
Whalen Law Office
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We help people facing serious criminal allegations in a discreet and professional manner. I understand the stress of your situation and am here to help you.
My name is James Whalen and I have over 26 years of experience in Texas law and I'm not going to be surprised by anything.
Operating as usual


05/19/2022
Whalen Law Office is proud to have been a sponsor for the Collin County Women Lawyers Association May meeting.

05/17/2022
Whalen Law Office is proud to have had Mason join us as our intern this year. During his year here, Mason was a valued member of the WLO family and assisted the firm in a wide variety of cases and projects. Good luck next year, and thank you for all of your hard work Mason! đ„ł

04/29/2022
Melissa Lucio: What happens next?
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals granted a stay on the scheduled ex*****on of Melissa Lucio, the first Hispanic woman who was given the death penalty in the State of Texas, but why did they do that and what does that mean? What are the next steps and what happens next? In this weekâs For You Friday video, Ryne Sandel takes a very surface level look at the case for those that may not have been following it.
https://youtu.be/WAZhFNMFP50
The Texas Court of Criminals granted a stay on the scheduled ex*****on of Melissa Lucio, the first Hispanic woman who was given the death penalty in the Stat...

04/21/2022
Whalen Law Office is delighted to announce that James Whalen has been named as one of D Magazine's 2022 Best Lawyers. This recognition is a special honor as itâs D Magazine's exclusive and coveted list honoring the top lawyers in the DFW area as chosen by their peers.

03/25/2022
Congrats to Ryne Sandel for being named to the Texas Rising Stars List for a fourth consecutive year!đ„ł

03/18/2022
Can you get a DWI in a parked car? In Texas, yes.
How on earth can you be charged with âdriving while intoxicatedâ when your car is parked and not even in gear? Well, the law in Texas allows for it. Partner Ryne Sandel explains in this weeks For You Friday video.
https://youtu.be/mRhG1mxbJIw
How on earth can you be charged with âdriving while intoxicatedâ when your car is parked and not even in gear? Well, the law in Texas allows for it. Partner ...

03/11/2022
Texas and Governor Abbotâs Recent Attack on Transgender Youths
Late last month, Governor Abbot issued a letter to Texas state health agencies announcing that delivering gender-affirming medical treatments to transgender youths âconstitutes child abuseâ under the Texas Penal Code. So what does this mean and what happens next. Partner Ryne Sandel briefly discusses the issue and what may come in the next few months.
https://youtu.be/vK18Tr0mu5k
Late last month, Governor Abbot issued a letter to Texas state health agencies announcing that delivering gender-affirming medical treatments to transgender ...

03/08/2022
Exciting news here at Whalen Law Office! We are thrilled to announce that Ryne Sandel has been made a partner of the Firm!đ„ł

02/25/2022
We all had a great time at our annual Super Bowl Party! Thank you to everyone who was able to make it! đđ„ł

02/18/2022
How to protect yourself from âGet Rich Quickâ scams
If something sounds too god to be true, it probably is. But you will never succeed in business or investing if you are scared to take risks. So how can you protect yourself and your livelihood and avoid getting wrapped up in a scam? Senior Associate Ryne Sandel gives a few general tips.
https://youtu.be/b-7OMJTN9H0
If something sounds too god to be true, it probably is. But you will never succeed in business or investing if you are scared to take risks. So how can you p...

01/28/2022
Texas Delta-8 Update: Is it legal now? (January 2022)
A few months back, Senior Associate Ryne Sandel posted a video explaining that Delta-8 was added to the controlled substances list in Texas, making it a felony to sell or possess. But stores have started selling it again. So what happened? In this week's For You Friday video, Ryne gives a quick update on where the law currently stands.
I did a video a few months back letting everyone know that Delta-8 had been added to the list of controlled substances in Texas, making it a felony to posses...

01/25/2022
TheGamerLawyer - Twitch
Our Senior Associate, Ryne Sandel has started a weekly Twitch stream where he answers all of your questions in a more relaxed format. Join him on Thursdays from 8:30-9:30 pm CST!
I play to support Extra-Life and my local Children's Miracle Network Hospital, so PLEASE JOIN ME! Read more and donate to the cause here: bit.ly/ryne

01/21/2022
Traffic Tickets by Text? One Texas City is trying it, but is it a good idea?
The Trusted Driver Program being tried out in one Texas city will allow officers to text you traffic citations instead of pulling you over. Is this good progress? Will it actually solve a problem that exists? Senior Associate Ryne Sandel discusses on this week's "For You Friday" video.
The town of Windcrest, Texas is starting a program they are calling the Trusted Driver Program, a program citizens can opt-in to where police will simply tex...

