THE HELP YOU NEED

We are based in Tyler, Texas, and we devote the majority of our law practice to defending individuals who are accused of crimes in Smith County. However, we also defend the criminally accused in Wood, Upshur, Gregg, Van Zandt, Henderson, Cherokee and Rusk Counties, and we also provide legal representation in other areas of Texas on a case-by-case basis such as Dallas, Kaufman, Harris, Hopkins, Houston, and Lamar Counties.

Our services include representation in the following matters:

- Felony Crimes

- Misdemeanor Crimes

-Juvenile Law

-Parole / Probation Revocations

-School Disciplinary Matters

-Outstanding Criminal Warrants

Clicking the link below will open a link that allows you to select a date and time for an upcoming webinar that will be held via Zoom. It's a simple way to gain information regarding the criminal justice system. This brief webinar is designed to help individuals who have been arrested (or their family members) understand the criminal process and what to expect.  At the end of the meeting, it is our goal that attendees will gain a better appreciation of what they need to do to avoid additional problems with a goal of maintaining their liberty. Those attending this webinar will have an opportunity to schedule a consultation with an experienced lawyer who can help discuss issues specific to their situation.

"I was accused... of criminal charges that could have sent me to prison for life, but with the help of Murphy & Baker Law Firm, my charges have now been completely dismissed. They fought for me, and I highly recommend them."  - J.P.

"The staff at Murphy & Baker Law Firm are courteous, professional and friendly. I highly recommend Joel Baker to anyone who is seeking consultation for their juvenile. Mr. Baker helped our 16 year old son tremendously with his case despite having very little time to prepare. He is very knowledgeable, hard working, and offered much needed support." - V.S.

"I highly recommend this firm. Joe Murphy and Joel Baker are an excellent team. I couldn't have been happier with the way they handled my case. Look no further for legal representation. They are the best." - J.M.

If you're ready to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our attorneys about your specific situation, you may click the link below to provide the information we need prior to your free consultation.

To be able to properly evaluate your situation prior to a client consultation, we need information about you, your background, and your current situation. 

Please click the link below if you are planning to schedule (or have already scheduled) a consultation with our attorneys.

August 19, 2021 - A Smith County jury returned a not guilty verdict after a four-day felony trial in the 241st District Court. Attorneys Joe Murphy and Joel Baker represented the defendant for more than two years until a jury trial could be held, and the jury’s finding of not guilty on the allegation of Continuous Sexual Abuse was delivered after less than an hour of deliberation.

July 15, 2021 - A Smith County jury found two of our juvenile clients not guilty after a two-day trial in County Court at Law Number Three. The boys, ages 12 and 14, were both charged with 1st degree felony criminal offenses. Attorneys Joe Murphy and Joel Baker represented the boys for more than a year until a jury trial could be held, and the jury’s finding of “not true” on allegations against the two boys was returned after only 30 minutes of deliberation.

Joseph D. "Joe" Murphy

Joe is a graduate of Texas A&M University and University of Tulsa Law School. He is former prosecutor, and left the Smith County District Attorney's Office in 2011 as the 1st Chair (lead) felony prosecutor in the 241st Judicial District Court of Smith County. He has been defending people accused of crimes for the past ten years.

Joel P. Baker

Joel is also a Texas A&M graduate. He attended South Texas College of Law and began serving as a law clerk for United States Magistrate Judge Harry W. McKee during his last semester of law school. He is a former lead juvenile prosecutor and was a felony prosecutor in the 7th Judicial District Court of Smith County. He served as county judge in Smith County for almost ten years, but the majority of his career has been devoted to criminal defense.