1. Varghese Summersett
Practice Focus: Criminal defense in state and federal courts with emphasis on serious felonies, DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, white collar crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, capital murder, murder and homicide, DWI/DUI, drug offenses (possession, distribution, trafficking), sex crimes, violent crimes (assault, aggravated assault, robbery), domestic violence, white collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, money laundering), theft crimes, weapons charges
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal criminal defense, grand jury representation, jury trials, motion practice, suppression hearings, plea negotiations, bail hearings, appeals, post-conviction relief, expungement, nondisclosure orders
Background: The firm has five attorneys Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, more than any other defense firm in Dallas. Board Certified attorneys include Anna Summersett, Benson Varghese, Letty Martinez, Lisa Herrick, and Tanya Dohoney. Several attorneys are former state and federal prosecutors. The firm has over 100 years of combined experience, more than 550 jury trials, and has secured hundreds of dismissals, acquittals, and favorable outcomes. The firm handles cases in Texas state courts and federal courts including the Northern District of Texas and Eastern District of Texas. Over 900 clients have left 5-star Google reviews.
Location: 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 990, Dallas, TX 75201
Contact: (214) 903-4000 | https://versustexas.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Law Office of Michael Lowe
Practice Focus: Criminal defense in state and federal courts with emphasis on federal crimes, drug offenses, DWI, violent crimes, sex crimes, white collar crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, drug offenses, DWI/DUI, violent crimes (murder, assault, robbery), sex crimes, white collar crimes (fraud, conspiracy, money laundering), theft, weapons charges, federal conspiracy charges, RICO violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal criminal defense, grand jury representation, jury trials, motion practice, suppression hearings, plea negotiations, federal sentencing advocacy, appeals, federal post-conviction relief
Background: Michael Lowe is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2012 (in the top 1% of Texas lawyers who have achieved this certification). Former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney with over 150 jury trials defending clients against both state and federal charges in Dallas County, Tarrant County, and throughout Texas. Nominated for Best Lawyer in 2024 by D Magazine. Recognized by The Dallas Morning News “Best in DFW” awards with Silver ranking for Best Defense Lawyer. Extensive experience with Federal Sentencing Guidelines and federal court procedures. Provides educational resources on federal criminal investigations.
Location: 700 N Pearl Street, Suite 2170, Dallas, TX 75201
Contact: (214) 526-4426 | https://www.dallasjustice.com
Consultation: Consultation available
3. Warren Abrams, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense and DWI defense in state and federal courts
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI/DUI, drug offenses, assault, theft, murder, federal crimes, white collar crimes, weapons charges
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, motion practice, suppression hearings, plea negotiations, bail hearings, DMV/license hearings for DWI cases
Background: Warren Abrams has been Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1988. Board Certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for 25 years. Former Chief Prosecutor for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. Over 30 years of trial experience. Named to Texas Super Lawyers for 17 consecutive years. Joshua Abrams is also an attorney at the firm and former Dallas County prosecutor. The firm handles criminal defense throughout Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and Rockwall Counties.
Location: 3811 Turtle Creek Blvd, Suite 525, Dallas, TX 75219
Contact: (214) 692-1550 | https://warrenabramsattorney.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available; payment plans accepted
4. J. Michael Price II, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense with emphasis on DUI/DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, cyberspace crimes, white collar crimes, juvenile offenses
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI/DUI, drug offenses, violent crimes (assault, aggravated assault, domestic violence), sex crimes, white collar crimes, theft, distribution and possession of child pornography, weapons charges, juvenile crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, motion practice, suppression hearings, plea negotiations, bail hearings, post-conviction relief
Background: J. Michael Price II is one of only 5 lawyers in Dallas to be dual Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and Board Certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification. AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell (highest rating for legal ability and ethics). Has handled more than 2,500 cases in courts across North Texas, obtaining dismissals, no-bills, and not guilty verdicts for many defendants. Practice is 100% devoted to criminal defense.
