Practice areas: Criminal Defense, DUI-DWI; view more
Licensed in Texas since: 2010
Education: Texas Tech University School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2026 Call today:
713-261-1677
Michael & Associates
2200 Post Oak Blvd10th Floor
Houston, TX 77056 Visit website
Details 
Charles A. Pelowski is an accomplished criminal defense attorney at Michael & Associates in Houston, Texas. As an attorney who is board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, he provides elite, high-stakes representation to individuals facing a wide array of criminal charges.
Mr. Pelowski’s career is defined by a commitment to legal scholarship and courtroom excellence. He completed his undergraduate studies at Texas Tech University, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. He continued his education at the Texas Tech University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 2010.
During his legal studies, Mr. Pelowski served as the articles editor for the Texas Tech Law Review and was inducted into the Order of Barristers. This rigorous training serves as the backbone of his sophisticated and aggressive trial strategy. Soon after his legal studies, he served as an assistant chief public defender at the Caprock Regional Public Defender’s Office, providing him with immense insight into the inner workings of the local judiciary.
Mr. Pelowski is admitted to practice law in Texas and before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. He is deeply integrated into the legal community, holding memberships in the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the DUI Defense Lawyers Association, the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, the Brazoria County Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas. He is also a member of the American Chemical Society.
Widely recognized for his results-oriented approach within his legal community, Mr. Pelowski maintains a "Superb" rating on Avvo, along with a significant volume of positive client testimonials. His peers and clients alike recognize his unwavering dedication to protecting constitutional rights and securing favorable outcomes in complex cases.
Multiple Locations to Serve You Better... Austin - Dallas - Fort Worth - Houston - San Antonio - Nashville - Los Angeles
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWIFocus areas
Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Debt, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Expungement, Failure to Pay Child Support, False Accusations, Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Murder, Overdrawn Bank Account, Parole, Probation, Prosecution, Sex Offenses, Tax Evasion, Theft, Traffic Violations
- 80% Criminal Defense
- 20% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
First Admitted: 2010, Texas
Professional Webpage: https://zealousadvocate.com/attorneys/charles-pelowski/
Bar / Professional Activity
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, 2016
- Member, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA), 2009-Present
- Founder, Bowie Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2011
- College of the State Bar of Texas, 2014 and 2016
- Committee Member, TCDLA Technology & Communications Committee (2017–2019)
- Member, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), 2019-Present
- Member, DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA), 2025
- American Chemical Society (ACS) — Greater Houston Section — Member (2025–present). Divisions: Chemistry & the Law (CHAL), Analytical Chemistry (ANYL), Chemical Toxicology (TOXI), 2025
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Charge: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Location: Harris County, Baytown Municipal Court, Allegations: During a roadside investigation, officers said they found a backpack in the vehicle containing items they labeled as drug paraphernalia. Our team obtained the reports and dissected how the bag was located and who actually had control over it. We questioned the legal basis for opening the backpack and whether the items were truly drug related. We presented those issues to the prosecutor and made clear we were prepared to litigate them. The state agreed the proof problems were significant, and the paraphernalia case was dismissed. Result Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Harris County, CC1, Allegations: Police found our client asleep in a fast food drive-thru after the vehicle rolled over a curb and got stuck. Officers immediately handcuffed the client without asking about alcohol use and performed no field sobriety tests at the scene. Testing was attempted later at the jail, and there were no breath or blood results. We dissected the police reports and challenged the lack of on-scene investigation and probable cause for the arrest. We pressed these issues with the prosecutor and prepared to argue suppression. The state dismissed the case. Result Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - Second Offense, Location: Harris County, CC8, Allegations: Police contacted the client while parked at a gas station after leaving a venue, seated in the driver’s seat with the car off. The report alleged intoxication and referenced testing at the jail, but no driving was observed. We focused on the timeline and vehicle location, emphasizing that the client had pulled over to arrange a ride and was cooperative. We presented mitigation and negotiated firmly despite the prior DWI. The case resolved with straight probation on the misdemeanor, avoiding a jail sentence. Result Probation.
- Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony), Location: Harris County, 248th DC, Allegations: After the client was booked on an unrelated matter, jail staff reported finding a small amount of suspected cocaine in the client's wallet during release, leading to a felony possession charge. We focused on the custodial search and the handling of the wallet from the scene to the jail. By scrutinizing booking paperwork, property logs, and the chain of custody, we highlighted gaps tying the substance to knowing possession. We pressed these issues with the prosecutor and prepared to litigate suppression. The state dismissed the case. Result Case Dismissed.
- Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony), Location: Galveston County, 212th District Court, Allegations: Authorities detained our client at a travel checkpoint after a K9 alert, then searched luggage and claimed to find multiple controlled substances. We obtained the reports and scrutinized the legal basis for the alert, the scope of the search, and the manner in which the frisk was conducted. We raised concerns with the prosecution about how the evidence was discovered and handled, and we highlighted significant mitigating factors. After sustained negotiations, the state agreed to forgo jail time. The case resolved with a plea to straight probation. Result Probation.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Harris County, CC15, Allegations: After a roadside incident, the client was found outside a vehicle and arrested for DWI based on the officer's observations. The client refused a breath test, and a blood sample was taken under a warrant. We picked apart the reports and the affidavit supporting the warrant, focusing on whether the state could link any intoxication to actual driving. We presented those evidentiary problems to the prosecution. The state dismissed the case. Result Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - Second Offense, Location: Harris County, CC14, Allegations: After a traffic collision, our client was arrested on a second-offense DWI and transported for treatment. Officers secured a warrant, and the blood draw did not occur until several hours after the driving event. We reconstructed the timeline from the state's own paperwork and emphasized how the delay affected the weight of the evidence. With that leverage, we negotiated a resolution focused on supervision and rehabilitation. The case concluded with straight probation. Result Probation.
- Charge: Resisting or Evading Arrest, Location: Harris County, CC14, Allegations: The case arose after a traffic incident that sent our client to a medical facility, where officers later tried to take him into custody. In the confusion that followed, police reported that he did not immediately comply with commands, leading to a resisting or evading charge. We dug into the incident timeline and arrest paperwork to contextualize his behavior and presented mitigating factors tied to his post-incident condition. After sustained negotiations, the state agreed to a straight probation offer, sparing additional jail time. Result: Probation.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense Location Harris County, CC6, Allegations: After a single-vehicle crash, officers investigated for DWI and obtained a blood sample. Bodycam footage showed the client visibly impaired and emotional, making a trial strategy risky. We pursued pretrial resolution options, but diversion was denied due to aggravating factors, including a high blood alcohol result and the accident. We then focused on minimizing jail exposure and collateral consequences. Through negotiation, the State agreed to a one-year straight probation with classes, interlock, and community service, avoiding confinement. Result: Probation.
- Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony), Location: Harris County, DC 177th, Allegations: Officers approached our client while the vehicle was parked at a fuel station and later reported finding about 0.74 grams of cocaine in a wallet. We obtained the police reports and lab documentation and dug into the circumstances that led to the wallet being searched. Our team challenged the legal basis for the search and scrutinized the chain of custody and testing. We presented our suppression arguments and evidentiary concerns to the prosecution. The State dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: Disorderly Conduct (Class C), Location: Harris County, Webster Municipal Court, Allegations: After a tense argument with an acquaintance spilled into a public area, our client was struck and fell, injuring his leg. He briefly restrained the other person while yelling for it to stop when officers arrived to the commotion and cited him for disorderly conduct. We obtained the reports and highlighted that he raised open hands, was the one injured, and acted to prevent further violence. We challenged whether his conduct met the elements of a public disturbance and pressed the prosecutor. The state dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: Public Intoxication, Location: Harris County, Webster Municipal Court, Allegations: After spending time at a residence, our client accepted a ride from an acquaintance. Directions went awry, tempers flared, and the client exited the car to avoid further conflict. The other person struck first, causing the client to fall and twist an ankle. When officers arrived, the client was upset and loud, and both individuals were cited for public intoxication. We emphasized that our client tried to disengage, was injured, and had no prior record. Using those facts, we negotiated deferred probation to keep a conviction off the record. Result: Deferred Probation.
- Charge: Evading Arrest or Detention with a Vehicle, Location: Harris County, C486, Allegations: Stopped for a traffic violation, the client continued driving briefly to find a safe spot to pull over and was booked for evading in a vehicle. Our team stepped in early, obtained discovery, and reconstructed the timeline of the stop. We pressed the state on the requirement to prove intent to flee and presented the client's safety based reason for the short delay. With that context and our willingness to litigate the issue, the prosecutor dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI (BAC Over .15), Location: Harris County, CC15, Allegations: The client was stopped after a wide right turn and asked to perform sobriety tests despite a hip injury that affected balance. They consented to a breath test and were surprised by a result over .15. We highlighted the client's hip injury, explained how it undercut the walk-and-turn, and questioned whether the officer's instructions were adequate and whether the statutory warnings were given. We also emphasized the timing of the last drink and potential absorption issues. Through sustained negotiations, the prosecution agreed to pre-trial diversion. Result: Pre-Trial Diversion.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Brazoria County, County Court at Law #4, Allegations: A driving complaint led officers to initiate a traffic stop and conduct roadside testing, after which the client was arrested for DWI. The client acknowledged drinking, attempted field sobriety tests, refused a breath test, and no blood sample was taken. We scrutinized the police reports and stressed that the case relied on subjective observations without any chemical result. We challenged the conclusions drawn from the roadside exercises and signaled readiness to litigate those issues. The prosecution agreed to reduce the charge, and the case was resolved with credit for time served. Result: Reduction + Time Served.
- Charge: Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon, Location: Brazoria County, CC4, Allegations: Stopped for a missing front plate and window tint, our client was arrested after voluntarily disclosing a lawfully owned firearm stored in the vehicle. No citations were issued for the equipment issues. We obtained the police reports and discovery, scrutinized the justification for the stop and the manner the weapon was found, and emphasized the absence of other illegal conduct and a clean record. We pressed these points with the prosecutor. The charge was reduced to a lesser offense with deferred probation. Result: Charges Reduced.
