Ben Michael, Criminal Defense Attorney in Austin, Texas
Over 13 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 11 verified client reviews
Founder and Managing PartneratMichael & Associates
Austin, TX
Practicing criminal defense in Austin since 2013.
- 13+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 11 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Ben Michael?
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Quick answer
Ben Michael is a founder and managing partner based in Austin, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General. Ben has over 13 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael & Associates. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 11 client reviews.
- Based in
- Austin, TX
- Experience
- over 13 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · General
- Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General matters from Austin, TX.
- Over 13 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Ben Michael: Ben Michael is a founder and managing partner based in Austin, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General. Ben has over 13 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael & Associates. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 11 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Ben's practice areas in Austin
Ben concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, general, and sex crimes. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ben handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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General
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Sex Crimes
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Criminal Defense cases in Austin, Texas
Ben takes criminal defense matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ben agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Austin, Texas
Ben takes dui/dwi matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ben agrees to represent you.
General cases in Austin, Texas
Ben takes general matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ben agrees to represent you.
Sex Crimes cases in Austin, Texas
Ben takes sex crimes matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ben agrees to represent you.
Biography
Ben Michael, criminal defense attorney serving Austin
Ben Michael is a founder and managing partner based in Austin, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General. Ben has over 13 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael & Associates. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 11 client reviews. Ben works from Austin, Texas and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Ben Michael is the founder and Managing Partner of Michael & Associates, and has nearly a decade of experience in criminal defense here in Austin, TX. He is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has spent nearly a decade helping those accused of crimes achieve the best possible outcome. He has successfully defended hundreds of clients, handling all sorts of legal issues, including DWI, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, possession of controlled substances, expungement cases, and felony cases.
Ben originally studied political science at the University of Florida and subsequently attended Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. During law school, he clerked at a number of law firms, gaining experience in a variety of areas, including personal injury, civil rights, wrongful death, and litigation. After passing the bar, Ben decided to dedicate his life to defending those accused of criminal charges and eventually became a partner at another Austin-area defense firm. Over the course of his career in Austin, he quickly became known as 'Mr. Dismissal' around the courtroom, often seemingly able to get charges dismissed that had no hope.
Ben left to start the law office Michael & Associates in order to provide a high level of client service, trustworthy legal advice, and, most importantly, zealous defense for those in the Austin area.
Awards
American Academy of Attorneys Top 100 (2026)
American Academy of Attorneys Top 40 Under 40 (2026)
American Association of Attorney Advocates Top 10 Attorney (2026)
American Association of Attorney Advocates Top 10 Law Firm (2026
American Association of Attorney Advocates Top 10 Under 40 Attorney (2026)
American Institute 10 Best Law Firm (2026)
American Institute of Legal Advocates Top Law Firm (2026)
American Institute of Legal Advocates Top Lawyer (2026)
American Institute of Trial Lawyers Best Law Firm (2026)
America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys (2026)
Elite Lawyer Criminal Defense (2026)Lawyer Legion recognized for Professional Involvement (2026)
Working with Ben on a criminal defense matter
Ben Michael is the founder and Managing Partner of Michael & Associates, and has nearly a decade of experience in criminal defense here in Austin, TX. He is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has spent nearly a decade helping those accused of crimes achieve the best possible outcome. He has successfully defended hundreds of clients, handling all sorts of legal issues, including DWI,…
Clients Ben works with
Ben reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and general matters in Austin and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Ben studied and practices
Loyola Law School Los Angeles
J.D. · 2013
University of Florida
—
Jurisdictions
Ben's state bar admissions
Texas
2013 · ACTIVE
Ben studied at J.D. in Loyola Law School Los Angeles and — in University of Florida.
Law school and academic background
Ben completed J.D. in Loyola Law School Los Angeles and — in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ben runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Ben's professional memberships and bar associations
National College of DUI Defense Lawyers
2026)The National Trial Lawyers (2026 · membership
Locations
Ben Michael's office in Austin
Ben's primary office is at 500 W 2nd Street, Suite 1900, Austin, TX, 78701. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Ben Michael — 5.0/5 rating from 11 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Ben. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Austin.
5.0
11 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ben Michael claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Ben Michael — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ben usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Ben charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ben's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Ben will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Austin, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Ben
Ben discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Ben confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Ben's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Ben Michael
How much does it cost to hire Ben for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ben walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ben offer a free consultation?
Ben charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ben's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Ben's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Texas typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ben gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ben take my case if I'm outside Austin?
Ben is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ben will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Ben?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ben will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ben accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Ben's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Austin, Houston and Dallas in Texas
Ben handles criminal defense matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Texas
If Ben's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Austin handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
