Joseph Ruiz
DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyer
Biography
Joseph Ruiz was born in Spain and raised in Houston, Texas from the age of 3. Following graduation from Klein Forest High School in 1997, Joseph earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University in 2001 and his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2004. As a new lawyer working in civil litigation, he quickly realized that his true passion was fighting for the freedom and constitutional rights of individuals charged with crimes. He had to get into the courtroom to fight for the underdog.
Following a 9-year stint at a large law firm, and after trying hundreds of jury trials, Mr. Ruiz launched the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC in 2016 with the mission of expanding access to exceptional, personalized DWI and criminal defense representation to the people of Harris County, and its surrounding counties. While the firm can handle any type of criminal case, it continues to maintain an emphasis in DWI-related charges. As a member of The State Bar College, Joseph routinely completes 3-4 times the required number of continuing legal education hours annually to constantly improve his ability to defend his clients. In 2023, he received the Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation by the American Chemical Society, a level of preparation only achieved by 130 lawyers nationwide. This intensive hands-on training in forensic blood testing allows him to effectively attack the evidence in cases where the law intersects with science. He was selected as a Super Lawyer for DWI/Criminal Law in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, is AV-Preeminent-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, enjoys a 10/10 AVVO rating, was selected by Houstonia Magazine as a Top Lawyer, and has been featured on the Houston Chronicle’s Best Criminal Lawyer’s List several years running.
He keeps his sword sharp by being an active member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Harris County Criminal Lawyer’s Association, The National College of DUI Defense, DUI Defense Lawyers Association, National Trial Lawyers and the American Chemical Society.
He has lectured other attorneys on trial techniques on numerous occasions and has authored several articles as well.
Additionally, as a fluent Spanish speaker, Joseph is uniquely positioned to protect a broader cross-section of the community. Based in a city as diverse as Houston, Texas, Mr. Ruiz has had the pleasure of representing clients from literally every corner of the world. Mr. Ruiz believes it to be an honor and privilege to advocate for his clients’ freedom and to protect their futures, so that they can go on to achieve everything they want out of life.
Joseph is happily married and has 3 wonderful boys – Leonardo, Lucas, and Lorenzo, ages 7, 5, and 2. He enjoys running, cycling, weight training, pilates, 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:
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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