- Charge: DWI - Second Offense, Location: Brazoria County, County Court at Law #2, Allegations: Stopped for alleged swerving after leaving a bar, the client was arrested on a second DWI. They refused roadside tests and breath testing, and a blood sample was taken at a hospital after a significant delay. We scrutinized the stop, the timing of the draw, and the handling of the sample, emphasizing how the time gap could affect reliability. With a prior on the record, the stakes were high, but we leveraged these evidentiary issues in negotiations. The case was resolved with straight probation. Result: Probation.
- Charge: DWI - Second Offense, Location: Harris County, CC10, Allegations: After a traffic stop for speeding, the client admitted to drinking a couple beers, performed field sobriety tests, and was arrested. A blood sample was taken at the jail under a warrant, and the client said no statutory warnings were given and that he was told he had to submit. We dug into the reports and video, scrutinizing the advisements, the timing and execution of the warrant, and the circumstances of the jail draw. With the case filed as a second offense, we used those weaknesses to press for relief. The prosecution agreed to reduce the charge, and we negotiated a resolution for credit for time served. Result: Reduction + Time Served.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Harris County, CC6, Allegations: After a rear-end collision, police questioned our client about drinking and were told they had a couple. The officer ran only the eye test, skipped the walk-and-turn and one-leg-stand, and made an arrest. A breath test was taken later, and the result was not provided at the time. We pulled the crash file, dash and bodycam, and the breath-testing records, emphasizing the limited field testing and procedural gaps. Using those weaknesses, we negotiated a reduction and secured a sentence of time served. Result: Reduction + Time Served.
- Charge: DWI - Third Offense, Location: Harris County, 184th DC, Allegations: A traffic stop for speeding led to an arrest after the officer noted an admission to drinking, field sobriety tests, and a blood draw. Soon after, the court imposed strict bond terms, including a SCRAM monitor that triggered from everyday products. We scrutinized the reports and lab records, challenged the reliability of the testing and the breadth of the conditions, and pushed to replace SCRAM with an ignition interlock and fewer check-ins. Using that leverage, we negotiated straight probation with a treatment component, avoiding incarceration. Result: Probation.
- Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony), Location: Harris County, 184th DC, Allegations: The case began with a traffic stop for speeding. During the encounter, officers extended the stop and searched the vehicle, reporting that cocaine was concealed under a floor mat. We secured the dash and body cam, dissected the timeline for prolonging the stop, and challenged the legal basis for the search and the handling of the substance once seized. We pressed these issues in negotiations with the prosecutor. The result was a plea to straight probation on the felony, keeping our client out of prison. Result: Probation.
- Charge: DWI - Second Offense, Location: Harris County, CC16, Allegations: Police contact occurred as the client pulled into a driveway, and the arrest that followed was chaotic, with officers later seeking a blood sample. He was charged as a second offender based on a decades-old prior. We obtained the reports and evidence, reconstructed the timeline, and pressed the prosecution on the age of the enhancement and the reliability of the observations made during the confusion. With that leverage, the State agreed to reduce the charge, and we negotiated a resolution with credit for time served. Result: Reduction + Time Served.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Fort Bend County, County Court at Law 5, Allegations: Police responded after the client's car hit a curb and was disabled. The client had consumed several drinks. Officers conducted field sobriety tests and obtained a blood sample, and the case sat for years before an old warrant led to a new arrest. We pulled the aging file, requested the lab records and reports, and pressed the state on evidentiary reliability and whether they could still prove the elements. Faced with those issues and our readiness to litigate, the prosecution dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Galveston County, County Court at Law No. 2, Allegations: Stopped for speeding while merging onto a freeway on-ramp, the client was arrested for DWI after the officer noted odor of alcohol, glassy eyes, and an open container among packed items in the vehicle. The client declined field sobriety tests, a warrant was obtained, and a blood draw later reported a result around 0.12. We scrutinized discovery and pressured the state over missing stop video and evidentiary gaps surrounding the draw and testing. Using those weaknesses and the lack of SFSTs, we negotiated a reduction to a lesser misdemeanor. The client accepted time served, avoiding probation and closing the case. Result: Reduction + Time Served.
- Charge: DWI - Second Offense, Location: Harris County, CC7, Allegations: The client was arrested after a minor crash in a hotel parking area, where an off-duty security officer detained them until patrol arrived. Police noted signs of intoxication, conducted field sobriety tests, and obtained a blood warrant after a hospital visit. We challenged the basis for the initial detention, highlighted poor testing conditions and documented injuries that impacted balance, and provided mitigation showing strong ties and responsibilities at home. After sustained negotiations, the state reduced the case and accepted time served, allowing the client to close the matter and move on. Result: Reduction + Time Served.
- Charge: Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon - Family Violence, Location: Harris County, DC 176th, Allegations: Police were called after a domestic dispute at a home, where our client was accused of threatening a partner with a pair of scissors. The arrest was for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. We dug into the reports and emphasized that no one was injured, the client was several feet away, and the complainant did not wish to prosecute or stand by the weapon allegation. We pressed those weaknesses with the prosecutor. The state agreed to drop the weapon claim and reduce it to a misdemeanor threat. The client took the reduced plea with credit for time served, and avoided further jail or probation. Result: Charges Reduced.
- Charge: Assault on a Peace Officer, Location: Harris County, 338th DC, Allegations: Police alleged that during an encounter in a bar restroom, our client struck an officer with a shoulder and caused injury. The accusation followed officers moving in after observing suspected contraband and attempting to detain the client. We obtained the reports and evidence, dissected the sequence of events, and emphasized that any contact was incidental, not intentional. We also challenged whether there was documented bodily injury sufficient to meet the statute. Facing these proof problems, the prosecution dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony), Location: Harris County, 338th DC, Allegations: The client was confronted in a bar restroom after an officer reported seeing a handoff of a small bag to another person. The client tried to dispose of it in the toilet, but officers recovered a few grams of suspected contraband. We examined the police reports and evidence handling, scrutinizing the legality of the detention inside the restroom and how the substance was retrieved. Leveraging those concerns in negotiations, we secured deferred adjudication probation, keeping a conviction off the record upon successful completion. Result: Deferred Probation.
- Charge: DWI >.15, Allegations: The individual was arrested for DWI after being pulled over for making a wide right turn. BAC tested over .15. The client had no prior offenses. Result: Plea - PTD/PTI.
- Charge: POM, Allegations: The individual was arrested after a traffic stop when police said they detected the smell of marijuana and conducted a search. Marijuana, paraphernalia, and an unholstered firearm were found in the vehicle. The client had no prior criminal record. Result: Dismissed.
- Charge: UCW Allegations: The client was involved in a rollover accident, and a bottle with alcohol was found in the vehicle. Officers also detected the smell of alcohol. The client refused testing, and a warrant was issued for a blood test. Result: Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI B/DWI 1st, Allegations: The individual was arrested after a traffic stop for swerving. The client refused a breath test and admitted to consuming alcohol. No field sobriety tests were completed because the client said they had concerns about balance issues due to a medical condition. Blood was drawn under a warrant. Result: Plea - PTD/PTI.
- Charge: POCS felony, Allegations: The client was arrested at a gas station after being found behind the wheel of the vehicle with the engine off. The client said he had stopped at the gas station to call for a ride and use the restroom, and was waiting for his ride to arrive. Result: Dismissed.
- Charge: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Allegations: Client picked up for two counts after domestic incident involving physical struggle over weapons. Allegations followed prior partner conflicts, financial disputes, and property damage. Prior partner's‚ charge was later dropped. Client's prior include tickets, DWLI, and a completed deferred drug case. Result: Dismissed.
- Charge: Public intoxication, Allegations: The client was arrested for public intoxication following an altercation with a family member at a hotel room. Police were called, and upon their arrival, the individual was accused of intoxication despite claims of sobriety. Result: Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Harris County, CC12, Allegations: After a traffic stop for alleged swerving, officers had our client do field tests, then let them drive to a nearby lot. The client declined breath testing, a warrant was obtained, and blood was drawn at the jail. We reviewed video and paperwork and found issues, including unclear test instructions and a mislabeled blood record that undermined chain of custody. We pressed these problems and challenged the BAC’s reliability. The case was reduced, and the client received credit for time served, avoiding probation and further jail. Result: Reduction + Time Served.
- Charge: Assault - Family Violence, Location: Fort Bend County, County Court at Law 3, Allegations: Police were called to a hotel after an argument that followed a day of drinking. Officers noted the complainant’s black eye and arrested our client, who said he acted defensively. The 911 call came from a third party, the complainant later expressed no interest in prosecution, and a child’s reported account conflicted with the fact the child had been asleep. We compiled these credibility problems and highlighted the lack of reliable evidence. After sustained negotiations with the DA, the state dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location Brazoria County, County Court at Law #2, Allegations: Stopped for excessive speed, our client was first booked for reckless driving and later charged with DWI after officers claimed signs of intoxication at the station. The client declined field tests and a breath test, so police obtained a blood warrant. The result, taken well after the stop, was barely over the limit. We reviewed video showing steady speech and normal demeanor, then challenged the reliability of the blood draw and handling of the sample. With those weaknesses, we negotiated a reduction to a non-DWI misdemeanor with deferred probation. Result: Charges Reduced.
- Charge: DWI - Second Offense, Location: Brazoria County, County Court at Law #4, Allegations: Stopped for an improper lane change, the client was arrested on a second DWI. They invoked the right to remain silent and refused all field sobriety tasks and any breath or blood testing, leaving the case with no BAC evidence. We obtained the video, scrutinized the reason for the stop, and highlighted inconsistencies and minimal impairment signs in the report. After sustained negotiations focused on the evidentiary gaps and trial risk, the prosecutor agreed to reduce the charge, sparing the client the harsher second-offense penalties. Result: Charges Reduced.
- Charge: Theft of Property ($100 to $750), Location: Brazoria County, County Court at Law #4, Allegations: Store loss prevention stopped our client after exiting a retail location and alleged concealed merchandise. We obtained the surveillance video and highlighted that it did not clearly show concealment, and that what appeared to be merchandise could have been a personal item. We also challenged the state's proof that the client did not enter with the items and pressed discrepancies in the store's valuation near the charge threshold. Confronted with these evidentiary issues and our readiness for trial, the prosecution dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: Theft of Property $100-$750 (Class B Misdemeanor), Location: Brazoria County, CCL4, Allegations: At a retail store, loss prevention stopped the client after they exited with trading cards in a pocket, alleging the value was just over one hundred dollars. We obtained and reviewed the surveillance video and scrutinized the store's valuation against documentation. The footage did not clearly show concealment or intent, and the pricing showed inconsistencies that appeared to inflate the total. We presented these problems to the prosecutor and pressed the evidentiary weaknesses. With key elements in doubt, the state dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: Continuous Violence Against the Family (Felony), Location: Harris County, 176th DC, Allegations: Our client was arrested on a felony continuous family violence charge after a domestic argument at a residence. The arrest relied largely on initial statements from the complainant and a family member. We obtained the reports and conducted our own investigation, collecting texts, videos, and recordings the client had preserved. Those materials revealed major inconsistencies with the police narrative and included admissions that undermined the original allegations. We organized the timeline, highlighted credibility problems, and presented the issues to the prosecutor. The state dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Harris County, CC4, Allegations: After a single-car crash near an intersection on a foggy, wet night, our client was arrested for DWI. The vehicle’s wipers were malfunctioning, and no other vehicles were involved. Officers later noted a refusal, but the client recalls no field sobriety tests and consented to a breath test without being told the result. We dissected the reports and crash conditions, highlighting the lack of standardized testing and confusion about any refusal. Faced with these evidentiary gaps, the state dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Galveston County, CC3, Allegations: The client was stopped for an expired registration and questioned about alcohol. After admitting to drinking, they were given field sobriety tests and arrested. At the station, the breath machine showed sample accepted twice, but the officer deleted the results and refused to disclose any numbers, then said he would seek a blood warrant. We pulled the video and testing records, documented the irregular handling, and challenged the reliability of the evidence. With that leverage, we negotiated a reduction of the charge. Result: Charges Reduced.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Brazoria County, CC1, Allegations: Officers found the client after the vehicle left the roadway, appearing disoriented, and had them transported to a hospital where a screening blood test showed a high level. We obtained the hospital records documenting dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, plus proof of a later infection. Those conditions helped explain the client's presentation. We questioned the evidentiary weight of the hospital screening result and demanded full forensic documentation. Using that leverage and mitigation, we negotiated deferred probation to avoid a conviction. Result: Deferred Probation.
- Charge: Assault - Family Violence (Misdemeanor), Location: Harris County, CCL4, Allegations: Police responded to a domestic dispute after heavy drinking. Our client was arrested based on the partner's initial statement and minor scratches, despite reporting she had been hit and showing facial swelling. We obtained the 911 recording, body cam footage, and booking photos, and documented her injuries. The evidence highlighted conflicting accounts, the cramped setting of the struggle, and gaps in the on-scene investigation. We made clear we were ready to litigate and impeach credibility. The prosecutor dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Harris County, CC10, Allegations: Following a social gathering, our client was caught up at the tail end of a multi-vehicle collision. Officers administered HGN, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand, and a later breath test registered 0.10. We obtained the police and crash reports along with the breath-test records, and highlighted how post-crash conditions and roadside testing can skew balance and observations. The client also moved quickly to arrange an ignition interlock, showing accountability. We leveraged those points in negotiations and secured probation. Result: Probation.
- Charge: Theft (Class A or Class B Misdemeanor), Location: Fort Bend County, CCL2, Allegations: Police contacted our client near a retail area after a store reported that small personal items had been taken. The merchandise was recovered from the vehicle and returned, and the client, who had no prior record, was released on a personal bond. We requested the surveillance video, bodycam and offense report, and emphasized that there was no actual loss. We engaged the prosecutor early, presented mitigation and the client’s willingness to take corrective steps. The state dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: Assault - Family Violence, Impeding Breath/Circulation, Location: Harris County, 262nd DC, Allegations: Police went to a residence after a neighbor reported a loud dispute. The complainant claimed her breathing was impeded, officers observed some bruising, and she was taken for evaluation. Our client had already left to cool off but cooperated when contacted. We obtained the body camera, reports, neighbor information, and medical records. The footage was unclear, and the evidence did not reliably establish strangulation or the source of the bruising. After pressing these proof problems and setting the case for trial, the state dismissed. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Location: Fort Bend County, 240th District Court, Allegations: During a heated domestic dispute in a parking area, the argument turned physical and both parties made contact. Our client reported being struck and momentarily blacking out, and when she recovered she had a small knife from her vehicle in her hand. The complainant reported no injuries, and the allegation focused on brandishing. We obtained reports, identified potential bystander video, and documented the chaotic sequence and conflicting accounts. Using those weaknesses, we pressed the prosecutor to reconsider the charge. The case was reduced to a lesser offense, avoiding a felony conviction. Result: Charges Reduced.
- Charge: DWI - Second Offense, Location: Fort Bend County, County Court at Law 3, Allegations: Officers found the client parked and slumped over the wheel after they had pulled over feeling unwell. The client reported taking a legal supplement earlier, and no alcohol was alleged. A consensual blood draw later reported amphetamine and methamphetamine, which the client denied using. We scrutinized the toxicology and highlighted conflicting accounts about where the vehicle was found and whether operation could be proven. After sustained negotiations focusing on these proof gaps, the case resolved with probation instead of jail. Result: Probation.
- Charge: Harassment, Location: Harris County, CC12, Allegations: Police were called after a heated argument at a shared residence, and our client was accused of making a verbal threat. We pulled the 911 audio, bodycam, and reports and built a detailed timeline. A third party who was on the phone during the exchange contradicted the allegation, and the context showed a one time domestic dispute rather than a pattern of harassing conduct. We presented these credibility and proof problems to the prosecutor. The state dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: Evading Arrest in a Motor Vehicle, Location: Harris County, 496th District Court, Allegations: The client was accused of evading arrest while driving after officers attempted a stop. We examined the police reports and the chronology of events, challenging whether the commands to stop were clear and promptly given. We scrutinized the initial basis for the attempted detention and pressed weaknesses in the state’s proof of intent. After sustained negotiations and a readiness to litigate, we secured an outcome that avoided a conviction. The case concluded with deferred probation. Result: Deferred Probation.
- Charge: Possession of Marijuana, Location: Fort Bend County, County Court at Law 1, Allegations: Police responded to a hotel after our client reported people trying to get into the room. Officers walked the client out, and only afterward a hotel employee claimed she had gone in alone and found marijuana, which she then turned over. Nothing was found on the client or in the client’s bags. We obtained the reports and emphasized that the only evidence came from a third party with access and credibility problems, including being detained on an unrelated warrant. Confronted with those weaknesses, the state dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI (BAC Over .15), Location: Harris County, CC8, Allegations: After a minor crash, the client waited at a nearby lot for police. Officers reported open containers, administered field sobriety tests, and later obtained a breath test reading over .15. We pulled the body and dash videos, scrutinized the instructions given during the tests, and obtained the breath device maintenance logs and observation period records. We highlighted the lack of injuries and other mitigating factors while pressing the state on evidentiary gaps. The result was a negotiated term of probation with no jail time and conditions the client could manage. Result: Probation.
- Charge: DWI - Second Offense, Location: Harris County, CC15, Allegations: The client was stopped after officers saw the vehicle drift while it struggled with a stalling engine. The officer noted typical intoxication clues and referenced a caller report, but the client declined field sobriety tests and a breath sample; a blood draw was taken later at the station under a warrant hours after the stop. We obtained the videos and warrant affidavit, challenged the basis for the stop and the late blood collection, and documented ongoing interlock compliance efforts. After sustained negotiations, the case resolved with probation rather than a harsher outcome. Result: Probation.
- Charge: Public Intoxication, Location: Harris County, Pasadena Municipal Court, Allegations: While visiting family, our client had a few drinks and went for a late walk in a residential area. After tripping and calling out, a neighbor contacted police, and officers arrested the client for public intoxication following an anxious exchange. We demanded the full evidence, examined the reports and any video for whether the legal elements were actually met, and noted that family on scene was ready to take responsibility. We documented issues with the investigation and pressed our position with the state. The prosecution dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: Racing on Highway, Location: Harris County, CC9, Allegations: After leaving a restaurant, the client drove on a highway when a nearby vehicle began revving and accelerating. The client briefly accelerated as well, then let off, and was the only one to pull over when a patrol unit lit him up, while the other driver fled. Police alleged a racing offense and seized the car. We obtained dash and body camera footage and compared it to the report, showing the officer’s vantage point and the short burst of speed did not establish a coordinated race. With no sustained side by side driving or corroboration, we pressed the State on proof. The case was dismissed. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - Second Offense, Location: Brazoria County, County Court at Law #3, Allegations: The case began after a single-vehicle crash where airbags deployed. Officers noted slurred speech, but the client had just left a dental procedure and still had numbing medication in effect. No field sobriety tests were performed and there was no breath or blood sample. We obtained video and medical records to explain the post-crash condition and anesthetic effects, and stressed the absence of chemical proof. Confronted with these weaknesses, the state reduced the charge and agreed to straight probation. Result: Charges Reduced.
- Charge: Violation of Bond/Protective Order, Location: Harris County, CC2, Allegations: Police alleged the client violated a protective order after sending text messages to a relative. The client consistently stated he had never been served and had already moved from the address tied to the order. We dug into the protective order paperwork, scrutinized the state's proof of service, and questioned whether the recipient was actually covered by the order. We compiled those issues and put them in front of the prosecution while preparing to litigate the notice problem. Faced with those evidentiary gaps, the state dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - Second Offense, Location: Harris County, CC15, Allegations: Facing a second DWI, the client retained us immediately after the case was filed. Bond conditions included an ignition interlock, and we made sure the court had what it needed while we pressed for discovery and evaluated the stop and arrest. We met with the client at an early setting, kept the case moving through a reset, and opened negotiations with the prosecutor. After highlighting weaknesses and presenting mitigation, we secured a reduction to a lesser charge and a straight probation outcome. Result: Charges Reduced.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Galveston County, County Court at Law No. 3, Allegations: Following a single-vehicle crash during a widespread power outage, officers noted an open container in the vehicle. EMS transported the client to a hospital, and police later obtained a breath test at a station that registered about 0.12. No field sobriety tests were done at the scene, and the timeline left open whether any alcohol was consumed after the crash. We pressed these gaps in proving intoxication at the time of driving and the reliability of a delayed test. The state agreed to reduce the case, and the court credited time served. Result: Reduction + Time Served.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Harris County, CC7, Allegations: After a nighttime traffic stop for an alleged registration issue and a U-turn, the client was investigated for DWI. Officers gave field sobriety tests on a hard parking lot while the client wore slick-soled boots, causing difficulty on the one-leg stand. He refused a voluntary blood draw, police obtained a warrant at the station and drew blood, and he could not read the warrant without his glasses. We obtained the videos, reports, and warrant package and challenged the stop, the test administration, and the warrant and draw process. Facing these evidentiary issues, the state dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - Second Offense, Location: Harris County, CC6, Allegations: After a single-car crash, our client was taken to a hospital, where officers reported an admission to driving and obtained a blood sample around 0.11. The state leaned on an off-duty witness and physical indicators like airbag deployment to place the client in the driver’s seat. We obtained the police and medical records and highlighted contradictions about where the client was seated and the context of any statements made while injured. We challenged the reliability of the key evidence and pressed the case. The prosecution dismissed the matter. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - Third Offense, Location: Harris County, 182nd DC, Allegations: The client’s truck had run out of gas and was stopped in traffic with hazard lights on when an officer arrived. Dash video shows the client in the driver’s seat, then moving toward a gas can; a 911 caller had only reported a disabled vehicle, not driving. An open container was noted, the client refused breath testing, and blood was later drawn by warrant. We attacked the state’s proof of operation and intoxication at the time of driving, using the video and call audio to underscore those gaps. After sustained negotiations, the case resolved with felony probation, avoiding prison. Result: Probation.
- Charge Indecent Assault Location Fort Bend County, County Court at Law 1 Allegations The case arose from a workplace encounter where the complainant alleged unwelcome touching. When contacted by investigators, our client explained there had been mutual flirting and acknowledged a hug, and he was later arrested on a warrant. We pulled the full discovery, compared accounts, and emphasized context that raised questions about intent, along with the client’s lack of prior record. Through sustained negotiation with the prosecutor while preparing to litigate, we secured a resolution to straight probation rather than a harsher outcome. Result Probation.
- Appeal (Burglary of Vehicle) — 7th Court of Appeals (Amarillo) — Remanded (published), 2012
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Harris County, CC9\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b, Allegations: The client was stopped for failing to signal a lane change and asked to perform field sobriety tests. They believed they did well, but were arrested after the one‑leg stand and refused a roadside breath test. A blood sample was later obtained at the jail by warrant. We dissected the officer’s reports and the administration of the tests, focusing on instruction clarity and how performance was scored, and pressed the state on the probative value of a warrant blood draw. With a clean record and strong mitigation, we negotiated deferred probation, avoiding a conviction and setting the case up for dismissal upon completion. Result: Deferred Probation.
- Charge: Assault - Family Violence (Strangulation), Location: Harris County, 486th Criminal District Court, Allegations: Following a domestic dispute, the client was accused of strangulation, with the complainant reporting the incident months later. We secured the discovery and compiled messages and voicemails showing the complainant repeatedly reaching out to the client well after the alleged event. We contrasted those communications with the police account and the claimed injury photos, revealing major credibility problems and a lack of corroboration. We presented these issues to the prosecutor and kept the pressure on until the case was dismissed. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Brazoria County, County Court at Law #1, Allegations: Police stopped our client for allegedly weaving and rolling a stop sign, then arrested for DWI. The officer pointed to a receipt, a sealed beer in a cooler, a flask in a seat pocket, and claimed the field sobriety tests were failed. We obtained and dissected the patrol video, which showed steady driving and a brief pull past the line to see cross traffic, and the client performing far better than reported. We challenged the legal basis for the stop, the scoring of the tests, and emphasized that the containers were closed. After cross-examination at trial, the jury found the client not guilty. Result: Not Guilty.
- Charge: Failure to Stop and Render Aid Involving Injury, Location: Harris County, 262nd DC, Allegations: After a rear-end collision, the client panicked and tried to leave, contacting another vehicle a short distance later. Officers arrived quickly and found the client outside the car. A felony charge followed, alleging failure to stop and render aid with injury. We pulled body-cam, reports, and dispatch logs to reconstruct the brief timeline between the two impacts. We challenged the state’s ability to prove an intentional failure to stop or render aid. Faced with those proof issues, the prosecution dismissed the case. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: Civil Asset Forfeiture - Vehicle Seizure, Location: Harris County, 189th District Court, Allegations: After a highway stop where officers alleged street racing, the client’s car was seized and a civil forfeiture suit was filed. We obtained the seizure file, requested the dash and body camera footage, and reviewed the property inventory. We pressed the State on the lack of a solid nexus between the allegation and forfeiture, and raised proportionality concerns under the excessive fines clause. Confronted with these evidentiary and constitutional issues, the State dismissed the forfeiture action. Result: Case Dismissed.
