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Dallas Criminal Defense Attorneys at Varghese Summersett

The Dallas Criminal Defense Attorneys at Varghese Summersett are known for the work they put into cases before they get to the courtroom, and their exceptional results inside the courtroom. Varghese Summersett is one of the most credentialed criminal defense firms in Dallas, with more than 1,600 dismissals, 800 charge reductions, 300 grand jury no-bills, and 550 jury trials. If you are facing criminal charges in Dallas County, our attorneys know the prosecutors, the judges, and the courtrooms where your case will be heard.

If you've been arrested in Dallas County, the decisions you make in the next few days will shape everything that follows. With five Board Certified attorneys, former prosecutors on staff, and a team of 70+ legal professionals, we have the firepower to fight charges ranging from misdemeanor DWI to federal conspiracy. The Dallas Observer named us the "Best DWI Firm in Dallas," and our clients have left more than 1,100 five-star Google reviews. When your future is on the line, you need attorneys who have proven they can win.

Many of our attorneys are former prosecutors who spent years on the other side of the courtroom, learning how Dallas County builds cases, evaluates evidence, and makes charging decisions. That insider knowledge translates directly into sharper trial strategies and stronger plea negotiations. We've also been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, a reflection of the infrastructure and resources we bring to complex, high-stakes cases.

BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS & EXPERIENCED TRIAL ATTORNEYS

Anna Summersett

ANNA SUMMERSETT

PARTNER · BOARD CERTIFIED IN CRIMINAL LAW

Anna Summersett is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and co-founder of the firm. A former prosecutor, she brings decades of courtroom experience to complex felony defense, including capital murder, serious drug offenses, and white collar cases. She has tried hundreds of cases to verdict and is widely recognized as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Texas.

Benson Varghese

BENSON VARGHESE

MANAGING PARTNER · BOARD CERTIFIED IN CRIMINAL LAW

Benson Varghese is Managing Partner and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist recognized by Best Lawyers in America® and Texas Monthly’s Super Lawyers. He represents clients in complex felony cases, including murder, federal drug conspiracies, and financial crimes, and has tried cases across the state of Texas.

Letty Martinez

LETTY MARTINEZ

PARTNER · BOARD CERTIFIED IN CRIMINAL LAW

Letty Martinez is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and one of the few attorneys in Texas to hold this distinction. A former Tarrant County prosecutor, she has extensive trial experience in felony cases and is known for her tenacious advocacy and deep knowledge of local courts and prosecutors.

Mike Hanson

MIKE HANSON

SENIOR COUNSEL · BOARD CERTIFIED IN JUVENILE LAW

Mike Hanson is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has dedicated his career to representing juveniles in the Texas juvenile justice system, from misdemeanor offenses to capital murder. His specialized certification and courtroom experience make him one of the most sought-after juvenile defense attorneys in Texas.

Lisa Herrick

LISA HERRICK

PARTNER · BOARD CERTIFIED IN JUVENILE LAW

Lisa Herrick is Board Certified in Juvenile Law and a Partner at Varghese Summersett. She has spent her career advocating for young clients in the juvenile justice system, handling everything from minor offenses to serious felony charges. Her certification and experience give clients a distinct advantage in Dallas County’s juvenile courts.

Meet the Entire Varghese Summersett Team →

Our Reviews: What Past Clients Have to Say

Free Consultation Call (214) 903-4000 Get Directions
550+
Jury Trials
1,600+
Dismissals
5
Board Certified
1,100+
5-Star Reviews

Why Choose Varghese Summersett?

01

Board Certified Specialists — Unmatched in Dallas

Varghese Summersett has five attorneys who have earned Board Certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization — an achievement held by fewer than 10% of Texas lawyers in any specialty. Three are Board Certified in Criminal Law: Benson Varghese, Anna Summersett, and Letty Martinez. Two are Board Certified in Juvenile Law: Lisa Herrick and Mike Hanson. No other Dallas criminal defense firm can match this concentration of certified expertise. When your freedom is on the line, that distinction matters.

