Channing Neary
Assistant Director of Youth Justice and Violence Prevention Division

Channing Neary, the Assistant Director of Diversion, Youth Justice and Violence Prevention, began her legal career in 2004 as a prosecutor at the Travis County Attorney’s Office.  Over the past 16 years, she has practiced criminal defense throughout the State of Texas in both state and federal court.  After experiencing the loss of multiple young clients to accidental overdose, Channing became educated on harm reduction, a compassionate, supportive approach to advocacy for people experiencing substance misuse issues.

She routinely speaks on these issues and is dedicated to pushing for systemic change around this epidemic.  Channing was first trained as a restorative justice facilitator in 2003 and has integrated those principles into how she approaches advocating for those who have caused harm and those who have experienced harm in and outside the courtroom.

Channing’s passion for restorative justice and criminal legal reform led her to take an executive fellowship with FUSE Corps. in 2021, partnering with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office to build a community-based restorative justice program for youth.  Texas Monthly selected Channing as a Rising Star in Criminal Law in 2008, 2010, 2016, and 2017.

She has served on the Boards of the Texas Advocacy Project and the Texas Harm Reduction Alliance.  Channing’s other community engagements in Travis County include being on the Development Committee for Austin Pets Alive, and serving as a Teen Court Volunteer, and Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor.