Attorney Team

Scott M. Ellison
Principal Defense Attorney

Scott M. Ellison has been practicing criminal defense law in Corpus Christi, Texas, since 1993. With decades of experience, he has successfully defended clients in both Federal and State Courts, handling cases ranging from capital murder and federal drug smuggling to local misdemeanors. Recognized as one of the most respected criminal defense attorneys in South Texas, he is committed to securing the best outcomes for his clients.

No matter the legal challenge, Mr. Ellison approaches each case with dedication and strategic precision to achieve the most favorable resolution. Supported by two Associate Attorneys and a skilled legal staff, the Law Office of Scott M. Ellison effectively manages a high volume of criminal cases while keeping clients and their families informed. When a case requires trial, we do not hesitate to proceed. Our team frequently litigates issues involving illegal searches and sentencing disputes.

  • Military

    U.S. Marine Corps 1982-88, Infantry
    Honorable Discharge

    Licenses

    Supreme Court of Texas
    Supreme Court of The United States of America
    United States Court of Appeals
    Fifth Circuit
    Eighth Circuit
    United States District Courts
    Southern District of Texas
    Western District of Texas
    Northern District of Texas
    Eastern District of Wisconsin

    Awards & Affiliations

    Nueces County Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year 2002
    Past President Nueces County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
    CLE Speaker and Director
    Nueces County Bail Bond Board
    People to People Ambassador
    National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Legal Committee
    Member of the Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas
    AV Rating on Martindale-Hubbell (distinguishes high to very high legal ability)

    Legal Associations

    American Bar Association
    Texas Bar Association
    National Association Criminal Defense Lawyers
    Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Associations
    Nueces County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
    Coastal Bend Criminal Defense Association

    Education

    University of Texas-San Antonio, B.A. Political Science, 1989

    Magna Cum Laude
    Who’s Who Among College Students
    Outstanding College Students of America
    Golden Key National Honor Society
    Alpha Chi Honor Society

    Texas Tech University, Doctor of Juris Prudence, 1993

    Who’s Who Among Law Students
    Criminal Law Students Association, President
    Standing Committee for Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure

Gabriel R. Salais
Senior Associate Attorney

Gabriel R. Salais is a native of Corpus Christi and a proud Miller Buccaneer alumnus. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and his Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University in Houston in 2002. After law school, Mr. Salais was employed as an Assistant District Attorney at the Nueces County District Attorney’s office.

In 2005 Mr. Salais joined forces with the Law Office of Scott M. Ellison, a highly successful and recognized criminal defense law firm. He specializes in criminal jury trials and has taken hundreds of cases to trial throughout his legal career. Mr. Salais is a former President and Vice President of the Corpus Christi Criminal Defense Bar Association. He also handles cases in the United States District Courts, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and all Texas courts.

Michelle H. Ochoa
Associate Attorney

Michelle Ochoa is an associate attorney with The Law Office of Scott M. Ellison in in Corpus Christi, TX. Michelle is Board Certified in Criminal Law and currently serves on the Corpus Christi Bar Association Board of Directors as the Criminal Law Chair. She is a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association and has previously served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Michelle also served as a mentee in the inaugural class of the Future Indigent Defense Leaders.

Michelle was a public defender from 2011 to 2023. Prior to that adventure, she was in private practice working in criminal defense in Corpus Christi and surrounding areas. After graduating from law school at St. Mary’s University, she worked for several years in the District Attorney’s Office of Nueces County. Originally from Carrollton, TX, Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin and taught high school government prior to entering law school. Currently, Michelle is the Criminal Law Chair of the 2024-2025 Corpus Christi Bar Board of Directors. Michelle is a proud parent of an amazing autistic son, Matthew.

  • On The Front Lines — Defending Smuggling Cases in Texas State Court, TCDLA Voice for the Defense — Vol. 52 No. 1 P 15, January/February 2023

    Do’s & Don’ts of Being Second Chair, TCDLA Voice for the Defense — Vol. 51 No. 2 P 24, March 2022

    Biases.  We All Have Them.  What Are Yours?, TCDLA Voice for the Defense — Vol. 50 No. 5 P 24, June 2021

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