Valera Appeals & Appellate Lawyers

Professional Summary
Experienced appellate and criminal defense counsel with accomplished background in State and Federal litigation. Over twenty years of experience in both whitecollar and blue-collar cases ranging from State misdemeanors to Federal felonies.

Education
University of Texas School of Law,
J.D., cum laude – 1995

Academic Publications
Yes: Juries Can and Should Correct the Overly Broad use of Criminal
Sanctions, in W.R. Palacios, P.F. Cromwell, R.G. Dunham, ed., Crime and Justice in America: Present Realities and Future Prospects, Prentice Hall,
2002

Jury Nullification: The Evolution of a Doctrine (Carolina Academic Press, 1998) 334 pages.

Professional...

A native of Commerce and Temple, Texas, Attorney Paul F. Wieneskie brings over 30 years of practice experience to Bailey & Galyen, with an emphasis on civil appeals, municipal law (representing cities or private citizens), economic development concerns, and land use and planning. He has been board-certified in civil appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1994, an honor accorded to less than one in every ten lawyers in the state of Texas. He is also AV-rated by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System®* (since 1997). Paul has successfully represented clients...

Austin, Texas based criminal defense lawyer, E. G. "Gerry" Morris, has since 1977 represented individuals accused of state and federal crimes, both in trial and on appeal. He is Board Certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has been elected by other criminal defense attorneys to leadership positions in both state and national organizations. He served as president of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association during the 1997-98 term and is also Past President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

The legal community as a whole has, through peer rating, given him...

Lonnie Roach works aggressively to help clients who have been denied or lost their long term disability benefits, social security disability benefits (SSDI), ERISA appeals or insurance benefits. He assists clients in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso, Galveston, Corpus Christi and throughout the state of Texas. Roach is an AV rated attorney pursuant to the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings and has been successfully helping people fight for their rights against big insurance companies and the government since 1993. He was named to the prestigious Super Lawyers list of Thomson Reuters in 2016. A...

At the Houston, Texas law firm of Abraham Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, firm partner Brant J. Stogner consistently tries cases to verdict, successfully trying 12 cases in his first three years at the firm. Today, he exclusively represents plaintiffs, focusing his practice on catastrophic personal injury matters, product defect cases, gas explosions, drownings, 18 wheeler and commercial auto accidents. Brant is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in personal injury trial law and received this certification within the first five years of legal practice. In 2009, Brant won the largest verdict in Texas...

I am a board certified family law attorney practicing in Austin, Texas. I have been licensed and practicing in Austin since 1994 and I have been board certified in family law since 2000. My firm has 3 associate attorneys, all working toward board certification, but also practicing exclusively family law, and I have 3 paralegals, all board certified in family law, with an average career of over 25 years. We pride ourselves in helping our clients navigate this difficult time in their lives and to work toward unique solutions for their unique families. We have all...

Steve Jumes is Certified in Criminal Law by the State of Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2003. Before becoming a defense practitioner, he was supervisor of the Grand Jury Division of the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office as well as specialized in the prosecution of sexual and physical child abuse cases for that office. While working as a a prosecutor for the Dallas County District Attorney's Office he specialized in Public Integrity prosecutions. Additionally, while working for the United States Attorney's Office in the Northern District of Texas he handled white collar cases involving tax refund fraud, wire fraud,...

Scott handles a wide range of contested and non-contested family law matters including divorces, custody disputes, child support enforcements, property divisions, modifications of previous orders, prenuptial agreements and paternity issues.

Scott is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Jack Ternan's practice includes extensive experience in commercial litigation, business litigation, arbitration, appeals and appellate, corporate litigation, real estate litigation, breach of contract, open government litigation, partnership / business divorce disputes, and other civil litigation. Mr. Ternan also has experience in advising businesses and individuals on how to resolve or settle disputes without litigation. Jack Ternan grew up in Plano, Texas, where he currently resides with his wife and sons. Prior to starting the Ternan Law Firm, Mr. Ternan was a partner at Bickel & Brewer, now known as Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors. He has been...

