Joseph Ruiz

DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyer

Biography

Joseph Ruiz was born in Spain and raised in Houston, Texas. Following graduation from Klein Forest High School, Joseph earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University and his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. While attending law school, Joseph clerked for a medical malpractice firm and served as a staff writer for the prestigious St. Mary’s Law Journal. As a newly minted lawyer, he worked in commercial litigation, representing large corporations. He quickly realized that his true passion was fighting for the freedom and constitutional rights of individuals charged with crimes.

After ten years of fighting in countless courtrooms for a big law firm and trying over 325 jury trials, Mr. Ruiz founded the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC with the mission of expanding access to exceptional, personalized DWI and criminal defense representation to the people of Harris County, and its surrounding counties, at reasonable fees.

Additionally, as a fluent Spanish speaker, Joseph is uniquely positioned to protect a broader cross-section of the community. Mr. Ruiz believes it to be an honor and privilege to advocate for his clients’ freedom. Joseph is happily married and enjoys playing basketball, reading, and traveling in his spare time.

Memberships & Affiliations

AV-Rated Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers – Criminal Defense
AVVO 10/10 Superb Rating
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
DUI Defense Lawyers Association
State Bar of Texas, Criminal Justice Section
College of the State Bar of Texas
Municipal Justice Bar Association of Texas

The State Bar of Texas mandates that lawyers complete at least 15 hours of CLE (continuing legal education) every year in order to maintain their license in good standing. As a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Mr. Ruiz has committed to doing at least 30 hours of CLE annually. In order to stay abreast of the rapidly changing legal landscape and keep his sword sharp, Joseph far exceeds the College’s requirements by completing approximately 50 hours of additional training every year. The following represent some, but not all, of the additional training that Mr. Ruiz has recently undertaken to better prepare to defend his clients:

2011

2/19/11 Renee Gonnzalez Practical Skills Traffic Law Seminar (7 hours)
3/4/11 Cross-examination (14 hours)
6/16/11 Investigation: How to get everything you need for trial or dismissal (1 hour)
8/12/11 9^th annual top gun DWI – blood, breath and beyond (13.25 hours)
8/20/11 19^th annual traffic law update (6 hours)
9/9/11 Class C misdemeanors (1 hour)
9/22/11 2011 Legislative Update (1.5 hours)
11/17/11 Defending drug cases (1 hour)
12/9/11 Class C misdemeanors (1 hour)
12/9/11 Speaking engagement on trial tactics (3.5 hours)
12/15/11 Non-disclosures and expunction practice (1 hour)

2012

1/19/12 The brain on trial: neuroscience and criminal conduct (1 hour)
2/14/12 Jury selection (1.5 hours)
2/23/12 Eyewitness identification: wrongful convictions & trial (1 hour)
3/29/12 ALR/Occupational license practice in Harris County (1 hour)
4/26/12 Federal practice (1 hour)
5/11/12 Class C misdemeanors (1 hour)
5/17/12 Trial tactics from the trenches (1 hour)
6/9/12 25^th annual Rusty Duncan advanced criminal law course (17.50 hours)
6/21/12 Presenting the defense case: closing argument (1.5 hours)
8/10/12 Class C misdemeanors (1 hour)
8/25/12 20^th annual traffic law update (7 hours)
8/30/12 Cross-examining expert witnesses (1.5 hours)
9/27/12 How to get what you need: subpoenas and open records practice (1 hour)
12/6/12 Notable proposed bills in the Texas legislature (1 hour)

2013

1/11/13 Class C misdemeanors
1/31/13 Defending criminal cases: trial preparation (1.5 hours)
3/1/13 Handling you next DWI case (6.25 hours)
5/31/13 Training day: criminal law (9 hours)
8/17/13 21^st annual traffic law update (7 hours)
8/22/13 Criminal defenses (1.5 hours)
8/23/13 11^th annual top gun DWI (7 hours)
9/26/13 Closing arguments (1 hour)

