Charles A. Pelowski is a Board Certified Criminal Law specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a Houston criminal defense attorney, and Senior Trial Attorney at Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys. He leads the firm's Houston office and represents individuals facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges throughout Harris County, Brazoria County, and Southeast Texas. His practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense, including DWI, drug offenses, assault, weapons charges, probation violations, and other serious criminal matters.

Since joining Michael & Associates, Charles has handled more than 330 criminal cases, with DWI and intoxication-related offenses comprising a significant portion of his practice. His experience includes cases involving breath testing, blood testing, drug-impaired driving, forensic toxicology, and complex evidentiary issues. He carefully evaluates law enforcement procedures, laboratory practices, constitutional issues, and scientific evidence to develop strategic defenses tailored to each client's circumstances.

Charles earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, cum laude, from Texas Tech University before receiving his Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2010. While in law school, he served as Articles Editor of the Texas Tech Law Review and was inducted into the Order of Barristers, recognizing excellence in courtroom advocacy and oral advocacy.

Before entering private practice, Charles served as Assistant Chief Public Defender at the Caprock Regional Public Defender's Office, where he gained extensive courtroom and jury trial experience defending individuals accused of misdemeanor and felony offenses. That experience continues to inform his client-centered approach to criminal defense.

Charles is licensed to practice in Texas and before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. He is an active member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, DUI Defense Lawyers Association, Brazoria County Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, and the American Chemical Society.

Recognizing the increasing importance of forensic science in modern criminal litigation, Charles has pursued advanced education in forensic toxicology, analytical chemistry, laboratory quality systems, and pharmaceutical sciences. His scientific training enhances his ability to evaluate blood-alcohol analysis, breath-testing procedures, urine drug testing, laboratory accreditation standards, expert testimony, and forensic evidence that frequently determine the outcome of DWI and drug prosecutions.

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.

Updated Credentials

Advanced Scientific Education and Academic Appointments

• ISO/IEC 17025 Internal Auditor Certification (ANAB)
• Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy, University of Houston Law Center (begins Fall 2026)
• Graduate Certificate in Forensic Toxicology, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine (anticipated Fall 2026)
• ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation, American Chemical Society (anticipated October 2026)
• Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Forensic Science concentration), University of Florida (anticipated Summer 2027)

Credentials, Publications, and Professional Memberships

• Board Certified in Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• Published Author, Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
• Author, Presumed Positive (PP) in a Cup: What a Urine Drug Screen Actually Proves (Michael & Associates, 2026)
• Admitted to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
• Juris Doctor, Texas Tech University School of Law
• Articles Editor, Texas Tech Law Review
• Order of Barristers
• Former Assistant Chief Public Defender
• Member, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
• Member, DUI Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Brazoria County Bar Association
• Member, American Chemical Society (Greater Houston Section)
• Member, ACS Division of Chemistry and the Law (CHAL)
• Member, ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry (ANYL)
• Member, ACS Division of Chemical Toxicology (TOXI)