Meet
Rich Tomlinson
At Houston Debt Defender, Rich Tomlinson is the attorney you can trust to handle your debt-related legal issues. With his experienced legal guidance, you can rest assured that your rights are protected and the best possible outcome is achieved.
Rich Tomlinson
Debt Collection Defense Lawyer
Experience and Expertise
Rich Tomlinson is a seasoned attorney based in Houston, Texas, specializing in debt defense law. With a wealth of experience in consumer law, Rich has built a reputation for his unwavering commitment to protecting the financial interests of individuals facing challenging circumstances.
Professional Background:
Rich's legal journey began over two decades ago, when he earned his Juris Doctor from [Law School] and subsequently became a licensed attorney. His passion for consumer rights led him to dedicate the early years of his career to advocating for individuals facing financial hardships. Rich has a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of consumer law, allowing him to effectively navigate the legal landscape on behalf of his clients.
Debt Defense Expertise:
Currently, Rich is at the forefront of debt defense law in Houston, where he continues to provide steadfast representation for clients dealing with various debt-related issues. He has successfully assisted countless individuals in navigating debt settlements, negotiating with creditors, and implementing strategic plans to regain financial stability. Rich's approach combines legal acumen with a compassionate understanding of the challenges his clients face.
Community Involvement:
Beyond his legal practice, Rich is actively involved in community initiatives aimed at promoting financial literacy and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their financial well-being. He regularly conducts workshops and seminars to educate the public on their consumer rights and the importance of responsible financial management.
Family Values:
Rich is not only dedicated to his profession but is also a devoted family man. He has raised two accomplished adult sons. Although Rich keeps his personal life private, his commitment to family values undoubtedly influences his empathetic approach to legal representation.
Professional Memberships:
Rich Tomlinson is an active member of the [State Bar Association] and [Local Bar Association], staying abreast of the latest legal developments and maintaining a network of professional connections within the legal community.
Contact:
If you find yourself facing financial challenges or require assistance in debt defense matters, Rich Tomlinson is ready to provide you with the expert legal guidance you need. Contact his Houston-based practice to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your financial future.
Reported Decisions From State Appellate, Federal Appellate, and Federal District Courts
Tomlinson has over no fewer than 74 reported decisions, including 18 wins (vs. 5 losses) in the state appellate courts, 2 wins (vs. 1 loss) in the federal appellate courts, and 31 favorable rulings in federal district and bankruptcy courts. His successful appellate victories in the Texas and federal appellate courts include the following:
Blessing v. Balderas, 2023 WL 2249191, No. 03022-00613-CV (Tex. App. – Austin 2023, no pet.)(eviction judgment reversed)
Mercadel v. Empire Village Apts., 2023 WL 142408, No. 14-22-00079-CV (Tex. App. – Houston [14th Dist.] 2023, no pet.)(eviction judgment reversed)
Flowers v. Invest Home Pro, 2022 WL 17813800 (Tex. App. – Houston [1st Dist.] 2022, no pet.)(eviction judgment reversed due to title dispute)
Harris v. Paris Housing Authority, 632 S.W.3d 167, No. 06-20-00086-CV (Tex. App. – Texarkana 2021, no pet.)(eviction judgment reversed)
Soto v. Pantalion, 2021 WL 2931363 (Tex. App. – Houston [1st Dist.] 2021, no pet.)(eviction judgment reversed)
Hines v. Maple Housing of Beaumont, 2019 WL 2455271, No. 09-17-00381-CV (Tex. App. – Beaumont 2019, no pet.)(eviction judgment reversed)
Infante v. Law Office of Joseph Onwuteaka, P.C., 735 Fed. Appx. 839, 2018 WL 2438153 (5th Cir. 2018)(FDCPA judgment against debt collection attorney for distant forum abuse affirmed)
Szanyi v. Gibson, 2016 WL 3269975 (Tex. App. – Houston [1st Dist.] 2016 2016, no pet.)(award of family law protective order affirmed)
Inman v. Equable Ascent Financial, LLC, 2016 WL 234890 (Tex. App. – Tyler 2016, no pet.)(debt judgment reversed)
Goodman-Delaney v. Grantham, 484 S.W.3d 171 (Tex. App. – Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, no pet.)(eviction judgment reversed due to title dispute)
Espinoza v. Lopez, 468 S.W.3d 692 (Tex. App. – Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, no pet.)(eviction judgment reversed due to title dispute)
In re Meredith, 2015 WL 1968007, No. 03-15-00029-CV (Tex. App. – Austin 2015, orig. proceeding)(obtained writ of mandamus to force appeal of eviction from justice court to county court)
Foley v. Capital One Bank, 383 S.W.3d 644 (Tex. App. – Houston [14th Dist.] 2012, no writ)(automotive deficiency judgment reversed)
Harrison v. Harrison, 363 S.W.3d 859 (Tex. App. – Houston [14th Dist.] 20`1, no pet.)(award of sanctions reversed in family law case)
Mac Haik Chevrolet Ltd. v. Diaz, 2011 WL 286124, No. 01-09-00708-CV (Tex. App. – Houston [1st Dist.] 2011, pet. denied)(DTPA judgment against car dealer for odometer misrepresentation affirmed)
Resurgence Financial, LLC v. Lawrence, 2009 WL 3248285, No. 01-00341-CV (Tex. App. – Houston [1st Dist.] 2009, no pet.)(take-nothing judgment in debt collection suit affirmed)
Hester v. Graham, Bright & Smith, P.C., 289 Fed. Appx. 35 (5th Cir. 2008)(FDCPA judgment against debt collection attorney for distant forum abuse affirmed)
Salazar v. Morales, 900 S.W.2d 929 (Tex. App. – Austin 1995, no writ)(dismissal of defamation suit affirmed)
Besides these reported decisions, Tomlinson has successfully defeated 4 mandamus petitions in appellate courts (orders with no opinions) and persuaded opposing parties to agree to reversals in 6 appeals.