Attorney Profiles

Joseph (Joe) R. Gutheinz, Jr.

Joe Gutheinz has six college degrees and eight teaching credentials and is licensed to practice law in ten courts, including the Texas Supreme Court; the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th, 10th, and 11th Circuits; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; and the United States Supreme Court. He is a former Commissioner on the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, a Former Commissioned Member of the Texas State Council on Sex Offender Treatment, and a Former Commissioned Member on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Advisory Committee on Offenders with Medical and Mental Impairments. He presently serves on the Alumni Board of Directors for South Texas College of Law. As a college instructor, he taught over two hundred graduate and undergraduate Criminal Justice, Law, Risk Management, and Paralegal classes for three colleges. He is a former Adjunct Professor at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where he taught Mediation.

Joe Gutheinz is a Texas Criminal Law Super Lawyer who has practiced law since 1997; he has been a Certified Fraud Examiner since 1990 and is a retired NASA Office of Inspector General Senior Special Agent and former Army Aviator. In addition to practicing law, he has served as a consultant on NASA related cases and has appeared on various news and media outlets such as the BBC, History Channel, Science Channel, Fox News, Oprah Winfrey Network, etc.

His awards include the NASA Exceptional Service Medal; the NASA Superior Accomplishment Award, Special Act or Service; the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal; the President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency Career Achievement Award; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas Special Commendation; the State of Texas Honorary Texas Admiral Commission; and the State of Oklahoma Honorary Lt. Governor Commission. He is recognized as a California State University, Sacramento, Distinguished Alumni. He has received Letters of Commendation from two United States Presidents and a Letter of Commendation from now former Director of the F.B.I, Louis J. Freeh.

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Michael J. Gutheinz

For the past 20 years, Mike has helped individuals and families navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives, focusing his practice on family law and criminal defense. He combines steady courtroom advocacy with a practical, problem‑solving approach designed to protect his clients’ rights, their children, and their futures.

In his family law practice, Mike handles divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, property division, and modification and enforcement actions. He understands that family cases are as much about people and long‑term stability as they are about statutes and procedures, and he works to secure durable settlements whenever possible while being fully prepared to try a case when necessary.

As a criminal defense attorney, Mike defends clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies, including assault, domestic violence, DWI, drug offenses, theft crimes, and probation violations. Drawing on two decades of courtroom experience, he evaluates cases early, challenges the State’s evidence, and pursues dismissals, reductions, or acquittals through motion practice, negotiations, and trial.

Clients appreciate Mike for his direct communication style, realistic advice, and thorough preparation. He makes it a priority to explain each step of the process, outline options in plain language, and respond promptly to questions so clients can make informed decisions about their cases.

Mike graduated from the University of St. Thomas, Magna Cum Laude, with a B.A. in Political Science. He graduated from South Texas College of Law, Cum Laude, with a Doctorate in Jurisprudence. Outside the office, Mike is a member of the United States Army Reserve and a proud third-generation veteran.

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James O'Leary Gutheinz

Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army Reserve

James O’Leary Gutheinz graduated from the University of St. Thomas, Magna Cum Laude, with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Theology. He was Commissioned an Officer in the United States Army Reserve and graduated from Adjutant Officer Basic Course in 2005. James Gutheinz was mobilized as an active-duty officer in the Army for five years and simultaneously completed law school at South Texas College of Law in December of 2010. While at South Texas College of Law, James interned at a certified domestic violence clinic-Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA)-where he participated in complex family law cases by assisting victims in need of legal services. He also interned for the Prosecutor's Office of Pearland, Texas, where he gained vast knowledge in municipal cases dealing with violations of the transportation code and various other misdemeanors. James' focus is primarily on Family Law.