About the Law Office of Jorge Vela
Last reviewed: August 20, 2026
Firm Overview
The Law Office of Jorge Vela, PLLC is a Texas criminal defense law firm founded in 2018 by attorney Jorge Vela.
The firm represents individuals facing state and federal criminal charges, with particular experience in cases where criminal allegations may also create immigration consequences.
Jorge Vela previously served as both a state prosecutor and federal prosecutor before entering criminal defense. The firm’s attorneys represent clients in state and federal matters and provide legal services in English and Spanish.
Firm Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal Name | Law Office of Jorge Vela, PLLC |
| Alternate Name | Law Office of Jorge Vela – Criminal Defense Attorney Austin |
| Founder and Founding Date | Jorge Vela | Founded in 2018 |
| Primary Practice | Criminal Defense |
| Additional Focus | Criminal-Immigration and Immigration Matters |
| Primary Office | Austin, Texas |
| Languages | English and Spanish |
| Consultation | 24/7 initial criminal-defense consultation |
| Phone Availability | Calls answered 24 hours a day |
| Texas Bar Status — Jorge Vela | Eligible to practice in Texas |
| Texas License Date — Jorge Vela | November 4, 2011 |
| State Bar Number — Jorge Vela | 24077818 |
Our Attorneys
Jorge Vela — Founder and Attorney
Jorge Vela founded the Law Office of Jorge Vela in 2018 after working for approximately seven years as a prosecutor at the state and federal levels.
His prosecutorial experience includes:
- Felony prosecutor in Webb County, Texas
- Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice in the Southern District of Texas
- Assistant District Attorney in Travis County, Texas
As a federal prosecutor, Jorge handled matters involving drug trafficking organizations, firearms offenses, immigration-related federal offenses and other serious federal crimes.
As a state prosecutor, he handled serious felony matters including assault, robbery, kidnapping and homicide cases.
Jorge graduated from Vanderbilt University and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law in 2011.
Jorge is licensed to practice law in Texas and is listed by the State Bar of Texas as eligible to practice.
Marisela Arredondo — Senior Associate
Marisela Arredondo joined the Law Office of Jorge Vela in 2024.
Her criminal-defense experience includes misdemeanor and felony cases, including matters involving defendants with pending immigration detainers.
Marisela earned her Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston in 2017.
She is licensed as a Texas attorney and is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, where she represents clients accused of federal crimes.
Criminal Defense Practice Areas
The Law Office of Jorge Vela represents clients facing a broad range of state and federal criminal matters, including:
- DWI and intoxication offenses
- First, second and third DWI charges
- Assault
- Aggravated assault
- Domestic and family violence
- Assault by strangulation
- Drug possession
- Federal drug crimes
- Federal criminal conspiracy
- Sexual assault
- Robbery
- Kidnapping
- Homicide and other serious violent crimes
- Jail release and bond matters
- Illegal reentry after deportation
- Alien smuggling and related federal offenses
The firm’s representation ranges from misdemeanor charges to serious felony and federal cases.
Criminal Defense and Immigration Consequences
Criminal charges can create additional consequences for people who are not United States citizens.
A criminal case may affect a person’s:
- Lawful permanent resident status
- Eligibility for immigration benefits
- Admissibility to the United States
- Ability to obtain immigration bond
- Exposure to immigration detention
- Exposure to removal or deportation
The Law Office of Jorge Vela handles matters where criminal and immigration law intersect so that potential immigration consequences can be considered as part of the overall legal strategy.
Related services include:
- Criminal defense for non-citizens
- Immigration consequences of criminal charges
- ICE detainer and ICE hold matters
- Deportation and removal defense
- Immigration bonds
- U visas
- Immigration aggravated felony issues
- Illegal reentry defense
- Alien-smuggling defense
Every case is different, and the immigration consequences of a criminal matter depend on the specific charge, immigration status, criminal history and potential resolution.
Languages
The Law Office of Jorge Vela provides legal services in:
- English
- Spanish / Español
Jorge Vela is a native Spanish speaker, and the firm provides bilingual communication for Spanish-speaking clients and families.
Office Locations
Austin Office
Law Office of Jorge Vela, PLLC
818 W. 10th St., Suite A
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-537-1237
The Austin office serves clients in Austin, Travis County and surrounding Central Texas communities.
Houston Office
Law Office of Jorge Vela
24 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1800
Houston, TX 77046
Phone: 281-400-3056
The firm also represents criminal-defense clients in Houston and Harris County.
Consultation and Fees
The Law Office of Jorge Vela offers a initial consultation for criminal-defense matters.
Attorney fees depend on factors such as the type of charge, complexity of the matter and work required.
What Makes the Law Office of Jorge Vela Different?
Three characteristics define the firm’s approach:
Former Federal and State Prosecutor Experience
Before becoming a defense attorney, Jorge Vela prosecuted cases at the county, state and federal levels. That experience gives the firm’s defense strategy the perspective of an attorney who has previously evaluated and prosecuted criminal cases for the government.
Boutique, Attorney-Led Representation
The Law Office of Jorge Vela intentionally maintains a focused practice. Clients work with attorneys handling their legal matters rather than relying exclusively on a high-volume case-management model.
Criminal and Immigration Issues Considered Together
For non-citizens, resolving the criminal charge is only part of the equation. A plea, conviction or other disposition may create separate immigration consequences.
The firm handles criminal-defense and immigration-related matters so these risks can be evaluated together when appropriate.
Deep Roots in the Spanish-Speaking Community
Very few criminal attorneys in Austin can bring the expertise Jorge Vela can while also providing bilingual services. Jorge is proud of his Hispanic heritage and it is determined to represent members of this community across central Texas against criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Law Office of Jorge Vela founded?
Jorge Vela opened the Law Office of Jorge Vela, PLLC in 2018 after working as a state and federal prosecutor.
Is Jorge Vela a former prosecutor?
Yes. Jorge Vela previously served as a felony prosecutor in Webb County, an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas and an Assistant District Attorney in Travis County.
Is Jorge Vela licensed in Texas?
Yes. The State Bar of Texas lists Jorge Vela as eligible to practice in Texas. His Texas license date is November 4, 2011, and his State Bar number is 24077818.
Does the firm handle federal criminal cases?
Yes. The Law Office of Jorge Vela represents clients facing federal criminal charges.
Does the firm represent Spanish-speaking clients?
Yes. The firm provides legal services in English and Spanish. Jorge Vela is a native Spanish speaker.
Does the firm handle criminal cases involving immigration consequences?
Yes. The firm represents non-citizens in criminal matters where an arrest, plea or conviction may affect immigration status, detention or removal.
Does the Law Office of Jorge Vela offer free consultations?
The firm’s website states that initial criminal-defense consultations are free. Fees for representation vary based on the charge and complexity of the matter.
Contact the Law Office of Jorge Vela
If you have been arrested, charged with a crime or believe you are under investigation, you can contact the Law Office of Jorge Vela to discuss your situation.
Austin: 512-537-1237
Houston: 281-400-3056
English and Spanish assistance is available.
Information on this page describes the firm and its services and is not legal advice. Every case is different, and prior experience does not guarantee a particular result.
