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Certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Scott C. Smith – Credentials
Mission Statement
The Law Office of Scott C. Smith is committed to providing high-quality legal representation to clients accused of federal and state crimes. As a Texas defense attorney with over twenty years of experience, Mr. Smith is certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and takes pride in strategic, assertive and effective representation of each client he serves.
Experience
Since 1987, Mr. Smith as a Texas criminal defense attorney has handled thousands of cases involving a wide variety of accusations including: embezzlement, fraud, theft, murder, assault, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, “date rape”, driving while intoxicated (DWI and DUI), and drug/alcohol-related offenses. (See Practice Areas for additional information.)
Since 1990, the Law Office of Scott C. Smith has represented clients in a vast array of criminal law matters ranging from the simple to the highly complex. We seek to provide the highest quality representation possible in an individualized and personal way to a smaller set of clients than firms whose practice consist of representing a large volume of clients by delegating cases to attorneys who are not certified as criminal law specialists. Cases that we commonly handle include:
- Alcohol Related Offenses including DWI, Intoxication Assault, & DUI
- Computer-Related Internet Crimes
- Sex Crimes including Child Molestation
- Drug Offenses
- Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Charges
Though these kind of cases occur with frequency, the situations that lead to them are as diverse and unique as people are. The key to successful representation of each client, is to handle each case individually, uniquely and personally. For that reason Mr. Smith, who is himself a highly experienced Austin criminal lawyer certified as a specialist in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, represents each client personally and does not delegate responsibility or control of the case to other attorneys who are less experienced in the practice of criminal law. This approach has enabled us to successfully represent Clients in unique situations involving criminal investigations prior to the filing of charges, Grand Jury representation, financial crimes and a multitude of other unusual circumstances. Regardless of the type of case, we are committed to maintaining a high standard of professionalism and effectiveness. As Texas criminal attorneys specializing in criminal law, we are able to stay abreast of current developments in a constantly changing area of law and take advantage of these changes to provide the maximum benefit possible to each client. We have successfully litigated such matters as illegal search and seizure, improper investigation, and police misconduct. In complex cases our Austin criminal attorney office is experienced in utilizing expert witnesses in such fields as cyber technology, neurology, breath testing, optometry, medicine, pharmacology, psychology and other areas of forensic sciences. Though we have successfully resolved many cases through negotiations, there are many reasons why we believe it is always important to stand prepared to take cases to trial. Mr. Smith is experienced in conducting jury trials in cases that range from simple misdemeanors in Texas state courts to complex cases in U. S. federal courts. Regardless of the severity of the charge, each case must be handled carefully because of potential ramifications of any criminal charge. Mr. Smith has focused his practice as a criminal lawyer in Austin, Texas, and the surrounding counties of Williamson, Hays, and Lockhart, but has also represented clients in federal courts between California and Mississippi. We believe that justice and fairness can only be achieved when each and every client is vigorously and effectively defended by competent counsel and seek to represent clients from all walks of life. If you are interested in our assistance, feel free to contact our Austin criminal lawyeroffice at 512-474-6484 to discuss the specifics of your case.
Biography
Scott C. Smith is an Austin criminal defense attorney who has defended thousands of clients from criminal charges. While he is based in Travis County, Mr. Smith extends representation of clients from across the state of Texas and nationally. He is qualified to practice in both Texas and federal courts. For Mr. Smith, no case is too small or too big; he takes pride in helping those who need help, regardless of the charge or situation.
Mr. Smith graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1986 and opened his practice in 1990. The Texas Board of Legal Specialization certified him as a Criminal Law Specialist in 1996. In 2004, the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association awarded him the prestigious Ambassador Award. In 2013, the Texas Bar Foundation named Mr. Smith a Life Fellow in recognition of service and devotion to the highest traditions of the Bar.
In addition to defending his clients, Mr. Smith gives presentations and speeches on various legal topics, including sex offender deregistration and wiretapping. He also has testified on Texas law in Colorado. In addition to his native English, Mr. Smith also speaks Spanish and German. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, cooking, and traveling.
