Tom O’Connell

Tom O’Connell is Of Counsel at The Law Office of J.L. Pierce in Plano, Texas. His practice focuses on criminal defense, DWI and DUI matters, juvenile cases, and other state criminal charges. Tom also handles matters involving drug crimes, fraud, gun offenses, internet crimes, sex crimes, theft, violent crimes, expungement, and criminal appeals. He brings decades of criminal justice experience to clients facing investigations, prosecutions, and other serious legal proceedings.

Tom earned his J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, where he was named to the Dean’s List. He also earned his B.A. from St. Mary’s University and received Dean’s List recognition during his undergraduate studies. His legal education provided a foundation for a career centered on criminal law, courtroom practice, and the procedural issues that arise in prosecutions, appeals, and post-charge defense strategy.

Before entering his current defense role, Tom served as the elected Criminal District Attorney of Collin County from 1971 to 1982 and again from 1987 to 2002. That long prosecutorial career gave him substantial experience with criminal investigations, charging decisions, trial preparation, evidentiary issues, and courtroom procedure. In private practice, he applies that background when evaluating the government’s case, identifying legal issues, advising clients about available options, and preparing matters for negotiation, hearings, or trial.

Tom O’Connell is licensed in Texas and is admitted before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and the U.S. Supreme Court. His background as a longtime elected prosecutor provides a detailed understanding of how criminal cases are developed and presented. Through his Plano practice, Tom helps clients navigate criminal accusations with attention to evidence, procedure, defense strategy, and the potential consequences of decisions made throughout the case.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, The Law Office of J.L. Pierce
• Member, State Bar of Texas

Licensed State

• Texas

Education

• St. Mary’s University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• St. Mary’s University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges