Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney: 1,600+ Dismissals and Counting
If you’re facing criminal charges in Dallas, you need a defense attorney who knows Dallas County courts, prosecutors, and judges. The right lawyer can mean the difference between a conviction that follows you forever and a second chance. At Varghese Summersett, our Dallas criminal defense attorneys have secured more than 1,600 dismissals, 800 charge reductions, and 300 grand jury no-bills for clients across North Texas.
The phone call came at 2 AM. The knock on your door shattered a quiet evening. The handcuffs clicked shut. In that moment, everything you’ve worked for hangs in the balance. Your career. Your family. Your freedom. We understand what you’re facing because we’ve helped thousands of people in exactly your position find a path forward.
A criminal charge doesn’t have to destroy your life. But the decisions you make in the next few days will shape everything that follows. At Varghese Summersett, our Dallas criminal defense attorneys have tried over 550 jury trials and built a reputation that makes prosecutors take notice. When your future is on the line, you need attorneys who have proven they can win.
Why Varghese Summersett for Your Dallas Criminal Case
Not every law firm can back up its promises with credentials and results. We have both.
Our criminal defense division includes four Texas Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists: Anna Summersett, Benson Varghese, Letty Martinez, and Lisa Herrick. Fewer than 10 percent of Texas attorneys who practice criminal law earn this certification. Having four board-certified specialists under one roof makes our team one of the most credentialed criminal defense practices in the state.
Collectively, our attorneys bring more than 100 years of criminal law experience to every case we handle. We’ve tried over 550 jury trials, including murders, sexual assaults, federal conspiracies, and complex white-collar prosecutions. When other lawyers or their family members face criminal charges, they hire us. That “lawyer’s lawyer” reputation tells you something about where we stand in the Dallas legal community.
The Dallas Observer named Varghese Summersett the “Best DWI Firm in Dallas” in its Best of Dallas Readers’ Choice Awards. We’ve earned multiple “Best Law Firm” honors alongside individual Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers recognitions for our attorneys. With more than 1,100 five-star Google reviews across our offices, our clients consistently confirm what the legal industry already knows: this firm delivers results.
Many of our attorneys are former prosecutors. They spent years on the other side of the courtroom, learning how Dallas County and surrounding jurisdictions build cases, evaluate evidence, and make charging decisions. That insider knowledge translates directly into better plea negotiations and sharper trial strategies for our clients.
We’ve also been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, which is rare for a criminal defense practice. That growth reflects the infrastructure and resources we bring to complex, high-stakes cases. When your case requires extensive investigation, expert witnesses, or months of preparation, we have the capacity to fight without cutting corners.
Why You Need a Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney Now
Dallas County processes over 70,000 criminal cases each year. The district attorney’s office employs more than 250 prosecutors whose sole job is securing convictions. They have unlimited resources, teams of investigators, and years of experience building cases against people just like you. When you walk into a Dallas courtroom without experienced legal representation, you’re facing a system designed to move cases through quickly, often at the defendant’s expense.
Many people believe they can handle misdemeanor charges on their own. This is almost always a mistake. Even a Class C misdemeanor creates a permanent criminal record that shows up on background checks for the rest of your life. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards all run these checks. A conviction you thought was minor can cost you a job offer ten years from now.
In 2024, our attorneys represented a Dallas resident charged with Class A misdemeanor assault after a bar altercation. The prosecution had witness statements and wanted jail time. By obtaining security footage that contradicted the alleged victim’s account and deposing witnesses who changed their stories, we got the case dismissed entirely. Our client walked away without a conviction, without probation, and without the assault charge appearing on his record.
That outcome wasn’t luck. It came from knowing how to investigate a case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and negotiate from a position of strength. With 550 jury trials behind us, prosecutors know we don’t bluff.
Conveniently Located in Downtown Dallas
When you’re facing criminal charges, every minute counts. Our Dallas office is strategically located at 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 950, in the heart of downtown Dallas. We’re minutes away from the Dallas County courthouse, the federal courthouse, and the Dallas Police Department headquarters. When urgent motions need to be filed or emergency hearings need to be attended, we’re already there.
Our location in the 2100 Ross Ave building puts us at the center of Dallas’s legal district, surrounded by the Dallas Arts District, Klyde Warren Park, and the Dallas Museum of Art. The building is easily accessible via I-35E and the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, with DART stations within walking distance. Underground parking and street parking ensure that getting to meet your Dallas criminal defense attorney is never a barrier.