01/14/2022
Pretextual Stops: When cops lie about why they pulled you over
Have you ever wondered why police stop somebody for something extremely minor, but it turns into a full blown search? Or why 4 officers might be pulling one car over for a burnt out headlight? Well the answer is pretextual stops. So what are they, and are they legal?
Have you ever seen an officer pull over a car for some tricky-tack traffic violation and wondered if that was really the reason they stopped the car? Well, i...

12/28/2021
DOJ Environment Boss to Target Corporate Employees for Jail Time
The Department of Justice recently announced that they will soon begin to prioritize the prosecution of individuals who commit "corporate environmental crimes." As this policy change trickles down the ranks of the DOJ, we expect to see an uptick in indictments that charge violations of environmental statutes.
The Justice Department will prioritize prosecuting individuals who commit corporate environmental crimes, a top agency official said in what one attorney called a departure from traditional prosecutorial practice.

12/17/2021
What happens when a friend is arrested? (North Texas Edition)
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having to bond out a friend or loved one from jail this holiday season, Senior Associate Ryne Sandel discusses some general tips of what to know before you start the process.
Getting someone out of jail is relatively straightforward, but it takes a while. It does vary slightly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction so Senior Associate ...

12/16/2021
Whalen Law Office was thrilled to continue our annual donation to the wonderful people at Frisco Fastpacs for the amazing work they do making sure no Frisco ISD student goes hungry. Thank you for all you do!

12/10/2021
Juvenile Law Series: School Searches
Ashley Saenz discusses the validity of school searches in her newest Juvenile Law Series video.
https://youtu.be/bi0xukw1sn0
Ashley Saenz discusses the validity of school searches in her newest Juvenile Law Series video.

12/03/2021
Statutory Law vs. Case Law: What is precedent and why is SCOTUS so important?
The Supreme Court is in the middle of its October term, which means you are likely seeing articles about cases being argued right now dealing with abortion rights, voting rights, and the Constitution. But how can a case that is challenging a specific law in Mississippi matter so much? Just like usual, this topic can be a semester long course, but Senior Associate Ryne Sandel does hi best to paint with a broad brush and gives you the high-level overview of how case-law works in the American legal system.
The Supreme Court is in the middle of its October term, which means you are likely seeing articles about cases being argued right now dealing with abortion r...

11/09/2021
Extra Life 2021 and a request for help!
For the past 9 years, Ryne has participated in Extra Life and he is hopeful this year is bigger than ever! Please join Ryne on Saturday, November 13th as he plays games for 24 hours and tries to raise some money to help some very sick kids. The links you need are below. Ryne looks forward to seeing you all online! Enjoy Every Sandwich!
DONATE HERE: https://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?...
JOIN AND WATCH THE STREAM HERE: https://www.twitch.tv/TheGamerLawyer
https://youtu.be/GlQHGNYyJts
For the past 9 years, I have participated in Extra Life and I am hopeful this year is bigger than ever! Please join me on Saturday, November 13th as I play g...

11/05/2021
Jury Selection (Voir Dire) in Texas
Jury selection kicks off a trial. It is very important. And very misunderstood. Senior Associate Ryne Sandel gives a (very brief) overview of how the process works.
https://youtu.be/XXh7wtfXXMo
Jury selection kicks off a trial. It is very important. And very misunderstood. Senior Associate Ryne Sandel gives a (very brief) overview of how the process...

10/29/2021
Did they just make Delta-8 illegal in Texas?
The Texas Department of State Health Services updated their website last week to clarify that Delta-8 is actually illegal in Texas, much to the surprise of users, possessors, and sellers. So a word of caution to all D8 users, it is a felony level offense, so beware.
https://youtu.be/tl_j6dQhxss
The Texas Department of State Health Services updated their website last week to clarify that Delta-8 is actually illegal in Texas, much to the surprise of u...

10/22/2021
UPL - The Unlicensed Practice of Law
Recently, Senior Associate Ryne Sandel was appointed to the State Bar of Texasâ Unlicensed Practice of Law. But what is that? And more importantly, why does it matter? Why should the public care if some lawyers donât get to make money because you got some free legal advice? Well, Ryne hit some of the high points here and tells you why this ultimately ends up hurting the client WAY more than any lawyer.
https://youtu.be/pvEePhOPGhE
Recently, I was appointed to the State Bar of Texasâ Unlicensed Practice of Law. But what is that? And more importantly, why does it matter? Why should the p...

10/15/2021
Why Shouldnât I Talk to Police if I am Innocent?
When I tell people, âNever talk to police,â I inevitably get the question, âWell if I am innocent, what do I have to be worried about?â There are a bunch of reasons why you should never talk to the police without an attorney, ESPECIALLY if youâre innocent. Hopefully this video helps.
https://youtu.be/ui6d7yKmouE
When I tell people, âNever talk to police,â I inevitably get the question, âWell if I am innocent, what do I have to be worried about?â There are a bunch of ...

