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Whalen Law Office

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Whalen Law Office

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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 members 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.

10/07/2026

Whalen Law Office Of Counsel Jim Etri recently joined students from the SMU Office of Pre-Law Advising for lunch and a conversation about law school, the legal profession, and his own path to becoming an attorney.

As an alumnus of SMU Dedman School of Law, Jim spoke with students about his law school experience, the demands of a legal career, and the different directions a career in law can take.

Jim brings more than two decades of experience from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Enforcement Division, where his work included complex financial reporting and accounting fraud matters, whistleblower protections, Ponzi schemes, and insider trading. He now serves as Of Counsel at Whalen Law Office, focusing on securities-related and white-collar matters.

Thank you to the SMU Office of Pre-Law Advising and Susan Harris for hosting the conversation and allowing students to learn directly from Jim’s experience.

09/23/2026

Whalen Law Office attorneys Ryne Sandel and Grace Tucker recently received a significant post-trial ruling in a federal criminal case in the Northern District of Texas.

Earlier this year, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts against the firm’s client. Following the verdict, Sandel and Tucker continued to challenge the case through post-trial litigation, including motions for acquittal and a new trial.

On September 18, 2026, Judge Karen Gren Scholer granted the defense’s Rule 33 motion for a new trial, while denying the motions for acquittal. After reviewing and weighing the trial evidence and assessing witness credibility, the Court concluded that the evidence weighed heavily against the verdict and that allowing it to stand would be a “miscarriage of justice.”

The ruling also addressed an important issue involving the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, including whether the evidence established an intent to improperly influence the physicians who made the relevant healthcare decisions.

Throughout the case, Ryne and Grace worked together as members of the defense team. Ryne challenged the government’s evidence through cross-examination of government witnesses at trial, while Grace played a substantial role in the post-trial proceedings, including the briefing and argument on the motion for a new trial.

The case will now proceed toward a new trial.

Read the full announcement and learn more about the Court’s ruling:
https://www.whalenlawoffice.com/news/

09/17/2026

What happens when a defendant is found incompetent to stand trial, but there is no hospital bed available?

In a recent livestream, Whalen Law Office Partner Ryne Sandel discussed a federal ruling requiring Texas to provide a hospital bed for mentally incompetent defendants within 21 days.

Ryne also addressed the reality of defendants waiting months or even years for competency-restoration treatment, and the impact those delays can have on criminal cases.

Missed the livestream? Watch the replay to hear Ryne’s full discussion of the ruling and what it could mean for defendants awaiting treatment.

Have a question you’d like Ryne to answer? Drop it in the comments for a chance to have it discussed during a future livestream.

Watch the replay: www.thedefenselobby.com

09/14/2026

Whalen Law Office attorney Grace Tucker recently represented a client facing a felony Continuous Assault Family Violence charge in Tarrant County.

As part of the defense, Grace thoroughly investigated and evaluated the circumstances of the case, remained persistent in advocating for a favorable resolution, and presented mitigating circumstances, including the client’s willingness to take proactive steps to address the matter.

The prosecutor subsequently filed a motion to dismiss, and a Tarrant County judge signed the order dismissing the case.

Case outcomes depend on the specific facts, applicable law, and circumstances of each matter. Whalen Law Office remains committed to careful preparation, individualized representation, and pursuing favorable resolutions for clients facing serious criminal allegations.

Facing a similar criminal matter? Contact Whalen Law Office at +1-214-441-7347 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Learn more at www.whalenlawoffice.com/news.

09/07/2026

On this Labor Day, Whalen Law Office is proud to recognize all workers, professionals, and families whose hard work helps strengthen our neighborhoods and keep Texas moving forward.

Let us pause and appreciate the contributions of those who show up each day, take on challenges, and work to build a better future for themselves and those around them.

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/

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/.

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.

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.

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

https://www.whalenlawoffice.com/

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