Prepared for Trial.
Hoping You Never Need It.
Representing individuals facing state and federal charges throughout Central Texas — from the first call through the verdict.
Prepared for Trial.
Hoping You Never Need It.
Representing individuals facing state and federal charges throughout Central Texas — from the first call through the verdict.
40+
Jury Trials
More cases taken to verdict than most criminal defense attorneys try in a career.
14
Years in Practice
Six as a felony prosecutor. Eight building one of Austin's most trusted defense practices.
98%
Client Satisfaction
Clients who feel genuinely represented — not managed, not processed, not handed off.
40+
Jury Trials
More cases taken to verdict than most criminal defense attorneys try in a career.
14
Years in Practice
Six as a felony prosecutor. Eight building one of Austin's most trusted defense practices.
98%
Client Satisfaction
Clients who feel genuinely represented — not managed, not processed, not handed off.
40+
Jury Trials
More cases taken to verdict than most criminal defense attorneys try in a career.
14
Years in Practice
Six as a felony prosecutor. Eight building one of Austin's most trusted defense practices.
98%
Client Satisfaction
Clients who feel genuinely represented — not managed, not processed, not handed off.
Award-Winning Criminal Defense Law Firm
Award-Winning Criminal Defense Law Firm
Harrington Defense Law is a boutique criminal defense practice based in Austin, Texas, representing individuals charged with state and federal offenses across Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bastrop counties. I work with people who are facing the most serious situations of their lives — felony charges, federal investigations, DWI cases with prior records, white collar accusations — and who need an attorney who will actually prepare a defense rather than negotiate one reflexively.
This practice is deliberately small. I handle every case personally, from the initial consultation through resolution or verdict. My clients aren't passed to associates or paralegal teams. If you hire me, you work with me. That's not a marketing point — it's how serious criminal defense actually works.
Most criminal cases are won or lost long before anyone walks into a courtroom. The preparation, the motions, the strategy — that's where the outcome is decided. I prepare every case as if it's going to trial. That changes what prosecutors offer. And it changes what clients get.
Practice Areas
When the Charge Is Serious, the Defense Must Be Too
A felony charge in Texas is not a formality. Whether you're facing a state jail felony or a first-degree charge, the consequences extend far beyond whatever sentence the court imposes — your record, your career, your license, your freedom. I spent six years prosecuting felony cases in Travis County before building this practice, and that experience shapes every defense I mount. I know how the state builds its cases, where the evidence is strong, and where it isn't.
Felony defense at this level is not reactive. It requires an early, thorough understanding of the charging decision, the evidence, and the specific vulnerabilities in the state's theory. I start building a defense from the first consultation — not after the first court date. Whether the matter resolves through negotiation or goes to a jury, the preparation is identical.
- Aggravated Assault
- Drug Trafficking
- Armed Robbery
- Murder Defense
- Sexual Assault
- Robbery
RICO
Practice Areas
When the Charge Is Serious, the Defense Must Be Too
A felony charge in Texas is not a formality. Whether you're facing a state jail felony or a first-degree charge, the consequences extend far beyond whatever sentence the court imposes — your record, your career, your license, your freedom. I spent six years prosecuting felony cases in Travis County before building this practice, and that experience shapes every defense I mount. I know how the state builds its cases, where the evidence is strong, and where it isn't.
Felony defense at this level is not reactive. It requires an early, thorough understanding of the charging decision, the evidence, and the specific vulnerabilities in the state's theory. I start building a defense from the first consultation — not after the first court date. Whether the matter resolves through negotiation or goes to a jury, the preparation is identical.
- Aggravated Assault
- Drug Trafficking
- Armed Robbery
- Murder Defense
- Sexual Assault
- Robbery
RICO
Practice Areas
When the Charge Is Serious, the Defense Must Be Too
A felony charge in Texas is not a formality. Whether you're facing a state jail felony or a first-degree charge, the consequences extend far beyond whatever sentence the court imposes — your record, your career, your license, your freedom. I spent six years prosecuting felony cases in Travis County before building this practice, and that experience shapes every defense I mount. I know how the state builds its cases, where the evidence is strong, and where it isn't.
Felony defense at this level is not reactive. It requires an early, thorough understanding of the charging decision, the evidence, and the specific vulnerabilities in the state's theory. I start building a defense from the first consultation — not after the first court date. Whether the matter resolves through negotiation or goes to a jury, the preparation is identical.
- Aggravated Assault
- Drug Trafficking
- Armed Robbery
- Murder Defense
- Sexual Assault
- Robbery
RICO
Your Criminal Defense Attorney in Austin, Texas
Attorney James Harrington
Founder & Lead Trial Attorney
About Marcus Thorne
James Harrington earned his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 2010, following his undergraduate degree in Political Science at UT Austin. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas that same year and began his legal career as a felony prosecutor in the Travis County District Attorney's office, where he spent six years handling serious criminal matters including violent offenses, drug trafficking, and financial crimes. He was admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in 2012, developing significant federal court experience before founding Harrington Defense Law.
Since transitioning to criminal defense, Mr. Harrington has taken more than forty cases to jury trial — a number that sets him apart in a field where most defense attorneys rarely see the inside of a courtroom for anything other than a plea. He has been selected to Texas Super Lawyers every year from 2019 through 2024, previously recognized as a Rising Star in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He is a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Austin Bar Association's Criminal Law Section.
"I am committed to making a difference in your life by providing you with the care, attention, and clear communication you deserve throughout every step of the legal process."
About Marcus Thorne
James Harrington earned his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 2010, following his undergraduate degree in Political Science at UT Austin. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas that same year and began his legal career as a felony prosecutor in the Travis County District Attorney's office, where he spent six years handling serious criminal matters including violent offenses, drug trafficking, and financial crimes. He was admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in 2012, developing significant federal court experience before founding Harrington Defense Law.