10/08/2021
The women of Attorneys Serving the Community got their glam on at their first networking event of the new selection year which benefits Bridge Breast Network at Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas. Our very own Ashley Saenz looked smashing if we so say ourselves!

10/08/2021
October 4 Memo from DOJ re: Threats Against Teachers
Senior Associate Ryne Sandel discusses a recent memo and press release issued by the Department of Justice regarding an uptick of violent threats being made against teachers and school administrators.
https://youtu.be/NgvcR_6mS5Q
Senior Associate Ryne Sandel discusses a recent memo and press released issued by the Department of Justice regarding an uptick of violent threats being made...

10/08/2021
The Whalen Law Office congratulates James P. Whalen on his appointment to the City of Friscoâs Board of Adjustment / Construction Board of Appeals. We know the cityâs expansion will be in good hands with our fearless founder on the committee and look forward to his good work with the Board.

10/01/2021
Legal Mythbusting Series: Yelling âFIREâ in a crowded theater
Youâve likely seen it, heard it, read it, and maybe even said it. âEverybody knows that you canât yell fire in a crowded theater.â But is this true? Is this the law? Has it ever been the law? Senior Associate Ryne Sandel discusses this incredibly common legal misnomer.
https://youtu.be/pBiPYQyU3Ic
Youâve likely seen it, heard it, read it, and maybe even said it. âEverybody knows that you canât yell fire in a crowded theater.â But is this true? Is this ...

09/27/2021
Happy Birthday James! Wishing you a great birthday and a memorable year!đ„ł
Ryne, Diana, Ashley, and Ana

09/24/2021
Whalen Law Office is pleased to have partner James P. Whalen recognized on the 2021 Texas Super Lawyers list and noted as a âTop Rated White Collar Crimes Attorneyâ in Frisco, TX.

09/24/2021
Texas Grand Juries - Indictments, True Bills, No Bills: What are they?
You might have heard of people being âindictedâ for a crime before. But what does this mean? How does this happen? Is there anything that a defense lawyer can do to avoid it? Senior Associate Ryne Sandel gives a brief, high-level overview of the grand jury procedure in Texas and how it may look in your case.
https://youtu.be/dwx2z_clg0Y
You might have heard of people being âindictedâ for a crime before. But what does this mean? How does this happen? Is there anything that a defense lawyer ca...

09/17/2021
Juvenile Law Series: ACE Tests
Junior Associate Attorney, Ashley Saenz, discusses what an ACE test is and why it's important in our juvenile justice system. A link to an actual ACE test to calculate your score can be found here: https://www.whalenlawoffice.com/practice-areas/juvenile-law/.
https://youtu.be/Opd9ydObA0k
Junior Associate Attorney, Ashley Saenz, discusses what an ACE test is and why it's important in our juvenile justice system. A link to an actual ACE test to...

09/10/2021
How does a DWI (in Texas) Effect Your Driving Privileges?
ALR suspensions, conviction suspensions, interlock devices, occupational driverâs licenses, the effects a DWI can have or you privilege to drive in the State of Texas are many and can be far-reaching. Senior Associate Ryne Sandel speaks briefly about just some of these impacts and what they may mean for you.
https://youtu.be/BdZbO33FNjI
ALR suspensions, conviction suspensions, interlock devices, occupational driverâs licenses, the effects a DWI can have or you privilege to drive in the State...

09/10/2021
Whalen Law Office is delighted that our very own James Patrick Whalen will be speaking at the 24th Annual Eastern District of Texas Bar Association Bench Bar Conference on October 14, 2021. James and an esteemed group of judges will be speaking on âPreserving Error at Sentencing.â James serves on the conference planning committee for the Eastern District of Texas Bar Association. The Bench Bar Conference is known as the âgo-to annual gatheringâ for judges and lawyers to discuss a broad range of leading-edge legal topics.

09/10/2021
Whalen Law Office was thrilled to attend "Coffee With the Mayor" this morning where we were able to tour the brand new Frisco Municipal Courthouse. The building is beautiful and very well designed. Major congratulations to Mayor Jeff Cheney, Judge Art Maldonado and the rest of the Frisco City Council for all of their work in designing a building that will better help us serve our clients and better help them serve the public. We are proud to work in a city like The City of Frisco TX - City Hall that truly cares about efficiently and fairly serving the community.

