About James Ray
James Ray Alston is a seasoned criminal defense attorney based in Houston, Texas, bringing over 30 years of legal experience to his practice. He earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1993, starting a distinguished career in law. Prior to pursuing his legal education, Mr. Alston obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Lamar University in 1988, followed by a Master of Social Work from Tulane University in 1990. This strong educational foundation in psychology and social work informs his approach to criminal defense. This lets the attorney understand the details of human behavior. After graduating from law school, Mr. Alston began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County, Texas, from 1994 to 2002.
During this pivotal period, he prosecuted many criminal cases, including assaults, robberies, and driving while intoxicated offenses. His tenure also included two and a half years in the Child Abuse Division. He handled sensitive and challenging cases involving aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child, and possession of child pornography. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into the details of the criminal justice system and litigation practice for vulnerable populations. In 2002, Mr. Alston transitioned to federal prosecution as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, a role he held until 2006. His work in this capacity involved investigating and prosecuting national and international drug organizations as part of the Organized Crime Drug Task Force. This experience broadened his legal expertise, particularly in handling complex cases involving white-collar crimes such as mortgage fraud, healthcare fraud, and internet sex crimes.
The skills he developed during this time have been instrumental in his subsequent work in criminal defense. In 2003, Mr. Alston founded the Law Office of James Alston, P.C., located at 1415 North Loop West, Suite 905, Houston, TX 77008. He focuses exclusively on criminal defense, representing clients in both federal and state courts. His practice areas encompass many criminal offenses, including drug offenses, fraud, robberies. Sex crimes. Mr. Alston has been recognized for his expertise, having been board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2001.
His commitment to excellence in legal practice is evident in his membership in the State Bar of Texas. Mr. Alston is admitted to practice in all Texas state courts and several federal courts, including the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Southern. Western Districts of Texas. His reputation in the legal community is further solidified by his recognition in "Texas Super Lawyers" from 2011 to 2025. For consultations, he can be reached at (713) 228-1400, where he continues to advocate for his clients with dedication and expertise.
