A firm believer that our justice system only works when every individual is vigorously defended, Javier has built a career defined by tireless advocacy and results. He has secured acquittals in both federal and state courts, and achieved numerous dismissals in complex criminal matters — including cases involving international drug conspiracies, human smuggling, and large-scale fraud. Because of his success in high-stakes matters, Javier has been recognized by his peers as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the State of Texas.
Born in Mexico and raised in Laredo, Texas, Javier draws on his immigrant experience to connect deeply with his clients and their families. His perspective reminds him that behind every case is a life, a story, and a future worth fighting for.
When he’s not in court, Javier spends time with his wife — a state public defender — and their two young children at their home in Houston.
Significant Wins
- Represented an individual in a large scale Medicare fraud federal grand jury investigation. The government declined to bring charges.
- Represented an individual in a mortgage fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering federal grand jury investigation. The government declined to bring charges.
- Represented an individual in a federal tax fraud investigation. The government declined to bring charges.
- Represented an alleged drug kingpin in a drug conspiracy case. After filing a motion to dismiss alleging a speedy trial violation, the Court granted the motion and all charges were dismissed.
- Represented an individual in a federal human smuggling case. After winning a motion to suppress evidence, the government dismissed all charges.
- Represented an alleged member of Tren de Aragua in an international drug conspiracy case. After pointing out the weaknesses of the government’s case at a bond hearing, the government later dismissed all charges.
Bar Admissions
- Texas, 2013
- United States District Court – Southern District of Texas, 2014
- United States District Court – Eastern District of Texas, 2014
- United States District Court – Northern District of Texas, 2020
- United States District Court – Western District of Texas, 2020
- United States District Court – Northern District of Florida, pro hac vice, 2017
- United States District Court – Western District of Louisiana, pro hac vice, 2018
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Education
- South Texas College of Law, J.D., 2013
- The University of Texas at Austin, B.A., 2009
Professional Associations
- Federal Bar Association, 2017
- Mexican American Bar of Houston Association, 2017
- Hispanic Bar Association of Houston, 2017
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, 2016
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2016
Awards
- Texas Super Lawyers – Rising Stars, 2021-2025
- Top 100 – The National Trial Lawyer’s Association, 2018
- Dean’s List, South Texas College of Law
- Evelyn Morris Scholarship, South Texas College of Law
- Academic Merit Scholarship, South Texas College of Law
- Top Grade: Texas Trial and Appellate Procedure, South Texas College of Law
- Top Grade: Criminal Trial Advocacy, South Texas College of Law
- Dean’s List: The University of Texas at Austin