I help people and businesses solve legal problems and plan for the future. My clients range from individuals who have never used a lawyer to banks and multi-national corporations. I provide honest, straight forward advice and solutions that are designed to accomplish your goals, protect your assets, avoid disputes, and save you time, money, and headaches. So, if you need to plan your own estate, need help handling the estate or affairs of a family member, or have a legal issue impacting your business, give me a call. In addition to myself, my firm has lawyers who specialize in real...

David Hodges, founding partner at Hodges & Foty, LLP, was born in McAllen, Texas, and moved to Cypress when he was seven. He attended Cy-Fair Senior High School, and discovered he wanted to go to law school after participating in a mock trial in his senior government class.

After graduation, he joined the Corps of Cadets and attended Texas A&M University where he earned his B.S. degree in 1989. After graduating from Texas A&M University, he was immediately commissioned in the Navy and deployed to the Persian Gulf. When he transferred from active duty to the Navy Reserves, he...

Mr. Mickelsen is "AV" rated by Martindale Hubbell, an independent evaluation which identifies a lawyer with "very high to preeminent legal ability". He was also voted by his peers as a "Super Lawyer" in criminal defense in 2004 - 2014. In his six years at the Federal Public Defender's Office, Mr. Mickelsen acquired extensive experience in virtually every kind of federal criminal case, including numerous high profile "white-collar" cases. In 1998, Mr. Mickelsen left the public defender's office to form the partnership of Broden & Mickelsen. Broden & Mickelsen represents clients in federal courts throughout...

I am a former prosecutor, and have been practicing criminal law since 2007. I am an aggressive trial lawyer that will fight for your rights! I was recently voted best criminal defense attorney, best criminal appellate attorney, and best juvenile attorney in Hays County.

In an award-winning legal general-practice, Mr. Howard Glass, Esq. and his legal Team of Professionals provide and assist clients with a "vast & various range of legal topics, matters, & cases." Skilled & experienced, Mr. Glass was again recognized several times during this year, including his induction into the College of the State Bar of Texas & the Texas Bar's Pro Bono College & "Client Satisfaction" awards by both the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys & the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. Mr. Glass' downtown Houston-based firm not only practices virtually "every 'traditional' area of Texas State...

Chris Perri is an award-winning criminal defense attorney dedicated to getting the best possible outcomes for his clients. With over 15 years of experience practicing criminal defense in Austin and all over Texas, Chris Perri has successfully helped clients win trials, overturn wrongful convictions, get cases dismissed, and expunge records. He’s had successful outcomes in a variety of areas, including: Appeals, DWI and DUI in Austin, Writs, Assault, Family Violence, Drug Possession, Theft, Expungements, Cyber Crimes, and more.

Through personalized, compassionate, and client-focused service, Chris Perri will protect your rights and prepare a vigorous defense that ensures the best possible...

Robert Chisholm's law practice focuses on representing disabled veterans in the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and before the Department of Veterans Affairs. Robert has been representing disabled veterans since 1990. During his extensive career, Robert has successfully represented veterans before the Board of Veterans' Appeals, Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Robert is a founding member of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Bar Association and served as President of that organization for the year 2002-2003. Mr. Chisholm served as the President of the...

Attorney Jason Horton has been a trial lawyer in Texas and Arkansas since 2003. He earned his B.A. with honors from Texas Lutheran University, where he was also the starting running back on the football team, and obtained his J.D. with honors from Texas Tech School of Law.
Jason started his legal career as an associate attorney at a civil law firm in Texarkana, where he handled a wide range of cases, from criminal law and personal injury to business litigation and class action lawsuits. In 2010, he formed Jason Horton Law.
Jason has successfully handled cases in state and federal courts...

I work with clients to help them succeed, whether this involves setting up a new business, working with them to understand and comply with complicated federal and state laws, developing their estate plan and preparing the necessary documents, or helping them resolve their firearm legal issues.

I can work with you by providing the following legal services:

(1) Business Law: Work with businesses owners to plan their organization, develop the legal documents necessary to get their business started, and address their ongoing legal concerns

(2) Regulatory Compliance: Work with business owners to help them understand and comply with statutory and regulatory requirements so...

We Help Recover Denied Long Term Disability/Accidental Death/Life Insurance Benefits/ERISA. IT'S ALL WE DO! FORMER Insurance Company Attorney. NOW 100% Helping People Get Benefits. Click our website link for my FREE Claim Guide your insurance company doesn't want you to read! LOUISIANA BASED 30+ Years. I BEGAN practice as an insurance company attorney defending AGAINST personal injury and wrongful death accidents, from automobile and truck and eighteen wheeler accidents to offshore, maritime and Jones Act accidents. After leaving the insurance defense practice to serve as a Louisiana felony prosecutor for a few years, I founded McNamara Law Offices to fight against...

A former Harris County prosecutor, Rosario Stornello has since gone on to become one of Houston's leading criminal defense attorneys. With nearly a decade of experience as a prosecutor, Rosario has a unique insight into the workings of the criminal justice system and he brings this understanding to the table in his work defending clients. His work as a defense lawyer has earned him accolades such as the 10.0 "Superb" score on Avvo and inclusion in the Houstonia Top Lawyers list.

Sean’s years of experience as an active-duty US Army Captain in the selective and prestigious US Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps are a valuable asset to Tully Rinckey PLLC’s military law practice group. Having served his country honorably at the largest military installation in the world in Fort Hood, Texas as a Judge Advocate from 2009 until 2013, Sean is an aggressive and tenacious advocate for all service members facing legal issues. He is able to pull from his significant and diverse experience as an active-duty attorney in the Army JAG Corps, and as a civilian military law attorney,...

Attorney Camille Knight focuses her practice on Federal Criminal and Civil Law matters. She has represented individuals and companies in investigations and dispositions pre-indictment. She has also represented individuals and companies in criminal proceedings post-indictment, through trial, to appeals and post-conviction litigation. Call today for a consultation.

Jim Dunnam is a Board Certified Specialist in both Civil Trial Law and Family Law. Jim was born and has spent his entire life in Waco. He graduated from Baylor University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and from Baylor Law School in 1987 with a Juris Doctor degree. Since being licensed to practice law in 1988, Jim has worked as a member of Dunnam & Dunnam, where he is a partner. Jim was named Young Lawyer of the Year by Baylor University in 2001. Among other positions, Jim has served on...

Robert Sirianni, Jr. is Managing Partner at Brownstone Law Firm, focusing on Federal appeals nationwide. The attorneys at Brownstone provide aggressive strategies in your industry or business, and exceptional resources and representation to best serve your needs. https://www.brownstonelaw.com

Troy Hornsby has been involved in over 250 appellate proceedings including civil and criminal appeals to Texas, Federal and Arkansas Courts of Appeals. He also has extensive experience in complex probate litigation matters.

After working at Houston mega-firms, Corpus Christi and Victoria mid-size firms, and two different Courts of Appeals, Leslie A. Werner opened her own firm in Victoria, TX, in 2007 under The Soliz Law Group, her then-married last name. Leslie has taken what she learned from her variety of experiences and has not only become a well-rounded attorney but created a firm that has embodied the best attributes of her previous workplaces. Her experience at the 1st and 13th Court of Appeals and her association with the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for Civil Appeals has allowed her to be the...

I am Amie Augenstein, I thank you for considering my firm for legal representation. After living in Dallas for over 15 years, my family and I recently relocated to Corpus Christi. Prior to opening my firm here, I worked as an associate for a Dallas Employment Law Firm I represent both Employers and Employees, which gives me insight into both sides and keeps me sharp from every angle of any legal issue that comes up.

I am experienced in several areas of law, such as Criminal Law, Employment Law, Mental Health Law, Juvenile Law, Contract Law, Family Law, and Guardianship...

As the managing shareholder of Hendershot Cowart P.C., I look out for the best interest of our clients by utilizing our many years of combined experience practicing business law, business litigation, health law, and regulatory compliance. Our tagline is: "Your Attorneys. Your Team. Your Law Firm for Life." And that's true. It's my approach to client service, and it lays the foundation for our collaboration – now and into the future. My decision to practice law was inspired by the strong work ethic of my father and grandfather. Being a successful attorney requires dedication and experience. Whether reviewing an employment contract or...

