Nick Westbrook

Co-Founder | Criminal Defense Attorney

Nick Westbrook is a criminal defense attorney and co-founder of Denuna & Westbrook, PLLC. For more than two decades, he has represented Texans facing DWI charges, misdemeanor offenses, and serious felony allegations in Houston, throughout the Gulf Coast region, and across Texas.

Nick understands that most clients come to him during one of the most stressful periods of their lives. A criminal accusation can place a person's freedom, reputation, career, family, and future at risk. His approach centers on helping clients understand their options and make informed decisions, while building the strongest defense possible.

Whether defending a first-time DWI charge, a serious felony allegation, or a probation violation, Nick follows the same philosophy: examine the evidence carefully, challenge unsupported assumptions, identify weaknesses, and prepare the case as though it may ultimately be decided by a jury.

A Defense Built Around What Actually Happened

Every criminal case tells a story. The question is whether the State’s version of that story is supported by reliable evidence.

Nick uses a disciplined, thorough strategy focused on how the investigation was conducted, what evidence exists, and whether the prosecution can prove its allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Many criminal cases resolve without a jury trial, but preparation remains essential. It can uncover weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, create opportunities for negotiation, and position the client for the best available outcome through dismissal, reduction, or trial.

Criminal accusations may rest on incomplete information, credibility problems, or disputed interpretations of events. By carefully reviewing the facts and circumstances, Nick identifies legal and factual weaknesses that can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.

Nick represents clients facing charges ranging from DWI, drug offenses, and family violence to theft, weapons offenses, probation violations, and serious felony allegations. Regardless of the charge, his analysis begins with the same questions: What does the evidence establish, what assumptions has the State made, and what must be done to prepare the case for court?

Why Nick Chose Criminal Defense

Before becoming a criminal defense attorney, Nick experienced firsthand how frightening it can be to face a criminal charge.

While attending The University of Texas at Austin, Nick was arrested after a night out in downtown Austin. Believing he was making the responsible decision not to drive after drinking, he chose to walk home instead. That decision led him into a construction area near the State Capitol, where he was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing.

Having never been in trouble before, Nick spent a day in jail wondering how the arrest might affect his education, future career, and reputation. Like many of the clients he represents today, he felt overwhelmed, embarrassed, and uncertain about what would happen next.

Determined to address the situation, Nick hired an attorney using money he earned working as a lifeguard during the summers. His attorney successfully negotiated a resolution that resulted in the dismissal of the case.

That experience left a lasting impression.

Nick learned that good people can find themselves accused of crimes. Sometimes people make mistakes. Sometimes circumstances are misunderstood. Sometimes law enforcement reaches the wrong conclusion. And sometimes a person’s future depends on having a dedicated attorney who knows how to tell the full story.

Today, Nick brings that perspective to every client he represents. He understands what it feels like to sit on the other side of the desk, and he knows why experienced legal representation can make all the difference.

Early Lessons in Advocacy

Nick first developed his passion for advocacy and public speaking through competitive speech and debate. During high school, he competed at the state and national levels, building skills in persuasion, critical thinking, and analyzing complex issues from different perspectives.

He continued developing those skills at South Texas College of Law Houston, a law school recognized for its advocacy program. Nick was heavily involved in moot court and mock trial and excelled in national moot court competitions. That experience gave him extensive training in written and oral advocacy, courtroom presentation, and responding to difficult questions under pressure.

Competitive advocacy taught Nick how to evaluate evidence, expose weaknesses in an opposing argument, and present a persuasive position with clarity and credibility. Those skills remain central to his work today, whether negotiating with prosecutors, cross-examining witnesses, arguing legal issues before a judge, or presenting a case to a jury.

A Focus on DWI Defense

DWI cases bring together constitutional issues, scientific evidence, police procedure, and trial advocacy. Nick examines the investigation, the testing procedures, and the State's evidence of intoxication. Each case deserves careful review because an officer's assumptions and conclusions are not substitutes for proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

In every matter, Nick’s focus remains the same: evaluate the facts, challenge weaknesses in the State’s case, and pursue the best available result for the client.

Beyond the Practice of Law

Outside the office, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and son, attending youth baseball games, and supporting his son’s athletic pursuits. A lifelong fan of The University of Texas Longhorns, Houston Astros, and Houston Texans, he makes time to follow his favorite teams.

Friends and family know Nick rarely goes anywhere without a book nearby. He reads throughout the year and believes continuous learning is an important part of professional growth. Whether studying developments in criminal law, reading contemporary fiction, or diving into a psychological thriller, he looks for opportunities to learn something new every day.

Nick and his family look forward to annual ski trips during the winter and beach vacations during the summer, taking every opportunity to spend quality time together away from the office.

Nick believes that preparation, patience, and persistence make him a devoted husband, father, and lifelong learner. Those same qualities guide how he advocates for clients when their future is on the line.