Lori Botello is a Houston criminal defense attorney and Senior Trial Attorney at Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys. With more than fifteen years of criminal-defense experience, including service on the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the Southern District of Texas and later as a Harris County Magistrate Judge, she represents clients facing criminal charges throughout Texas.
Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Ms. Botello developed the discipline, focus, and perseverance that continue to guide her legal career through years of competitive baton twirling. She later attended the University of Texas at Austin, where a business law course inspired her to pursue a profession dedicated to helping others navigate complex legal challenges.
After earning her bachelor's degree, Ms. Botello received her Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law. She began her legal career practicing contract and real estate law before transitioning to criminal defense, where she found her passion for protecting individual rights and advocating for those facing the power of the government.
Over the course of her criminal-defense career, Ms. Botello has represented clients in cases ranging from misdemeanor DWI charges to complex felony and capital murder prosecutions. Her experience spans numerous Texas jurisdictions, including Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Galveston, and Nueces Counties.
In addition to her state-court practice, Ms. Botello served on the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, representing individuals facing federal criminal charges. This experience provided valuable insight into federal criminal procedure, constitutional issues, and high-stakes criminal litigation.
After more than 15 years in private practice, Ms. Botello joined Harris County's Office of Managed Assigned Counsel as a Resource Attorney before later serving as a Magistrate Judge. These roles broadened her perspective on the criminal justice system and provided firsthand experience evaluating legal issues from multiple viewpoints within the courtroom.
At Michael & Associates, Ms. Botello represents clients accused of DWI offenses, drug crimes, assault and domestic violence allegations, theft offenses, probation violations, weapons charges, and serious felony offenses. She works closely with clients throughout every stage of the criminal process, from investigation and arrest through negotiation, trial, and final resolution.
Ms. Botello is passionate about protecting constitutional rights and ensuring every client receives a strong and meaningful defense. Drawing on her experience as both a criminal-defense attorney and former magistrate judge, Ms. Botello helps clients understand the legal process, evaluate their options, and make informed decisions about their future.
