Trusted, Experienced, Proven.
Houston Criminal
Defense Firm
We deliver strategic defense, open communication, and unwavering advocacy for our clients.
An Advocate You Can Trust
A True Advocate
Jim O’Donnell built The O’Donnell Law Firm on a simple belief that everyone deserves a fair fight and an advocate who actually listens. When everything’s on the line, you need more than a lawyer, you need someone who knows how the system works and how to work it in your favor.
Insider Defense
After more than a decade inside the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Jim O’Donnell founded The O’Donnell Law Firm to give people real guidance in a system that can feel overwhelming. He stands with clients, making sure they’re informed, supported, and never navigating the process alone.
Criminal Defense
at Every Level
Early intervention often changes everything. Whether you’re under investigation or already charged, we help you take charge of the process, and your future.
Protecting You
When you’re facing criminal charges, every detail matters; the evidence, the timing, the choices you make next. At The O’Donnell Law Firm, we don’t rely on formulas. We listen, assess, and build a defense designed to protect your rights from the start.
Legal Precision
Jim O’Donnell’s years as a prosecutor shaped a precise understanding of how cases work and how to challenge them. Whether the charge is small or life-changing, we act early to protect your rights and your future.
Violent Crimes
Assault & Domestic Violence
DWI & drug-related cases
Misdemeanor Charges
Sexual Offenses
Driving While Intoxicated
Theft and Fraud
Juvenile Charges
Support From The Very Start
Facing criminal charges brings a lot of uncertainty, and it’s natural to want clear, direct answers before you take your next step. These are the questions we hear most often from clients who want to understand their rights, the process ahead, and how The O’Donnell Law Firm supports them from the very beginning.
What should I do first if I’m accused of a crime?
Reach out to a defense attorney, like us here at The O’Donnell Law Firm, as soon as possible. Early guidance protects your rights, helps you avoid costly missteps, and gives us the chance to start shaping the direction of your case from the very beginning.
What can a criminal defense attorney actually do for me?
A defense attorney, especially one with Jim’s experience, reviews the evidence, identifies weaknesses in the state’s approach, communicates with prosecutors, and builds a strategy designed around your situation. Having us in your corner can shift how your case moves forward.
What are the possible consequences of a conviction?
Penalties can include jail time, fines, probation, and lasting effects on your record, career, and reputation. When you work with The O’Donnell Law Firm, our priority is reducing those consequences and protecting your future as much as possible.
How do I choose the right criminal defense attorney?
Look for experience, proven results, and someone who communicates clearly and honestly. We will take your case seriously, keep you informed, and are known for strong representation inside and outside the courtroom.
What should I expect during the criminal defense process?
You may go through several stages, including arraignment, evidence review, pre-trial hearings, negotiations, and possibly trial. We will guide you through each step, explain what to expect, and prepare you for the decisions ahead.
Direct access
What Clients Appreciate Most
Clients come to O’Donnell Law for direct access to Jim, not layers of staff or endless handoffs. They stay because they get clear communication, steady guidance, and the advantage of his deep understanding of both sides of the law. Every case is handled with precision, respect, and empathy, because being accused of a crime doesn’t erase your story.
Insight shaped by Thousands of Cases
Guided by Experience
Jim O’Donnell spent over a decade inside the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, handling complex cases as a Chief Felony Prosecutor and gaining a clear understanding of how serious matters move from start to finish. He founded The O’Donnell Law Firm to bring that experience directly to the people who need steady guidance through high-pressure moments, earning trust through balanced judgment, clear communication, and firm advocacy when the stakes are highest.