Since transitioning to criminal defense, Mr. Harrington has taken more than forty cases to jury trial — a number that sets him apart in a field where most defense attorneys rarely see the inside of a courtroom for anything other than a plea. He has been selected to Texas Super Lawyers every year from 2019 through 2024, previously recognized as a Rising Star in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He is a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Austin Bar Association's Criminal Law Section.
"I am committed to making a difference in your life by providing you with the care, attention, and clear communication you deserve throughout every step of the legal process."
About Marcus Thorne
James Harrington earned his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 2010, following his undergraduate degree in Political Science at UT Austin. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas that same year and began his legal career as a felony prosecutor in the Travis County District Attorney's office, where he spent six years handling serious criminal matters including violent offenses, drug trafficking, and financial crimes. He was admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in 2012, developing significant federal court experience before founding Harrington Defense Law.
Since transitioning to criminal defense, Mr. Harrington has taken more than forty cases to jury trial — a number that sets him apart in a field where most defense attorneys rarely see the inside of a courtroom for anything other than a plea. He has been selected to Texas Super Lawyers every year from 2019 through 2024, previously recognized as a Rising Star in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He is a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Austin Bar Association's Criminal Law Section.
"I am committed to making a difference in your life by providing you with the care, attention, and clear communication you deserve throughout every step of the legal process."
Credentials
A showcase of our proudest milestones, highlighting recognition earned for creativity, quality, and innovation.
Education
University of Texas School of Law — J.D.
2010
University of Texas at Austin — B.A., Political Science
2007
Bar Admissions
State Bar of Texas
2010
U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
2012
Professional Recognition
AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2018-Present
Texas Super Lawyers
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars
2015, 2016, 2017
Austin Monthly "Top Attorneys," Criminal Defense
2021, 2022, 2023
Professional Recognition
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA)
Austin Bar Association — Criminal Law Section
Credentials
A showcase of our proudest milestones, highlighting recognition earned for creativity, quality, and innovation.
Education
University of Texas School of Law — J.D.
2010
University of Texas at Austin — B.A., Political Science
2007
Bar Admissions
State Bar of Texas
2010
U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
2012
Professional Recognition
AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2018-Present
Texas Super Lawyers
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars
2015, 2016, 2017
Austin Monthly "Top Attorneys," Criminal Defense
2021, 2022, 2023
Professional Recognition
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA)
Austin Bar Association — Criminal Law Section
Credentials
A showcase of our proudest milestones, highlighting recognition earned for creativity, quality, and innovation.
Education
University of Texas School of Law — J.D.
2010
University of Texas at Austin — B.A., Political Science
2007
Bar Admissions
State Bar of Texas
2010
U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
2012
Professional Recognition
AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2018-Present
Texas Super Lawyers
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars
2015, 2016, 2017
Austin Monthly "Top Attorneys," Criminal Defense
2021, 2022, 2023
Professional Recognition
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA)
Austin Bar Association — Criminal Law Section
Our Legal Services
Trial Advocacy
Felony Defense
Federal Court
Appeals
Motion Practice
Client Counsel
Our Legal Services
Trial Advocacy
Felony Defense
Federal Court
Appeals
Depositions
Client Counsel
Our Legal Services
Trial Advocacy
Felony Defense
Federal Court
Appeals
Motion Practice
Client Counsel
Resources Library
Understanding your rights before you need them matters. These guides cover what to do if you're arrested, how the Texas criminal court process works, and what you're entitled to during a traffic stop — written in plain language for people who need real answers fast.
01
What to Do If You're Arrested in Texas
Download
02
Your Rights During a Traffic Stop in Texas
Download
03
Your Rights During a Traffic Stop in Texas
Download
Resources Library
Understanding your rights before you need them matters. These guides cover what to do if you're arrested, how the Texas criminal court process works, and what you're entitled to during a traffic stop — written in plain language for people who need real answers fast.
01
What to Do If You're Arrested in Texas
Download
02
Your Rights During a Traffic Stop in Texas
Download
03
Your Rights During a Traffic Stop in Texas
Download
Resources Library
Understanding your rights before you need them matters. These guides cover what to do if you're arrested, how the Texas criminal court process works, and what you're entitled to during a traffic stop — written in plain language for people who need real answers fast.
01
What to Do If You're Arrested in Texas
Download
02
Your Rights During a Traffic Stop in Texas
Download
03
Your Rights During a Traffic Stop in Texas
Download
""James prepared harder for my case than I thought any attorney would. The charges were dropped before trial. I can't put into words what that meant for my family.""
Michael T.
Austin, TX
""James prepared harder for my case than I thought any attorney would. The charges were dropped before trial. I can't put into words what that meant for my family.""
Michael T.
Austin, TX
""James prepared harder for my case than I thought any attorney would. The charges were dropped before trial. I can't put into words what that meant for my family.""
Michael T.
Austin, TX
Your Questions.
Our Answers.
Should I talk to police before calling you?
What's the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Texas?
If I've been charged, do I have to go to trial?
What happens if I can't afford bail?
How do you charge for your services?
Contact Us
Contact Us
Reach out to discuss your matter. All consultations are confidential, obligation-free, and conducted directly with James.
2512 Exposition Blvd, Suite 210
Austin, Texas
78703
Phone: (512) 847-3200
Email: james@harringtondefenselaw.com
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At our client-centered firm, we fight for your rights. Whether your case regard a motor vehicle accident, catastrophic injury, or premises liability, we offer you a free consultation and then plan our strategy to win justice for you.