Charles Pelowski, Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston, Texas

Charles Pelowski is a Senior Trial Attorney at Michael & Associates based in Houston, Texas, and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. For more than 15 years, he has defended clients across Texas in cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, trying dozens of jury trials and handling multiple criminal appeals—including reversals and an appeal-winning acquittal.

Board Certification in Criminal Law is one of the highest professional distinctions a Texas defense attorney can earn. Fewer than 7,500 of the state’s 110,000+ licensed lawyers hold any specialty certification, and only a small fraction are certified in Criminal Law. To qualify, Charles demonstrated substantial involvement in criminal defense for more than 5 years (he had over 15), extensive misdemeanor and felony jury-trial experience, multiple criminal appeals, favorable peer reviews from judges and attorneys, completion of 60 hours of advanced education in criminal law, and passing one of the most demanding certification exams in Texas.

Much of Charles’s practice focuses on DWI and drug cases where the State relies on blood or breath testing. He doesn’t simply read lab reports—he investigates how the testing was performed and whether it is scientifically reliable. To do that, he has invested heavily in formal forensic-science training, including enrollment at the University of Florida, where he is working toward a Master’s degree in Forensic Toxicology, hands-on gas chromatography training at Axion Labs in Chicago, ISO/IEC 17025 internal-auditor training for forensic laboratories through ANAB, and the coursework required for the American Chemical Society’s Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation.

That scientific foundation allows Charles to identify errors in blood draws, laboratory procedures, and instrument performance that many attorneys miss. He frequently represents licensed professionals—healthcare workers, commercial drivers, educators, and first responders—whose careers and professional licenses are often on the line alongside their criminal cases.

At his core, Charles believes American freedom is rooted in the right to a trial by jury. He prepares every case as if it will be tried, because rigorous investigation, aggressive discovery, and meticulous preparation create leverage—whether the case ends in dismissal, a negotiated resolution, or a verdict. Clients value his direct, honest assessment of risk and outcomes, and his relentless advocacy when their future is on the line.

Outside the courtroom, Charles has earned a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after 12 years of training, and is a co-owner of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Pearland, a Certified Gracie Training Center. The discipline, strategy, and composure required on the mats mirror the way he approaches trial work: calm under pressure, detail-driven, and relentlessly prepared.