Shawn Moody McDonald
Google Rating
4.8(42 reviews)
- (281) 302-5513
- No email available
About:
McDonald began his legal career in 2001 as a felony trial prosecutor in Henderson County where he prosecuted thousands of felony cases ranging from capital murder to minor felony drug cases. In 2004, McDonald moved closer to home and began prosecuting felony cases in the Fort Bend District Attorney’s Office, which included being an instructor at the Fort Bend County Gus George Law Enforcement Academy as well as teaching at many local police departments. In 2006, McDonald opened his own Criminal Trial Practice focusing solely on representing clients who have been charged with criminal offenses throughout the great State of Texas. In 2010 McDonald became Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He was the youngest attorney in the history of Fort Bend County to attain this level of expertise. Substantially less than 1% of attorneys in the State of Texas are Board Certified in Criminal Law. McDonald currently holds that certification and has maintained it continuously since 2010. He has served on countless panels and symposiums as a criminal law expert throughout the State. In addition to extensive criminal trial experience, McDonald also has substantial teaching experience. He was a law school professor teaching criminal trial simulation and criminal law at Thurgood Marshall School of Law where he had the opportunity to mentor and teach hundreds of law students. McDonald also created the nationally recognized Innocence Project at Thurgood Marshall and was the director of that project for two (2) years. McDonald is currently an adjunct professor of government at Houston Baptist University. McDonald takes pride in being an honest and ethical attorney, all the while being one who will be extremely aggressive in representing you. He will return your calls promptly, provides his cell phone number to clients and makes himself available day or night to answer any and all of your questions. View More ›
DVLawyers AI Summary:
This law firm focuses on providing comprehensive legal support for survivors of domestic violence, with a strong emphasis on family law issues such as custody disputes and obtaining restraining orders. Their approach is grounded in empathy and a deep understanding of the trauma that survivors often face. The firm's attorneys prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment for clients, where they can share their experiences without fear of judgment. Their language is accessible and reassuring, clearly aimed at empowering survivors rather than overwhelming them with legal jargon. Clients can expect a collaborative approach, where their personal needs and circumstances are taken into account, fostering a sense of partnership during what can be a daunting legal process. The firm’s commitment to a trauma-informed practice means that they are not only focused on legal outcomes but also on the emotional well-being of their clients. If you’re seeking legal representation, this firm may be a good fit for you, especially if you value an empathetic approach and a focus on your individual needs. They seem equipped to handle the complexities of domestic violence cases while being sensitive to the unique challenges that survivors face. However, it's essential to reach out and discuss your specific situation to ensure that their services align with your expectations and needs. Overall, this firm appears to be a supportive ally for those navigating the legal system after experiencing domestic abuse.
Jurisdiction:Texas (Since 2001)
Practice Area
Criminal Law
Guides reporting, evidence, bail conditions, no-contact orders, prosecutions or defenses, and record sealing, centering survivor safety and informed participation across the criminal process.
Languages
Spanish
Fees
Free Consultation
Education
J.D.
B.S.
Awards
Top 100 in Criminal Defense
Top 100 in Criminal Defense - National Trial Lawyers (2019)
Associations
Member
Member
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Reviews
RATED 5.0
Sep 2, 2025via Google
MAC JUNE
"Mr McDonald is awesome he’s actually the first person within the system to help my child in ways some wouldn’t understand unfortunately a lot of kids do not receive the help or services they truly need to be put them in the best position to become better with the help of Mr McDonald that was not the case for my child, you can tell he truly cares about his clients has no issue speaking up in court and asking for what he believes will help these kids in the long run. I pray we never need his services again but I am truly grateful for all of his help and assistance."
RATED 5.0
Sep 2, 2025via Google
Tyra Hill
"Case dismissed before I even seen a court room!!!"
RATED 5.0
Aug 2, 2025via Google
Lisbeth Franco
"Im more than grateful that I came across Shawn McDonald. He made sure to get my case dismissed and kept me updated every time. Very helpful and understanding. Thank you so much !!!"
RATED 5.0
Aug 2, 2025via Google
Keshaun P.
"2 2nd degree felonies. 1 state jail felony. 1 Misdemeanor A. This attorney ventured every possible way for me to defend myself from the crimes I was charged with. Didn’t glance over any details regarding my case. He kept me in the loop as far as potential outcomes and what I could do to affect them. But he did not make false promises. He will anlways be straightforward with his client. And he was always one phone call away. Long story short 3 of my charges was dismissed and now I’m in a program for my final charge to be expunged in 6-8 moths. Couldn’t ask for a better lawyer and a better outcome"
RATED 1.0
May 2, 2025via Google
Taylor
"i’m not sure where to start with attorney Amanda Bolin, but if you want a attorney that gives you no communication and advice. This is your girl. Number one, if you have a problem, you need to tell her about she’s completely desensitized. She does not care about her clients walking at all whatsoever. If you want to get off drug testing, she won’t know your probation officer where to go to you will have to tell her, and you will have to beg her and dagger for a month straight. She will tell you she’s doing something about it, but she doesn’t then you’ll find out she has a long information. She told me my defense letter would be sent to mediately, in my case would be done with by December, she didn’t even send my defense letter till December. She sent my defense letter without talking to me, got all the facts completely wrong, did not give me a waiver to sign my permission to send my notes to the prosecutor. Yes, she sent my notes of my case to the prosecutor without asking she charged me hours, saying I was in her office for an hour and a half, the only time ever went to her office, was to pay her money, and we were there for like 10 minutes lol she didn’t remember any of the things I told her and I would constantly have to bring them up, she refuses to fight for you, even if it’s completely worth the case because she’s afraid of being “sanctioned “ she tells you she’s reaching out to the prosecutor, but has no documentation of that for your case. She will charge you for sending her a text message. If you ask her question, when her text message will be, I don’t know. She very very rarely gives you an answer to the questions you’re asking. she charged me an hour and a half for a zoom court date that literally took 10 minutes where the prosecutor left her dumbfounded I literally had to switch attorney, wasted $20,000 on her for her to make up fake hours she spent on the case with no records of her actually doing anything but sending a few emails to change bond modifications after begging her, it’s never just done you’re going to have to spend weeks and weeks begging her to do it and then she’s going to charge you for those text messages. My husband, Peter 10 grand and she didn’t even save his phone number or call him on behalf of the case, she sent letters to the prosecutor without talking to him. Once, she went seven months without contacting him. Then she charges for stuff that doesn’t have anything to do related to the case. By the way, i was told she was fired from the prosecution office. She’s not good friends with everyone there like she claims."