02

Former Prosecutors on Your Side

Many of our attorneys are former prosecutors who spent years on the other side of the courtroom, learning how Dallas County builds cases, evaluates evidence, and makes charging decisions. That insider knowledge translates directly into sharper trial strategies and stronger plea negotiations.

03

Minutes from the Dallas Courthouse

Our office at 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 950 is located in the heart of downtown Dallas, minutes from the Dallas County courthouse and the federal courthouse. Our attorneys are in these buildings every day — they know every judge's preferences, every prosecutor's tendencies, and every hallway where your case will be decided.

04

Award-Winning Recognition

Named "Best DWI Firm in Dallas" by the Dallas Observer. Named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. Multiple attorneys listed in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. Over 1,100 five-star Google reviews from real clients across Dallas County.

05

Resources to Fight Your Case

With 70+ team members, we have the infrastructure to handle cases properly. Dedicated investigators, experienced paralegals, and the technology to review voluminous discovery efficiently. Over 550 jury trials. More than 1,600 dismissals. Over 300 grand jury no-bills. The track record confirms the approach works.

We Know Dallas County

64,136 bonds analyzed from Dallas County

Most law firms tell you they know the local courts. We prove it. Varghese Summersett conducted an extensive analysis of over 64,136 bonds set in Dallas County. Understanding bond patterns helps us serve clients better — when someone calls from jail, we can tell them realistically what bond to expect based on actual Dallas County data, not guesswork.

Offense Category Typical Bond Range Most Common Bond
DWI (First Offense) $500 – $2,500 $500
DWI (Second Offense) $2,500 – $5,000 $2,500
DWI (Third or More) $10,000 – $50,000 $25,000
Drug Possession (PG 1, Under 1g) $5,000 – $15,000 $5,000
Marijuana Possession (Under 2 oz) $500 – $1,000 $500
Assault (Family Violence) $1,500 – $5,000 $5,000
Aggravated Assault (Deadly Weapon) $25,000 – $100,000 $50,000
Aggravated Robbery $50,000 – $150,000 $100,000
Sexual Offenses $25,000 – $100,000 $50,000
Murder and Homicide $500,000 – $1,500,000+ $1,000,000

Texas offers several types of bonds, including cash bonds, surety bonds, and personal recognizance bonds. The amount and type depend on the charges, your criminal history, and your ties to the community. We often succeed in getting bonds reduced or securing personal recognizance bonds that allow our clients to return home without posting cash.

Why This Bond Data Matters +

Understanding bond patterns helps us serve clients better. When someone calls from jail at 2 AM, we can tell them realistically what bond to expect based on actual Dallas County data, not guesswork. We know which magistrates tend toward lower bonds, which grant personal bonds more frequently, and how bond amounts have shifted throughout the year. This knowledge translates into better advice and faster release times for our clients.

What to Expect If You Have a Criminal Case in Dallas County

Dallas County processes tens of thousands of criminal cases each year. The district attorney's office employs hundreds of prosecutors whose sole job is securing convictions. They have teams of investigators, lab technicians, and years of experience building cases against people in your situation. Walking into a Dallas courtroom without experienced legal representation means 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 visible 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 a decade from now.

What Must the Prosecution Prove in a Dallas Criminal Case?

In every criminal case in Texas, the prosecution carries the entire burden of proof. The defendant is presumed innocent and has no obligation to prove anything. To secure a conviction, the State must prove every element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt — the highest standard of proof in the American legal system.

Each criminal offense under the Texas Penal Code contains specific elements the prosecution must establish. Effective criminal defense targets specific elements. If the State cannot prove you acted intentionally, the charge fails. If the evidence was obtained through an illegal search, it can be suppressed. If a witness lacks credibility, the prosecution's case weakens. Our attorneys identify the weakest links in every case and build defense strategies around them.

What Are the Penalties for Criminal Charges in Dallas County?

Misdemeanor Penalties

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

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.

The Numbers That Matter: Over 550 jury trials. More than 1,600 case dismissals. Over 300 grand jury no-bills. Over 1,100 five-star Google reviews. These numbers represent real people who kept their freedom, their jobs, and their futures because of the work done in this office.

