Criminal Defense Lawyers in Austin, Travis County, Texas

Lawyer Legion connects people with attorneys who are best-suited to solve their legal problems. We have curated a list of over 900 criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Travis 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 Austin, Travis County, Texas who are ready to help.

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Travis County, TX

The Law Office of Kevin Bennett

Michael & Associates, Attorneys At Law

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Travis County, TX

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Austin
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Travis County, TX Legal Resources
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Travis County Government and Court Resources

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Austin

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2026

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2026 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Austin, Texas. To rank the top criminal defense attorneys, DWl defense attorneys, and other lawyers in Travis 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 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 1–12 out of 250

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Travis County, TX Criminal Defense Legal Resources

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Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (ACDLA) - The Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (ACDLA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the interests of criminal defense attorneys in the Austin, Texas area. ACDLA provides networking opportunities, continuing legal education (CLE) resources, and a platform for attorneys to collaborate and advocate for justice. Through their efforts, ACDLA contributes to the fair representation of individuals accused of crimes in Austin.

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.

Travis County Government and Court Resources

Travis County Public Defender's Office
Travis County District Attorney's Office
Travis County Courts
Travis County Government
Federal Courts in Travis County, TX

Travis County Public Defender's Office

Travis County Public Defender's Office - The Travis County Public Defender's Office (PDO), located in Austin, Texas, offers client-centered, independent, and holistic defense representation in criminal cases for those who cannot afford an attorney. They represent both youth in Juvenile Court and adults, including those with serious mental health or intellectual/developmental disabilities, in Criminal Court. The office adheres to nationally recognized best practices and is one of two agencies providing court-appointed attorneys in the county. They do not charge clients for services.

Travis County Public Defender's Office
1010 Lavaca St. 2nd Floor
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-854-5100

Travis County District Attorney's Office

Travis County District Attorney's Office - The Travis County District Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting felony offenses in Travis County, Texas, ranging from state jail felonies to capital offenses. The office does not handle most misdemeanor cases, as these are typically prosecuted by the Travis County Attorney's Office. In addition to prosecutorial duties, the office offers various services, including diversion programs and victim services. It aims to uphold justice, protect the community, and ensure fair legal processes.

Travis County District Attorney's Office
416 West 11th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-854-9400

Travis County Courts

Travis County Courts - The Travis County court system includes a variety of courts that handle civil, criminal, probate, and juvenile matters in Austin, Texas. It consists of district courts, county courts at law, justice of the peace courts, and specialty courts like drug, veterans, and DWI courts. The system aims to provide fair and efficient administration of justice in Travis County. Records for district courts are managed by the Travis County District Clerk, while county court records are maintained by the Travis County Clerk.

Travis County Government

Travis County Government - The Travis County Government website serves as a comprehensive resource for residents and visitors, offering a wide array of services and information. Users can access details about county departments, pay property taxes, and find court records or legal documents. The site also provides information on voting, elections, and public safety services, including emergency management. Additionally, it features updates on county projects and initiatives, along with opportunities for public involvement and feedback. The site is designed to facilitate easy navigation and provide essential tools for engaging with local government.

Federal Courts in Travis County, TX

U.S. District Court - Western District of Texas - The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, created in 1857, spans a large region from the Hill Country to the borderlands, with federal courthouses in San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Del Rio, Midland, and Pecos. The court oversees a broad range of federal matters including immigration, drug enforcement, white-collar crime, and constitutional law. With major cities and significant border coverage, it is one of the largest and most active federal courts in the Fifth Circuit.

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Featured Law Firms Lawyer Directory Legal Resources

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Austin, Travis County, Texas

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Travis County, TX

The Law Office of Kevin Bennett

Michael & Associates, Attorneys At Law

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Travis County, TX

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Austin

Kevin Bennett

Benjamin Edward Michael

Bristol C Myers

Megan Elizabeth Roper

Keith Thomas Lauerman

William Bradford Mange

David B Frank

Jason Eric Trumpler

John Stillman Butler

Jorge Vela

Vic Feazell

Robert Keates