Christopher Downey

Christopher Downey is a Houston criminal defense trial lawyer who handles serious state and federal criminal matters. His practice covers drug offenses, fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, DWI, internet crimes, theft, sex offenses, and violent crimes. He represents people facing prosecution and draws on substantial courtroom experience to evaluate charges, examine evidence, and prepare defenses. His professional background includes service as a felony prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Christopher earned a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University, with studies in Public Policy and English. He received his Juris Doctor in 1993 from Southern Methodist University School of Law. He is admitted in Texas and before the federal district courts for the Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas. These academic and professional qualifications support his work on investigations, litigation strategy, and the legal issues that arise in complex criminal prosecutions.

Christopher has served as co-chairman of the Houston Police Department Crime Laboratory Serology Investigation Panel. He has also taught criminal defense topics for the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, including jury selection, DWI litigation, trial practice, and preserving legal error. He has lectured at multiple law schools and written materials on jury instructions, subpoenas, criminal case law, and courtroom procedure. This work reflects extensive engagement with practical criminal trial issues.

Christopher Downey is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has received Texas Super Lawyers recognition and an H Texas Magazine Top Lawyer designation. His professional associations include the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. As both a former prosecutor and a defense lawyer, he brings experience with competing sides of a criminal case to the preparation and presentation of a defense. He has also served on the State Bar of Texas Pattern Jury Charge Committee, addressing criminal trial guidance.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, The Downey Law Firm
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Board Certified, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, State Bar of Texas, Criminal Justice Section
• Lifetime Member, Texas State Bar Foundation
• Member, State Bar of Texas Pattern Jury Charge Committee
• Co-Chairman, Houston Police Department Crime Laboratory Serology Investigation Panel

Licensed State

• Texas

Education

• Southern Methodist University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Duke University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Bachelor of Arts Major: Public Policy Major: English

Awards & Badges