Location: 6510 Abrams Road, Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75231
Contact: (214) 765-8000 | https://www.jmichaelprice.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
5. The Shapiro Law Firm
Practice Focus: Criminal defense in Collin County and Dallas-Fort Worth area with emphasis on DWI, drug crimes, sex offenses, family violence, white collar crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI/DUI, drug offenses, sex crimes, domestic violence and family violence, assault, theft, white collar crimes, fraud
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, motion practice, suppression hearings, plea negotiations, bail hearings
Background: The firm has represented criminal defendants in Collin County and Dallas-Fort Worth for over 40 years. Howard Shapiro is the founding partner with experience as a former Collin County prosecutor and municipal judge. Todd Shapiro is a former Dallas County assistant district attorney who tried more than 130 cases as a prosecutor. Peter Ganyard spent seven years as a Collin County prosecutor. D Magazine named Todd among Dallas’s criminal defense attorneys in 2023 and 2024. Texas Super Lawyers has selected Todd for multiple years.
Location: 5700 W. Plano Pkwy, Suite 3000, Plano, TX 75093
Contact: (972) 769-9500 | https://www.theshapirolaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Texas
Texas criminal defense practice is governed by the Texas Supreme Court, the State Bar of Texas, and the Texas Board of Law Examiners.
Bar Admission Requirements: Attorneys must pass the Texas Bar Examination, which consists of the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) plus Texas-specific components. Applicants must hold a J.D. from an ABA-approved law school, pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) with a scaled score of 85 or higher, and satisfy character and fitness requirements. Individuals with a felony conviction are barred from application for 5 years after completion of sentence or probation; thereafter, demonstration of present good moral character is required. First-year Texas law students must file a Declaration of Intention to Study Law with the Texas Board of Law Examiners.
Public Defender System: Dallas County operates a Public Defender’s Office providing representation to indigent defendants who cannot afford private counsel. Eligibility is determined based on federal poverty guidelines. Texas also uses a court-appointed attorney system where private attorneys accept appointments to represent indigent defendants. The Texas Indigent Defense Commission oversees standards for appointed counsel statewide.
Specialty Certifications: The Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) offers Board Certification in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law. To earn Criminal Law certification, attorneys must demonstrate substantial involvement in criminal practice (minimum of 30% of practice), handle a specified number of jury trials to verdict as lead counsel, complete continuing legal education, pass a comprehensive examination, and receive favorable peer evaluations. Less than 1% of Texas attorneys achieve board certification in criminal law.
Attorney Advertising Rules: Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct govern attorney advertising. Attorneys may advertise services but cannot make false or misleading statements. Advertisements must identify at least one lawyer responsible for content and include required disclaimers for testimonials and case results.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Texas Rules of Evidence Rule 503 establishes comprehensive attorney-client privilege protections. Confidential communications made for the purpose of facilitating legal services are protected from disclosure. The privilege belongs to the client and survives the termination of the attorney-client relationship and the client’s death.
Continuing Legal Education: Texas requires attorneys to complete 15 hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credits annually, including 3 hours of legal ethics and 1 hour of substance abuse or mental health topics.
Arraignment and Speedy Trial: In Texas, defendants must be brought before a magistrate within 48 hours of arrest. Texas does not have a specific statutory speedy trial period; instead, courts apply constitutional speedy trial analysis under the Sixth Amendment and the Texas Constitution, using a balancing test considering length of delay, reasons, defendant’s assertion of the right, and prejudice.
Bail and Pretrial Release: Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 17 governs bail. Bail is set to ensure the defendant’s appearance and is not to be used as an instrument of oppression. Factors considered include nature of the offense, ability to pay, criminal history, ties to the community, and safety considerations. Personal bonds (own recognizance) may be granted. Capital murder cases may result in denial of bail. Dallas County uses a bail schedule as a starting point for judicial determination.
Felony Classification System: Texas classifies felonies into five categories. Capital felonies are punishable by death or life imprisonment without parole. First-degree felonies carry 5 to 99 years or life in prison and fines up to $10,000. Second-degree felonies carry 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Third-degree felonies carry 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. State jail felonies carry 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and fines up to $10,000 (state jail time is served day-for-day without parole eligibility). Enhanced penalties apply for repeat offenders.
Death Penalty: Texas is a death penalty state with more executions than any other state. Capital punishment is authorized for capital murder, which includes murder during the commission of certain felonies, murder of specified officials (peace officers, firefighters, judges), murder of children under 10, murder for hire, and other aggravating circumstances. Texas has specific qualification requirements for attorneys representing capital defendants.
