Premier Criminal Defense Firm
When the Stakes Are High, We’re on Your Side
Defending Your Rights
For over 30 years, we've proudly represented the Brazos Valley as the largest criminal defense firm between Houston and Dallas. Let our seasoned team provide you with the strategic defense you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Defending Your Rights Against Criminal Charges in Texas
At James, Reynolds, Ask & Kleinschmidt, our team of experienced Bryan criminal defense attorneys offers a comprehensive range of legal services. Defendants and their loved ones come to our office for various reasons, including being arrested or accused of offenses ranging from drug offenses to domestic violence and DWI. Whatever the case, we provide helpful, non-judgmental, and professionally competent criminal defense.
Facing criminal charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, can be intimidating. Possible consequences include fines and jail time.
Beyond immediate legal repercussions, criminal charges can significantly impact your life, affecting employment opportunities and personal relationships. It is crucial to tackle these challenges with the support of a skilled legal team capable of navigating the complexities of the legal system. Our attorneys dedicate themselves to providing strategic defense tailored to each client's unique circumstances, ensuring that your rights are upheld and your future is protected.
Our lawyers work diligently to protect your rights, record, and reputation. We have earned strong reviews from past clients for our support and guidance. Let us help you.
We pride ourselves on offering personalized attention to each case, understanding that no two situations are alike. Our attorneys take the time to comprehend every case detail, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we stand by you every step of the way.
Have you or a loved one been arrested or accused of a crime in Bryan? Call James, Reynolds, Ask & Kleinschmidt today at (979) 227-3305 or contact us online to protect your rights from the start!
Decades of Trusted Criminal Defense Backed by Local Insight and Proven Experience
James, Reynolds, Ask & Kleinschmidt has been serving Bryan since 1983, boasting a team of highly skilled lawyers. Our experience comes from all sides of the criminal justice system. Three of our partners are former prosecutors; one associate was a police detective. Understanding the system’s flaws and the mistakes prosecutors can make gives us a distinct advantage in legal defense. We know how to conduct thorough investigations and leverage our findings to benefit our clients.
Our lawyers possess over 90 years of combined experience. Trust us to protect your rights, record, reputation, and freedom.
Our deep-rooted commitment to Bryan has enabled us to foster strong relationships within the local courts and legal community, pivotal in navigating complex cases. This local insight allows us to develop strategies that are both legally sound and informed by regional practices. We believe in transparency and open communication with our clients, ensuring they understand every step of their legal journey.
Bar card numbers, exact licensure dates, certification standards and outside recognitions — every line drawn from the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, or the body that gave the award. Nothing here is a claim you have to take our word for.
Firm established
1983
Continuously practicing in Bryan for more than 40 years
Board Certified — Criminal Law
3 of 4
Attorneys certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
How uncommon that is
6,650
Of roughly 120,000 Texas lawyers hold Board Certification in any specialty
Earliest Texas license on file
May 28, 1979
State Bar of Texas record for founding partner Jim W. James
Attorney records
A bar card number is the fastest way to check a lawyer. Search any of the four numbers below on the State Bar of Texas directory and you will see the license date, current eligibility, reported practice areas, federal court admissions and any disciplinary history — in about a minute. Fuller biographies for each attorney sit on our attorney pages.
James W. James, III
Founding Partner
Bar card no.10554250
Texas license date05 / 28 / 1979
Name on the rollJim W. JamesSearch this form of the name, not “James W. James, III,” to find the State Bar record.
Super LawyersSelected for 2003–2004Selection years published on his Super Lawyers profile.
Reported practiceCriminal — the only practice area on his State Bar profile
Prosecutor postingWashington County Attorney’s Office, Brenham, TexasHis published biography names Brenham as the seat of that office; the firm bio names the county only.
Disciplinary recordAvvo reports no instances of professional misconduct
Texas is the only state where a lawyer may not advertise as a “specialist” without holding certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a body created by the Supreme Court of Texas in 1974. The bar to entry is deliberately high.
What an applicant must show
A minimum of five years in practice, with at least three years substantially involved in criminal law.
At least 60 hours of continuing legal education in the specialty area.
References from peers who practice in the same field.
A passing score on a written examination in the specialty.
Certification is not permanent. Every certified lawyer must reapply, and meet the education and involvement criteria again, on a five-year cycle. Of roughly 120,000 lawyers licensed in Texas, 6,650 hold Board Certification in any of the specialty areas — and three of the four attorneys in this office hold it in Criminal Law.
You do not have to rely on any law firm’s own account of itself. Three independent checks cover almost everything that matters:
The three checks
State Bar of Texas, Find A Lawyer. Search the bar card number. The record returns the license date, current eligibility, reported practice areas, federal court admissions, office of record, and disciplinary and administrative history.
Texas Board of Legal Specialization. A separate directory, because certification is granted by a separate body. If a lawyer is not in it, they are not Board Certified.
The awarding organization itself. Recognitions such as Super Lawyers publish their own selection years. A year that appears on a firm website but not on the awarding body’s profile is worth a question.
One honest caveat. The State Bar attaches a notice to every profile: the information there is self-reported by the attorney, and current license or admittance status can only be certified by the appropriate court or licensing entity. Treat the directory as a strong starting point, not a court certificate.
In the firm’s own words
The firm describes itself as “serving this community since 1983” — a span of more than forty years in the same county courthouse.James, Reynolds, Ask & Kleinschmidt, sexual assault defense page
On its bench strength, the firm claims to be “the sole firm between Dallas and Houston boasting three Board-Certified criminal lawyers” and three former Brazos County prosecutors.James, Reynolds, Ask & Kleinschmidt, home page
On file with the State Bar
Office of record: 100 N. Parker Ave., Suite 114, Bryan, TX 77803.
Client services reported by attorneys at this office include ADA-accessible client service and language translation.
Fee arrangements reported include flat fees and payment plans; Hutton Ask’s profile additionally reports hourly and sliding-scale fees.
Fee options are not available in every matter, and any arrangement has to be agreed between the attorney and the client.
Credentials tell you who is qualified to take your case. A conversation tells you who is right for it — and the first one costs nothing.
Bar records, board certifications, directory ratings and award selections change. Every figure above was captured on 7 August 2026 from the source named beside it. Confirm current status with the State Bar of Texas or the Texas Board of Legal Specialization before relying on it. This information is general and is not legal advice for any specific case.
James, Reynolds, Ask & Kleinschmidt
What Sets Our Lawyers Apart?
Board Certified Criminal Specialists
Our attorneys are Board Certified Criminal Specialist
Unrivaled Legal Experience
We are the sole firm between Dallas and Houston boasting three Board-Certified criminal lawyers and three former Brazos County prosecutors.
Respected Advocates
Respected within the legal community, we are known for our commitment to excellence, integrity, and tenacious advocacy on behalf of our clients.
90 Years of Collective Experience in Criminal Law
We are the only firm in the Brazos Valley that has over 90 years of collective experience.
Offering 100% Free Consults
Learn how our defense lawyers can help during a free consult.
Results-Driven Approach
We tirelessly pursue the best results for our clients through negotiation, litigation, and innovative legal strategies.
We're a Spanish-Speaking Team
Our team is proud to help with Spanish services.
James, Reynolds, Ask & Kleinschmidt
Our Clients Come First
"I wouldn't be where I am now without their help."
When I was in college, I made some really stupid mistakes. James, Reynolds & Ask helped me out of some tough situations and made sure my record stayed clean. I wouldn't be where I am now without their help.
- T.M.
"I couldn't be more grateful for everything they did."
When I was arrested, I thought my life was over. Not only was I facing prison time, I was convinced that I was going to lose my family. The guys at James, Reynolds & Ask really turned the situation around, and I still have my family, my job, and my freedom. I couldn't be more grateful for everything they did.
- B.W.
"I recommend this law firm without hesitation."
James, Reynolds & Ask is a firm built on a foundation of professionalism, deft skill and service to their clients.
- A.H.
"I trust each of the attorneys in their office and would hire them in a heartbeat if needed."
I have worked with this law firm many times. They are one of the best firms I know with the best attorneys and staff around. They have assisted my firm in many cases and are available to help if we ever need them. I trust each of the attorneys in their office and would hire them in a heartbeat if needed.
Our area thrives with colleges and campus life. While students add much to our community, youthful indiscretions can occur. However, having a criminal conviction can be life-changing for a student. If you or your child has been arrested, accused, or charged with a crime, our firm is committed to their defense. We serve college students from local schools like Texas A&M and Blinn College. Every accusation is nuanced, and everyone deserves due process. These realities apply to students as much as to anyone else.
James, Reynolds, Ask & Kleinschmidt knows how to handle the myriad allegations that may arise in a college town, from DUI and sexual assault to Title IX violations and more, including underage DUI.
We recognize that college students face unique pressures and consequences, particularly when their future careers are at stake. Our attorneys are adept at minimizing the impact of charges and seeking alternatives that may preserve educational and professional prospects. We strive to be approachable and supportive, offering legal counsel that is both robust and empathetic to the realities young adults face today.
What Brazos County Clients Say After the Case Is Over
Five reviews, reproduced word for word from the firm’s Google Business Profile. Each one names the attorney who handled the matter — so you can see who does what before you call.
“I have worked with Cameron Reynolds on multiple occasions over the past several years, and he has consistently delivered exceptional results. He maintains clear and consistent communication throughout the entire process and advocates tirelessly on behalf of his clients until the very end. I highly recommend him to anyone facing legal challenges and would not consider using another attorney.”
“Awesome firm to work with and helpful with any questions or concerns that I had, they truly care. Hutton took the time to walk me through my process and was there with me from start to finish. I would highly rank this firm and specifically Hutton.”
“Aaron Kleinschmidt’s attention to detail and professionalism exceeded my expectations. His communication was always prompt, even after hours. Thanks to his expertise and dedication, we achieved a positive outcome in what I assume was a very unusual case. I highly recommend Aaron to anyone seeking a knowledgeable, compassionate, and trustworthy attorney.”
“I would recommend Aaron Kleinschmidt to represent anyone in need of legal services. My family unfortunately needed the help of council for the first time and he and his staff Emelin and others were very patient with explaining the process and helping us understand all. They answered questions and were available which was greatly appreciated during our difficult time. Thank you all and wishing you much success!”
CWCarisa West-EwingGoogle review
Client named — Aaron Kleinschmidt & staff
Rated 5 out of 5
“Cameron is the man! He was always quick to respond to my emails, very reassuring to help ease my stress during a difficult time, and thanks to his expertise and knowledge, I received a great outcome. I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting the best legal representation there is to offer.”
RRyanGoogle review
Client named — Cameron Reynolds
Every one of these started the same way — a phone call from someone who had never needed a criminal defense lawyer before. Yours can too, at no cost.
Reviews are reproduced verbatim from the firm’s Google Business Profile as published on 7 August 2026; the rating and review count reflect that date and change over time. Every review describes one client’s own matter. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any other case.