Location: 500 W 2nd St, Suite 1900, Austin, TX 78701, United States (Additional offices in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth)
About Michael & Associates
Founders established Michael & Associates in order to properly defend their clients against criminal charges. The Texas-based criminal defense firm focuses on DWI, felonies, and misdemeanors.
They have more than 20 attorneys in their firm, and their practice spans across Austin, Dallas, and Houston. They utilize a “lawyer-scientist” approach and forensic training to challenge technical evidence. Their 5:1 staff-to-attorney ratio ensures frequent communication and weekly case updates for every client.
The firm has an A+ BBB rating and several awards that include “Top 10” trials in Texas and recognition from Super Lawyers. Their areas of expertise range from intoxication manslaughter to assault and possession of drugs.
For Michael & Associates, practice goes beyond the representation of the accused in court, ensuring that a defendant’s future is not determined by one charge. Practice is guided by the high-tech approach in case preparation.
Client satisfaction is paramount, and there is a deep commitment to regaining a defendant’s peace of mind and achieving favorable outcomes in cases.
Specialty:
Michael & Associates specializes in the following:
- DWI.
- Alcohol-Related Offenses.
- Violent Crimes (Assault, battery, domestic violence (family violence), and homicide/murder).
- Drug Crimes.
- Theft and Property Crimes.
- Other Felonies and Misdemeanors.
Law Firm Details:
Michael & Associates is an exemplary example of contemporary defense practice, coupled with being one of the best in terms of legal counsel.
This is one of the few firms in the region that is involved in “lawyer-scientist” practice, in which lawyers are trained in the scientific aspect of blood and breath testing.
Additionally, it looks for senior trial attorneys in its recruitment program, those in the top 10% in their line of expertise.
Let’s meet the team:
Ben Michael
Designation: Founder & Managing Partner
Called “Mr. Dismissal,” Ben Michael is the architect of the firm’s top-performing defense model.
He made it to the Top 10 Texas Lawyers and “10 Best Attorneys” list by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys. Under his guidance, the firm boasts a client satisfaction rating of 98% over several thousand cases.
Holly Fox
Designation: Senior Trial Attorney
Firstly, Holly Fox has more than 20 years of experience in the justice system. Her experience includes working as an FBI Special Agent, a prosecutor, a Criminal Magistrate, and a Municipal Court Judge.
Furthermore, her specialty is representing clients charged with major crimes in Texas. Additionally, her experience in the Texas court system allows Holly Fox to defend clients effectively.
Andromeda Vega Rubio
Designation: Senior Trial Attorney
Andromeda Vega Rubio, former trial prosecutor at the Williamson County Attorney’s Office, is bilingual in Spanish and German. She practices criminal defense and trial practice. Additionally, she received the “Texas Super Lawyer” title in 2025. She also won the “Top Lawyers Under 40” award from the Hispanic National Bar Association.
She has more than a decade of experience as an attorney and is passionate about making quality defense representation accessible to everyone.
Nelson Knight
Designation: Senior Trial Attorney
Nelson Knight has been a practicing attorney for over 25 years, focusing on defense and trial jury cases. Before engaging in private practice, he worked at the Dallas County District Attorney’s office, handling cases ranging from DWI to Capital Murder.
He began his private practice in 2001 and has represented clients in over a thousand jury trials in North Texas. He is known for his skills in trial litigation and achieving dismissals in both misdemeanor and felony charges.
Chris Denuna
Designation: Senior Trial Attorney
Chris Denuna is an ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, one of the highest honors an attorney can receive in their field of science.
His work involves the technical defense of DWI cases, in which he applies his knowledge of chemical tests to tear apart the prosecution’s case.
RC Pate
Designation: Senior Trial Attorney & Partner
Former prosecutor and original member of DUI Defense Lawyers Association, RC Pate has over 15 years of experience in this industry.
His experience on both sides of the law allows him to effectively defend against any tactics used by prosecutors in order to obtain the best results for his clients in serious cases of misdemeanors and felonies.
Yelp Rating
Rating: 5/5
Positive Reviews:

Negative Reviews: None
GMB Rating:
Rating: 5.0 (434 reviews)




Negative Reviews: None
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
This firm focuses its practice on DWI and DUI defense throughout Texas. Individually, they also handle a great deal of other criminal matters, from assault and family violence to drug possession and theft.
Additionally, they also serve for serious felonies such as manslaughter or weapons charges.
The firm operates on “Zealous Advocacy,” which means they aggressively fight to protect the rights of every client.
Adding in the white-glove service value means they focus on clear communication and take on each case with an aim towards dismissal.
Ben Michael established the company. He is overseeing a team of trial lawyers with experience in criminal trials. Some of the major trial lawyers are Holly Fox, a judge and FBI agent, and Nelson Knight, who has over 25 years of trial experience.
Other top lawyers are Ryan Eady, who is a board-certified attorney, and Christina King.
Although it has been operating for a number of years, the firm has a total of over 100 years of collective legal expertise. Its founder, Ben Michael, started his law practice in 2013.
Since then, he has grown his firm to cover the whole of Texas, serving thousands of clients.
The firm’s primary headquarters is in Austin, and they also have offices throughout Texas. Their Austin Address is 500 W 2nd St, Suite 1900, Austin, TX 78701. You can directly call them at (512) 488-5775 or e-mail them at hello@zealousadvocate.com.
0 Reply
No comments yet.