Shane Phelps

Shane Phelps is regarded by many to be one of the best trial attorneys in Central Texas. In his 26-year legal career, he has tried more than 100 jury trials, including misdemeanors, felonies, white collar crimes, public corruption cases, murder and capital murder. He is well-known for his meticulous preparation, legal research skills, and courtroom ability. For ten years, Shane served as the First Assistant District Attorney in one of the most effective and successful prosecution offices in Texas. After leaving the DA's office, Shane entered private practice concentrating exclusively in Criminal Defense work. A former United States Marine, Shane graduated from two of the finest universities in the country, Rice University in Houston, Texas (B.A. English, 1983) and The University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Texas (J.D., 1987). Since graduating from law school, Shane has served as an assistant district attorney in Houston, as chief special prosecutor for the Texas Office of the Attorney General, and was appointed Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice in 1999 by John Cornyn. Having tried numerous high profile cases over the years, Shane has been featured on Dateline NBC, NPR, and on the covers of the Texas Lawyer and Austin Chronicle magazines, as well as scores of newspapers across Texas. Shane has been board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1992. Becoming board certified is a rigorous process that requires years of experience in trial and appellate work, the recommendations of attorneys and judges, and a six-hour exam in the specialty sought. Only a small percentage of attorneys in Texas are board certified. Shane is also a member of the College of the State Bar, an elite legal fraternity that recognizes attorneys who exceed the minimum requirements for continuing legal education each year. Because of his expertise in the law, Shane has been called upon repeatedly to lecture on trial advocacy, search and seizure law, white collar crime, ethics, the death penalty, and public corruption to prosecutors, peace officers, police cadets, and community groups across Texas. Shane was twice the course director for the Texas District and County Attorneys Association's Advanced Trial Advocacy Course, where experienced prosecutors studied a case scenario based on a murder case Shane successfully tried. He has also published articles on the death penalty, public corruption, and environmental law. Shane has argued cases before several Texas Courts of Appeal and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the highest criminal court in Texas. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees Shane Phelps included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors Lovett College (Rice) Outstanding Senior, 1983 Best Team, First Year Oral Argument and Brief Writing, 1985 Other Sources of Feedback About Shane Phelps Included on the 2026Texas Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2025 Texas Super Lawyers list

• Texas Office of the Attorney General, Chief Special Prosecutor, 1990 - 1995
• Harris County District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, 1987 - 1990
• Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice, 1999 - Present
• Brazos County District Attorney's Office, First Assistant, 2001 - 2011
• Languages
• English

• Faculty Advisor and Lecturer, Prosecutor Trial Skills Seminar, Texas District and County Attorneys Association, 1992 - 1995

• Texas, 1987
• U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1995
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas, 2011
• Specialties and Certifications
• Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1992

• Texas District and County Attorneys Association’s Advanced Trial Advocacy Course (Course Director)
• Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, College of the State Bar