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When you find yourself facing criminal charges, every moment matters. You need a Texas criminal defense lawyer who not only understands the law, but also recognizes what's at stake for you and your family. At Varghese Summersett, we pair strategic legal expertise with genuine empathy—ensuring that our approach as your criminal defense attorney is as focused on your future as it is on your case.
We've represented clients accused of everything from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Our commitment goes beyond the courtroom. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, respect your concerns, and fight aggressively to protect your rights, freedom, and reputation.
Proven Results That Speak for Themselves
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.
Criminal Cases We Handle
DWI & Intoxication Offenses
A DWI arrest can upend your life in a single night. Whether this is your first offense or you're facing felony charges due to prior convictions—or the devastating allegations of intoxication assault or manslaughter—the consequences extend far beyond the courtroom. Your license, your job, and your future are all at stake. We scrutinize field sobriety testing, challenge the reliability of breath and blood results, and examine whether law enforcement followed proper protocols.
Drug Crimes
Drug charges in Texas carry penalties that can be devastatingly disproportionate to the circumstances. A small amount of marijuana can mean jail time. A prescription in the wrong bottle can become a felony. Distribution or trafficking allegations can mean decades in prison. We represent people accused of possessing, manufacturing, or distributing controlled substances—from marijuana to methamphetamine to prescription medications—including federal conspiracy cases.
Assault & Violent Crimes
Accusations of violence carry a particular weight. Beyond the legal consequences, there's a stigma that can damage your relationships and career before you ever see a courtroom. In domestic violence cases, you may find yourself locked out of your home and presumed guilty before anyone hears your side. We defend clients charged with assault in all its forms—from misdemeanors to aggravated assault, robbery, terroristic threats, and deadly conduct.
Theft & Property Crimes
Theft charges—whether a misdemeanor shoplifting accusation or a serious felony—can mark you in ways that make it harder to find work, rent an apartment, or move forward with your life. We represent clients facing theft, burglary, criminal trespass, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and organized retail theft allegations. Many of these cases turn on questions of intent, identification, or property value.
White Collar Crimes
White collar investigations often begin long before you know you're a target. By the time charges are filed, prosecutors may have spent years building their case. These matters—fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, forgery, identity theft, tax violations—require a defense team that understands both the law and the financial context. We defend individuals and businesses facing state and federal white collar charges.
Sex Crimes
There is no accusation more likely to destroy a person's life than allegations of a sexual offense. The stigma is immediate. The legal consequences—including potential sex offender registration—can follow you for decades. The pressure to accept a plea, even when innocent, can feel overwhelming. We defend clients accused of sexual assault, indecency, online solicitation, and possession of illegal images.
Weapons Offenses
Texas has permissive gun laws, but weapons charges still carry serious consequences—particularly for anyone with a prior felony or in cases under federal jurisdiction. A mistake about where you can carry or your eligibility to possess a firearm can mean years in prison. We handle state and federal weapons charges, including unlawful carrying, felon in possession, prohibited weapons, and federal firearms violations.
Federal Criminal Defense
Federal cases are different. The resources of the federal government, the complexity of sentencing guidelines, and the formality of federal court all require different preparation. Conviction rates are high because prosecutors are selective—but that doesn't mean the outcome is predetermined. We represent clients facing drug trafficking, firearms offenses, fraud, conspiracy, immigration violations, and supervised release violations.
Juvenile Crimes
When a young person is accused of a crime, the stakes extend beyond immediate legal consequences. A juvenile case can affect their education, opportunities, and sense of themselves at a formative moment. The system is supposed to prioritize rehabilitation—but that doesn't always happen without a fight. We represent juveniles facing delinquency allegations and handle certification hearings where prosecutors seek to try a young person as an adult.
Why Choose Varghese Summersett
Board Certified Specialists
Our team includes Anna Summersett, Benson Varghese, and Letty Martinez—Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists—and Mike Hanson and Lisa Herrick—Board Certified Juvenile Law Specialists. Board Certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization is earned by fewer than 10% of Texas attorneys and requires rigorous testing, peer review, and demonstrated expertise.
Former State and Federal Prosecutors
Several of our lawyers previously served as prosecutors—the plaintiffs in criminal cases. That trial experience is invaluable. We know how prosecutors think and build cases, which helps us defend cases more effectively and identify weaknesses in the state's evidence. There's no better training than being in trial as a prosecutor.
Trial-Ready Attorneys
We prepare every case for trial. That leverage gets better outcomes—prosecutors know when they're up against lawyers who aren't afraid of the courtroom. With over 700 jury trials between our attorneys, we have the experience to back up our reputation.
Available 24/7
Legal emergencies don't wait for business hours. Our team of attorneys is available around the clock to take your call and start working on your case immediately. When you need help, we're here.
Meet Our Criminal Defense Team
Anna Summersett
Partner, Board Certified
Benson Varghese
Managing Partner, Board Certified
Christy Jack
Partner
Letty Martinez
Partner, Board Certified
Tiffany Burks
Division Lead
Michael Hanson
Senior Counsel, Board Certified
Alex Thornton
Senior Associate
Sheena Winkfield
Senior Associate
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm arrested in Texas?
Stay calm, assert your right to remain silent, and do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Contact us as soon as possible, and we'll guide you on how to protect your rights. The earlier you involve an attorney, the more options we have to protect your future.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case, the charges involved, and whether the case goes to trial. We provide free consultations to discuss potential strategies and fees, so you have a clear understanding before moving forward.
What's the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
A misdemeanor typically carries up to one year in county jail, while a felony can involve years in prison. The nature of the charge can also affect your rights and future opportunities, including voting rights, firearm ownership, and professional licensing.
What does Board Certified in Criminal Law mean?
Board Certification is the highest level of recognition an attorney can receive in Texas. It requires extensive experience, peer review, continuing education, and passing a rigorous examination. Fewer than 10% of Texas attorneys achieve this distinction.
Why does having former prosecutors matter?
Former prosecutors understand how the state builds its case, what weaknesses to exploit, and how to negotiate effectively. This insider knowledge gives our clients a significant strategic advantage in both negotiations and at trial.
Protect Your Future Today
Our Texas criminal defense attorneys are ready to fight for your rights, your freedom, and your future.