Joseph Ruiz

Joseph Ruiz is a Houston DWI and criminal defense lawyer at the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, with more than two decades of experience in Texas criminal courts. He has tried more than 350 jury trials and has represented clients in matters involving DWI, drug charges, assault, domestic violence, theft, and serious felonies. He began his career in civil litigation before focusing on criminal defense. He has been licensed in Texas since 2004 and remains actively licensed.

Joseph earned his Undergraduate Degree in Psychology from Vanderbilt University in 2001 and his J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2004. He served as a staff writer for the St. Mary’s Law Journal while completing his legal education. He later developed extensive courtroom experience through commercial litigation and criminal defense work. His education and trial background support his detailed approach to advocacy, evidence, and case preparation in court.

Joseph holds the Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation from the American Chemical Society, which he received in 2023 after intensive forensic blood-testing training. He uses that scientific preparation in DWI cases involving blood evidence and related testing procedures. He also completes substantial continuing legal education each year through his State Bar College membership. His practice includes felony DWI, repeat DWI, drug offenses, federal crimes, expunctions, and license-related proceedings across Texas criminal courts.

Joseph Ruiz has been selected to Texas Super Lawyers for DWI and Criminal Law from 2023 through 2026. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has received a 10/10 Avvo rating. He is also recognized by National Trial Lawyers among its Top 100 Trial Lawyers in criminal defense. He remains active in several criminal defense organizations and lectures attorneys on trial techniques while also authoring articles on legal advocacy.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Member, American Chemical Society
• Member, DUI Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, College of the State Bar of Texas
• Member, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
• Member, State Bar of Texas, Criminal Justice Section
• Member, Municipal Justice Bar Association of Texas

Licensed State

• Texas

Education

• St. Mary’s University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Vanderbilt University
  B.A. in psychology

Awards & Badges