About JDS Law
Your Defense Begins With Us
Founded by Austin attorney Joshua D. Saegert, JDS Law is built on a simple philosophy: every client deserves focused, strategic, and aggressive representation. We take a hands‑on approach to every case, digging into the details, challenging assumptions, and building a defense or injury claim tailored to your unique situation. No two cases are the same, and we never treat them that way.
Many of our clients have never been in trouble or seriously injured before. They’ve worked hard to build their lives, and now everything they’ve built feels at risk. Our job is not only to defend you in the courtroom or fight for your compensation — it’s to protect your future, minimize long‑term consequences, and guide you through a system that can feel overwhelming and unforgiving.
Whether you are facing a felony, a misdemeanor, or recovering from a serious injury, we stand beside you from the moment you call us until your case is resolved. Josh represents clients across Texas in both criminal defense and serious injury cases, bringing the same level of preparation, strategy, and commitment to every matter he handles. At JDS Law, your case is personal. Your defense starts here.
Meet our Team
Joshua D. Saegert
Defense Attorney
Josh is a third generation Austinite and second generation lawyer who has been practicing law in Austin and throughout Central Texas for almost 30 years. Josh attended the University of Nebraska on a gymnastics scholarship and graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. He helped the Huskers win the 1990 NCAA Men’s National Championship, and twice was named an NCAA All American. He was also selected as team Captain for both his Junior and Senior years.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Josh decided to pursue a career in law and attended the University of Houston Law Center earning his J.D. in 1997. It wasn’t long into his studies before he knew that Criminal Defense was his passion.
Josh has worked under several national and state leaders including United States Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Presiding Judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Michael J. McCormick, Texas State Representative Harvey Hilderbran and Nebraska Secretary of State Alan Beermann. After several years of working with his friend Joe Turner, Josh decided to start his own private law practice focusing on Criminal Defense throughout Texas.
The Law Office of Joshua D. Saegert has a large scope of practice handling all criminal matters no matter how big or small, concentrating primarily on assisting individuals throughout the state of Texas with DWI, Drug, Serious Injury, Assault and License Issues, as well as Firearm, Fraud, Financial, White Collar and Internet Crimes. The Law Office of Joshua D. Saegert also co-counsels frequently with several Central Texas civil law firms to assist his clients with personal injury, family law and estate planning issues .
Voted a Super Lawyers Rising Star by Thomson Reuters in 2005 and 2011, Josh is also a member of the Austin Bar Association and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He has participated in several community service projects including: the Street Law Project where he speaks to students at Crockett High School twice a year about the criminal justice system and the long-term effect of getting arrested. He has also helped with the Women’s Resource Fair answering legal questions of low income and homeless women.
Josh is an active member at Redeemer Lutheran Church and serves in a leadership role. In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors- hunting, fishing, snowboarding, and traveling with his wife and two sons.
Dayanara (“Daya”) Melendez
Legal Assistant
Daya is a Legal Assistant at the Law Office of Joshua D. Saegert and has been with the firm since 2025. As a Legal Assistant, she plays an important role in supporting the firm’s criminal defense practice and ensuring clients receive attentive, responsive service throughout their cases. Daya is bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing her to communicate clearly with Spanish‑speaking clients and help them feel supported throughout the legal process. She assists with case management, client communications, document preparation, court scheduling, and the gathering of records and evidence. Daya works closely with clients to help them navigate the legal process, answer questions, and coordinate information necessary for their defense. Her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to client service help ensure that every case is handled efficiently and with care.
Before finding her place in criminal defense, Daya began her legal career working in civil litigation, where she supported attorneys in commercial debt collection and personal injury matters. Her experience across multiple areas of law provided a strong foundation in case management and client service. Since transitioning to criminal defense, Daya has developed a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate the complexities of the legal system and advocating for clients during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
Daya is an Austin native and graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She is currently preparing for the LSAT and plans to attend law school, where she hopes to further develop the skills necessary to become an effective advocate for individuals facing legal challenges.
Talk to an Attorney Today
Address
1304 Nueces St, Austin, TX 78701
Business Hours
Mon. – Fri. 8:30-4:30
Phone
512-371-3477