Cody Cleveland
Law Office of Cody Cleveland
Meet Cody Cleveland
Owner-Operator
Cody Cleveland is a dedicated Texas criminal defense attorney who has spent more than two decades helping individuals navigate the criminal justice system. Drawing on his experience as both a former prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer, he provides strategic, personalized representation for clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Central Texas. Based in Waco, Cody is committed to protecting his clients' rights while offering compassionate guidance during some of life's most challenging legal situations. His practice is built on hands-on representation, clear communication, and a thorough understanding of Texas criminal law.
Building the Foundation for a Career
Cody Cleveland is a Texas criminal law attorney with a strong academic foundation and a professional background shaped by both prosecutorial and criminal defense experience. His educational path began at the University of North Texas in Denton, where he completed his undergraduate degree. Following his undergraduate studies, Cody continued his legal education at Oklahoma City University School of Law, where he earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence. After completing law school, Cody returned to Texas and obtained his license to practice law through the State Bar, where he has practiced criminal law since 2007.
Cody currently practices in McLennan, Falls, Milam, Limestone, Bosque, Hill, Bell, and other surrounding counties in Central Texas. His educational background and Texas licensure support a career focused on representing clients across a broad range of criminal matters, from misdemeanors to serious felony cases.
How Years of Trial Experience Shape Every Defense
Cody Cleveland has practiced criminal law in Texas since 2007, building a career that includes significant experience on both sides of the criminal justice system. Before opening his office in Waco, he spent more than five years serving as an Assistant District & County Attorney. In that role, he gained valuable insight into the prosecution process, including how criminal cases are evaluated, prepared, negotiated, and presented in court.
His time as a prosecutor provided firsthand experience with a wide range of criminal matters. As an Assistant District & County Attorney, Cody handled cases involving varying degrees of seriousness, including both felony and misdemeanor offenses. After leaving the District Attorney’s Office, Cody transitioned into criminal defense and has practiced criminal defense law exclusively since that time. This career progression allows him to bring a well-rounded perspective to his current work. His prosecutorial background helps him anticipate how the State may approach a case, while his defense experience allows him to focus on protecting the rights, interests, and future of each client he represents.
Throughout his career as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney, Cody has successfully handled all degrees of felonies and misdemeanors. This broad experience reflects a deep familiarity with criminal law at multiple levels, from lower-level charges to serious criminal allegations. His professional history demonstrates a consistent commitment to criminal law and to serving individuals involved in the Texas criminal justice system.
Cody’s decision to open his office in Waco marked an important step in his career, allowing him to focus his practice on criminal defense and serve clients throughout Central Texas. His work now extends across McLennan, Falls, Milam, Limestone, Bosque, Hill, Bell, and surrounding counties. Through this regional practice, he represents clients in a range of courts and legal environments, drawing on years of courtroom experience and knowledge of local legal procedures.
What Cody Brings to Every Criminal Case
Cody Cleveland’s primary area of expertise is criminal law. His experience includes both prosecution and criminal defense, giving him a comprehensive understanding of how criminal cases are developed, challenged, negotiated, and resolved. Since 2007, he has worked within the Texas criminal justice system and has handled matters involving all degrees of felonies and misdemeanors.
His professional skills include criminal case analysis, courtroom advocacy, legal strategy, client counseling, negotiation, and defense preparation. His prosecutorial experience strengthens his ability to evaluate cases from multiple perspectives, including how evidence may be used, how charges may be pursued, and how prosecutors may approach plea discussions or trial preparation.
With a career devoted exclusively to criminal law, Cody Cleveland combines extensive courtroom experience, prosecutorial insight, and a client-centered approach to every case he handles. His background allows him to evaluate legal matters from multiple perspectives while developing effective defense strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances. Whether representing individuals charged with misdemeanors or serious felony offenses, Cody remains committed to providing knowledgeable legal counsel and aggressive advocacy throughout every stage of the criminal process. Serving Waco and surrounding Central Texas communities, he continues to help clients protect their rights, their futures, and their peace of mind.
