J. Joseph “Joey” Mongaras’s practice is focused on the most challenging criminal cases in federal and state court. In 500-plus cases over the course of his career, Joey has vigorously represented clients accused of nearly every imaginable serious felony, including fraud, robbery, possession of child pornography, illegally possessing firearms, murder, negligent homicide, assault, health care fraud, kidnapping, robbery, and drug conspiracies. Understanding that every client’s case is important, Joey works hard to receive the best possible outcome. As a result, Joey is respected by his peers, adversaries, and judges.
One of Joey’s most notable recent cases reached the United States Supreme Court. Joey’s client was convicted in federal court of robbing four convenience stores and using a firearm during the robberies. Joey appealed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that his client’s 25-year prison sentence for using a firearm was unconstitutional. After the Fifth Circuit ruled in his client’s favor, the Government appealed the case to the Supreme Court. Joey appeared before the Supreme Court, and the Court ultimately ruled in favor of his client, vacating his 25-year prison sentence and holding the statute unconstitutional. The Court adopted the argument Joey first made before the trial court and that he then successfully argued before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Joey has been involved in numerous other high-profile criminal cases, defending clients against crimes that have received extensive news coverage, and skillfully navigating public opinion, political perceptions, and the bias that media exposure can create. Joey’s experience with these newsworthy cases helps him protect his clients’ interests.
Joey stays on top of new developments in the law by actively participating in the legal community, and is often asked to speak at CLE’s. He is an Associate Member of the William Mac Taylor Inn of Court, a prestigious organization that elects litigation attorneys who are outstanding members of the legal community. Additionally, Joey was the chairman of the Dallas Bar Association’s Criminal Law section. And he is a member of the Dallas Bar Association, devoting his time and efforts to these various organizations to further his professional development and to build collaborative relationships with fellow lawyers.
A Dallas native, Joey earned a B.A. in Economics and Public Policy at Southern Methodist University and a law degree at St. Mary's University. While at law school, Joey clerked with two prominent criminal defense firms, and he also spent one term studying International Law at the University of Innsbruck. Finally, Joey spends many hours helping charitable organizations around the Dallas area.
