Criminal Defense Attorneys in Dallas, Texas

Lawyer Legion connects people with attorneys who are best-suited to solve their legal problems. We have curated a list of over 1,800 criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Dallas County, Texas. We scored each lawyer based on purely objective criteria such as: specialty certifications, distinguished fellowships, professional involvement, community leadership, speaking engagements, and other merit-based criteria. In addition, a smaller emphasis is placed on subjective criteria such as: peer endorsements, user reviews, case results, profile completion, and activity on our platform.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime, consider using Lawyer Legion to discover and connect with criminal defense lawyers in Dallas, TX who are ready to help.

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Dallas County, TX

Deandra Grant Law

Texas Criminal Defense Group

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas County, TX

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas
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Criminal Defense Lawyers by Cities in Dallas County, TX
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Counties Near Dallas County
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Dallas County, TX Legal Resources
Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Dallas County Government and Court Resources

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2026

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2026 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Dallas, Texas. To rank the top criminal defense attorneys, DWl defense attorneys, and other lawyers in Dallas County, we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certification.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Dallas, Texas. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
No online directory can accurately determine a countywide list of attorneys who are actually “the best" at practicing criminal law (but our list comes close).

Showing attorneys 1–15 out of 250

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Criminal Defense Lawyers by Cities in Dallas County, TX

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Dallas County, TX Criminal Defense Legal Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Dallas County Government and Court Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (DCDLA) - The DCDLA is a professional association of lawyers practicing criminal defense in Dallas County and throughout the greater DFW area of North Texas. The organization provides educational resources and tools to their members and to the community. The Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association serves as the voice for the criminal defense profession and assists is an affiliate of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA).

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) - Since formed in 1971, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) has supported the practice of criminal defense in the state of Texas. Members include private attorneys, public defenders and other legal professionals from across the state of Texas. The TCDLA provides training, networking opportunities, and a platform to enhance the criminal defense experience for lawyers. The TCDLA is an affiliate organization of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).

State Bar of Texas Criminal Justice Section - The State Bar of Texas Criminal Justice Section is focused on supporting legal professionals involved in criminal law across Texas. It aims to enhance the practice of criminal law by promoting high standards of professionalism, ethics, and competence among attorneys, judges, and related professionals. The section offers educational programs, resources, and networking opportunities to help its members stay updated on criminal law developments and best practices. It also plays an active role in advocating for sound criminal justice policies and legislative reforms. Through these efforts, the section works to improve the administration of justice and the quality of legal representation in the criminal justice system.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) - Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Criminal Law - In Texas, the specialty area of criminal law was created in 1975. The Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) certifies attorneys who have met the required standards. For instance, an attorney applying to become board certified in criminal law must demonstrate that at least 25% of the attorney's time is spent practicing criminal law in Texas during each of the three (3) years immediately preceding application.

Criminal Appellate Law - An attorney who applies to become board certified in criminal appellate law is expected to understand the entire process of appeals of state and federal criminal cases, as well as applications for extraordinary relief and post-conviction writ proceedings in state and federal court. In addition to meeting the requirements, board-certified criminal appellate law specialist must pass an exam that demonstrates their substantial knowledge of significant legal concepts and corresponding skills in criminal appellate law.

Juvenile Law - Since 2001, the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) has been certifying attorneys as a specialist in juvenile law. For purposes of the board certification program, the term "juvenile law" is defined to include judicial and administrative proceedings for individuals under 17 years of age that are arrested or have been detained in a criminal matter.

Criminal Trial Law - The specialty area of Criminal Trial Law is offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) to lawyers. To earn NBTA board certification, the criminal defense attorney must show substantial involvement in at least 45 days of trial, must have served as lead counsel in jury cases through verdict; conducted direct examinations and cross-examinations, and conducted a specified number of voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments.

DUI Defense Law - The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) is an organization that grants specialty or board certification for DUI Defense Law. The ABA has recognized the NCDD as an organization that is accredited to award certification in this specialty area of the law. The purpose of granting board certification in DUI Defense Law is to recognize DUI and DWI lawyers who focus their practice on representing men and women accused of drunk and impaired driving offenses. In order to qualify for board certification in "DUI Defense Law," the attorney must meet specific qualifications and apply for board certification with NCDD.

Dallas County Government and Court Resources

Dallas County District Attorney
Dallas County's Public Defender's Office
Dallas County and District Courts
Dallas County Departments
Dallas County Judge
Federal Courts in Dallas County, TX

Dallas County District Attorney

Dallas County District Attorney - The mission of the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office is to enhance public safety and community well-being by supporting victims, holding offenders accountable, and engaging the community in harm prevention. They aim to improve the quality of life for all Dallas County residents through data-driven approaches to criminal justice. The District Attorney is committed to pursuing fair and equal justice for the residents of Dallas County, upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior and transparency.

Dallas County District Attorney
133 N. Riverfront Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 214-653-3600

Dallas County's Public Defender's Office

Dallas County's Public Defender's Office - The Dallas County Public Defender's Office (DCPDO) has evolved into a leading model for client-centered legal representation for indigent clients within the Dallas County courts. By focusing on holistic defense strategies, the DCPDO has grown incrementally and continues to set the standard for effective advocacy in Texas, ensuring comprehensive support for its clients.

Dallas County's Public Defender's Office
133 N Riverfront Blvd #9
Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 214-653-3550

Dallas County and District Courts

Dallas County and District Courts - The Dallas County Court and Districts manage a wide range of legal matters, including civil, criminal, family, and probate cases, serving one of the most populous counties in Texas. They are committed to ensuring the fair, efficient, and impartial administration of justice for all individuals within their jurisdiction.

Dallas County and District Courts
133 N Riverfront Blvd #9
Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 214-653-3550

Dallas County Departments

Dallas County Departments - Dallas County government delivers vital services including public safety, healthcare, transportation, and community development. Overseen by the Dallas County Commissioners Court, these efforts aim to enhance residents' well-being and ensure effective service delivery.

Dallas County Judge

Dallas County Judge - The Dallas County Judge is the chief executive officer of Dallas County. This role involves overseeing the county's budget, presiding over the Commissioners Court, and managing county government operations. The County Judge also handles emergency management and represents the county in various civic and ceremonial functions.

Dallas County Judge
500 Elm Street Suite 7000
Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: 214-653-7949

Federal Courts in Dallas County, TX

U.S. District Court - Northern District of Texas - Established in 1879, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas covers a vast area of the state and has federal courthouses located in Dallas, Fort Worth, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, San Angelo, and Wichita Falls. The court handles complex civil and criminal matters including business litigation, securities fraud, intellectual property, and immigration. With a heavy and diverse docket, it is one of the most active federal courts in the country.

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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas, Texas

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Dallas County, TX

Deandra Grant Law

Texas Criminal Defense Group

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas County, TX

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas

Stephen Lyle Hamilton

Benson Varghese

Deandra Michelle Grant

David Michael Finn

F Clinton Broden

Ronald Leroy Goranson

Randall Blair Isenberg

Bruce Edward Anton

Martin LeNoir

Franklyn Mickelsen Jr

Phillip Wayne Hayes

Steven Matthew Baker

Kristin R. Brown

Carl Henry Judin III

Kevin Blake Ross