Expungement and Record Sealing: Texas provides expunction under Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 for acquittals, dismissed cases, pardons, and certain other dispositions. Expunction destroys records entirely. Orders of nondisclosure under Government Code Chapter 411 seal records from public access while remaining available to law enforcement for cases resulting in deferred adjudication. Waiting periods apply (immediately for some misdemeanors, 2 years for other misdemeanors, 5 years for felonies). Ineligible offenses include murder, aggravated kidnapping, sexual offenses, family violence, and stalking.
Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Texas imposes mandatory minimum sentences for various offenses, including aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 (minimum 25 years) and certain drug offenses based on quantity.
Habitual Offender Laws: Texas Penal Code Section 12.42 provides enhanced penalties for repeat felony offenders. A second felony conviction (excluding state jail felonies) allows punishment at the next higher degree. Two prior felony convictions result in sentences of 25 to 99 years or life for any subsequent felony (except state jail felonies).
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a felony case in Dallas County?
A felony case in Dallas County proceeds through multiple stages. After arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate (within 48 hours), the case is reviewed by the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office for charging decisions. If charges are filed, the case is presented to a grand jury for indictment (grand jury proceedings are held in the Frank Crowley Criminal Courts Building). Once indicted, the defendant is arraigned in a felony district court where charges are read and a plea is entered. The case then moves through pretrial proceedings including discovery, motion practice, and plea negotiations. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to jury trial. Dallas County felony cases are heard at the Frank Crowley Criminal Courts Building at 133 N Riverfront Blvd. Different district courts handle cases based on random assignment.
How does bail work in Dallas County, and what are typical bond amounts?
Dallas County uses a bail schedule that recommends amounts by offense category, though magistrates have discretion to deviate based on circumstances. Defendants may secure release through cash bond (full amount), surety bond through a licensed bail bond company (typically 10% as a non-refundable fee), or personal bond (own recognizance) for qualifying defendants. Typical bail amounts include: misdemeanor DWI approximately $1,000 to $2,500, felony drug possession approximately $5,000 to $25,000, aggravated assault approximately $25,000 to $100,000, and violent felonies ranging from $100,000 to over $1,000,000. Capital murder may result in denial of bail. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department operates the Lew Sterrett Justice Center (county jail) and provides inmate information online.
What are the penalties for a first-time DWI in Dallas?
A first-time DWI in Texas (BAC of 0.08% or higher) is a Class B misdemeanor. Penalties include 72 hours to 180 days in county jail (minimum increases to 6 days if BAC was 0.15% or higher), fines up to $2,000, driver’s license suspension for 90 days to 1 year, annual surcharge of $1,000 to $2,000 for 3 years to maintain driving privileges, mandatory completion of a DWI education program, and possible ignition interlock device installation. Enhanced penalties apply for BAC of 0.15% or higher (Class A misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and $4,000 fine), DWI with a child passenger under 15 (state jail felony with 180 days to 2 years in state jail), or causing injury (intoxication assault, third-degree felony). Defendants have 15 days from arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with DPS.
Does Dallas County offer pretrial diversion programs?
Yes, Dallas County offers several diversion and alternative disposition programs. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office operates diversion programs for qualifying first-time offenders. DIVERT Court (Dallas Integrated Violence Evaluation and Reduction Treatment) addresses domestic violence cases. Drug Court provides intensive supervision and treatment for drug-related offenses. Veterans Court serves military veterans with specialized services. Mental Health Court handles cases involving defendants with mental health conditions. First-time DWI offenders may be eligible for pretrial intervention programs in certain courts. Eligibility requirements vary by program and typically exclude violent offenses, sex crimes, and repeat offenders. Successful completion generally results in dismissal of charges.
How can I get my criminal record expunged or sealed in Texas?
Texas provides two primary mechanisms. Expunction (Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55) completely destroys records and is available for cases that were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, resulted in a pardon, or certain other situations where charges were not pursued. You must wait until the statute of limitations expires, or charges must be formally dismissed. File a petition in the district court of the county where the offense occurred. Orders of nondisclosure (Government Code Chapter 411) seal records from public access for cases resulting in successful completion of deferred adjudication community supervision. Waiting periods apply: immediate for some misdemeanors, 2 years for other misdemeanors, and 5 years for felonies. Offenses ineligible for nondisclosure include murder, aggravated kidnapping, sexual offenses, human trafficking, family violence, and stalking. File a petition with the court that placed you on deferred adjudication. Dallas County has specific forms and procedures available through the District Clerk’s Office.