Skip to main content

Leonard C. Morales

Criminal defense Attorney at El Paso, TX

4.6   9 reviews

also known as Lenny Morales

  • Licensed for 24 years
    State TX
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Eligible to Practice in Texas No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Leonard

Learn Leonard’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    45%
    If you are facing charges cases in state court ranging from simple possession of marijuana up to Capital Murder. I have handled and tried every manner of case. I also represent Juveniles in criminal cases.

    24 years, 2,000 cases

  2. Federal crime
    20%
    I've handled everything from simple immigration offenses to RICO, Murder, Money Laundering, Drug Conspiracy. I have tried and won Federal jury trials.

    24 years, 1,500 cases

  3. Military law
    20%
    I have a proven track record in Military Courts Martial. I've tried all manner of offenses from minor misconduct to rape and murder. I am also available for Administrative Separations and Show Cause Boards

    24 years, 250 cases

  4. Family
    15%
    I have nearly 20 years experience in Family Law. In that time I've seen it all, divorce to child custody, modifications and enforcement. I have also taken on Family Court Appeals and won.

    24 years, 1,500 cases

Don't risk conviction or Plea Bargain away your future. I am willing and able to fight for you!

 

If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with a crime, or if you are currently facing military sanctions, you need to speak to an attorney! Don't talk to the police or CID or the FBI without consulting with a lawyer first.  Your rights, your future, and your freedom could be in jeopardy.

 

But be careful! Any lawyer can negotiate a deal for you - that is plea bargain your case. Only a Trial Lawyer with the skill, experience and reputation as a fighter can get you justice. Let me, Leonard Morales, be your advocate."

 

I am a Trial Attorney. This means that everything I do is focused on fighting and winning Jury Trials. Every lawyer is qualified to conduct a jury trial but not every lawyer does it regularly or well. I have tried cases at all levels, State, Federal, Juvenile, and Military Courts Martial. I also do not turn people away because their cases might be distasteful or complex.  Some lawyers will turn cases away because of the subject matter (example sexual assaults) or because of the complexity (Federal RICO).  I have gone to TRIAL in all manner of cases from simple possession to Captial Murder. I haven't just won one case in my career. Or happened to beat a simple DWI. I have prevailed for my clients in Capital Murder and sexual assault cases - real criminal offenses with very real consequences. I can and will defend you to the best of my ability.

I will take your case if I believe that I can help you and get you the best results possible. The idea is to get you options. Then YOU can decide what is best for you, your family and for your future.  But you will know that if you decide to dig in and fight you will have the right kind of lawyer on your side.

I maintain a solo private practice with my primary office located in El Paso, Texas. I will to travel to other states and even internationally when called upon. I am licensed, qualified and certified to practice law by the State Bar of Texas; before all Courts in the State of Texas; the Federal District Court for the Western District of Texas; Federal District Courts for the State of Colorado; the Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit; the Court of Criminal Appeals for the Armed Forces and the United States Supreme Court.

I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, a graduate of Ysleta High School; the New Mexico Military Institute and the University of Houston. I received my law degree from Temple University School of Law in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After law school I worked as an Assistant District Attorney for El Paso County where I worked in the misdemeanor and felony courts for nearly a year. I then resumed my career with the U.S. Army in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG).

After four years, including deployments to Europe, with the 1st Armored Division and the Middle East, with the 1st Infantry Division. I left active duty to begin my private practice in El Paso.

While on active duty, as an Army JAG I had the opportunity to prosecute and defend soldiers in cases worldwide to include the Europe and the Middle-East. I also held the unique post as the Center Judge Advocate for William Beaumont Army Medical Center. My job there was to defend Army and DoD health care providers in medical malpractice cases. In addition to my private practice, I continue to serve our country in the U.S. Army Reserve where I currently hold the rank of Major with the 1st Legal Support Organization.

 I practice in the following areas:

Criminal Defense – I represent people accused of committing all manner of criminal offense. I will not turn you away because our case is difficult, complex or distasteful. My focus is on whether I believe I can help you and get the best results possible. In the past year alone, I have tried criminal jury trials before State Courts, Federal Courts (throughout the United States) and Military Courts Martial (all services). These cases ranged from murder to sexual assaults involving children, drug trafficking, to simple assaults and DWI. I tried 10 cases to jury trial in 2012 alone.

Appeals of Criminal Trials - Appeals are a confusing and foreign area even to many lawyers. Errors occur in almost every trial but not every error is a good ground for a winning appeal. I have argued cases in the State Criminal Appellate Courts, Courts of Appeal for the Armed Forces and in the Federal Appellate system. I offer my services in reviewing cases to determine if there are any good grounds for appeal. And if there are, pursuing that appeal in the appropriate court.

Family Law – I provide services to people and families in the most trying time of their lives, the break down of the family. We provide representation in Divorce (including child custody, child support and division of all marital property); Military Divorce (including division of military retirement) establishing the Parent Child Relationship (visitation rights and support, including modifications and enforcement of prior court orders).  My JAG background and continuing ties to the military make me uniquely suited to understanding the issues facing military families. My expertise is often sought after by Judges and fellow lawyers in these areas.

Civil Law – I also represent individuals in medical malpractice cases under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Those are claims against the Department of Defense, U.S. Armed Services or the Veteran's Administration. I represent individuals before all manner of State or Federal administrative bodies such as the MSPB, TWC and the Social Security Administration. I have assisted physicians in the implementation of Integrity Agreements (MEDICARE B Compliance). I have represented doctors before medical licensing boards and credentials committees and MEDICARE Administrative bodies. I have represented Armed and Federal Service Members before Security Clearance Boards.

It is not my goal to dispose of cases as quickly as possible or to take on as many cases as possible. Each case is unique and one must consider the needs of the client, the facts and circumstances surrounding the case. My goal is to provide the best representation possible, tailored to your needs and objectives. When selecting an attorney, you must be comfortable and confident with your counsel. I hope I am the right choice for you. Please contact my office for a consultation.

Thank you for your interest in my firm. I hope you will consider my services for your legal needs.

 Sincerely,
Leonard Morales

Photos and videos

Taken Sep. 1, 2001 in Kuwait City, Kuwait a few hours before the attack on the WTC.
View more

Contact Leonard

Similar lawyers nearby

Law Office of Leonard Morales
Wells Fargo Tower Plaza
221 North Kansas, Suite 1103
El Paso, TX, 79901

Reviews

4.6 / 5.0
  9 customer reviews
5 Star
 
89%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
11%
Posted by anonymous | September 11, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Honesty is his benchmark.
Went to see Mr. Morales for a consultation. He took a good amount of time and gave me excellent advice. He was very honest and told me I didn't need an attorney at this point in time. He advised me well, no charges for all the time he spent asking me questions to figure out what the facts wete and the way ahead. Great guy.
Posted by Geoffrey | February 15, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer & strategist
Leonard expertly represented me during a Board of Inquiry. His strategy and handle of the board led to a three member panel to vote unanimously to retain me in the US Army!
Posted by Melina Gonzalez | August 26, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and thorough
Lenny has been beyond patient and thorough with the entire court process, phone calls , follow up emails and even there after. Lenny is truly patient, he did an awesome job representing our case. It was something totally new to us , took us in quickly and stayed after hours our first visit. He was truly was kind and understanding since we didn’t know what to expect. After court he kept in contact as well. I highly recommend Lenny , Gaby and his staff for always being on top of the ball when any questions or concerns happened , going through court during the pandemic was a pain and switch of hearings and virtual sessions. I’m glad Lenny was able to represent my family.
Read less
Posted by Becky | July 23, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Consummate Professional
Mr. Morales is absolutely by far the best lawyer I have EVER had the pleasure to work with. He worked so hard to help my son who was incarcerated in NC but had a case in TX. He worked above and beyond the means that I would consider professional and caring. One day I hope I have the pleasure to personally meet him and shake his hand and hug his neck to thank him for the countless hours he put into helping my son. (perhaps on vacation) not to have to come to TX for legal reasons lol. Gabie his receptionist works tirelessly to help in efforts to answer any questions you have. Mr. Morales responded to every email I personally sent him and returned phone calls when he could. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND MR MORALES AS YOUR PERSONAL ATTORNEY. If you are Veteran he understands all that is involved in the timeless measures and understands dealing with PTSD. Thank you again Mr. Morales for all you did. B Neasbitt
Read less
Posted by Ethan | July 3, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Phenomenal Representation
I found myself on the wrong side of an El Paso courtroom with two considerably serious offenses with a public defender that was unresponsive. I contacted Mr Morales soon after as I felt I was not going to get a fair trial, and my experience thus far with the state wasn't too pleasant. He responded back quickly and professionally and took my case over and gave me piece of mind knowing I had representation. Being outta state he gathered my paperwork and had a solid defense plan for me upon our first meeting. Through the painstakingly process with the courts he was able to get the charges dismissed and kept my record clean. Without Mr Morales I woulda been at the mercy of the state. With this weight lifted from my shoulders I am able to move forward with my life. Thank you again Leonard Morales
Read less
Posted by Guadalupe A. Whitt | September 27, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mr. Morales is the Best Attroney in El Paso, TX !
If you want the best attorney working on your case, then Mr. Morales is the one! Mr. Morales provides professional advice and he's very knowledgeable and experienced. From the first conversation, he correctly predicted what to anticipate in my case. His expertise gave me confidence immediately after I talked to him. Mr. Morales impressed me not only with his professionalism, but also by being very supportive and with his excellent communication skills. I only wish that I had came to Mr. Morales sooner for his professional assistance and representation. Mr. Morales' law firm is a great professional team with outstanding leadership and talented professionals. I'm glad I was referred by a good friend. I am very satisfied with Mr. Morales' services as my trusted attorney and I highly recommend him to everyone. Thank You Mr. Morales for all your help, support and for your outstanding representation! Respectfully, Guadalupe A. Whitt
Read less
Posted by ChadThompson | January 20, 2015
Leonard Morales
Leonard was very detail-oriented and composed witness and CPS testimonial very eloquently. Urging the judges deliberation and consequentially making her decision virtually effortless in terms of granting my custody of my two infant girls to me. Finalization of the judges orders were in 2010, and now for five years, my girls have been growing in a safe and healthy environment thanks to this honest and hard working VET. Thanks Mr. Morales
Read less
Posted by anonymous | February 3, 2012
Best choice we could of made
Going into my husband's trial I was so scared I had never been that scared in my life. The outcome of this trial would determine my life, my children's lives, and most off all the way my future life would turn out. Would my husband be found guilty and spend the rest of life incarcerated for a crime he did not commit? Would we regain our lives prior to these allegations? I had my life and my trust put on Mr. Morales and to be honest I did not know what to expect. I had never seen him prior to the first day of trial but my husband was in constant contact with him and he told me that Mr. Morales made him feel like we could reach the light at the end of the tunnel and over come this. I had to put my faith on Mr. Morales and he delivered and more. He was unbelievable the way he carried himself on the first day and the rest of the of the trial was a breath of fresh air. I gained my life, my sense of relief, and most off all my family gained the knowledge that my husband would be exonerated. Our lives have slowly come to the point were we left of before this nightmare began and that is all to the fantastic work Mr. Morales did during my husband's trial. Words could never do justice to the fantastic work Mr. Morales did. I would highly recommend him and his excellent and professional way he carries himself. We made the best choice by seeking the services from the best lawyer in El Paso
Read less
Posted by Christina | March 8, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Scammer
Not sure who are these people giving this guy 5 star but I am positive he is either giving these stars to himself from multiple accounts or bunch of family members. Do not waste your time and money hiring this guy.. This guy is Nothing more than a Scam.
Response from Leonard Morales February 23, 2023
I have no idea who this is or whether this person was a client of mine or a one time consultation. I can't comment or respond without some idea of the issue.
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney and Counselor at Law
  • Law Office of Leonard Morales
  • 2006 - Present
  • Associate Attorney,
  • Bramblett & Associates, P.C.
  • 2003 - 2005
  • Judge Advocate,
  • United States Army, Judge Advocate General's Corps
  • 1998 - 2003
  • Judge Advocate, (Retired)
  • United States Judge Advocate General's Corps
  • 1991 - 2014
View all work experience

Education

  • Temple University
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1998
  • University of Houston, main campus
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1994
  • New Mexico Military Institute
  • Associates of Arts
  • 1991

Legal Cases

  • State of Texas v. Ivan Romo
  • Probation from the Jury
  • State of Texas v. O. Guerrero, Felony Domestic Violence
  • Acquitted - Not Guilty on all Counts after Jury Trial
  • United States v. M. Franco, Federal Drug Case
  • Acquitted - Not Guilty on all Counts after Jury Trial
View all legal cases

Associations

  • United States Supreme Court
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Mexican American Bar Association - El Paso
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Federal Bar Association (Western District of Texas)
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • El Paso Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • State Bar of Texas
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish
  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Most Feared Lawyers
  • Most Feared Lawyers 2016
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Invitation to Membership
  • National Child Abuse Defense & Resource Center
  • 2014
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Outstanding Lawyer
  • El Paso Bar Association
  • 2012
  • Dean's List
  • Temple University School of Law
  • 1998
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Indigent Defense Training
  • Collateral Consequences of Civilian Criminal Involvement for Military Members
  • 2012
  • Soldier's Rights Panel
  • Civil Military Justice and the Soldier
  • 2012
  • PBS Frontline
  • Child Deaths, Blunt Force or Shaken Baby Syndrome
  • 2011
  • Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans
  • Military Divorce and Service of Process Abroad
  • 2011
  • Family Law and the Military
  • Division of Military Retirement
  • 2008
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (15)
Given (15)
Endorse Leonard
Criminal defense Attorney | May 10
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Lenny. Lenny is an outstanding trial attorney, and advocate for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Leonard is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Great advocate for his clients and a credit to the profession."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr Morales's background as a former ADA, his military service and immense knowledge of the UCMJ will serve you well. If you are in or near El Paso do yourself a favor and call him for a consultation. KUDOS"
Unknown Attorney | Aug 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Military law Attorney | Apr 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Leonard Morales--he is an experienced, well-rounded attorney who knows exactly what Askers on Avvo meant to ask, what they're not understanding, and what they need to hear."
Federal crime Attorney | Mar 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Hard charging zealous defense."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Oct 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Estate planning
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Real estate
Criminal defense
Lawsuits and disputes
Criminal defense
Military law
Military law
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense