Craig A Greening

Chad Van Brunt

Texas Criminal Defense Attorney

About Chad

Attorney Chad Van Brunt joined The Greening Law Group in 2023, operating out of our firm’s College Station and Waco offices. He is licensed to practice in the State of Texas, as well as in federal courts in the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Van Brunt is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, where he laid the foundation for his career. Through his initial experience in the social services industry, Mr. Van Brunt discovered a passion for helping people who were facing challenges in the criminal justice system. He decided to further his ability to do so by attending law school at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. After beginning his legal career as an associate attorney for another law office, Mr. Van Brunt chose to start his own firm. For over a decade, Mr. Van Brunt defended clients facing criminal charges in San Antonio, Texas and surrounding areas. During the time Mr. Van Brunt operated his firm, he also served as the Principal Contributing Author of the Texas Criminal Practice Guide, a comprehensive reference for attorneys researching criminal law in Texas. Before joining the team at The Greening Law Group, Mr. Van Brunt helped establish the Managed Assigned Counsel program as a Senior Research Attorney at Bexar County. With this distinctive background, Mr. Van Brunt has the advantage of years of experience and expertise through practical knowledge and meticulous research combined with a heartfelt, caring approach that makes a difference for each client he represents. Mr. Van Brunt has extensive experience in all levels of criminal defense, ranging from misdemeanor offenses to federal cases. He is comfortable and confident in the courtroom, with a track record including over 50 trials, 25 appeals, and complex habeas corpus cases. Mr. Van Brunt has the distinction of being lead counsel in a case where his client was found “actually innocent” in a habeas proceeding that overturned a 40 year old conviction. With a proven history of excellence and recognition in the legal community, Mr. Van Brunt stands out as a distinguished advocate for his clients. He has been selected by his peers for Rising Stars and Super Lawyers – a distinction which fewer than 5% of all lawyers in the U.S. achieve. These awards show how highly his peers regard his legal skills and professionalism. He was also nominated as one of the Best San Antonio Lawyers in Criminal Defense, further highlighting his excellence in the field. With these honors, clients can trust they’re in good hands when choosing Mr. Van Brunt as their defense attorney. As a member of several professional organizations, including the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, at which he served as a board member for 5 years, and the Brazos County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Mr. Van Brunt regularly participates in a number of continuing education opportunities to stay ahead of changes to the legal landscape and foster valuable connections within the community. Mr. Van Brunt also regularly speaks and educates other attorneys in the field of criminal defense.

About Ben

Attorney Ben Koshy joined The Greening Law Group in 2023, operating out of our firm’s Waco office. He is licensed to practice in the State of Texas, as well as in federal courts in the Western District of Texas. Mr. Koshy graduated from Baylor Law in Waco, Texas, and has a love for the Waco area community. After working as a prosecutor in the Angelina County District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Koshy chose to shift into defense. He then served as a Public Defender in Dallas County, representing primarily indigent clients. With this distinctive background, Mr. Koshy has the advantage of having been on multiple sides of the courtroom. He has a unique perspective into the way prosecutors approach criminal cases and uses that knowledge to strategically and carefully craft each client’s defense strategy. Though Mr. Koshy is skilled in all aspects of criminal defense, he has a passion specifically for helping juveniles accused of crimes. With the knowledge that criminal cases can often have a devastating impact on one’s life, Mr. Koshy knows that it’s important to show compassion and understanding to our clients. In juvenile cases specifically, it’s extremely important to have an attorney focused on reducing the long-lasting negative impacts a criminal case can have on the juvenile’s life. Driven by compassion, integrity, and grit, Mr. Koshy seeks to connect with clients on a personal level. He sees the importance of taking the time to listen and understand his clients and their concerns, demonstrating that he has his clients’ best interests in mind through strong work ethic and honor, and consistently working hard to achieve the best possible outcome for each client. When meeting a new client, Mr Koshy’s first goal is to connect with them personally, learning who they are as an individual, what their goals are in life, and what their hopes are for their case. He analyzes each new case by looking at the different elements in play, hearing the client’s side of what happened, carefully analyzing evidence, and putting the pieces together to identify the best course of action. Mr. Koshy has engaged in a number of further trainings and specializations in addition to his law school foundation, such as the St. Andrews School of the Advocate, where he gained direct experience with being a trial advocate, crafting well-organized opening and closing statements, conducting direct or cross-examinations, and participating in bench trials. In the Tim Evans Trial College and the Center for American and International Law (CAIL) Trial Skills College, he strengthened these skills even further and studied voir dire, the process of selecting a jury. Actively involved in several professional organizations, including the Waco-McLennan Bar Association, the McLennan County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the National College of DUI Defense, and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Mr. Koshy remains well-connected and informed about the dynamic legal landscape. His participation in these organizations contributes to his professional network, helping him stay up to date and connected with the ever-changing legal landscape, reinforcing his dedication to providing top-tier legal defense. With a client-centered approach, Mr. Koshy aims to understand the unique aspects of each case, making personal connections that go beyond legal representation. His unwavering commitment to justice, combined with his diverse experiences and continuous professional development, positions him as a trusted advocate for those navigating the complexities of the legal system.

