Terry W. Yates - Houston, TX
Attorney at Kherkher Garcia, LLP
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Houston, TX
2925 Richmond Ave. Suite 1560 Houston, TX 77098
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
36
Years
Experience
Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 10/28/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
- Civil Rights
Attorney Information
Overview
Terry W. Yates is a lifelong Texan, graduate of The University of Texas, and a board-certified criminal defense attorney. During his 20 years of experience as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney, Terry ranks among the top criminal defense lawyers in America. Texas Monthly recognizes Terry as a Texas Super Lawyer, a designation given only to the top attorneys in Texas. Terry and his cases have received national and international media coverage. Terry has appeared on ESPN, 48 Hours and Fox news networks concerning his cases and as a commentator on other legal issues.
The Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory lists Terry W. Yates since 2005 Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers, an honor "limited to only the most distinguished law practices; those that have achieved the AV rating. The 'A' signifies the highest level of legal ability, while the 'V' denotes 'very high' adherence to professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability, and diligence."
Some Highlighted Cases:
- Acquittal of Captain Mark Aguirre in the infamous "K-Mart Raid" prosecution.
- Acquittal for client of Capital Murder charge (at the time only the second acquittal in 22 years of capital murder prosecution in Houston).
- Defense of Dynegy, Inc. executive in a multi-jurisdictional securities, wire fraud and mail fraud prosecution.
- Defense of Enron attorneys (Result: No charges filed).
- Defense of "Oil for Food" Investigation by the Southern District of New York (Result: No charges filed).
- Dismissal of a Reckless Driving charge against former Houston Rocket and current NBA player.
- "No Bill" by a Harris County Grand Jury of a Rice University football player on sexual assault charges.
- Representation of former Major League Baseball MVP Ken Caminiti.
- Multi-million dollar verdict against Dynegy, Inc. for Fraud and Breach of Contract.
Awards and Honors
Other Sources of Feedback About Terry W. Yates
Included on the 2025 Texas Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2024 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2016 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2015 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2014 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2008 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2007 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2006 Texas Super Lawyers list
Education
Legal Education
-
University of Houston Law Center, Houston, Texas, 1989
J.D.
Non Legal Education
-
University of Texas at Austin, 1987
B.A.
Honors: cum laude
Honors: Special Honors -
National College of District Attorneys, 1993
Graduate -
Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College, 2001
Graduate
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Of Counsel
Past Positions
- City of West University Place, Texas, Assistant City Prosecutor, 1997 - 2005
- Harris County, Major Fraud Division, Special Crimes Bureau, 1992 - 1994
- Harris County, Assistant District Attorney, 1990 - 1994
Classes and Seminars
-
Frequent Lecturer, University of Houston Law Center
-
Frequent Speaker, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Associations
-
Frequent Speaker, Police Training Programs in Texas
- Faculty, Trial Lawyer's College, 2007 - Present
Published Works
Articles
-
Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Individuals after Booker, What Says the Fifth Circuit?, The Houston Lawyer, March / April, 2005
-
Group Formation and the Jury: Understanding Human Nature, The Warrior, Fall, 2004
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Ethical Considerations and Malpractice Avoidance in Representing Non-Citizens, University of Houston Law Foundation - Continuing Legal Education, June, 2004
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Voire Dire: Punishment on Guilty Plea to Jury, April, 2009
Bar Admissions
- Texas, 1990
- Idaho, 2009
- U.S. District Court District of Idaho
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
- Supreme Court of Texas
- U.S. Supreme Court, 2005
Specialties and Certifications
- Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1995
- Criminal Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy, 1999
Other Affiliations
- City of West University Place, Texas (Associate Judge)
- State Bar of Texas (Member, 1990)
- Idaho State Bar (Member, 2009)
- Criminal Justice Institute, University of Houston Law Center (Board of Advisors)
- University of Texas (Chancellor's Council)
- Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, 1995 (Former Board Member)
- The College of The State Bar of Texas
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Member)
- St Thomas Episcopal Volunteer Baseball Coach
- UT Littlefield Society
- Houston Bar Association (Member)
- Texas Criminal Lawyers Association (Member)
- American Bar Association (Member)
- Faculty Member and Advisor for the National Insurance Crime Bureau, 1994 - 2000
Photo
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