About Pat Ruzzo
For over thirty-five years, I have defended individuals facing criminal charges throughout Texas. My criminal defense practice encompasses virtually every type of criminal case, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. This extensive experience in criminal law forms the foundation of my ability to effectively represent healthcare professionals facing both criminal charges and professional licensing issues.
My Background
I have been practicing criminal defense law in Houston, Texas since the late 1980s. During my career, I have represented clients in over two hundred criminal jury trials, ranging from misdemeanor cases to serious felonies including murder, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, and sexual assault. I have tried cases in state courts and federal courts, and Ihave handled appeals at both the state and federal levels.
My trial experience extends beyond criminal defense. I have also handled civil trials, family law matters, and bankruptcy proceedings. This breadth of experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of how different areas of law intersect and impact each other.
I am licensed to practice in all state courts across Texas. I maintain active memberships in professional organizations and continue to stay current with developments in criminal law, administrative law, and healthcare licensing regulations.
Why I Focus on Healthcare License Defense
Throughout my criminal defense practice, I noticed a pattern. Healthcare professionals, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, and others, would come to me for help defending pending criminal charges. They were terrified not just about potential jail or prison time, but also about losing their professional licenses and careers.
Many of these clients had already tried to handle their licensing board matters themselves or had hired attorneys who practiced only licensing law without understanding criminal defense, or only criminal defense without understanding licensing proceedings. By the time they reached me, they had often already made critical mistakes that made their cases more difficult to resolve favorably.
I realized that healthcare professionals facing criminal charges need an attorney who understands both worlds: the criminal justice system and the professional licensing process. They need someone who can coordinate strategy across both criminal and administrative proceedings, who understands how statements made in one case can be used in the other, and who knows how to negotiate outcomes that protect both their freedom, their licenses, and their reputations.
Over the years, I have represented numerous nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, physician assistants, and other licensed healthcare professionals before their respective licensing boards. I have handled cases involving the Texas Board of Nursing, the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, the Texas Physician Assistant Board, the Texas Medical Board, and other healthcare licensing authorities.
This work has become a significant focus of my practice because I have seen firsthand how devastating it is when healthcare professionals lose their licenses due to lack of effective representation. I have also seen how successful outcomes are possible when clients have an attorney who understands all aspects of their cases from the beginning.
My Approach
My approach to representing clients is straightforward: I provide honest assessments of their situations, develop comprehensive strategies that address all aspects of their cases, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes.
I do not make promises I cannot keep. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on many factors including the specific facts, the evidence, the prosecutors or board representatives involved, and the judges or administrative law judges who may decide the cases. What I can promise is that I will bring all of my experience and knowledge to bear on your case, that I will be accessible and responsive to your questions and concerns, and that I will fight for you.
I believe in early intervention. The best time to hire an attorney is immediately after an arrest or upon receiving notice of a licensing board investigation, before you have said or done anything that could hurt your case. The clients who achieve the best outcomes are those who seek legal counsel early and follow the advice of that counsel.
I also believe in thorough preparation. I work with licensed private investigators to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build comprehensive defenses. I review all available evidence carefully and look for weaknesses in the state’s or board’s case. I will defend my client’s at a jury trial or at a hearing before a licensing board or an administrative law judge when that is in my client’s best interest, but I also know that negotiation can frequently achieve better outcomes than litigation because a negotiated outcome is certain.
Why Criminal Defense Experience Matters for License Defense
One of the most important things I bring to healthcare license defense cases is my extensive criminal defense background.
Many attorneys who practice licensing defense come from civil law backgrounds. They understand administrative procedure but may not understand criminal law. This creates serious problems when their clients also have criminal charges, which is often the case.
These attorneys may not have the experience to understand:
How criminal charges and licensing cases intersect
How statements made in licensing proceedings can be subpoenaed and used in criminal prosecutions
Which plea agreements will trigger automatic licensing sanctions
How to coordinate strategy between both cases to protect clients in both proceedings
The differences between criminal and administrative burdens of proof and what that means strategically
I have defended drug cases, assault cases, DWI cases, theft cases, aggravated felony cases, and virtually every other type of criminal case for over thirty-five years. I understand how prosecutors build cases and what defenses are available. I know how to negotiate favorable plea agreements and when to advise clients to take cases to trial.
This criminal law experience is essential for representing healthcare professionals effectively because their licensing cases almost always involve underlying criminal conduct or allegations of criminal conduct. An attorney who does not have extensive experience criminal law may not have the knowledge to properly protect these clients.
Statewide Practice – Counties Served
While I am based in Houston, I have represented clients throughout Texas. Since 1987, I have appeared in courtrooms in the following Texas counties:
Angelina, Austin, Bastrop, Bell, Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Chambers, Clay, Collin, Comal, Dallas, Denton, DeWitt, El Paso, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Hays, Jefferson, Liberty, McLennan, Montgomery, Navarro, San Jacinto, Tarrant, Travis, Walker, Waller, Washington, and Williamson.
This extensive experience across Texas means I understand local court procedures, prosecutors, judges, and the unique characteristics of different jurisdictions throughout the state.
I have handled cases in major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and El Paso, as well as in smaller rural counties across East Texas, Central Texas, and West Texas.
Healthcare licensing boards have jurisdiction throughout Texas, so licensing cases can involve proceedings in Austin at the State Office of Administrative Hearings or Travis County District Court. I am familiar with these venues and I have handled many cases there.
Whether your case is in Harris County, a surrounding county, or somewhere else in Texas, I have the experience and resources to provide effective representation.
Beyond the Courtroom
My commitment to my clients extends beyond courtroom representation. I understand that facing criminal charges or licensing board investigations is one of the most stressful experiences of your life. I make myself accessible to answer questions, provide updates, and offer guidance throughout the process.
I also understand the importance of addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to your situation. When substance use, mental health concerns, or other issues are factors, I work with clients to connect them with appropriate treatment and support resources. Demonstrating to boards that you have addressed underlying issues and reduced future risk is often critical to preserving your license.
Moving Forward
After almost four decades practicing law, I remain committed to defending individuals’ rights and protecting their futures. Whether you are facing criminal charges, a licensing board investigation, or both, I bring the experience, knowledge, and dedication necessary to seek the best possible outcome in your case.
Your freedom and your career are worth fighting for. If you are a healthcare professional facing criminal charges or licensing board action in Texas, I encourage you to contact my office for a consultation. We will review your situation, discuss your options, and develop a strategy to protect your rights and your future.
Contact my office today to schedule a consultation.
