Jamie “the Dude” Balagia has been in the criminal justice system for over 35 years and has a true passion for defending our legal rights. Next to his love for God and his family – he loves his job as a criminal defense attorney. Jamie was a patrol and undercover police officer with the Austin Police Department from 1979 until 1990 when he left to attend the School of Law at the University of Texas. Jamie loves a good legal fight and will take on any DWI or other criminal case with the sole goal of victory! Jamie has been able to WIN the so-called “un-winnable” cases, by bringing more experience, training and desire to the courtroom than the State lawyers.

As a former Austin police officer, Jamie is able to assist other attorneys due to his analysis of a police officer’s performance.  He has testified as an expert witness in Drug and Alcohol cases in both Travis and Bexar County courtrooms. Jamie has spoken at the top DWI seminars in Texas and nationwide. Jamie also attends the most advanced seminars across the nation to ensure he stays on top of his game with breath test science, blood test science, the latest updates in DWI and Drug evidence, and any changes in the current laws. He is a Sustaining Member of the National College for DUI Defense. Jamie is an active member of the NCDLA, NCDD, TCDLA and the local bar associations where he practices.

Jamie is certified as a Practitioner and an Instructor of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and the Drug Recognition Expert program.  He is a certified Phlebotomist and is certified in the Gas Chromatography field and on the Intoxilyzer 5000 Breath testing device. He also works closely with experts in his field to ensure his clients receive the best representation. Jamie practices in State and Federal courts throughout Central and South Texas. Jamie is also known for his marketing endeavors and his websites, dwidude.com and 420Dude.com, are national marketing examples.