Doug Murphy
Of Counsel
Doug Murphy always wanted to represent people. With a career stretching back more than 20 years, that’s just what he’s done, counting nurses, judges, professional athletes, police officers, truck drivers, CEOs, and many other good people among those he’s helped. Being charged with a crime is one of the most stressful situations a person may ever face, with his or her family, livelihood, and even freedom at risk. Doug puts the client’s best interests first, employing an honest and straightforward approach in recommending the legal strategy he believes will deliver the best result. Some of the best resolutions result in charges never being filed.
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Doug has extensive experience and expertise in matters related to DWI, intoxication assault and manslaughter, drug possession, domestic violence, white-collar crimes, and other criminal matters. Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and in DWI Defense by the National College for DUI Defense, Doug is a trusted figure not only among those he’s represented but in the legal community as well. He currently serves as dean for the National College for DUI Defense, is a past president of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, and has served two consecutive terms on the board of directors for the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He is frequently asked to present on DWI and related issues at continuing legal education seminars throughout Texas and the United States.
Doug’s work has been recognized on multiple occasions. He was named Lawyer of the Year for 2021 by Best Lawyers in America, published by U.S. News & World Report for his work in DWI Defense for the Houston Region. Doug has been recognized by the Best Lawyers in America since 2013 by U.S. News & World Report. Doug was recognized on the Texas Super Lawyers listing, published by Thomson Reuters, in 2009 and again from 2013 to 2024. He received the Sharon Levine Unsung Heroes Award by the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association for the role he played in exposing the flaws in the Houston Police Department breath alcohol testing vans, which were later decommissioned.
Above all else, Doug is known for his professionalism inside the courtroom and out. He understands those who come to him are going through the most difficult time in their lives and are scared or feel a sense of hopelessness. Doug works relentlessly to obtain the best possible results for his clients, whether it be by resolution with a favorable outcome or by taking the case to trial through a not-guilty verdict.
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Education
- J.D., Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, 1999
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Court Admissions
- State Bar of Texas, 1999
- United States Supreme Court
- United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
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Professional Memberships
- National College for DUI Defense
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
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Certifications
- Board Certified, Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Board Certified, DWI Defense, National College for DUI Defense (accredited by the American Bar Association and Texas Board of Legal Specialization)
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Honors & Awards
- Lawyer of the Year for DWI Defense in Houston, 2021
- Best Lawyers in America, U.S. News & World Report, 2013-2025
- Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year: DUI/DWI Defense, 2023
- Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson-Reuters, 2009, 2013-2024
- Sharon Levine Unsung Heroes Award, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, 2012