Cole S. Nettles is a Dallas criminal defense attorney and Senior Trial Attorney at Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys. Licensed to practice law in Texas since 2016, Cole represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges throughout North Texas. His practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense, including DWI, assault, drug offenses, theft crimes, weapons charges, probation violations, and other serious criminal matters.

Cole brings experience from both sides of the courtroom to every case. Before joining Michael & Associates, he served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Kendall County Criminal District Attorney's Office, where he prosecuted felony and misdemeanor cases and gained firsthand insight into how prosecutors evaluate evidence, make charging decisions, negotiate plea agreements, and prepare cases for trial. Earlier in his career, he served as an Assistant County Attorney with the Kendall County Attorney's Office, prosecuting misdemeanor offenses and handling county legal matters.

Today, Cole applies that prosecutorial experience to defending individuals accused of crimes. He represents clients at every stage of the criminal justice process, from investigation and arrest through plea negotiations, motion practice, and trial preparation. His DWI practice includes first-offense DWI, repeat DWI allegations, and cases involving complex evidentiary and constitutional issues. He is known for his methodical case preparation, attention to detail, and commitment to protecting his clients' constitutional rights.

Cole earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from The University of Texas at San Antonio before receiving his Juris Doctor from Texas A&M University School of Law in 2015. His legal education, combined with his prosecutorial background, enables him to identify weaknesses in the government's evidence, anticipate prosecution strategies, and develop defense strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances.

About Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys

Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys combines the personalized attention of a boutique criminal defense firm with the resources and collective experience of a team of more than 40 criminal defense attorneys.

Every client is represented by a dedicated Senior Trial Attorney who manages the case from the initial consultation through its resolution. Attorneys focus on specific counties and courts, providing extensive experience with local judges, prosecutors, courtroom procedures, and prosecutorial practices. Cases are never handed off to junior associates because the firm does not employ them.

The firm's attorneys have handled more than 1,000 jury trials and bring more than 540 years of combined criminal defense experience. The team includes attorneys Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientists, ten Super Lawyers honorees, former prosecutors, former judges, former law enforcement professionals, and a former FBI agent. This collaborative structure provides what the firm calls its 40-on-1 Advantage: one senior attorney leading each client's defense with the support and collective knowledge of more than 40 experienced criminal defense lawyers.

Michael & Associates measures client satisfaction through post-case CSAT surveys and has achieved a 98.5% client satisfaction rating based on 1,840 responses, including 97.8% for DWI cases, 99.5% for assault and domestic violence matters, 98.6% for drug charges, and 100% for theft and fraud cases. Data reflects surveys completed between September 2022 and May 6, 2026.

The firm reported a 65% favorable trial outcome rate and a 50% outright acquittal rate in 2025. Michael & Associates also maintains more than 1,400 five-star reviews across Google, Avvo, BBB, and Martindale, a 5.0-star Google rating, and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. The firm offers free case reviews and never charges additional fees if a case proceeds to trial.

Michael & Associates serves clients from offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Nashville, Los Angeles, and San Diego.