09/03/2021
The Fifth Amendment: What it is AND what it is NOT
Have you ever heard of someone âpleading the fifthâ and thought to yourself âWell they must be guiltyâ? Well, youâre not alone. But youâre WRONG! There are a thousand reasons why someone might exercise their constitutional right to remain silent. Senior Associate Ryne Sandel discusses.
https://youtu.be/a9WEZ4BJGyw
Have you ever heard of someone âpleading the fifthâ and thought to yourself âWell they must be guiltyâ? Well, youâre not alone. But youâre WRONG! There are a...

08/30/2021
Congratulations on the win Dallas Racing Team!đ

08/30/2021
Congrats Dallas Racing Team!đ
Dallas Racing Team CC and Elliott Farris takes third in the Omnium 4/5 men category

08/27/2021
Can my college require I get the Covid vaccine?
Can my college require I get the Covid vaccine?
https://youtu.be/TQgWV6kX55E
Shrugs heavily. Probably?

08/26/2021
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in the Juvenile Justice System
What is an ACE score and why should it matter in the juvenile justice system? WLOâs Ashley Saenz discusses ACE and its ramifications. Click here to read the article https://www.whalenlawoffice.com/adverse-childhood-experiences-aces-in-the-juvenile-justice-system-2/.
What is an ACE score and why should it matter in the juvenile justice system? WLOâs Ashley Saenz discusses ACE and its ramifications. (click here to read the full article) Ashley Saenz, Junior Associate Attorney

08/25/2021
Congratulations to Dallas Racing Team!đ
We welcome our new member Jessica Bonilla. Quite an impressive entrance I would say, rode away from the field to win the womenâs race Tuesday night Crits

08/25/2021
Senior Associate Ryne Sandel Named to List of 2022 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
Whalen Law Office congratulates Senior Associate Ryne Sandel for his selection to the 2022 Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
https://www.whalenlawoffice.com/senior-associate-ryne-sandel-named-to-list-of-2022-best-lawyers-ones-to-watch/
Whalen Law Office is pleased to announce that Ryne Sandel, a Senior Associate with the firm, has been included in the 2022 Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognizes associates and other lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional e...

08/20/2021
The Legality of Fake Vaccine Cards
Can you be charged criminally for making, selling, or possessing a fraudulent Covid vaccine card? Short answer: Yes. Senior Associate Ryne Sandel explains.
https://youtu.be/q0Kj9tSwsKw
Can you be charged criminally for making, selling or possessing a fraudulent Covid vaccine card? Short answer: Yes. Senior Associate Ryne Sandel explains.

08/20/2021
Congrats!đ
Elliott Farris lands the top step C race tonight at Thursday Night Crit .. congratulations Elliott !! Hard work paid off!

08/19/2021
87th Legislature Criminal Law Update
WLOâs Ashley Marie Saenz wrote an informative summary on the 87th Legislature with respect to criminal law. Check it out here https://www.whalenlawoffice.com/87th-legislature-criminal-law-update/.
Ashley Saenz, Junior Associate Attorney After looking through the 87th Legislature bills by committees (criminal justice, criminal jurisprudence, and Juvenile Justice & Family Issues), I realized it may be helpful to list all the bills that passed relating to criminal law. It is not a perfect

08/13/2021
The Differences Between State and Federal Plea Agreements
Most of my federal clients have some familiarity (or at least they think they do) with how pleas work in the state system. So how is the federal system different? Senior Associate Ryne Sandel discusses.
https://youtu.be/NDpGSVzISkI
Most of my federal clients have some familiarity (or at least they think they do) with how pleas work in the state system. So how is the federal system diffe...

08/06/2021
How Long Will my Criminal Case Take? Part 2
Most clients want to know how long it will take before their criminal case is resolved. The answer is complicated. It all comes down to a bunch of variables, some of which we can control, some of which we canât. Senior Associate Ryne Sandel explains the second set of these variables in part 2 of 2.
https://youtu.be/wlye67Av2jc
Most clients want to know how long it will take before their criminal case is resolved. The answer is complicated. It all comes down to a bunch of variables,...

07/30/2021
How Long will my Criminal Case Take? Part 1
Most clients want to know how long it will take before their criminal case is resolved. The answer is complicated. It all comes down to a bunch of variables, some of which we can control, some of which we canât. Senior Associate Ryne Sandel explains the first set of these variables in part 1 of 2.
https://youtu.be/t1vN0AQbkvA
Most clients want to know how long it will take before their criminal case is resolved. The answer is complicated. It all comes down to a bunch of variables,...
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9300 John Hickman Pkwy Ste 501
Frisco, TX
75035
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Ashley here is an associate attorney for the Frisco-based firm ( Whalen Law Office ), and just last week it was announced that she was accepted into Leadership Frisco Class 25. Congratulations!