Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyer

In short: Criminal cases in Collin County are heard at the Russell A. Steindam Courts Building in McKinney: misdemeanors in the County Courts at Law, and felonies in the district courts once a grand jury returns an indictment. After an arrest, a magistrate sets bond, usually within 48 hours. Many first offenses can still end without a conviction, through diversion, a reduced charge, or a dismissal, and those options are easiest to reach early, before the case is set for trial.

A Collin County criminal defense lawyer represents people charged with crimes in McKinney, Plano, Frisco, Allen, and throughout Collin County, Texas. If you’re facing criminal charges in this fast-growing North Texas county, the decisions you make now will shape your future for years. At Varghese Summersett, our team includes nine former prosecutors and four Board Certified attorneys who have secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions.

Our attorneys know the Collin County court system inside and out. We’ve tried cases in front of every criminal court judge in the Russell A. Steindam Courts Building. We’ve negotiated with Collin County prosecutors hundreds of times. This local experience, combined with our team’s 150+ years of combined legal experience, gives our clients a real advantage when their freedom is on the line.

When you’re charged with a crime in Collin County, you need attorneys who can match the resources and experience of the Collin County District Attorney’s Office. Our defense team brings credentials that set us apart from other firms.

Board-certified expertise: Three of our attorneys (Benson Varghese, Anna Summersett, and Letty Martinez) hold board certification in criminal law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Only about 1% of Texas lawyers earn this distinction, which requires passing a rigorous exam and demonstrating substantial trial experience. Mike Hanson is a criminal practitioner at our firm who has also received Board Certification in Juvenile Law.

Former prosecutors: Nine members of our team previously worked as state or federal prosecutors. They know how the other side builds cases, evaluates evidence, and makes plea decisions. This insight helps us anticipate strategies and find weaknesses in the state’s case.

Trial-tested results: Our attorneys have tried more than 650 jury trials combined. This experience means we’re prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to protect your rights. Prosecutors know which defense lawyers will actually show up ready to fight.

Proven track record: We’ve secured over 500 dismissals and grand jury no-bills. We’ve obtained hundreds of charge reductions. And we’ve won acquittals in serious felony cases, including a murder charge that went to trial.

Client satisfaction: More than 1,100 clients have left us 5-star reviews. We prioritize communication, keeping you informed at every stage of your case.

We defend clients facing the full range of criminal charges in Collin County courts. From Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies and federal offenses, we bring the same level of preparation and dedication to every case.

DWI and Intoxication Offenses

A DWI conviction in Texas can mean jail time, steep fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. We challenge field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, blood draws, and police procedures to find weaknesses in the state’s case against you. Whether you’re facing a first-time DWI or a felony intoxication offense, we know how to build an effective defense. Learn more about DWI defense in Collin County.

Drug Crimes

Texas imposes harsh penalties for drug offenses, from simple possession to manufacturing and delivery. We examine every aspect of drug cases: was the search legal, was the substance properly tested, did police follow proper procedures? Our attorneys have had hundreds of drug cases dismissed or reduced. Learn more about drug crime defense in Collin County.

Assault and Family Violence

Assault charges range from Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies depending on the circumstances. Family violence allegations add extra consequences, including potential firearms restrictions and enhanced penalties for future offenses. We investigate these cases thoroughly, often finding that self-defense applies or that allegations stem from misunderstandings. Learn about assault defense in Collin County and family violence defense in Collin County.

Sex Crimes

Sexual assault, indecency with a child, and online solicitation charges carry severe penalties and lifetime sex offender registration. We challenge forensic evidence, witness credibility, and digital evidence while protecting your reputation during the legal process. Learn more about sex crime defense in Collin County.

Theft and Property Crimes

Theft charges in Texas range from Class C misdemeanors (under $100) to first-degree felonies (over $300,000). Burglary of a habitation is always a felony. We examine surveillance footage, witness statements, and the legality of any searches to build the strongest possible defense. Learn about theft defense in Collin County.

