Attorney Shawn McDonald

I am a former prosecutor and Board Certified Criminal Law Trial Attorney with over twenty-two years (22) years of experience. I have handled thousands of criminal law cases throughout my career. I have been both an undergraduate professor and a law school professor teaching trial advocacy and criminal law.  I have been a law enforcement instructor and subject matter expert on countless panels and symposiums for criminal law issues.

Attorney Shawn McDonald embarked on his legal journey in 2001 as a felony trial prosecutor in Henderson County. During this time, he handled a wide array of felony cases, from capital murder to minor drug offenses, successfully prosecuting thousands of cases. Within his first 3 1/2 years, McDonald took on more than fifty felony cases as first chair. Notably, he spearheaded efforts to combat and prosecute methamphetamine labs in Henderson County, which was notorious for being a hub of meth production in East Texas. McDonald also developed training materials, instructed law enforcement personnel, mentored new assistant district attorneys, and served as the law enforcement liaison for a multi-jurisdictional drug task force. His dedication to prosecuting crimes against children earned him recognition from CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for his exceptional commitment to pursuing justice in cases of child sexual abuse.

With a wealth of experience as a criminal trial attorney spanning decades, McDonald has served as first chair in over 100 jury trials, predominantly focusing on felony cases. He has represented numerous clients facing criminal charges across Texas, ranging from serious offenses like murder to minor drug-related crimes. McDonald is licensed by the Supreme Court and holds memberships in the Fort Bend and Brazoria County Bar Associations, as well as the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He has been featured as a legal expert on Fox News multiple times and has made appearances on various national news outlets. Additionally, McDonald has been a frequent guest on prison radio programs broadcast to inmates across Texas and is actively involved in the Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers Board.

Attorney Shawn McDonald is a principled and ethical attorney who is also fiercely dedicated to advocating for his clients. He emphasizes communication by promptly returning calls, providing clients with his personal cell phone number, and making himself available at all hours to address any concerns. Above all, McDonald aims to demonstrate that trustworthy and respectful lawyers exist who prioritize their clients’ needs above all else.

Professional Experience Test

Attorney at Law                                           3/2006 – Present

SMITH | MCDONALD | BOLIN Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers, Sugar Land, TX

• Board Certified in Criminal Law by The Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• Solo Practitioner: Criminal Litigation
• Over Ninety (90) First Chair Jury Trials
• Approved as Court Appointed Counsel in Death Penalty Cases (2015)

Clinical Instructor Innocence Project 6/2007 – 8/2009

THURGOOD MARSHALL SCHOOL OF LAW, Houston, TX

• Law Professor: Criminal Law, Trial Simulation and Innocence Project
• Managing Director and Founder of the Innocence Project Clinic
• Clinical Instructor: Criminal Law Clinic

Assistant District Attorney         11/2004 – 3/2006

FORT BEND COUNTY, Richmond, TX

• Trial Bureau: Felony and Juvenile Division
• Grand Jury
• Instructor: Gus George Law Enforcement Academy

Assistant District Attorney            7/2001 – 11/2004

HENDERSON COUNTY, Athens, TX

• Trial Bureau: Felony Division
• Narcotics Task Force Liaison and Chief Prosecutor
• Certificate of Appreciation: Prosecution of Crimes Against Children
• Prosecuted Over Fifty Felony Cases to a Verdict Sitting as a First Chair

Law Clerk                                                     5/1999 – 8/1999

TEXAS COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, Austin, TX

• Clerk for Presiding Judge Michael McCormick
• Research and Drafting of Appellate Opinions for the Presiding Judge

Education

Juris Doctorate  12/2000

ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW, San Antonio, TX

• Criminal Law Focus
• Pro Bono Certificate of Service

Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice  12/1997

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE, Charlotte, NC

• Collegiate Athlete and Coach

Presentations

Mock Trial Coach and Instructor – Corner Stone Academy 2018

Special Prosecutor Waller County – Sandra Bland/Trooper Brian Encinia 2016

Panel Member Qualified Immunity – Harmony School 2016

Criminal Debate Team Volunteer Instructor – Harmony School 2016

Search and Seizure Instructor, Richmond, TX Police Department 2012

Instructor on Courtroom Demeanor & Testimony for Law Enforcement 2010

KPFT – 90.1 FM Prison Radio: Innocence Project Outreach 2009

Panel Member, Academic Forum: Evolution of Evidence 2009

Presenter, Conley Elementary School: Dangers of Drug Use 2008 & 2009

Presenter, Barry Scheck: “The Innocence Project” 2008

Presenter, Johnnie Cochran’s Impact on Legal Clinic 2007

Presenter, Immigration Law and Public Policy Symposium 2008

Instructor, Gus George Law Enforcement Academy 2005 & 2006

Presenter, Fort Bend County Juvenile Offender Law Day 2005

Instructor, Henderson County Sheriff’s Dept. Search & Seizure Academy 2003

License and Memberships

Sugar Land Exchange Club. Present

Life Member Fort Bend County Fair. Present

Member Texas District and County Attorney’s Association. Present

Licensed by the Texas Supreme Court. Present

Member of the Fort Bend County Criminal Defense Bar Association. Present

Member of Brazoria County Criminal Defense Bar Association. Present

Community Service

Santa’s Exchange/Toys for Tots Event Volunteer 2017

Volunteered Residence for Fort Bend Child Advocates Home Tour 2016

Criminal Debate Team Volunteer Instructor – Harmony School 2016

YMCA Volunteer Volleyball Coach, Pearland, TX 2012 – 2015

Hosted The Drug Enforcement Agencies Maltz Challenge 2011

Star of Hope Cookie Night 2010 – 2012

Star of Hope Christmas Adoptions 2012

James M. Douglas Board of Advocates Mock Trial Judge 2008, 2009, 2014

HBA Legal Line Volunteer 2007

Ask a Lawyer Clinic 1999 & 2000

Pro Bono Certificate of Service; St. Mary’s University School of Law 2000

Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Significantly less than 1% in the attorneys in the State of Texas are Board Certified in Criminal Law.