Education and Credentials
1983: University of Texas, B.A. Government
1985: Die Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, School of Law (exchange program)
1986: University of Texas, School of Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence
1987: Admitted to State Bar of Texas
1989: Admitted to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
1989: Licensed as Legal Expert in American Law by District Court of Frankfurt in the former Federal Republic of Germany
1994: Admitted to Federal District Court for the Western District of Texas
1996: Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as a Criminal Law Specialist
2004: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certification
2005: Pro Hac Vice Admission – United States District Court, Southern District of Mississippi
2010: Qualified to testify as expert in criminal law before the Texas Board of Disciplinary Appeals
2016: Provided expert testimony on Texas criminal law by affidavit to Jefferson County District Court, Colorado.
Organizations and Awards
Scott C. Smith is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association. He is a charter member of the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association and served as a director of the organization from 1993 to 1996.
In 2004 the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association presented Mr. Smith with the Ambassador Award.
In 2013, the Texas Bar Foundation named Mr. Smith a Life Fellow in recognition of service and devotion to the highest traditions of the Bar.
Speeches, Instruction and Papers
The Weight of Sex Offender Registration – presentation at Collateral Consequences Seminar, Houston, October 22, 2025.
Legal And Strategic Aspects Of Sex Offender Registration – presentation at Prevention of Sex Abuse Conference, Austin, May 4, 2025
Sex Offender Deregistration (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association – Bill Habern Corrections and Parole Seminar, October 6, 2023)
The Basics Of Sex Offender De-Registration – presentation at TCDLA Parole, Prison, And Related Issues Seminar, October 14, 2022
The Tiered Offense Chart: Its Origin, Function And Flaws (TCDLA/State Bar of Texas Seminar – What you Need to Know about Sex Offender Registration, April 26, 2019)
The Basics of Sex Offender Deregistration (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association Post-Conviction and Parole Seminar, October 25, 2018)
Sex Offender Deregistration: Common Misconceptions and Basics of the Process (Williamson County Bar Association, October 10, 2017)
Sex Offender Deregistration: The Basics (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association Post-Conviction Seminar, August 18, 2016)
Wiretapping and Spoilation: What It Is and What It Isn’t (Austin Bar Association Family Law Section Seminar – May 16, 2014)
Emails and Text Messages: Acquisition and Use by Non-state Actors (Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association Luncheon Presentation – April 11, 2014)
Sex Offender De-Registration: Eligibility & How to Apply (Texas Voices for Reason and Justice – State Wide Conference, Dallas February 22, 2014)
Sex Offender Deregistration & Challenging Registration on out of State Convictions (Defending Clients Accused of Sexual Assault -TCDLA Seminar – December 5-6, 2013)
Sex Offender Deregistration (Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association Presentation – 2013)
Defense Initiated Victim Outreach (Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association – 2011)
Expunctions and Motions to Seal (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association Seminar, Dallas – 2010)
Parallel Civil and Criminal Litigation -Dangers and Opportunities (Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association – 2009)
Blood Testing in Alcohol Related Cases (Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association Presentation – 2008)
Pre Trial Motions (Nuts and Bolts Seminar, Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association – 2008)
The Law Is the Law … NOT – The Influence of Politics in the Court Room (Guest speaker at the University of Texas, Department of Government 2008)
The 6th Amendment Right to Confront Witnesses and the Crawford Decision (Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association Presentation, June 2007)
Computer Related Crimes -New Problems/Old Solutions, or lack thereof – (Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association Presentation – 2007)
Index to The Voice (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association professional journal 1999- 2001)
Travis County Bar Association’s People’s Law School (Criminal Law Instructor – 1992, 1993)
Sex Crimes (Travis County Bar Association Seminar Presenter – 1994)
What is Germany? – International and Human Rights Principles of the German Question (translation for the Institute of International and Economic Law, chaired by Prof. Dr. Dieter Blumenwitz, University of Wuerzburg, BRD – 1987)
Papers and Articles
Languages
English, Spanish, German