot of respect. Dan genuinely cared about me and he will care about you. I hope to never need his help again but he is the only person I will ever go to or recommend to anyone else.

I was indicted on a large federal drug conspiracy that carried significant mandatory minimums. Throughout the many years I spent waiting on this case, Dan supported me not only as an attorney but also as a friend and mentor. He has a refreshing sense of humor but is a serious guy and will tell you th...ings how they are. Despite the severity of the facts of the case, Dan was able to step in and separate me from the conspiracy, removing any potential liability for other’s actions. Dan is a seasoned legal mastermind. He is well-respected in local courtrooms and also a plethora across Texas, something that is rare. Apart from his legal brilliance, he has a remarkable way with words, which proved to be especially important. At the end, Dan pulled a magic rabbit out of his hat. During what felt like a legal masterclass in federal sentencing, he secured me 3 years probation, an outcome I could only have dreamed for at the beginning of the case. Dan changed the course of my life and gave me a second chance. If you are facing serious state or federal charges and are unsure about representation, you need to pick up the phone and call him immediately. Like almost everything in life, you get what you pay for, and his representation is worth every penny when it comes to your freedom.