Why Does Hiring a Former Prosecutor Give You a Strategic Advantage?
A former prosecutor is an attorney who previously built criminal cases for the state — deciding who to charge, what evidence to rely on, and how to take defendants to trial. Herman Martinez served as a prosecutor at the Harris County DA's Office and later as Chief Prosecutor, the highest-level prosecutorial role in the office. That experience gives him something no amount of defense-only work can replicate: the exact strategic knowledge the prosecution will use against you — and where it fails. He now uses every lesson from that side of the courtroom to dismantle the state's case on your behalf.
Sees Through the State's Case
Herman knows which pieces of evidence prosecutors rely on most heavily — and which are window dressing. He identifies vulnerabilities in the State's case that other attorneys miss, because he's built those cases himself.
Commands Respect in the Courtroom
Judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement know Herman Martinez. His reputation — earned over 30+ years in Harris County courts — translates into credibility that benefits every client he represents.
Anticipates Prosecution Strategy
Before you've been charged, Herman can often predict exactly what move the prosecution will make next. That foresight allows for a proactive defense — not a reactive one — which produces dramatically better outcomes.
"We represent clients in all State and Federal cases. My years as a Chief Prosecutor gave me an insider's view of how the system works — and now I use that knowledge to level the playing field for every person I defend."— Herman Martinez, Former Harris County Chief Prosecutor
Herman's Prosecution Career — At a Glance
Herman Martinez served as Chief Prosecutor at the Harris County DA's Office from 1997 to 1999 — the highest prosecutorial role in the office — then served as Associate Judge for the Houston Municipal Court before founding his defense practice in 2000. That chronology defines the inside knowledge he brings to every case he defends.
Began as Prosecutor, Harris County DA's Office
Started as an assistant prosecutor in one of the largest and busiest criminal courts in the United States — the Harris County DA's Office in Houston, Texas. Handled hundreds of cases across all misdemeanor and felony levels.
Appointed Chief Prosecutor, Harris County
Elevated to Chief Prosecutor — the highest-level prosecutorial role in the office — overseeing major cases and complex criminal investigations. This position placed Herman at the strategic center of Harris County criminal prosecution for two critical years.
Served as Associate Judge, Houston Municipal Court
Appointed to the bench as an Associate Judge for the Houston Municipal Court — gaining a judicial perspective on how criminal cases are decided, what matters to courts, and how to present arguments most effectively before a judge.
Founded Defense Practice — Now Your Attorney
Armed with prosecutorial experience, judicial insight, and specialized board certifications in both DUI Law and Criminal Law, Herman Martinez established his defense practice and has since achieved dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges in hundreds of Houston-area cases.
Recognition & Awards
Herman Martinez holds dual board certifications — Criminal Law (Texas Board of Legal Specialization) and DUI Defense Law (DUI Defense Lawyers Association) — an Avvo 10.0 Superb Rating, and six consecutive Houston Top Lawyer designations from 2009 through 2014.
Herman Martinez represents clients in all State and Federal criminal cases throughout Harris County and the greater Houston area. Whether you face a misdemeanor DWI or a serious federal felony, the strategic advantage of hiring a former Chief Prosecutor applies at every level of the system. See case results →
Common Questions
Yes — significantly. A defense attorney who has only ever worked on the defense side knows how to respond. An attorney who has also built criminal cases knows how to predict and pre-empt. Herman Martinez knows exactly what evidence prosecutors find compelling, what witnesses they find credible, and how they prepare for trial — because he has done it himself. That foreknowledge shapes every decision in your defense strategy.
Herman Martinez represents clients in all DWI cases (first offense through felony DWI), all criminal defense matters (assault, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, sex crimes, federal charges, probation violations, and more), and in both State and Federal courts throughout the Houston area. DWI Defense → · Criminal Defense →
Yes. Herman Martinez offers a free, no-obligation case evaluation. You speak directly with him — not a paralegal or call screener. He will review your situation, explain your options, and give you an honest assessment of your case. Call (713) 242-1779 any time, 24/7.
Board certification in Criminal Law (TBLS) and DUI Defense Law (DDLA) means Herman has demonstrated superior knowledge, skill, and experience in these specific areas — verified by a rigorous examination and peer evaluation process. Fewer than 2% of Texas attorneys hold even one board certification. Herman holds two. This specialization means your defense is built on deep expertise, not general practice knowledge applied to criminal law occasionally.
As a Chief Prosecutor in Harris County, Herman supervised other prosecutors, reviewed complex cases, and made charging decisions on serious offenses. This experience means he understands not just how individual prosecutors think, but how the entire DA's office prioritizes and evaluates cases — what makes them pursue maximum charges and what makes them open to negotiation. That institutional knowledge directly benefits every client he defends.
Herman personally handles every case he accepts. He is not a referral firm that signs you up and hands you to a junior associate. You deal directly with him at every stage — from the initial consultation through the final resolution. His personal involvement means the attorney-client relationship is consistent, communication is direct, and the defense strategy is built by the person who knows the most about criminal defense in Harris County.
Herman knows the personalities, practices, and priorities of the Harris County District Attorney's office from having worked inside it. He knows how different sections evaluate cases, which arguments they find persuasive in plea negotiations, and where their standard case-building approaches have weaknesses. This institutional knowledge is not something that can be acquired by reading case law — it comes only from years of working alongside prosecutors.
Yes. Herman Martinez is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for criminal defense emergencies — arrests, police questioning, warrants, probation violations. Call (713) 242-1779 any time. The early hours after an arrest are the most critical period in any case, and Herman understands that effective defense often begins before you are released from custody.
Yes — and pre-charge intervention is often the most valuable service a criminal defense attorney can provide. When Herman is retained early (during an investigation, before a grand jury decision, or before a charging decision is made), he can present mitigating facts, legal arguments, and witness information to prosecutors before the case is fully built. In some cases, this prevents charges from being filed at all — the best possible outcome in any criminal case.
Many clients come to Herman after being told by others that their case is hopeless. His approach is methodical: evaluate every piece of evidence, identify every legal challenge, assess every suppression motion opportunity, and determine whether the state can actually prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Cases that seem airtight often have suppression issues, witness credibility problems, or evidence gaps that a thorough defense uncovers. Herman has achieved dismissals and acquittals in cases that appeared certain to result in conviction.