Derek W. Israel - Austin, TX
Attorney at O'Connell West, PLLC
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Austin, TX
505 West 12th St. Suite 200 Austin, TX 78701
Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 04/17/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
Litigation: 100%
Attorney Information
Overview
I am a criminal defense attorney and a retired homicide detective. During my law enforcement career, I was entrusted with investigating some of the most complex and high-profile cases in one of the nation’s largest cities, including serial murders, murder-for-hire schemes, and even the attempted assassination of a state judge. If you are a true-crime fan, you have likely seen me discussing these cases on one or more national true-crime television programs.
That experience allows me to build disciplined, strategic, and aggressive defenses for clients facing serious criminal charges.
In addition to violent crime investigations, I have extensive experience investigating sophisticated financial crimes with interstate and international components. I hold a business degree in economics and a master’s degree in risk management, providing a strong foundation for representing corporate clients and individuals in white-collar investigations.
I love being a lawyer, and I am passionate about solving problems and fighting for justice for my clients. Call today to find out how my experience can work for you.
Education
-
Legal Education
-
Texas Tech University School of Law,
Lubbock,
Texas, 2023
J.D.
Honors: cum laude
Honors: Dean's List -
Texas A&M University School of Law (formerly Texas Wesleyan University School of Law),
Fort Worth,
Texas
Master of Jurisprudence
-
Texas Tech University School of Law,
Lubbock,
Texas, 2023
-
Non Legal Education
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Texas A&M University School of Law,
Ft. Worth,
Texas, 2021
M.A.
Major: Risk Management -
West Texas A&M University
B.B.A.
Honors: magna cum laude
Honors: Beta Gamma Sigma
-
Texas A&M University School of Law,
Ft. Worth,
Texas, 2021
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney
Past Positions
- Lubbock County District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, 2024 - 2025
- Austin Police Department, Homicide Detective, 1993 - 2017
- United States Army – Interrogator/ Linguist
Languages
-
English (Primary)
Pro Bono Activities
- Past Commander of American Legion Travis Post 76
Bar Admissions
- Texas, 2024
- U.S. District Court Western District of Texas, 2025
- Supreme Court of Texas
Specialties and Certifications
- Mediator
- Master Peace Officer
- Standardized Field Sobriety Test (previously)
- Intoxilyzer Operator (previously)
Other Affiliations
- Texas Bar College, 2025 - Present (Scholar)
- State Bar of Texas, 2024 - Present (Member)
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2025 - Present (Member)
- State Bar of Texas Criminal Justice Section
- American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section
Photo
Contact
505 West 12th St.
Suite 200
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-649-8281
Email: Send a message
Hours: Normal Business Hours // Emergencies 24-7
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