2014

1/30/14 Pre-trial motion practice (1 hour)
2/6/14 Understanding the Michael Morton Act (1.5 hours)
2/22/14 Renee Gonzalez practical skills traffic law seminar (7 hours)
3/26/14 Handling sexual assault cases (1.5 hours)
4/30/14 Effective jury selection (1.5 hours)
5/8/14 Forensic laboratory accreditation and cross-examination (2 hours)
5/28/14 Handling DWI cases (1.5 hours)
7/11/14 Lonestar DWI: blood draw cases (7.25 hours)
7/30/14 Opening statements: finding the theme of your case (1.5 hours)
8/16/14 22^nd annual traffic law update (7 hours)
9/1/14 Legal writing credit for published article: Prostitution Trial Tactics (8 hours)
9/18/14 Standard field sobriety tests (1 hour)
9/18/14 How to win with bad facts (1.5 hours)

2015

1/15/15 How to try criminal cases without being afraid (1.5 hours)
2/19/15 Guns & ammo for lawyers (2 hours)
3/6/15 A taste of jury selection (13.5 hours)
6/22/15 Self-study credit
7/16/15 How to secure an acquittal (1.5 hours)
8/15/15 23^rd annual traffic law update (7 hours)
8/21/15 13^th annual top gun DWI (7.25 hours)
11/12/15 Making objections at trial (1.5 hours)
11/20/15 Dealing with the practice: balance & ethics (6.25 hours)
12/10/15 Trial techniques: tips, tricks, and traps (1.5 hours)

2016

3/22/16Defending DWI Blood test cases (1.5 hours)
2/24/16petitions for non-disclosures & expunctions (1.5 hours)
2/13/16Renee gonzalez practical skill traffic law seminar X (7 hours)
1/22/16Rethinking criminal justice 2016 (6.75 hours)

2017

3/28/17Grand Jury packets (1.50 hours)
5/30/17Lessons from the past: how to prepare to win (1.50 hours)
6/21/1730^th Annual rusty duncan advanced criminal law course (14 hours)
6/28/17Defending people while dealing with adversity (1.50 hours)
8/17/1715^th Annual top gun DWI (7.25 hours)
8/22/17E-file in harris county criminal courts (2 hours)
11/30/17Cross examination skills (2.50 hours)

2018

1/26/185^th annual lone star DWI – Drugs, Blood, and DWI (6.75 hours)
2/17/18Teaching at Accredited CLE activity (4 hours)
3/9/18Harris county class C misdemeanors 3918 (1 hours)
4/25/18DUIDLA 2018 spring seminar (12.50 hours)
8/15/18Defending People (1.50 hours)
9/12/18Phones, Forensics, & Snitches (13 hours)

2019

6/12/1932^nd Annual rusty duncan (17.75 hours)
8/15/19Teaching at accredited CLE activity (2 hours)
8/15/19legal writing credit ()7.50 hours
8/15/1917^th annual top gun (6 hours)
9/3/19Lanier trail academy master class 4.0 (16.75 hours)
9/18/19DUIDLA fall seminaer (12.50 hours)
10/17/19Pozner on cross: the chapter method (6 hours)

2020

1/31/20DNA (7.25 hours)
2/22/20Teaching at accredited CLE activity (4.50 hours)
5/3/20mindful monday -P050420 (1 hours)
5/10/20mindful monday -P051120 (1 hours)
8/13/20Top gun DWI XVIII (7.75 hours)
11/13/20Handing your first (or next) criminal appeals case (6 hours)

2021

1/16/212021 Winter session: from interview to verdict (11.25 hours)
3/9/21Cross examination (12.75 hours)
3/16/21Mitigation / investigator (1.75 hours)
5/10/21Federal court practice 2019 (Qualifies for admission to sout) (6.50 hours)
5/12/212021 Attorney admission workshop (2 hours)
7/14/212021 Summer session (5.50 hours)

2022

1/21/229^th annual lone star DWI: back in the fight (6.50 hours)
2/24/22Strategies from personal injury trail titans: evaluating and (1.50 hours)
3/21/22Padilla v. kentucky for criminal defense attorneys (1 hour)
6/16/2235^th Annual rusty duncan advanced criminal law course (18.50 hours)
6/20/22lanier trail academy master class 6.0 (19 hours)

Community Outreach

Aside from providing excellent representation to its clients, the firm also takes pride in giving back to the community. Unfortunately, several members of Joseph Ruiz’s family have had to endure battles with cancer. The firm makes it a priority to donate a portion of its proceeds to non-profits geared toward the advancement of cancer research and treatments and is always looking for opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of cancer patients, especially children. Any non-profit organization seeking sponsorship from the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz is welcome to contact us today to discuss how we can team up to make a difference.

How can we help you

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281-300-8695 or fill out the form below and
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Anytime you're in need of a lawyer obviously you're going through something challenging, trying and most of the times unexpected... The law office of Mr Ruiz seems to know this first hand. From the first…

Michael Felix

Mr. Ruiz is an excellent attorney and a wonderful person who saved my life. I got entangled in two cases(felony and misdemeanor). I was clueless how to handle the situation. Fortunately I came across Mr.…

Manju Ram

Mr. Ruiz managed my DUI case and got it dismissed like a champ!!! When I got pulled over and was subjected to the procedure, it built a lot of nervousness, anxiety and fear. I talked…

Ron Anonymous

Honestly, i have relationships with lawyers that have met in the past and i had yet to meet Mr Ruiz. Im from out of town and got recommended to Mr Ruiz because my lawyer from…

Tony Torres

Before contacting Mr. Ruiz I had no idea what the outcome of my case would be. He made sure I understood everything that was going on throughout the entire legal process and was easy to…

cannon woodward

I have enjoyed Mr. Ruiz handling my husband's case. He assured me that he would not disappoint us, and he kept his word. It was a joy and peace knowing that everything would work out…

Sharon Thomas

Mr Ruiz is a fighter!!! Reduced my felony DWI down to a class B misdemeanor!! Was extremely relieved with the outcome and made the long court process go by smooth! Will definitely recommend!10 stars!!!

Junbugg Sanchez

Let me first say I am THANKFUL to have of found the right attorney to help me with my situation. There are so many attorneys out here that will give you the run around on…

Amber Rose Martinez

I highly recommend Mr.Ruiz as he is very good at what he does. He has wonderful responsiveness and he ultimately got my felony dismissed right before Christmas! Having Mr. Ruiz on my side was the…

megan reid

I STRONGLY recommend Mr. Ruiz! After being charged with my first DWI i contacted Mr. Ruiz. Mr. Ruiz would constantly keep me updated and would always go that extra mile. Although i had what seemed…

Mariano

I can't thank Joseph Ruiz enough for his professional, personal attention and care he put into a difficult situation with my son. The outcome he was able to negotiate for the case was unexpected and…

Mark G

Mr. Ruiz was very helpful and straight forward. Got my 2nd Dwi case dismissed. Definitely will be recommending him to anyone that needs a lawyer for this or similar situations.

Jaime Moncivais

First class service from start to finish (dismissal). Excellent communication and knowledge put my mind at ease during the process. Joseph Ruiz deserves his excellent reputation!

Carl Emery

I highly recommend Mr. Ruiz! I'm extremely thankful to have had Mr. Ruiz representing me. I am very pleased with the outcome of his hard work and turning a felony into a misdemeanor. Thank you…

C Gonzalez

The process for my case was extremely smooth from beginning to end. All of my questions where answered, constant communication throughout every step. I am very grateful that I chose to work with Joseph Ruiz.

carmen damian

Best lawyer in town hands down! He will get you the best result possible while keeping you well informed on every possible outcome and decision. Highly recommended!

Emmanuel Opara

I would highly recommend Mr. Ruiz to anyone, he is a very good at what he does and definitely proved himself to be someone you want on your side representing your case. When I came…

Julian Quintanilla

I want to take the time and give my full appreciation and thank you to Attorney Joseph Ruiz. Being my first time offense I was lost in who to trust to represent my case. I…

luis Mondragon

I just want to thank The Joseph Ruiz Law Firm for taking my case even though it stepped over the county line. I reached out to this particular law firm by recommendations from several Harris…

Santiago Vazquez

Joseph just got my case dismissed today. Thank you for your helps. We would highly recommend Joseph to our friends and family members if they are in need of a lawyer.

Loc H

Joseph Ruiz is truly a life saver! I am a wounded warrior with PTSD and he fought to the bone to get me the best justice and verdict. DISMISSAL!! He communicated with me weekly and…

Sharea North

At a time of difficultly when your faced with a family member charged with a 1st offense. You never know which attorney you can trust with the life of your family member who is young…

Patricia Herrero

Mr Ruiz is the best criminal defense Attorney. Hands down no doubt. If you have any criminal charges you facing please refer to the law office of Joseph Ruiz because your case is in good…

Umoru Inu umoru

A very compassionate and detail oriented lawyer. Mr. Ruiz was able to fight and beat my case in a timely manner. Mr. Ruiz is someone who was with me the whole process, his communication set…

mostafa hadab

I was so stressed out about my case, it took me a couple months after my first court date to find a good lawyer plus with money wise and he accepts monthly plans! He did…

Vanessa Escalante

I am very appreciative of Mr. Ruiz’s professionalism, knowledge an experience. He will instill confidence in you immediately upon meeting with him. Communication with him is excellent and he is great at explaining processes with…

Brian Hinkle

Joseph Ruiz is an exceptional attorney. He is professional, courteous, diligent, and experienced. He knows the law, and he treats his clients with respect and dignity. When you hire Joseph, you can trust you will…

Drew Prisner

Best decision I have ever done was hire Mr. Ruiz. He was able to get me a dismissal on an assault charge with a previous conviction. He gave me his cell phone number since day…

Ricky Rodriguez

Knowledgeable, methodical, concise, ... Mr. Ruiz is by far THE most effective and professional attorney I have ever dealt with. He handles his cases all by himself and will not forget about you. Mine took…

JESSE CARMICHAEL

Hire him! After contacting numerous attorneys in the area regarding a fairly new law, and being told I had no chance, I am so glad I found Joseph Ruiz! He was immensely knowledgable, answered the…

Natalie Alanis

Hire Mr. Ruiz he is a very professional and an amazing lawyer. After catching a dwi charge I was very worried especially about my status because I was a permanent resident at the time but…

Glody Mawana

Joseph Ruiz is an extremely knowledgeable and professional lawyer. He makes sure you get personalized one on one service and is someone you can entrust with your case. He went above and beyond for me.…

Kristina Rose Pretzsch

Mr. Ruiz is an exceptional attorney and is amazing at his job. I cannot have been more pleased with the results. He helped me get my DWI case dismissed during pre trial! I never even…

Cesar

Joseph is not only extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of criminal law, but he is fearless in fighting for his clients. He is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality of representation to…

Jacqueline Michel

Joseph Ruiz is one of the best DWI & Criminal defense attorney! He really cares about his clients and goes the extra mile. If you are ever in trouble with a criminal case Joseph is…

Roy Rolong

I worked with Joseph Ruiz for close to a decade. His office was next to mine. I witnessed him work late nights and long hours going over videos and reports and other evidence in preparation…

H. King

I have to say that Mr. Ruiz was recommended to me from a friend. I also to the time to check out his record. I was very impressed. Mr. Ruiz is very straightforward and is…

Tim Mccray

Amazing attorney! Would recommend him in a heartbeat. He is thorough, extremely knowledgeable, cautious, and patient. He cares for his client and fully engages his efforts in your case. Do not hesitate in contracting his…

Adriana Rubin

Joseph Ruiz explained very well my options each court date. He always gave me his opinion on what was best. Most of all what I enjoyed was the great communication he provided. There was no…

Andy Arroyo

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value I’d highly recommend Mr. Ruiz! He’s very professional and takes care of his clients. I didn’t see my way out of my situation at first but he definitely kept everything…

Jesus Munoz

Joseph is one of the hardest working attorneys I have ever had the pleasure of coming across. He is diligent in his work ethic and is one of the finest trial lawyers that I have…

Tej Paranjpe

I got into a situation where I had two DWI cases pending at the same time. Mr Ruiz dismissed both of them in a period of 3 months. He kept me updated with what’s going…

Miguel Martinez

I recommend 100% to all people who need the services of a lawyer for their excellent professionalism. My family and I are very grateful for having him defend our case. Do not hesitate to contact…

Carlos Manuel Valdivie

I couldn’t be any happier than to have been found NOT GUILTY at the Brazoria County court house after Mr. Ruiz had my case for 2 years. Mr. Ruiz was very professional and could not…

Adrian Cardenas

You’re such a brilliant lawyer. Thank for helping me through this tough time and aiding a new beginning of my life I am so grateful for your passion, dedication, and professionalism. You are truly the…

MustaFa Khan

Mr. Ruiz is extremely professional and will handle case with skill and efficiency. His guidance and advise are trusted and reliable. His personality is calming and assuring.

Ola Olaleye

If you are looking for an honest attorney who will truly fight for you and do what is in your best interest, I recommend you hire Joseph Ruiz. I referred a person to him who…

Diana Perez

I can't say enough about Joseph Ruiz! Not only was he helpful and super informative about the possible outcomes of my case, but I was able to call him after hours about any concerns or…

Liberate Your Mind

Joseph has a well-earned reputation as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in town. He knows the law inside and out and fights for his clients. As a result, I've seen him get excellent…

José Ceja

Joseph Ruiz was extremely diligent and knowledgeable of the law pertaining to my case. Mr. Ruiz was able to have my DWI case dismissed as well as winning my ALR hearing. Saving me from having…

Skaught Yourke

Joseph was there for me during one of the scariest times of my life. He has been reassuring, confident, efficient and did what he said he was going to do, however, he never over promised.…

Omar Naboulsi

The man of the Hour. Joseph Ruiz did exactly what he had promised me. Got my case dismissed. Very thankful and greatfull to have hired him as my attorney. Definitely

Joe “P” Varghese

Mr Ruiz is elequent, understanding swift and knowledgable. He has a calming presence in the midst of the courtroom circus. He helped me get a dismissal with case that could have gone much worse without…

micah Rideout

100% totally trust this guy. The best attorney around and will not stop fighting for you. Not a plea deal kind of guy. I recommend him to any and all who are in need of…

Adam V

After running into some trouble and finding Joseph through his great Google reviews I hired him. I am so pleased with the outcome, he made the process easy and breezy for such a horrible time…

Frankie Trevizo

Joseph has helped two of my uncles from both sides of my family through some tough times. One uncle was on his second or third offense in Harris County and was looking at serious jail…

rey davila

I would recommend Joseph to anyone because he is very professional and fair and simply gets you the outcome you not only want, but deserve. He was reachable and available whenever i needed to talk…

Roger JnMarie

Got A DWI dismissed thanks to Joseph's help. From pre-trial intervention program that I was getting first and then to a full DWI conviction, my case got dismissed! It feels really good. Joseph is an…

Chris R

I have no words to describe the outsatnding work of Mr Josehp Ruiz. No only he got my case Dismissed but he made the process easy and confident enough so I would'nt loose my sleep…

Carlos Osorio

Great lawyer ! Great results ! Very professional always kept me updated on my case, genuinely cares about clients. Definitely recommend!

Alexis Zavala

Mr. Joseph Ruiz has represented my son in several occasions and he has gotten almost all of them dismissed. I highly recommend Mr. Joseph Ruiz to any one in need of a great and sharp…

Petro One

Mr Ruiz is so awesome he was recommended by my friend I fired my lawyer and hire him and don't regret it at all he is so encouraging I was very worried about my case…

Lisa Hamilton

My family and I are very grateful for having him defend my brother's case. Not at all Heroes wear capes, some wear suits. My family and I can't thank him enough. I just wish him…

Eduardo Miranda

Mr. Ruiz was very informative and kept me updated on the whole process. He made the whole ordeal as easy and painless as possible.

Jose Quintana

Best lawyers in Houston!! He is sharp and very detailed lawyer. When he says he is going to do something trust me he is going to get it done with a fight!! And he is…

Winston Johnson

1000% recommended! He is very patient, professional, and tentative with his clients. Got a dismissal with him and his teams hard work. Thank you again! Hands down the BEST law firm.

Cassidyyy Schroeder

Excellent lawyer Very responsive and excellent litigator, have used him a couple of times and he has done a great job for very reasonable fees. Would definitely recommend to anyone that's looking for a good…

Hakim R

From the moment I contacted Mr.Ruiz I knew he was the right lawyer to hire, he would always keep me updated on my case and I could not thank him enough.

lsbugsbunny92

I will recommend Mr ruiz 100% to everyone who get a ticket he is a good lawyer he dismissed my husband dwi case fast that i expected he is a good professional lawyer and he…

Marco Mendoza

VERY THANKFUL WITH MR RUIZ I APPRECIATE EVRYTHING HE DID IN MY CASE..I RECOMMEND HIM..HIS THE BEST

Maria Maynez

He did a great job! He was very informative and helpful throughout the process! Very satisfied!

Darryl Tracy

One of the best lawyers very adaptable and understandable helps you in what he can and this at his fingertips won my DWI case with the best options and benefits.

Karen Rivas

He explains everything very well, step by step. Very satisfied with his work, it is worth hiring professional attorneys like Joseph Ruiz. Thanks

Carlos Loza

Without words, he was very attentive to his work. I take off my dwi in a very short time. I recommend it for people who care whoever helps them, it is definitely him. Thank you…

Meet Joseph Ruiz