STATE & FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE
He spent years on the government’s side.
Brent Chapell is a former federal prosecutor and state Appellate Chief, Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He spent his career building and defending convictions for the government. Now he defends the people they charge — in state and federal courts throughout Texas.
Talk to Brent.
HE KNOWS THEIR PLAYBOOK.
He spent his career building and defending convictions for the government. Now he works for you.
How Federal Cases Are Built
Brent has prosecuted in federal court. He knows how agents build investigations, what they look for in financial records, and when a case is strong versus when the government is overreaching. That knowledge is now on the defense side of the table.
What Works on Appeal
As a former state Appellate Chief, Brent spent years arguing before Texas courts of appeals — and winning. He knows which arguments appellate courts find persuasive and which ones courts have seen too many times. He writes accordingly.
Where Convictions Fall Apart
Brent defended convictions on appeal before he began challenging them. He knows where the vulnerabilities are — evidentiary errors, ineffective assistance, constitutional violations — and how to build a record to address them.
Meet Brent Chapell
-
![]()
Brent Chapell
Attorney & Founder
Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. First as a prosecutor — state appellate chief, federal court, 200+ appeals. Now defending the people the government charges. He knows exactly how the other side thinks because he was the other side.
PRACTICE AREAS
Chapell Law, PLLC handles serious criminal matters at the state and federal level across Texas. Brent Chapell handles every case personally — from first call to final resolution.
Criminal Defense
From misdemeanor charges to serious felonies, Brent defends individuals at every stage — investigation, arrest, indictment, and trial. He knows how prosecutors build cases because he built them. That knowledge is now on your side.
Federal Criminal Defense
Federal charges carry distinct rules, distinct prosecutors, and far higher stakes. Brent has prosecuted and defended in federal court and understands the difference — including how to challenge federal charging decisions before they escalate.
Appellate & Post-Conviction
Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Brent handles direct appeals, writs of habeas corpus, and post-conviction relief at the state and federal level — identifying errors and challenging outcomes others have accepted.
White Collar Defense
Financial crimes carry severe penalties and can devastate careers, reputations, and families. Chapell Law defends individuals and businesses facing fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, wire fraud, tax crimes, and other complex financial offenses.
Law Enforcement Defense
Officers accused of excessive force, misconduct, or civil rights violations face both criminal prosecution and career-ending consequences. Brent understands law enforcement work and provides experienced, direct defense for peace officers navigating the system from the other side.
Expunctions & Record Clearance
An arrest or conviction on your record can limit housing, employment, and opportunity for years. Chapell Law helps eligible clients pursue expunctions, nondisclosures, and other record relief under Texas law — a legitimate path forward without a permanent record following you.
DIRECT ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT. BY DESIGN.
Chapell Law is structured around personal representation. Brent Chapell personally handles every case he accepts — evaluating the facts, developing the defense strategy, and representing clients through every stage of the matter. When the stakes are serious, the attorney responsible for your defense should know your case firsthand. Clients work directly with Brent from the initial consultation through the proceedings and decisions that determine the outcome.
SCHEDULE A CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATIONLET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR CASE
The earlier you have the right attorney, the more your defense can do. Contact Chapell Law to schedule a confidential consultation.