Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Criminal Defense lawyers serving Ellis County, TX >
Joseph Gallo
Back to Search Results
Joseph Gallo
Law Offices of Joseph R. Gallo
114 East Main Street
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Phone: (972) 938-1450 | Fax: (972) 937-6114
http://www.citizenaccused.com
Prepared for Your Defense
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
I handle Texas criminal defense cases only.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Felonies
- Juvenile Crimes
- Misdemeanors
- Probation
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Victims' Rights
- Child Abuse
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
TX, Nov 1996
Bar Number: 00796593
Other Court Admissions
Supreme Court of Texas, 1996
U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas, 1998
U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 2001
U.S. Supreme Court, 2001
Association Memberships
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association, Member
National College of DUI Defense, Member
Ellis County Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association, Member (Past President 2005-2006)
The College of the State Bar of Texas, Member
Texas District & County Attorney's Association, Member
Continuing Education
I always exceed the required amount of continuing education hours. I am a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas.
Example Cases
Recently, I tried a misdemeanor DWI case that had a breath test failure. I succeeded in defending my client.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
School:
St. Cloud State University
City:
St. Cloud
State:
MN
Year:
1991
Honors:
Magna cum laude graduate.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Criminal Justice Studies program; Criminal Justice Degree.
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Baylor University School of Law
City:
Waco
State:
TX
Year:
1996
Focus and Accomplishments:
Criminal practice; I taught Practice Court and the art of trial tactics by the famous, now retired, professor Louis Muldrow.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Texas
Firm Focus and History
I value my clients' constitutional rights and will fight to protect them. My goal is to conduct a vigorous defense of my clients' cases in order to vindicate or mitigate their particular situation, thereby promoting justice through the practice of law.
My office is dedicated 100% to the practice of criminal defense in Texas state courts.
Previous Employment Summary
On November 1, 1996 I was licensed to practice law in the state of Texas.
After graduation, I worked a brief stint as a criminal defense attorney in McLennan County, Texas.
In March of 1997, I was hired as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney in Navarro County, Texas. My main responsibilities included prosecuting misdemeanor criminal offenses as well as writing and arguing appeals before the 10th Court of Appeals in Waco, Texas.
Two years later, I was hired as an Assistant County and District Attorney for Ellis County, Texas. As a felony prosecutor my primary caseload involved probation revocation hearings and the prosecution of miscellaneous felony offenses including D.W.I., theft, and drug cases. I was also in charge of both the asset seizure and bond forfeiture collection programs.
In October 2000, I left the Ellis County District Attorney's office and went into private practice. My practice consists exclusively of criminal defense work. While the vast majority of my caseload is in Ellis County, I also accept cases in Navarro County.
Activities and Awards
2006 Outstanding Leadership Waxahachie Award recipient; presented by the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I have no problem with clients educating themselves on legal issues. I want them to be informed. It is my job to ensure that they have a full understanding of the law as it applies to the particular facts of their case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes, I am willing to review documents prepared by clients. The more documents submitted the better.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am unwilling to coach clients who want to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to become a lawyer because I thought it would be interesting and challenging. It turns out I was right.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Being a former Ellis County prosecutor gives me a huge advantage. The reason for this is obvious. I know each prosecutor and judge on a first name basis. Every county works differently. Every judge has his or her quirks and every prosecutor has his or her own unique personality. I know how things work around here. I use that knowledge and experience to the advantage of my clients. That is one of the reasons why I choose to limit my practice to Ellis and Navarro Counties.
I am licensed to practice in any state courtroom in Texas. However, I believe that my clients would be better served by retaining an attorney that practices regularly in the other Texas counties. I refer out all cases that come to me that are not from Ellis or Navarro County.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Criminal defense is the only area of the law that holds any real interest for me. If I wasn't practicing criminal law, then I would not be practicing law at all.
What do you like best about your career?
I like helping people. I save the thank you cards that I receive because they mean so much to me.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, so all the legal work is done by me.
What are your strengths and style?
My biggest strength is my customer service skills. I am exceptionally good at responding to inquiries from my clients. Normally, I respond within minutes. The longest it would ever take me to respond is 24 hours.
Personal Interests:
I am very involved in my community. I am a former councilman for the Waxahachie City Council. I am an executive board member of the Rotary Club, Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce and Historic Waxahachie, Inc.
I am a lifetime member of the Chataqua Association and also the Ellis County Art Association.
Office Manager/Assistant
Betty
Fax
(972) 937-6114
Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed for lunch.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
No. We will work with interpreters.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Because every criminal case is unique, my fees vary depending on the anticipated complexity of the matter. However, as with most criminal defense attorneys, all of my cases are charged on a flat fee basis. There are essentially two flat fees for every case. There is one flat fee if the case is disposed without a trial and an additional flat fee if the client chooses a trial.
Lawyers who limit their practice to criminal defense will normally charge higher fees than lawyers with a more general practice. Because of the limited nature of my practice, my experience as a former Ellis County felony prosecutor, and my positive reputation in the legal community, my fees are typically higher than those that do not share these same attributes.
Hourly Rates
Not offered.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, I offer a free in-person consultation for up to one hour.
Typical Retainer
The retainer amount depends upon the case details. Payment plans are created on an individual basis.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
