Free Consultation: (512) 547-7265Tap to Call This Lawyer
Doug  O'Connell

Doug O'Connell

Former State & Federal Prosecutor - 30 Years of Experience - 100+ Jury Trials
  • Criminal Law, White Collar Crime, Personal Injury ...
  • Texas
Review This Lawyer
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileOffers Video ConferencingQ&ASocial Media
Biography

Former Prosecutor – 30 Years of Experience – 100+ Jury Trials

Doug O’Connell is well known across Texas as one of the very finest criminal defense attorneys in the state. He has a well-earned reputation as a fierce advocate and unrelenting attorney who fights for his clients.
Doug has practiced criminal law for over 30 years in central Texas and has extensive experience both as a state and federal prosecutor as well as a criminal defense attorney. He has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer each year for the last five years. National and international media outlets regularly cover Doug’s cases.
“My entire career was on the line, and I’m forever thankful I turned to Doug for help. Doug beat the government prosecutors so bad they gave up on the second day of trial.” – former client.
People trust Doug to handle their most difficult legal challenges. As a criminal defense attorney Doug has represented politicians, military generals, national media personalities, senior government officials, other high-profile individuals, as well as regular citizens who need a powerful advocate in their corner. Often other Attorneys turn to Doug when they need criminal law representation.
Doug is especially proud of his reputation as the “go-to” attorney for law enforcement officers. The cops are in the courthouse every day, they know which attorneys really fight for their clients. There is no higher endorsement for a criminal defense attorney than when police officers turn to Doug for criminal law help.
While primarily a criminal law attorney, Doug also forcefully prosecutes select civil lawsuits on behalf of clients wronged or threatened by powerful interest or bullies. Typically, these clients never thought they would ever sue someone, but are forced to fight back and turn to Doug for assistance.
Doug is also nationally recognized for his work defending military service members and Veterans.

Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
White Collar Crime
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Military Law
Video Conferencing
  • FaceTime
  • Zoom
  • Microsoft Teams
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    We offer a free 1 hour consultation.
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Contingent Fees
    We regularly enter into contingency fee agreements for personal injury cases.
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    There are thousands of attorneys to choose from. We don't try to be the least expensive. Our fees are based on the complexity of the case and our experience gained over decades of practicing criminal law in central Texas.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Texas
State Bar of Texas
ID Number: 00792028
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
U.S. Supreme Court
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
United States District Court - Western District of Texas
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Attorney
O'Connell West, PLLC
- Current
This firm was formerly known as O'Connell & Associates, PLLC
Colonel
United States Army
-
Doug spent 30 years as an officer in the United States Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard. The bulk of this time was spent as a Special Forces (Green Beret) officer. His service included deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, NW Africa and many other places. Doug retired as a Colonel in 2017.
Education
United States Army War College
M.A. (2013) | Strategic Planning & Operations
-
Placeholder image for education.
Naval Postgraduate School
M.A. (2008) | National Security & Homeland Security
-
Placeholder image for education.
Wake Forest University School of Law
Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Placeholder image for education.
Awards
Texas Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
Selected by attorney peers to the prestigious designation of Texas Super Lawyer.
National Rise Award for Criminal Defense
Axon
National Criminal Defense Award presented by AXON.
Texas Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
Texas Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
Texas Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
Attorney of the Year
Top 100 Lawyers
Texas Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
Texas Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney in Texas
Attorney & Practice Magazine
Top 100 Attorneys - Criminal Defense
National Trial Lawyers
Minute Man Award for Defending Service Members
Enlisted National Guard Association of the United States
Professional Associations
State Bar of Texas  # 00792028
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Publications
Articles & Publications
Doug O'Connell - Profile Best Lawyers in Austin, Texas
My Austin Magazine
Speaking Engagements
Texas House of Representatives, Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, Texas Capitol
Requested to provide testimony on criminal justice legislation related to Grand Jury reform and changing venue in a criminal case. https://house.texas.gov/videos/21726
Certifications
Top Secret Clearance with SCI certification.
United States Government
Websites & Blogs
Website
O'Connell West, PLLC
Legal Answers
2 Questions Answered
Q. Was it legal for a Texas officer to pull me over and search my car without consent after speeding to pass a semi, resulting in my arrest?
A: Unfortunately, it sounds like the law enforcement officer acted within the law. You were legally pulled over for speeding. The officer has the authority in Texas to ask you to step out of the car while they conduct an investigation. The search by the drug sniffing dog is also legal since we have no reasonable expectation of privacy to how our vehicle smell. In other words, this was not a violation of your 4th Amendment rights. Once the drug dog alerted, in theory, the officer had probable cause to search your vehicle for narcotics. No warrant was needed due to the vehicle exception to the normal requirement to obtain a warrant. An experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to have the contraband suppressed (not admissible at trial) if the drug detection dog has not been properly trained or does not have a track record of being reliable. You should immediately consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney in your area. Ideally someone who has been a former prosecutor. ... Read More
Q. Can I face legal trouble if a friend threatens a harassment report after texting to defend my character?
A: The answer to your question will depend on the content of your text messages, and possibly the amount of text messages sent to your friend. If the messages were threatening you could face legal challenges. Likewise, if the tone, language used and number of messages rise to the level of harassment, you could face a misdemeanor charge. I recommend you save and print the messages you sent and consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney in your jurisdiction.
View More Answers
Contact & Map
O'Connell West, PLLC
505 West 12th Street
Suite 200
Austin, TX 78701
US
Telephone: (512) 547-7265
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: If you have a legal emergency after our normal business hours, call 512-547-7265. Leave a message and will will immediately call you back.
O'Connell West, PLLC
222 Main Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205
US
Telephone: (512) 547-7265
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
OConnell West, PLLC
717 North Main Street
Taylor, TX 76574
US
Telephone: (512) 547-7265
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours