James Richard Butler, Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston, Texas
Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI
Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Lawyer
Houston, TX
Practicing criminal defense in Houston since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
James Richard Butler is an attorney based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI. James has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Lawyer.
- Based in
- Houston, TX
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI matters from Houston, TX.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About James Richard Butler: James Richard Butler is an attorney based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI. James has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Lawyer.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on criminal defense and dui/dwi. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Houston, Texas
James takes criminal defense matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Houston, Texas
James takes dui/dwi matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James Richard Butler — criminal defense lawyer in Houston
James Richard Butler is an attorney based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI. James has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Lawyer.
Jim Butler’s law practice is devoted entirely to DWI defense in Harris, and surrounding counties. Jim’s professional journey includes becoming Board Certification in DUI Defense, from the DUI Defense Lawyer's Association. He is trained as a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor, and he also completed the Drug Recognition Overview course. Jim completed coursework at Axion Labs in Forensic Chromatography: Theory and Practice, Forensic Analysis of Solid Drugs, and Forensic Principles of DUID. He also earned the distinction of being named an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist.
Jim is a 2012 graduate of The Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, where he gained insights into learning and telling the client’s story in trial. He is actively involved in legal associations, including his role as a Founding Member and Texas Ambassador of the DUI Defense Lawyer's Association. Additionally, he's a member of the National College for DUI Defense, The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association, The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, and The College of The State Bar of Texas, a society of legal scholars dedicated to continued legal education. He was a Course Director and Faculty Member of the 2024 DUIDLA Fall Seminar in Austin, Texas, where he presented on “Preparing Your DWI Case for Trial.”
Jim has an impressive trial resume, winning both breath and blood test cases ranging from “no test” cases, all the way up to his highest blood test case, which was .249.
Outside of his legal pursuits, Jim takes pride in his 30-year marriage to his wife Gail, and in being a supportive father to his children, Sophia, age 20 and Connor, age 22 who are both pursuing college degrees. Jim's leisure activities include motorcycle riding on his 2010 Road Glide, and boating in the East Galveston Bay.
How James handles criminal defense matters
Jim Butler’s law practice is devoted entirely to DWI defense in Harris, and surrounding counties. Jim’s professional journey includes becoming Board Certification in DUI Defense, from the DUI Defense Lawyer's Association. He is trained as a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor, and he also completed the Drug Recognition Overview course. Jim completed coursework at Axion Labs in Forensic…
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and dui/dwi matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
South Texas College of Law
J.D. · 1992
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Texas
1993 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in South Texas College of Law.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in South Texas College of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
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Locations
James Richard Butler's office in Houston
James's primary office is at 11500 Northwest Freeway #400, Houston, TX, 77092. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Lawyer
11500 Northwest Freeway #400
Houston, TX 77092
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James Richard Butler — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Houston, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Richard Butler
How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Texas typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Houston?
James is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas
James handles criminal defense matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Texas
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
