James P. Whalen

Owner/Founding Partner – Criminal Defense Attorney

Biography

Regardless of the type of criminal charge you are facing, Mr. Whalen’s clients receive personal care and attention, along with aggressive, vigorous, and experienced advocacy. When Mr. Whalen takes on a case, his client’s needs and goals always come first. They can rely on him and his staff to be approachable, responsive, efficient, and effective.

He understands the confusion and embarrassment an arrest can bring and attempts to make his clients as comfortable as possible throughout the case. He considers himself an attorney and counselor. He tries to make the lives of his clients as normal as possible during this stressful time and help them get back to life as it was with an eye to getting their arrests off the record or concealed.

We all know there is an inequality of power and material resources in the criminal justice system. The government has a large staff of lawyers, police, and agents, sophisticated crime labs and experts, and a huge budget provided by the taxpayers. This gives them a tremendous advantage because the legal system is based on the premise that “the whole truth” is that which is presented at the trial. If a defendant cannot challenge the government’s case or submit his or her own witnesses, then the jury may accept whatever evidence the prosecutor produces.

Attorney James P. Whalen understands this and defends his clients with a zealous fervor. His firm’s strength lies in preparation, investigation, motion practice, and trial presentation. Mr. Whalen is also well-regarded because he demonstrates the strictest personal and professional ethics. He responds promptly to telephone calls, reports regularly on case developments, and stays on top of changes in the law. By primarily focusing on the defense of federal criminal cases, Whalen Law Office can assure you the highest quality legal representation, enhanced by the personal attention you should expect to receive and will receive from both Mr. Whalen and his staff.

Education

Southern Methodist University School of Law, Dallas, Texas, 1995 J.D.
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 1990 B.A. International Politics

Admissions

Eastern District of Texas
Northern District of Texas
Southern District of Texas
Western District of Texas
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
Supreme Court of the United States
Northern District of Illinois

Associations

Member of the American Bar Association
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Member
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Member and Current Board Member and Past Board Member
Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyer Association Member and Past President
Past Member of the Eastern District of Texas Local Rules Committee:

Additional Accolades and Accomplishments

Texas Super Lawyer 2005-06 and consecutively for the last ten years most recently being named in 2021
Has appeared on local news stations as an expert on criminal law and also appeared on COURT TV, as an analyst.
Member of Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel
Member of the Texas Board of Legal Specialization Criminal Law Exam Commission
Member of the Eastern District of Texas Federal Public Defender Merit Selection Panel
Texas Bar Foundation Fellow

Professional Awards and Recognition

Super Lawyers Top Rated Attorney 2004 – 2005, 2012 – 2022
Board-certified in Criminal Appellate Law and Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
D Magazine’s Best Lawyers List – 2021, 2022, 2023

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Reviews

James Whalen is a fantastic criminal lawyer. When criminal law issues arise in my other legal matters, James is someone I can trust to provide my clients with sound advice. If you’re in trouble, give him a call.

James Whalen knows has your back and most importantly… knows the law. If you ever find yourself in a bind, keep your mouth shut and call James. He’ll get you in the right position for whatever crazy situation you find yourself in. Highly recommend.

Being the first time I’ve ever needed the services of a defense attorney, I had no idea where to turn. I feel most fortunate to have come upon Whalen Law Office and Grace Tucker. They guided me through a potentially disastrous situation and ultimately achieved the best possible outcome. If you are need of attorneys that are professional and do what the promise, these are your people.

We’re going to use them but decided to go with the county the case was in but they are very professional and caring mf knows exactly what they’re talking about! I recommend for anyone nervous and confused about what to do to reach out to them for services! The only knock is the price but you pay for what you get which is top notch service trust and believe!

Ryne was incredibly kind, helpful, and understanding in working with me. He gave me all of the documents he needed up front, had one brief meeting with me, and handled the rest for me from there! Ana, the paralegal who works at Whalen Law Office was fantastic as well! Quick to reply and act on whatever was needed. While I hope to not need legal assistance again, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Whalen Law Office! Easy 5/5 stars for me!

Ryne and the team at Whalen Law Office are the most considerate, respectful, professional, honest, direct, and best law group team I have ever met. I highly recommend hiring Ryne and the Whalen Law Office if you are ever in legal trouble. They do not take, “No,” for an answer when it comes to your case, and will do whatever it takes for you to receive the best outcome possible. They are an absolute pleasure to work with.

I would highly recommend Whalen Law office for anyone who has run into legal issues. Ryne and their whole staff was amazing to work with throughout almost a full year of hearings and then trial. Ryne and team were able to get the desired outcome of not guilty in trial. I’d come back and hire the Whalen Law Office without a second thought if ever needed again in the future.

I needed an open records request to the Plano police department. When I sent it myself, I was ignored. I asked James to help, his office did get a response, but heavily redacted (and was not even relevant – I think they lied). None the less, by way of questioning them with a law firm, they became aware I was “lawyered-up”, and have not tried to trick me again. I’ve drooped my open records inquiry as it served its purpose – they are on notice. Thanks James.

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We recognize that federal legal battles know no geographical boundaries. Our offices may be located in Frisco and Sherman, Texas, but our federal crime lawyers are resolute in their commitment to defending clients nationwide. We thrive on taking on the toughest cases, and will travel to federal courts across the United States to ensure our clients receive the best possible defense.