Dan focuses on real estate litigation and transactions, estate planning and probate, and general civil litigation matters. He draws on his experience as a former County Court at Law Judge in Hays County handling thousands of civil and criminal matters. He is an AV-Preeminent rated lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell and recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer® (a Thompson Reuters rating service) in the area of General Litigation. He served as law clerk to Justice Davie L. Wilson of the First Court of Appeals in Houston before practicing for several years in the commercial litigation section a large Austin-based law firm. He is...

William B. (“Bill”) Connolly is from Houston, Texas and he has been a family, juvenile, protective services trial and appellate attorney for nearly 40 years. He is Board Certified in Family Law and Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a NACC Child Welfare Law Specialist and is a bar leader in the creation of the newly approved Texas Child Welfare Law Board Specialization. Bill is a former Adjunct Professor of Juvenile Law and has lectured and mentored attorneys, judges, CPS (DFPS) officials, juvenile court officials and healthcare professionals on a variety of subjects including substance...

Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition Defense, OFAC SDN Sanctions List Removal, and US Seizure of Non-Resident, Foreign-Owned Assets. Because we have experience in dealing with INTERPOL, our firm understands the inter-relationship that INTERPOL's "Red Notice" brings to this equation. The firm has several offices throughout the United States and personally handles the cases.

Gerald “Gerry” Harris Goldstein is a nationally known and respected defense lawyer and Past President of both the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Texas Lawyer’s Legal Legends, has been profiled in numerous publications, has served as an adjunct professor of law at University of Texas School of Law in Austin and at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, and is a fellow in the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of...

Sean Pevsner established this law firm with his best friend, Mark Whitburn. They have been best friends since 1986. Mr. Whitburn assisted Mr. Pevsner throughout these years. This firm is one among many goals which they have accomplished together. For more on their story, please visit our news page. Mr. Pevsner is a University of Texas Law graduate with severe cerebral palsy who operates a motorized wheelchair by the use of head movements. Due to his quadriplegia, he cannot write but must rely on an interpreter or a specialized computer to do...

David Scoggins was born in Dallas, Texas and has been a lifelong Texan. He graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and thereafter graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree. He immediately obtained his license to practice law from the Supreme Court of the State of Texas and shortly thereafter was licensed in the Federal Courts of the United States. In 1981, David Scoggins commenced the practice of law in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex and has resolved over 6,000 criminal cases. He has represented citizens accused in...

Jennifer Bennett, armed with a background in English and Law and well-versed in accounting, is the editing, accounting, and administrative arm of the Bennett & Bennett legal duo. Born and raised in the Houston suburbs, Jennifer Bennett proudly graduated from Dulles High School in Sugar Land, Texas. She earned her bachelor's degree in English from the University of Houston, and later continued her education at the University of Houston Law Center, where she not only received her law degree but also kindled a romantic relationship with Mark Bennett. Jennifer also dedicated her time to studying accounting at the University of...

During Law School, Sarah spent two semesters in SMU’s Criminal Defense Clinic handling over 120 misdemeanor cases in Dallas County and overseeing other student attorneys as a Clinic Chief. She took the Texas State Bar Exam and received her license to practice in 2012.

Since being accepted to the Texas State Bar, she has handled hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases in multiple Counties including: Denton, Dallas, Collin, and Tarrant. Sarah began her own practice September of 2016 at her Denton Office. She is often referred to as “Coco” by her fellow Denton attorneys. Sarah has had a considerable amount...

Hamp Skelton grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Princeton University in 1978 and from the University of Texas School of Law in 1981. He and his wife, Karen, have three sons, now all in their mid-20s. Hamp has tried lawsuits in Texas for more than 40 years. He began his career at Vinson & Elkins in Houston in 1981, practicing in its commercial litigation section. He moved back to to Austin in 1986, joining Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld. He built a litigation section for that office, serving as partner in charge of litigation. His present...