Being in the heart of Dallas’s legal community means we work alongside prosecutors, judges, and court staff every day. These relationships, built over years of professional interaction, often make the difference between a favorable plea agreement and a harsh sentence, between a dismissed charge and a conviction. When you hire Varghese Summersett, you’re tapping into these valuable relationships.
Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services in Dallas
We’ve built our reputation by taking on cases that other firms won’t touch and winning cases that others think are unwinnable. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor DWI or a federal conspiracy charge, you’ll have the same level of expertise and dedication fighting for you.
Dallas DWI Defense Attorney
Being named the Best DWI Firm in Dallas wasn’t an accident. DWI charges are among the most commonly prosecuted crimes in Dallas County, but they’re also among the most defensible when you have the right attorney. A DWI conviction doesn’t just mean fines and possible jail time. It means a permanent criminal record, license suspension, increased insurance rates, and potential job loss. For professionals who drive for work or hold professional licenses, a DWI conviction can be career-ending.
Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, driving while intoxicated is typically a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, carrying up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. But the real consequences extend far beyond the courtroom. Our approach focuses on challenging the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, and the breath or blood test procedures. Officers make mistakes. Lab technicians make mistakes. When we find those mistakes, we use them to protect our clients.
Felony DWI charges carry much more serious consequences, including potential prison time and permanent felony records. Intoxication assault and manslaughter are among the most serious charges in the Texas Penal Code, carrying potential sentences of decades in prison. DWI with a child passenger is automatically charged as a felony and can result in Child Protective Services involvement. We handle all of these with the same aggressive approach that earned us the Best DWI Firm recognition.
Dallas Assault and Violent Crime Defense Attorney
Violent crime charges carry some of the harshest penalties in Texas, but they also present some of the best opportunities for aggressive defense. Under Texas Penal Code § 22.01, assault charges range from Class C misdemeanors for minor contact to first-degree felonies for aggravated assault causing serious injury. Even threatening someone can result in criminal charges if they reasonably fear imminent bodily injury.
The key to defending violent crime charges lies in understanding that these cases are often more complex than they appear. What looks like a clear-cut assault might actually be self-defense. What seems like aggravated assault might be mistaken identity. What appears to be domestic violence might involve false accusations. Texas has strong laws protecting people who defend themselves, including the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground provisions. Our trial team has argued self-defense in cases where clients faced years in prison, resulting in acquittals and dismissals.
Our approach to domestic violence and family violence cases recognizes the unique challenges these charges present. Not only are you facing potential criminal penalties, but these charges can affect child custody, divorce proceedings, and your ability to remain in your own home. Protective orders often accompany family violence charges, and we fight these orders aggressively, understanding that they’re often the first step in a larger strategy to gain advantage in family court.
Dallas Drug Crime Defense Attorney
Dallas sits at a major crossroads for drug trafficking, which means both state and federal prosecutors take drug cases extremely seriously here. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 481, penalties depend on the type and amount of substance involved. From simple possession charges that can result in jail time to manufacturing and distribution cases that carry mandatory minimum sentences, drug charges require an attorney who understands both the science and the law.
A client came to us in 2023 facing felony possession charges after Dallas police found prescription pills during a traffic stop. The pills belonged to his elderly mother, who was in the passenger seat. By documenting the valid prescription and demonstrating that our client never had control over the medication, we convinced prosecutors to drop all charges before trial.
Our approach to drug defense begins with a thorough investigation of how the evidence was obtained. The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures, but police officers often push the boundaries of what’s constitutional. We examine every traffic stop, every search warrant, every consent to search, looking for violations that can result in evidence being suppressed and charges being dismissed. Federal drug crimes present unique challenges, but our experience in federal court gives our clients a significant advantage.
Dallas White Collar and Fraud Defense Attorney
White collar crimes often involve successful professionals who never imagined they’d need a criminal defense attorney. These cases are particularly devastating because they don’t just threaten your freedom. They threaten your career, your professional reputation, and everything you’ve worked to build. The complexity of white collar cases requires a defense team that can match the government’s financial experts and understand intricate business transactions.
Embezzlement and employee theft charges often arise from misunderstandings about authority, accounting errors, or civil disputes that have been criminalized. We work with forensic accountants to reconstruct financial records and demonstrate that what appears to be theft was actually authorized conduct or honest mistakes. Credit card fraud, Medicare fraud, computer crimes, wire fraud, and bankruptcy fraud all require specialized knowledge and aggressive defense strategies.
Our approach to fraud crimes recognizes that these cases are often built on circumstantial evidence and interpretations of intent. We challenge the government’s narrative at every turn, offering alternative explanations for conduct and demonstrating that what appears suspicious was actually legitimate business activity.
Dallas Sex Crime Defense Attorney
Sex crime allegations are among the most serious charges in the criminal justice system, carrying not just the possibility of lengthy prison sentences but also lifetime registration as a sex offender. These cases require an attorney who can handle the emotional complexity of the charges while aggressively challenging the evidence and protecting your constitutional rights.
Sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault cases often come down to credibility battles between the alleged victim and the accused. We conduct thorough investigations, examine all physical evidence, and challenge inconsistencies in witness statements. Sexual assault of a minor cases present unique challenges because of special rules governing child testimony. We work with experts in child psychology to understand how children’s memories can be influenced and how improper interview techniques can lead to false allegations.
Online solicitation of a minor cases often involve law enforcement sting operations where officers pose as minors. These cases raise serious questions about entrapment and digital evidence reliability. Possession of child pornography cases rely heavily on digital forensic evidence, which can be challenged on multiple fronts. Improper student-teacher relationship cases require careful examination of the specific facts to determine whether the relationship actually violated Texas law.
Additional Criminal Defense Services
Beyond our major practice areas, we handle the full spectrum of criminal charges that can disrupt your life. Weapons and gun charges have become increasingly complex as Texas firearms laws evolve. Juvenile crimes require a special approach that focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Our Board Certified Juvenile Specialist understands that young people make mistakes, and our goal is to ensure those mistakes don’t define their futures.
Criminal mischief charges might seem minor, but they can result in significant fines and restitution. Theft crimes range from shoplifting to complex embezzlement schemes, and theft convictions can have lasting consequences for employment and professional licensing. Probation violations can result in revocation and imposition of the original sentence. We act quickly to address violations and negotiate modifications.
Expungement services help our clients clear their records and move forward. Even if you weren’t convicted, an arrest record can affect employment, housing, and educational opportunities. We guide clients through the complex expungement and non-disclosure process to help them achieve a fresh start.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Dallas County
Texas organizes offenses into categories based on severity. Understanding what you’re facing helps you make informed decisions about your defense.
Misdemeanor Penalties in Texas
Class C Misdemeanor: Fine up to $500, no jail time. Examples include minor theft, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication.
Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in county jail, fine up to $2,000. Examples include first-offense DWI, possession of small amounts of marijuana, and criminal trespass.
Class A Misdemeanor: Up to one year in county jail, fine up to $4,000. Examples include assault causing bodily injury, DWI with BAC over 0.15, and unlawful carrying of a weapon.
Felony Penalties in Texas
State Jail Felony: 180 days to 2 years in state jail, fine up to $10,000. Examples include theft of property worth $2,500 to $30,000 and certain drug possession charges.
Third-Degree Felony: 2 to 10 years in prison, fine up to $10,000. Examples include DWI third offense, assault on a family member with prior conviction, and certain theft offenses.
Second-Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison, fine up to $10,000. Examples include aggravated assault, robbery, and certain drug offenses.
First-Degree Felony: 5 to 99 years or life in prison, fine up to $10,000. Examples include aggravated robbery, aggravated sexual assault, and murder.
These are the statutory ranges. Actual sentences depend on the facts of your case, your criminal history, and the skill of your defense attorney. Our track record of 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions demonstrates that we regularly secure outcomes well below these maximum penalties.
Common Defense Strategies in Dallas Criminal Cases
Every case is different, but effective criminal defense typically involves some combination of these approaches.
Challenging the Evidence
The prosecution must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. We examine every piece of evidence for weaknesses. Was the search legal? Were your rights violated during questioning? Is the witness credible? Can the forensic evidence be challenged? Finding problems with the prosecution’s case is often the fastest path to dismissal or acquittal.
Constitutional Violations
The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fifth Amendment protects your right against self-incrimination. The Sixth Amendment guarantees your right to counsel. When police or prosecutors violate these rights, the evidence they obtained can be thrown out. We’ve won cases by proving that traffic stops were illegal, that confessions were coerced, and that searches exceeded the scope of warrants.
Grand Jury Representation
In felony cases, prosecutors must present evidence to a grand jury before formal charges are filed. This is often an overlooked opportunity. With more than 300 grand jury no-bills to our credit, we’ve learned how to present evidence and arguments that convince grand juries not to indict. A no-bill means no charges, no trial, and no conviction.
Strategic Negotiation
Not every case goes to trial. When the evidence is strong, negotiating the best possible outcome may be the wisest strategy. This might mean pleading to a lesser charge, securing probation instead of prison time, or arranging deferred adjudication that keeps the conviction off your record. Effective negotiation requires knowing what outcomes are realistic and having the credibility to back up your position with the threat of trial if necessary. With 550 jury trials behind us, prosecutors know we don’t bluff.
What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested in Dallas
The hours and days immediately following an arrest are critical. What you do now can help or hurt your case.
Exercise your right to remain silent. You must provide basic identifying information, but you don’t have to answer questions about the alleged offense. Politely decline to discuss the case until you have an attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
Don’t consent to searches. If police ask to search your car, home, or belongings, you can say no. They may search anyway if they have probable cause, but your refusal preserves your right to challenge the search later.
Contact a defense attorney immediately. The sooner we get involved, the more options we have. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses’ memories fade. Early intervention sometimes allows us to present information to prosecutors before charges are even filed, potentially avoiding formal charges altogether.
Don’t discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer. Phone calls from jail are recorded. Conversations with friends and family aren’t privileged. The only person you can speak with confidentially is your attorney.
Show up to all court dates. Missing a court date results in a warrant for your arrest and makes everything worse. If you’re working with us, we’ll make sure you know exactly when and where you need to be.
Common Questions About Hiring a Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney
What Our Clients Say
The true measure of a criminal defense firm isn’t found in awards alone. It’s found in the lives we’ve helped rebuild and the futures we’ve helped protect. Our clients come to us in their darkest moments, facing charges that threaten everything they’ve worked for. They leave with their freedom intact, their records clean, and their faith in the justice system restored.
We’ve defended cases that resulted in dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea agreements. We’ve helped professionals keep their licenses, parents maintain custody of their children, and immigrants avoid deportation. Most importantly, we’ve helped people move forward with their lives without the burden of criminal convictions defining their futures.
Why Varghese Summersett Is Dallas’s Top-Rated Criminal Defense Firm
When your life is on the line, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a team who will fight for your freedom with the same intensity you would fight for your own family.
Best DWI Firm in Dallas: Named by the Dallas Observer in its Best of Dallas Readers’ Choice Awards.
Four Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists: Anna Summersett, Benson Varghese, Letty Martinez, and Lisa Herrick. You’d be hard-pressed to find another criminal defense firm in Texas with so many certified specialists.
1,600+ Dismissals: Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve successfully defended clients against charges ranging from misdemeanors to capital murder.
800+ Charge Reductions: When dismissal isn’t possible, we fight to reduce charges and minimize consequences.
300+ Grand Jury No-Bills: We know how to present evidence that convinces grand juries not to indict.
550+ Jury Trials: Trial experience affects every aspect of how we handle your case. Prosecutors know we’re not afraid to fight.
100+ Years Combined Experience: Our team has spent more than a century in courtrooms across Texas.
Former Prosecutors: Many of our attorneys are former prosecutors who understand how the other side thinks and operates.
1,100+ Five-Star Reviews: Our clients consistently confirm what the legal industry knows: this firm delivers results.
Inc. 5000 Recognition: Named one of America’s fastest-growing private companies, giving us the infrastructure to handle complex, resource-intensive cases.
Contact a Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Every day you wait to secure experienced criminal defense representation is a day that the prosecution uses to build their case against you. Evidence disappears. Witnesses’ memories fade. Opportunities for early intervention are lost. The decisions you make in the next few hours and days will affect the rest of your life.
At Varghese Summersett, we understand that facing criminal charges is one of the most terrifying experiences of your life. We also understand that with the right defense team, even the most serious charges can be successfully defended. We’ve seen cases that seemed hopeless turn into victories. We’ve watched prosecutors’ strongest cases crumble under aggressive defense. We’ve seen clients walk out of courtrooms free when everyone else expected conviction.
We offer free consultations because we believe everyone deserves to understand their options before making decisions that will affect their future. During your consultation, we’ll review the charges against you, explain your options, and begin developing a strategy tailored to your specific situation. Most importantly, we’ll give you the honest assessment you need to make informed decisions about your case.
Your life is worth fighting for. Your future is worth protecting. Your freedom is worth defending.
Contact Varghese Summersett today for your free consultation. Let us show you why we’re the criminal defense team that Dallas trusts when everything is on the line. Because when your life hangs in the balance, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a team of fighters who will never give up on your case.
Call us now at 214-903-4000. Your future depends on it.
Located at 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 950, Dallas, Texas 75201.
Free initial consultations for all criminal defense matters.
Serving Dallas County and surrounding areas.
