Attorneys Who Fight For You Like Family

Mark Morales has devoted more than two decades to practicing criminal law in Texas and representing people facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. A Williamson County native, Mark graduated from Texas Tech School of Law in 2001 and began his career as an Assistant District Attorney, where he gained valuable experience seeing criminal cases from the prosecution's side before dedicating his career to criminal defense.

Over the years, Mark has represented thousands of people accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanor offenses to serious felonies. His practice has also grown to include extensive representation of incarcerated individuals before the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, where he works closely with clients and their families to prepare and present their cases for parole consideration. Mark's work and reputation have been recognized by his fellow attorneys — he was nominated by his peers and selected by Thomson Reuters as a Texas Super Lawyer in 2016, appearing in Texas Monthly, after previously being recognized as a Texas Rising Star.

Mark's Christian faith is an important part of who he is and how he practices law. He believes strongly in accountability, grace, redemption, and the ability of people to change. Whether he is defending someone accused of a crime or advocating for an incarcerated person hoping for another chance at freedom, Mark's approach remains the same: listen carefully, prepare thoroughly, fight hard, and treat every client with the dignity and compassion he would want shown to a member of his own family. For Mark, clients don't simply hire a lawyer — they become people he cares about, and he fights for them like family.

Peter Lopez has spent more than two decades representing people during some of the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives. His practice has included extensive experience in criminal defense and family law, giving him a broad background in matters where clients often have their freedom, families, and futures at stake.

Peter graduated from Southwestern University in 1996 and Texas Tech University School of Law in 1999. He was licensed to practice law in Texas in 2000 and has spent his career representing individuals throughout Central Texas. In addition to his litigation experience, Peter became a certified mediator in 2015 after completing more than 40 hours of training. He later completed additional specialized family law mediation training and became a certified family law mediator in 2016. His mediation background gives him valuable experience in evaluating disputes, identifying practical solutions, and knowing when a case needs to be resolved through negotiation and when it needs to be fought in the courtroom. Peter is also the author of the ebook 20 Questions: Arrested for DWI in Texas, published in 2015.

Peter brings a team-based approach to every case, ensuring clients benefit from the collective experience and resources of the entire firm. Above all, he understands that behind every case file is a real person facing real consequences, and he strives to provide straightforward advice, experienced representation, and a steady advocate when his clients need one most. Peter is also fluent in Spanish, allowing him to communicate directly with Spanish-speaking clients and their families throughout the legal process.

Arlette Martinez is a Senior Paralegal in the Criminal Defense practice, where she assists with all aspects of the firm's criminal defense cases. From case management and due diligence review to helping keep the office running smoothly, Arlette is known for her exceptional attention to detail, organization, and genuine care for the people we serve.

She is also often the friendly voice you hear when you call our office and one of the first faces you see when you walk through the door. Arlette has Nicaraguan and Salvadoran roots and is fluent in Spanish, allowing her to communicate directly with Spanish-speaking clients and families and help them feel comfortable and understood throughout the legal process.

Before joining the firm in January 2015, Arlette worked as a Business Manager at Texas State University, where she also earned her bachelor's degree in Public Administration. She is a member of the Williamson County Bar Paralegal Association.

Arlette is a woman of strong faith and considers the firm and the people she has met through her work to be a true blessing in her life. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her two beloved Shih Tzus, Daisy and Stuart.