Criminal Defense Lawyers in Texas

2,972 verified criminal defense attorneys in Texas. A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Quick answer 2,972 verified criminal defense attorneys in Texas (TX). Verify any attorney's standing through the State Bar of Texas.

About criminal defense

A criminal charge — even a misdemeanor — can cost you your job, your housing, your immigration status, and your freedom. Prosecutors have the resources of the state. A criminal defense attorney is the counterweight that protects your constitutional rights, examines the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses, and negotiates or litigates for the best possible outcome under the facts of your case.

What a criminal defense attorney does

  • Appears at arraignment and bond hearings to argue for release on your own recognizance
  • Reviews the police report, body-camera footage, and forensic evidence for procedural violations
  • Files motions to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches or interrogations
  • Negotiates with the prosecutor for charge reduction, dismissal, or diversion
  • Prepares and presents your defense at trial before a judge or jury
  • Pursues appeals or post-conviction relief if the trial result was unjust

Types of cases handled

Criminal defense covers everything from minor misdemeanors to capital felonies, including:

  • DUI / DWI and related impaired-driving charges
  • Drug possession, distribution, and trafficking
  • Theft, burglary, robbery, and other property crimes
  • White-collar crimes: fraud, embezzlement, securities violations
  • Sex offenses and child-exploitation charges
  • Violent crimes including assault, battery, and homicide
  • Federal charges including conspiracy, RICO, and federal drug trafficking
  • Juvenile delinquency matters

Why hiring early matters

The most effective criminal defense often happens before charges are filed. If you are under investigation, a criminal defense attorney can intervene with prosecutors, prevent self-incriminating statements, and sometimes resolve the matter without formal charges. Once charges are filed, every passing day is a chance for evidence to be lost or for the prosecution’s case to harden.

Frequently asked questions about Criminal Defense in Texas

Should I talk to the police if they want to question me?
Generally no. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent. Talking to investigators almost never helps your case and routinely makes it worse, even when you are factually innocent. Politely say "I'd like to talk to a lawyer first" and stop talking. This applies to any custodial interrogation, "voluntary" police-station interviews, and phone calls.
What's the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in county jail; a felony by more than one year in state or federal prison. Felonies also carry significant collateral consequences — loss of voting rights (in most states), loss of firearm rights, exclusion from many professional licenses, and immigration consequences for non-citizens. Many states have "wobblers" (offenses that can be charged either way).
How do I know if my Miranda rights were violated?
Police must give Miranda warnings (right to remain silent, right to counsel) before a "custodial interrogation" — meaning you are not free to leave AND they are asking questions designed to produce incriminating answers. Violation does not get the case dismissed; the remedy is suppression of statements you made after the violation. Voluntary statements before custody, or statements not in response to questioning, are generally admissible.
Can I get my criminal record expunged?
Many jurisdictions allow expungement, sealing, or set-aside of criminal records after completing the sentence and waiting a set period. The eligibility rules vary widely — some states permit expungement of felonies after 10 years of clean record, others only misdemeanors, others almost nothing. Federal convictions are nearly impossible to expunge. The petition process is technical and benefits from attorney assistance.
Should I take a plea deal?
Over 90% of US criminal cases resolve by plea bargain because plea offers usually carry significantly lower sentences than trial-conviction sentences. The strategic question is whether the offered deal is better than your realistic trial-conviction risk. Factors include the strength of the evidence, the seriousness of mandatory minimums, immigration consequences, and the credibility of prosecution witnesses. Your attorney should walk through this calculation before any plea.
How long does a criminal case take?
Misdemeanors typically resolve in 3 to 6 months. Felonies often take 9 to 18 months. Federal cases are slower and routinely run 12 to 24 months. Cases that go to trial add 6 to 12 months beyond plea cases. Defendants in custody have constitutional speedy-trial rights that can compress these timelines.
Do I need a private attorney or can I use a public defender?
Public defenders are licensed criminal defense attorneys with significant trial experience, often handling the same kinds of cases for years. Caseloads vary by jurisdiction — overworked offices may have less time for individual cases. Private attorneys offer more flexibility, faster communication, and freedom to invest in expert witnesses and investigators. For serious felonies, most defendants who can afford private counsel hire it.

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