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.
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Military
U.S. Marine Corps 1982-88, Infantry
Honorable DischargeLicenses
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 WisconsinAwards & 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 AssociationEducation
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 SocietyTexas 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.
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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
