RAPHAEL ORTEGA

Meet Raphael Ortega

“Relationships matter. At home. In school. At work . . . and especially in the law. There’s nothing more important than the attorney/client relationship, especially when your life, liberty, and reputation are at stake. When you’re looking to hire a criminal lawyer, time is of the essence and it’s crucial that you act fast to protect what’s most important.”

Overview

Raphael is different than most other defense attorneys you’ll come across, and after your first meeting you’ll understand why people gravitate towards him. People who need a battle-tested trial attorney and are facing criminal charges – domestic violence, driving while intoxicated (DWI), drug possession, assault, firearm, theft, white collar, and related offenses – turn to Raphael for his honest advice, clear guidance, and fierce advocacy while defending their rights. He brings more than a decade of experience prosecuting criminal cases as Assistant District Attorney and Assistant Chief Counsel for the U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Raphael possesses a vast knowledge of the law, mastery of the rules of evidence, and pays sharp attention to detail, all of which allows him to do what he does best – Protecting your rights and securing your freedom. Raphael works with clients by identifying what’s most important, evaluating their best options, and aggressively pursuing the results they seek.

Hyper-focused Criminal Law and Trial Litigation Background

Raphael always knew he wanted to be a criminal trial attorney, so he focused on honing his trial skills. He spent a considerable amount of time gaining practical and substantive litigation experience at every opportunity to become the best trial attorney and advocate for his clients.

Upon law school graduation, Raphael immediately stepped into the courtroom, prosecuting felony cases in the Atlantic City, New Jersey region. There he prosecuted major felony cases involving drugs, violent crimes, and homicides – while also working alongside multi-jurisdictional federal, state, and local task forces. 

Later, Raphael moved to Texas, planting his roots in the North Houston/Woodlands area, and continued to prosecute felony cases with the Harris County and Montgomery County District Attorney offices. Within a month of relocating to Texas, Raphael rolled-up his sleeves and successfully prosecuted an Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child case.

Most recently, Raphael was a trial attorney for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), practicing immigration enforcement. This experience gave Raphael additional exposure in immigration law, particularly as it relates to the intersection between criminal law and immigration. Because of his time at ICE, Raphael has particular strengths in matters with an immigration component – whether helping undocumented immigrants, visa holders, resident aliens (green card holders), refugees, or asylum seekers. He works with each client to chart the optimal course to resolve the charges against them – all in a way that allows his clients to remain in the United States lawfully.

What sets Raphael apart: Humble Beginnings and a Genuine Connection with People

Raphael’s personal story is unique and his authenticity resonates with the people he meets. Throughout his career, Raphael has earned a reputation as an honest and trustworthy lawyer who connects well with clients, other lawyers, judges, and juries. Clients and prosecutors alike praise him for his ability to maintain composure in the most stressful and sensitive situations, like when he was prosecuting gun, drugs, and sexual assault crimes as a prosecutor. Clients also appreciate the insight and perspective that Raphael provides. 

“Yes, I am a lawyer. I consider myself to be strategic and when appropriate, I am aggressive. But I also have personal experience with the clients I’m representing. I was raised by a hardworking single parent in Washington Heights, a Latino New York City neighborhood in the upper west side of Manhattan. Unfortunately, I witnessed domestic violence, drug dealing, and substance abuse nearly every day. I truly understand the circumstances that lead to run-ins with the law and the challenges my clients face when that happens. And I think that perspective makes me a better advocate for my clients.”

Raphael believes that life has an interesting way of teaching tough lessons. Even in the darkest moments, Raphael does not judge people for their circumstances. Instead, he asks “how can I help?” And it’s his presence that makes a difference. 

Beyond the Law: Family, Fun, and Paying It Forward

When he’s not pursing justice for his clients, Raphael enjoys spending time with family and watching his kids participate in various sports leagues, managing multiple fantasy football teams, and creating cool culinary dishes. Raphael is also passionate about his commitment to youth mentorship and coaching high school mock trial teams – and never forgetting to pay it forward.