After graduating from high school, James Reckaway joined the US Marine Corps as an infantryman, where he was deployed twice to Al Fallujah, Iraq. He received multiple awards and certificates of commendation for outstanding performance and leadership during combat operations before receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of sergeant. After his military service, James joined the police academy and later worked for a Texas police department for the next twelve years. During his law enforcement career, James was a patrolman, patrol sergeant, administrative sergeant, firearms instructor, certified sniper, and SWAT team leader. He is also a graduate of the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas’ Leadership Command College – Class #82. As a police officer, James was awarded the Life-Saving Award for saving someone’s life using CPR, a Meritorious Achievement Ribbon for delivering a woman’s baby, and numerous other achievement and leadership awards.
James is now a criminal defense attorney at The Gonzalez Law Group, PLLC, where he represents individuals facing criminal investigations and prosecution from the earliest stages of a case through jury trial. James carefully analyzes the evidence, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develops strategic defenses tailored to each client’s circumstances. Whether seeking a dismissal, negotiating a favorable resolution, or taking a case to trial, his focus is always on achieving the best possible outcome for every client. James brings a unique perspective to criminal defense. Having worked on the enforcement side of the justice system, he understands how criminal cases are built, how evidence is gathered, and where mistakes can occur. Today, he leverages that firsthand knowledge to aggressively defend individuals facing criminal charges, scrutinizing every aspect of the prosecution’s case and protecting his clients’ constitutional rights. His insider understanding of police procedures, investigations, and courtroom processes allows him to anticipate the prosecution’s strategies and develop effective, result-driven defenses. Committed to providing personalized representation, James fights to achieve the best possible outcome for every client while guiding them through the legal process with honesty, dedication, and compassion. James has spent his entire adult life in public service defending American values, our freedoms, and our Constitutional rights. As a criminal defense attorney, he continues that mission by ensuring that every defendant, guilty or not, maintains the rights provided through our Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Before joining The Gonzalez Law Group, James worked as a civil defense attorney defending personal injury and employment lawsuits against governmental entities and their employees.
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
Bar Admissions
- State Bar of Texas, 2025
- US District Court for the Southern District of Texas
- US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
Education
- B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration, The University of Phoenix, 2014
- M.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, Sam Houston State University, 2016
- M.S. in Education Curriculum and Instruction, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 2022
- J.D., University of Houston Law Center, 2024
Professional Associations
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Languages
- English