Whalen Law Office

Whalen Law Office We help people facing serious criminal allegations in a discreet and professional manner. Criminal defense attorneys James P. Whalen and Ryne T.

About Whalen Law Office

If you are facing federal or state criminal charges, or a loved one is facing such charges, your freedom and future are at stake. It is essential that you have a highly experienced, knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who can defend you against a criminal justice system that has virtually unlimited resources. Sandel have a clear vision of what you and your family membe

rs are going through and know how to give you the best chance at a future that does not include a criminal conviction and all that entails.

Federal drug trafficking charges are handled differently than state drug cases, and the consequences can be significantl...
08/28/2026

Federal drug trafficking charges are handled differently than state drug cases, and the consequences can be significantly more severe.

Federal prosecutions often involve lengthy investigations, mandatory minimum sentences, and procedures that differ from those in Texas state court. Understanding how these cases work is an important first step for anyone facing a federal investigation or charge.

In his latest article, Partner Ryne Sandel explains what makes a drug case federal, how prosecutors build these cases, the penalties involved, and why early legal representation can be critical.

Read the full article at www.whalenlawoffice.com/news/

Federal conspiracy charges are often misunderstood. Contrary to what many believe, prosecutors do not have to prove that...
08/21/2026

Federal conspiracy charges are often misunderstood. Contrary to what many believe, prosecutors do not have to prove that the underlying crime was completed to pursue a conspiracy charge. In many cases, the alleged agreement itself may be enough under federal law.

In his latest article, James P. Whalen, Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, explains what federal conspiracy charges are, what prosecutors must prove, and why these cases often carry significant legal consequences.

Read the full article at www.whalenlawoffice.com/news/.

Whalen Law Office is proud to announce that three of its attorneys have been recognized in the Best Lawyers® 2027 Editio...
08/20/2026

Whalen Law Office is proud to announce that three of its attorneys have been recognized in the Best Lawyers® 2027 Edition publications.

James P. Whalen has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for:

Criminal Defense: General Practice
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Ryne T. Sandel has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® for:

Criminal Defense: General Practice
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
DUI / DWI Defense
Grace Tucker has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® for:

Criminal Defense: General Practice
Best Lawyers® recognizes attorneys through a rigorous peer-review process that incorporates peer nominations, evaluations, and editorial review.

Whalen Law Office is honored to see its attorneys recognized by their peers and remains committed to providing strategic, client-centered criminal defense representation throughout Texas and in federal courts nationwide.

A federal detention hearing is one of the first proceedings after a federal arrest, but it does not determine guilt or i...
08/14/2026

A federal detention hearing is one of the first proceedings after a federal arrest, but it does not determine guilt or innocence. Instead, the court decides whether a person will remain in custody or may be released while the case moves forward.

In his latest article, James P. Whalen, Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, explains what happens at a federal detention hearing, the factors judges consider when making release decisions, and why acting quickly is important in federal criminal cases.

Read the full article at www.whalenlawoffice.com/news/.

08/13/2026

How do you defend someone you believe is guilty?

It’s a question criminal defense attorneys hear often. In a recent livestream, Whalen Law Office Partner Ryne Sandel explains why his role as a defense attorney goes beyond representing an individual client.

Ryne discusses the different responsibilities within the criminal justice system and why each participant must do their part for the system to work as intended.

This is just one part of Ryne’s answer. Tune in to his livestream every Monday night for the full discussion, including more of his perspective on this question and other topics in criminal law.

Have a question you’d like Ryne to answer? Drop it in the comments, and it may be featured in a future livestream.

A criminal conviction does not always mark the end of the legal process. In some cases, individuals may have the right t...
08/07/2026

A criminal conviction does not always mark the end of the legal process. In some cases, individuals may have the right to seek review of legal errors through the appellate process, but strict filing deadlines mean time is critical.

In his latest article, James P. Whalen, who is Board Certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, explains how criminal appeals work, how they differ from a trial, common grounds for appeal, and why an early review of the record is essential.

The article also discusses important differences between Texas and federal criminal appeals, including filing deadlines, appellate procedures, and what individuals can realistically expect if an appeal is successful.

Read the full article at www.whalenlawoffice.com/news/

Whalen Law Office was proud to spend an evening with the Frisco RoughRiders as a presenting sponsor during the team's St...
08/07/2026

Whalen Law Office was proud to spend an evening with the Frisco RoughRiders as a presenting sponsor during the team's Star Wars Night.

Attorneys and staff enjoyed cheering on the RoughRiders, connecting with community members, and spending time together outside the office. A special highlight of the evening was Avery Sandel, son of Partner Ryne Sandel, throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the game.

Thank you to the Frisco RoughRiders for a memorable night. We appreciate the opportunity to support our local community and look forward to many more events like this.

Whalen Law Office attorney Ryne Sandel recently represented a client in a federal drug distribution case that concluded ...
08/06/2026

Whalen Law Office attorney Ryne Sandel recently represented a client in a federal drug distribution case that concluded with the court imposing an exceptionally rare sentence of probation.

Over the course of more than two years, Ryne worked with the client as the case progressed through the federal system. During that time, the client demonstrated a genuine commitment to changing the course of his life, taking meaningful steps toward rehabilitation and working to make amends for past decisions.

After considering the circumstances presented and the progress the client had made, the court imposed a probation sentence rather than a term of imprisonment.

The outcome allows the client to continue building his career, remain with his new wife and family, and move forward while continuing the positive changes he has made.

(Every federal case is unique, and sentencing decisions are based on the specific facts, applicable law, and the individual circumstances presented to the court. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)

Learn more at www.whalenlawoffice.com/blog/.

Whalen Law Office represented a client in a federal matter before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of N...
08/04/2026

Whalen Law Office represented a client in a federal matter before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where attorney James P. Whalen traveled to White Plains, New York, to appear with the client during a change of plea proceeding.

Although the underlying matter could not avoid a plea, the defense successfully negotiated for the client to appear voluntarily rather than be extradited, a significant procedural outcome that reduced additional burdens during an already difficult process.

At Whalen Law Office, representation extends beyond the legal issues themselves. Whenever possible, the firm works to help clients navigate each stage of the legal process in a way that minimizes unnecessary hardship while protecting their rights throughout the proceedings.

Federal cases often require representation across jurisdictions, and Whalen Law Office is prepared to advocate for clients wherever their cases take them.

Learn more at www.whalenlawoffice.com/blog/.

On July 2, the Whalen Law Office team stepped away from the office for its quarterly staff meeting, bringing attorneys a...
07/15/2026

On July 2, the Whalen Law Office team stepped away from the office for its quarterly staff meeting, bringing attorneys and staff together for a day dedicated to collaboration, planning, and setting priorities for the months ahead.

Held at Riders Field in Frisco, the off-site meeting provided an opportunity to review firm initiatives, discuss goals, and strengthen the teamwork that supports our commitment to serving clients throughout Texas.

The day concluded with the team enjoying a Frisco RoughRiders game together, celebrating another productive quarter and the relationships that make collaboration possible.

At Whalen Law Office, thoughtful preparation and open communication are essential—not only in the courtroom, but also in the way we work together to provide strategic, client-focused representation.

Learn more about our firm at www.whalenlawoffice.com.

Address

9300 John Hickman Pkwy Ste 501
Frisco, TX
75035

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 2pm

Telephone

+12143682560

Website

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