About Ben

Attorney Ben Koshy joined The Greening Law Group in 2023, operating out of our firm’s Waco office. He is licensed to practice in the State of Texas, as well as in federal courts in the Western District of Texas. Mr. Koshy graduated from Baylor Law in Waco, Texas, and has a love for the Waco area community. After working as a prosecutor in the Angelina County District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Koshy chose to shift into defense. He then served as a Public Defender in Dallas County, representing primarily indigent clients. With this distinctive background, Mr. Koshy has the advantage of having been on multiple sides of the courtroom. He has a unique perspective into the way prosecutors approach criminal cases and uses that knowledge to strategically and carefully craft each client’s defense strategy. Though Mr. Koshy is skilled in all aspects of criminal defense, he has a passion specifically for helping juveniles accused of crimes. With the knowledge that criminal cases can often have a devastating impact on one’s life, Mr. Koshy knows that it’s important to show compassion and understanding to our clients. In juvenile cases specifically, it’s extremely important to have an attorney focused on reducing the long-lasting negative impacts a criminal case can have on the juvenile’s life. Driven by compassion, integrity, and grit, Mr. Koshy seeks to connect with clients on a personal level. He sees the importance of taking the time to listen and understand his clients and their concerns, demonstrating that he has his clients’ best interests in mind through strong work ethic and honor, and consistently working hard to achieve the best possible outcome for each client. When meeting a new client, Mr Koshy’s first goal is to connect with them personally, learning who they are as an individual, what their goals are in life, and what their hopes are for their case. He analyzes each new case by looking at the different elements in play, hearing the client’s side of what happened, carefully analyzing evidence, and putting the pieces together to identify the best course of action. Mr. Koshy has engaged in a number of further trainings and specializations in addition to his law school foundation, such as the St. Andrews School of the Advocate, where he gained direct experience with being a trial advocate, crafting well-organized opening and closing statements, conducting direct or cross-examinations, and participating in bench trials. In the Tim Evans Trial College and the Center for American and International Law (CAIL) Trial Skills College, he strengthened these skills even further and studied voir dire, the process of selecting a jury. Actively involved in several professional organizations, including the Waco-McLennan Bar Association, the McLennan County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the National College of DUI Defense, and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Mr. Koshy remains well-connected and informed about the dynamic legal landscape. His participation in these organizations contributes to his professional network, helping him stay up to date and connected with the ever-changing legal landscape, reinforcing his dedication to providing top-tier legal defense. With a client-centered approach, Mr. Koshy aims to understand the unique aspects of each case, making personal connections that go beyond legal representation. His unwavering commitment to justice, combined with his diverse experiences and continuous professional development, positions him as a trusted advocate for those navigating the complexities of the legal system.

What Mr. Van Brunt Says About Himself:

“I grew up in Bryan, Texas. I worked for my father’s restaurant while in high school. My father could not afford to pay for college, but his business provided me the means to put myself through Texas A&M University. I learned the importance of family and community and I will never forget the friends and family that helped me succeed.

After college, I moved into the social services field where I helped people with HIV/AIDS. There, I learned the importance of activism and giving a voice to people that society wants to sweep under the rug. Since many of the people under my care were indigent drug users, I saw first-hand their treatment in the criminal justice system. I saw the revolving door of criminal justice, the evils of the drug war, the vicious cycle perpetrated on our community by the prison industrial complex, and the general break down of our system of law enforcement. This experience compounded with the need to make a better living for my wife and newborn child prompted me to seek a career as a lawyer.

When I entered law school at St. Mary’s University, I knew exactly what I wanted to become: a criminal defense lawyer. No profession in the legal field spends more time upholding the constitution and representing people who need a voice to speak for them against the unbridled resources and influence of the government. I have, without question, found my calling and passion in life. I wake up every day and work tirelessly to save individuals from the wrath and robotic-like wave of a criminal prosecution. I give them a voice.

I have grown immensely as a defense lawyer over these years. I am not only a practitioner, but I am also an academic in the field of criminal law. I was the Principle Contributing Author of the Texas Criminal Practice Guide published by Lexis Nexis for 12 years, an adjunct Professor of Law at St. Mary’s, and I regularly speak and educate other attorneys in the field of criminal practice.

I love this job. Let me be your voice in the courtroom.”