Homicide

Murder and manslaughter charges require the most experienced defense attorneys. Our team has successfully defended clients facing homicide charges, including securing a jury acquittal in a murder case. We work with investigators, forensic experts, and medical professionals to challenge the state’s theory of the case. Learn about homicide defense in Collin County.

White Collar Crimes

Fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and other white collar offenses often involve complex financial records and multiple agencies. We work with forensic accountants to analyze the evidence and challenge the prosecution’s narrative. Learn about white collar crime defense.

Probation Violations

If you’ve been accused of violating your probation, you could face revocation and prison time. We advocate for reinstatement or modification of probation, seeking alternatives to incarceration. Learn about probation violation defense in Collin County.

Need to clear your record? We also handle expunctions and nondisclosure orders to help eligible clients move forward with clean records.

Talk to a Lawyer Before You Speak to Police. If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation, call (817) 203-2220 for a free consultation.

Every criminal case is different, but our approach follows a proven framework that has led to thousands of successful outcomes.

Investigate immediately. Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget details. We start working on your case right away, gathering surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and preserving evidence that could help your defense.

Challenge the evidence. Was the traffic stop legal? Did police have probable cause for the search? Were your Miranda rights respected? Was the evidence properly collected and stored? We examine every link in the chain of evidence looking for constitutional violations and procedural errors.

Negotiate strategically. With nine former prosecutors on our team, we understand how the other side thinks. We know when a case has weaknesses that make prosecutors willing to reduce or dismiss charges. We also know when we have leverage to demand a better deal.

Prepare for trial. Prosecutors can tell which lawyers will actually take a case to trial. Our 650+ jury trials send a clear message: we will fight for you in court if that’s what your case requires. This reputation often leads to better plea offers because prosecutors know we won’t back down.

Criminal cases in Collin County are handled at the Russell A. Steindam Courts Building in McKinney. This facility houses both the misdemeanor county courts at law and the felony district courts.

Russell A. Steindam Courts Building
2100 Bloomdale Rd.
McKinney, TX 75071
Phone: (972) 548-4100

Misdemeanor Courts (County Courts at Law)

Class A and Class B misdemeanors in Collin County are heard in the County Courts at Law. These courts handle charges like first-offense DWI, marijuana possession under 2 ounces, misdemeanor assault, and theft under $2,500.

Felony Courts (District Courts)

Felony cases in Collin County are assigned to one of 15 district courts. These courts handle state jail felonies, third-degree felonies, second-degree felonies, first-degree felonies, and capital cases.

These online tools can help you find information about criminal cases in Collin County:

• Collin County Case Lookup: https://apps2.collincountytx.gov/JudicialOnlineSearch2/case
• Collin County Jail Records: https://cijspub.co.collin.tx.us/PublicAccess/JailingSearch.aspx?ID=600

Protect Your Rights and Your Record. A criminal conviction can affect your job, housing, and future opportunities. Call (817) 203-2220 to speak with an experienced Collin County defense attorney.

Texas law classifies criminal offenses by severity, with each level carrying specific punishment ranges under Texas Penal Code Chapter 12.

Class C Misdemeanor: Fine up to $500 (no jail time). Examples: minor traffic violations, theft under $100, disorderly conduct.

Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail, fine up to $2,000. Examples: first DWI, marijuana possession under 2 oz, theft $100-$750.

Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $4,000. Examples: DWI with BAC 0.15+, assault causing bodily injury, theft $750-$2,500.

State Jail Felony: 180 days to 2 years in state jail, fine up to $10,000. Examples: drug possession (small amounts of hard drugs), theft $2,500-$30,000, credit card abuse.

Third Degree Felony: 2 to 10 years in prison, fine up to $10,000. Examples: DWI 3rd offense, assault family violence with prior, theft $30,000-$150,000.

Second Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison, fine up to $10,000. Examples: aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery.

First Degree Felony: 5 to 99 years or life in prison, fine up to $10,000. Examples: murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated sexual assault.

Capital Felony: Life without parole or death penalty. Examples: capital murder (murder of a peace officer, multiple victims, murder during certain felonies).