Meet Joe Porto
Objective
With 43 years of experience in Federal and State trials, along with my expertise, dedication, and strong reputation in criminal law, I have consistently provided my clients with high-quality legal representation. My careful fact-finding and thorough legal research help clients make well-informed decisions about their futures.
Experience
2002-2025
U.S. Department of Justice
Houston, Texas
Assistant United States Attorney
- White Collar Corporate Fraud
- Violent Crimes Division and OCDETF
- Special Projects Group Chief
- Terrorism and National security
- Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council- PATRIOT Act, CIPA, FISA, & IEEPA
- Port –Wide Strategic Security Council
- Area Maritime Safety & Security Group-HOUGANSAC
- Air Safety & Security Group-Hou/Gal
- Law Enforcement Alliance Project (LEAP)
- Law Information Exchange System (LiNX)
- Energy Security Council
- E.P.A. compliance and prosecutions
- Served as liaison to 43 counties in the Southern District of Texas, establishing communication systems between law enforcement and critical private infrastructure. Engage with state and local officials, as well as industry leaders, to build and enhance collaboration. Promote security, communication, and training for critical infrastructure. Manage and disseminate anti-terrorism intelligence.
1992-2002
Porto, Trueheart, McStay & Darcy LLC.
Houston, Texas
Managing Law Partner
- Tried over 150 felony cases
- Managed 12-person law firm
- Criminal & Civil Defense
- Instructor & Lecturer for Lorman Continuing Legal Education
- Instructor-Criminal Trial Advocacy, South Texas College of Law
- Instructor & Lecturer Criminal Trial Advocacy, University of Houston
- Distinguished Speakers Series, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association.
1991-1994
Harris County Criminal Courts
Houston, Texas
Special Judge – Harris County Criminal Court Judge
- Preside over all county criminal court matters and trials 1992-1996Harris County Criminal Courts.
- Personally sought for counsel to County Court Judiciary
1982-1987
Harris County District Attorney’s Office
Houston, Texas
Assistant District Attorney
- Trial Bureau- Chief Prosecutor
- Prosecutor for all state Misdemeanor & Felony criminal law violations, including civil rights and public integrity
- Certified District Attorney Investigator
- District Attorney Crime Scene Team
1981-1982
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, Texas
Briefing Attorney
- Research, Writing & Briefing Appeals on all misdemeanor to felony Capital Murder Criminal cases for The Honorable Wendell Odom-Judge Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
1985-2015
United States Navy Reserve
Washington, D.C.
Commander – Naval Intelligence
- Intel-Officer Reserve Support in Operation Enduring Freedom -7th Fleet
- Intel-Officer Reserve Support in Operation Nobel Eagle-7th Fleet
- Overseas Active-Duty service -Operation Desert Storm, remote assignment
- Naval Foreign Counter Terrorism Team NISRO 2210
- U.S.N.R. Naval Criminal Investigative Service
- Federal Agent, NCIS, N.A.S. Corpus Christi, TX
- V.F.A. 204 Air Intel Officer, Fighter Attack Squadron N.A.S. J.R.B., N.O., LA.
- Awarded Meritorious Service Medal for Anti-Terrorism LINX program integration
- Awarded U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during Desert Storm (2nd Award), National Defense Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Expert Rifle and Pistol Medal
- Awarded Navy Battle “E”, Overseas service ribbon, Sea service ribbon
- Designated Intel Commander for Joint Spec Ops Teams
- Designated Joint Flight Area Air Command Coordinator
*Spring & Fall 2011-16 Adjunct Professor, Sam Houston State University for Terrorism & Homeland Security course.
*Spring & Fall 2012-16 Adjunct Professor, Sam Houston State University for Organized Crime course.
1977-1981
South Texas College of Law
Houston, Texas
- Doctor of Jurisprudence
- Order of Lytae
- Dean’s List Graduate1981
- Secretary, Student Bar Association, 1980, 1981
- Mock Trial and Moot Court Winner,1980, 1981
- Student Bar Association Merit award, 1980, 1981
1973-1977
University of Houston
Houston, Texas
- Bachelor of Science Cum Laude, Biology & Psychology
- Distinguished Graduating Senior Award
- Dean’s List, 1976, 1977
- National Honor Society
1986
Harris County Sheriff’s Academy
Houston, Texas
- Certified Peace Officer, Texas 1986
- Certified District Attorney Investigator, 1986
- Deputy U.S. Marshall 1989, Southern District of Texas, Houston
- Deputy Constable Precinct 4, Houston, Texas
- Notary Public, State of Texas 1977-present
- Houston Bar Association
- Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
- State Bar of Texas
- American Bar Association
- Italian American Association
- Hispanic Bar Association
- Houston Rotary – Lombardi Executive Committee