Meet Mike
Meet Michael Holley
Experience That Shapes My Judgment
I am Mike Holley, your Montgomery County District Attorney. My career has taken me from military service and courtrooms overseas to civil practice in Houston and criminal prosecution here at home. Each assignment has reinforced the same obligation: know your job, do the work, and remember the people who depend on you.
13+ Years
U.S. Army service
Board Certified
Criminal law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
First Assistant DA
Montgomery County, from 2016
District Attorney
Appointed October 2025
Service in the United States Army
I served more than thirteen years in the United States Army, including service as a military police officer and as a lawyer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. I prosecuted cases with the XVIII Airborne Corps and served as a senior defense counsel in Korea, Japan, and Thailand.
In Iraq, I served as a chief prosecutor in the Abu Ghraib detainee-abuse cases. I also taught criminal law and trial advocacy at the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Military service taught me to lead under pressure and insist on high standards. Serving as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney taught me to examine a case from every angle and respect the enormous responsibility that comes with the power to prosecute.
Trial experience in private practice
After leaving the Army, I spent six years at The Lanier Law Firm in Houston, working on complex civil litigation. That experience sharpened my trial skills and reinforced the importance of careful preparation and clear communication
Serving Montgomery County
I joined the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office in 2012. My assignments included felony prosecution and leadership of the Misdemeanor Division. In 2016, Brett Ligon selected me to serve as First Assistant District Attorney, where I helped lead the office, develop prosecutors, and oversee its daily work while continuing to handle serious cases.
Governor Greg Abbott appointed me District Attorney in October 2025. Today, I bring that experience to leading an office focused on public safety, ethical prosecution, and service to victims.
Board Certified in Criminal Law
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude
Abilene Christian University
Juris Doctor, summa cum laude
Texas Tech University School of Law
Master of Laws
The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School
FAQ
Questions & Answers
Quick answers about Mike Holley’s background and experience.
How long did Mike serve in the Army?
Mike served more than thirteen years in the United States Army, as a military police officer and as a lawyer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, including prosecution and senior defense counsel assignments in Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Iraq.
What did Mike do before joining the District Attorney’s Office?
After leaving the Army, Mike spent six years at The Lanier Law Firm in Houston, working on complex civil litigation.
When did Mike become District Attorney?
Mike joined the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office in 2012 and became First Assistant District Attorney in 2016. Governor Greg Abbott appointed him District Attorney in October 2025.
What are Mike’s legal qualifications?
Mike is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He holds a Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, from Abilene Christian University, a Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from Texas Tech University School of Law, and a Master of Laws from The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School.
Is this the official District Attorney’s Office website?
No. This is a campaign website. For official District Attorney’s Office business, visit mctxdao.org. For an emergency, call 911.
Stand with Mike Holley
Support Michael R. Holley and his commitment to serving Montgomery County. Your contribution helps support the campaign and its efforts to continue working for public safety, justice, and the families of Montgomery County.