- Charge: Criminal Trespass (Misdemeanor), Location: Fort Bend County, County Court at Law 4, Allegations: After a night out, our client and a friend walked from a nearby store, took a wrong turn, and ended up in a residential area. A homeowner reported two people near her car and officers stopped our client at the neighborhood entrance, then filed a criminal trespass case. We obtained the reports and video, mapped the timeline, and compared the complainant’s statements with the officers’ narratives. The accounts conflicted and there was no clear evidence of any notice to leave or restricted area. We presented those problems to the prosecution, and the case was dismissed. Result Case Dismissed.
- Charge: DWI - First Offense, Location: Harris County, CC1, Allegations: After a late-night stop for speeding with a passenger in the car, the client was questioned about drinking, performed roadside tests, and was arrested. Officers searched the vehicle without consent and found nothing. At the station, the breath machine malfunctioned, requiring another attempt, and no result was disclosed. We obtained the videos and breath-testing records, highlighting the equipment issue, the rushed roadside evaluation, and the lack of consent for the search. Confronted with these problems, the prosecution dismissed the case. Result Case Dismissed.
- DWI — Armstrong County Court — Not Guilty. (.14 BAC), 2012
- Appeal (Theft) — 7th Court of Appeals (Amarillo) — Conviction reversed (published), 2012
- DWI — Knox County Court — Not Guilty (BAC .27), 2013
- Possession of Dangerous Drug — Collin CCL No. 4 — Not Guilty; expunction granted, 2014
- Theft — Brazoria County Court at Law No. 2 — In-trial dismissal, 2025
- Aggravated Assault — 300th District Court, Brazoria County — Hung jury; case dismissed before retrial, 2017
Representative Clients
- Healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, EMS) facing DWI or drug allegations
- First-time offenders seeking diversion/expunction-eligible outcomes
- Parents and caregivers in family-law-sensitive criminal cases
- Corporate managers and licensed professionals with reporting obligations
- Educators and public employees with collateral employment consequences
- CDL/commercial drivers protecting licensure and employment
- Petrochemical and energy workers with security-sensitive roles (TWIC/refinery access)
Special Licenses / Certifications
- ISO/IEC 17025 Internal Auditor Certification for Forensic Service Providers — ANSI National Accreditation Board (December 2025). Training in laboratory quality management systems, accreditation standards, and compliance evaluation for crime laboratories.
- Texas Notary Public and Online Public Notary (Commissioned 2025; State of Texas)
- Certificate of Completion — Forensic Chromatography (40 hours, hands-on GC) — ACS–Axion Analytical Laboratories (Oct 2025)
Pro bono / Community Service
- Judge, Blakely-Butler Criminal Law Moot Court – University of Houston Law Center (2025). Served as a volunteer judge evaluating oral arguments and legal analysis in a student criminal law appellate competition.
Educational Background
- University of Florida, Graduate Certificate in Forensic Toxicology (In Progress), 2026
- Texas Tech University, B.A., Sociology (Criminology) with a minor in English (2006), cum laude. Writing-intensive English coursework and criminology studies built the foundation for evidence analysis, client interviewing, and courtroom communication used in my criminal-defense practice, 2002-2006.
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Walks readers through TDPS CCH access, public vs. agency data, and expunction/nondisclosure basics—useful for client consults and motions., Author, TDPS Online Database: A Comprehensive Guide, ZealousAdvocate (Michael & Associates), 2024
- Clear primer on hearsay and seven other common objections with examples—good for juror-facing explanations and associate training., Author, Objection Hearsay Meaning + More Common Courtroom Objections, ZealousAdvocate (Michael & Associates), 2024
- Summarizes recent statutory/policy shifts (marijuana, fentanyl, sentencing discretion) with plain-English impact analysis., Author, New Texas Drug Laws in 2024, ZealousAdvocate (Michael & Associates), 2024
- Explains travel permissions, interstate issues, and compliance steps—practical guidance you’ll reference often in client management., Author, Can You Leave the State on Probation in Texas?, ZealousAdvocate (Michael & Associates), 2024
- Breaks down supervision/court fees, waivers, and payment options; clarifies what’s discretionary and how to ask for relief., Author, Probation Fees in Texas: How Much Will It Cost?, ZealousAdvocate (Michael & Associates), 2024
- Presenter, “Article 38.23 Jury Instructions” — Center for American & International Law, 2016
- Co-Instructor, Texas Tech Criminal Defense Clinic (with Prof. Patrick Metze) — classroom component on constitutional criminal procedure & trial advocacy, 2013
Honors
- American Institute of Trial Lawyers Best Law Firm (2026)
- American Institute of Legal Advocates Top Law Firm (2026)
- American Institute 10 Best Law Firm (2026)
- American Association of Attorney Advocates Top 10 Law Firm (2026)
- National Honor Society recognizing excellence in advocacy, oral argument, and brief writing. Membership by faculty selection based on demonstrated skill in trial and appellate advocacy., The Order of Barristers, Texas Tech University, 2010
- Phi Delta Phi Legal Honors Society, Earl Warren Inn, Texas Tech University, 2008
Office location for Charles A. Pelowski
2200 Post Oak Blvd
10th Floor
Houston, TX 77056
Phone: 713-261-1677
Selections
1 Year Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2026
