The lawfirm of Parnham and Associates handles offenses charged by both the State and Federal Court systems, nationally and within the State of Texas.
Our lawfirm has represented many high-profile clients in over thirty years of criminal defense practice. Founder George Parnham has become an expert on the defense of individuals with mental illness and a passionate advocate for legal reform of their treatment in the criminal justice system. He is called upon regularly by both local and national news media to render opinions on insanity plea cases and general defense issues in high profile cases, such as Lee Boyd Malvo (one of the accused D.C. snipers), Robert Durst, Kobe Bryant, and Scott Peterson.

Our firm provides individual, personalized service to each of our clients: we aggressively examine every legal and factual aspect of your situation and handle your defense aggressively or conservatively as your situation warrants. We provide advice based on our training and experience to ensure that you make an informed decision about the future of your case.

Parnham and Associates has handled almost every conceivable criminal law problem. We and our staff strive to keep you fully informed of every option and potential outcome in your case.

When it comes to criminal law cases, an experienced and effective criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between a prison sentence and reduced or dismissed charges. Even in less serious cases, a good criminal defense attorney can make a serious impact on the outcome of the case by ensuring that the rights of the accused are protected throughout the legal process.

Attorney Profiles:

• George Parnham

  Criminal defense attorney George J. Parnham believes the media is often the only way his clients can be heard.
  Mr. Parnham has been the lead defense counsel for such high-profile clients as Andrea Yates and Clara Harris.
  George Parnham has over thirty-five years experience as a practicing attorney. He is Board Certified in the area of Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His practice entails every aspect of the law where citizens find themselves accused of a crime.
  As defense attorney for some highly visible clients, George Parnham has unintentionally created an equally high profile for himself and his firm. This isn't an altogether comfortable role for the soft-spoken attorney.
  "We believe that just as we have enjoyed the benefits of living in our community, and in our Country, we have an obligation to give something in return ... I can't say I ever enjoy facing a phalanx of cameras," Parnham explains. "I do it because the media is often the only way my clients can be heard. Sometimes their stories, and the crimes with which they have been charged, are so painful and complicated that the average person cannot begin to grasp the real issues of the case in the sterile and hyper-controlled environment of the courtroom. Speaking to the media at the end of a long day is sometimes our only hope that the community will understand the real issues involved in my cases. These are important things which affect all of society. My own notoriety is only incidental to the process."
  No one would argue that Parnham is totally committed to ensuring that his clients are heard and, to whatever extent possible, understood. In instances where misrepresentation or misstatement about the factual circumstances of an accusation have been, intentionally, or not leaked to the public, it is imperative to "set the record straight" and do whatever can be done to level the playing field of public opinion.
  

• Dee McWilliams

  Dee McWilliams, the son of a career prosecutor, is a former prosecutor himself who has grown up in the criminal courthouse literally his entire life.
  Dee has practiced law for 12 years, a career he started as an assistant prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney's office and after three years, joined the Parnham defense firm. He second chaired Parnham for the second trial of Andrea Yates in which she was found not guilty by reason of insanity; was co-counsel in State v. Clara Harris, and was lead trial counsel in State v. Royce Zeigler (a.k.a. "Baby Grace") in Galveston.
  His trial experience is extensive and his compassion for the citizen accused made him a wise choice for Parnham to partner with ten years ago.

• Frank Chelly

  Frank D. Chelly started practicing law in 2010. While in law school, Frank joined Parnham & Associates in 2007 as an intern and later became the firm's law clerk. After graduation Frank continued to work at Parnham & Associates where he became an associate lawyer. Frank already has acquired extensive experience in the area of post-conviction matters, to include writs of habeas corpus, direct appeals and PDRs, among other matters. He has also been involved in several jury trials, as well as all other ancillary matters in the criminal justice system.
  Born in Paris, France, Frank grew up in Deauville, a small town on the coast of Normandy. While not a native Texan, Frank came to Texas as soon as he could. Frank has lived and worked in Houston since the 80's. Frank obtained his bachelor of science from the University of Houston in 2002, and his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas, in 2008. He is bilingual, speaking both English and French.

If you have been accused of a crime, please contact us today for a free consultation with an aggressive and resourceful criminal defense attorney. We will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Call (713) 224 - 3967 for a free consultation or click here for our convenient online submission form.