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I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney for a Misdemeanor or Felony Charge in Texas

A criminal charge in Texas — whether a misdemeanor or a felony — puts your freedom, your record, your career, and your reputation at risk. The moment charges are filed, the state’s machinery begins working against you. Prosecutors are trained litigators whose entire job is to build the strongest possible case for conviction. They have investigators, forensic labs, law enforcement resources, and institutional experience on their side. You need an advocate who will stand up to those seemingly limitless resources — someone who not only makes sure you get a fair shot but who fights aggressively for the best possible outcome at every stage of your case.

A skilled criminal defense attorney reviews every piece of evidence, challenges what can be challenged, negotiates from a position of strength, and prepares every case as if it is going to trial. That preparation is what produces results — whether that means a dismissal, a reduction, or a not-guilty verdict.

What We Do During Investigations — Before an Arrest Is Even Made

Some of the most important work we do happens before charges are ever filed. If an investigator has reached out to you, if an allegation has been made, or if you have reason to believe you are under investigation, contacting us immediately can change the trajectory of your case entirely. We intervene early — assessing whether there is a pathway to avoid an arrest altogether, communicating strategically with law enforcement on your behalf, and protecting you from the mistakes that derail cases before they even begin.

Detectives are trained to gather evidence, and they use tactics that can work against you if you are unrepresented. Voluntary conversations, polygraph requests, and informal interviews are tools investigators use to build cases — not to help you. We advise clients on what to share and what not to share, and we shield them from being maneuvered into statements that can be used against them later.

We also protect clients from a less-discussed threat: individuals who threaten to go to law enforcement — not because they have a legitimate complaint, but to extort money or leverage from someone who may not have done anything wrong. If someone is threatening you with a criminal allegation to get something from you, we can help you navigate that situation strategically and legally.

Walking Your Family Through the Process

An arrest doesn’t just affect the person charged — it affects everyone who loves them. We walk families through every step: how and when bonds are set in Dallas County, what to expect at the magistration hearing, what the bond conditions mean, when their loved one is likely to be released, and what comes next. We answer the questions families are afraid to ask and make sure no one is left in the dark during one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.

What Defense Strategies Work in Dallas Criminal Cases?

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?

Asserting 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.

Grand Jury Representation: In felony cases, prosecutors must present evidence to a grand jury before formal charges are filed. With more than 300 grand jury no-bills to our credit, we know 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. With 550 jury trials behind us, prosecutors know we’re not afraid to fight, and that strengthens every negotiation.

Aggressive Defense in Court When It Comes to That

When a case goes to court, we are ready. Our attorneys have tried over 550 jury trials. We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge the state’s witnesses, cross-examine law enforcement, retain expert witnesses when needed, and present the strongest possible defense to the jury. We do not back down because the prosecution has more resources. We outwork them.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Arrested in Dallas?

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.

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.

Board Certified in Criminal Law: What It Means for Your Case. Board Certification isn’t just a title. It designates these attorneys as legal experts in criminal defense under Texas law. They have demonstrated substantial experience, passed rigorous specialty examinations, maintained continuous legal education, and earned peer recognition for their competence and ethics. When you hire a Board Certified criminal defense lawyer, you’re hiring someone the State Bar of Texas has verified as an expert — not merely a practitioner who handles criminal cases among other work.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Criminal Defense in Dallas

What should I do immediately after being arrested in Dallas? +

Invoke your right to remain silent and clearly request an attorney. Do not try to explain your way out of the situation. Anything you say will be used against you, even statements you believe are helpful. Contact a defense attorney immediately so your rights are protected and your defense begins before charges are formally filed.

Should I talk to police if they say they just want to clear things up? +

No. Police questioning is designed to build a case against you, not to help you. Even if officers seem friendly, their job is to gather evidence for prosecution. Let your attorney handle all communication with law enforcement.

How long does a criminal case take in Dallas County? +

Simple misdemeanors might resolve in a few months. Complex felonies can take a year or more. Federal cases often extend beyond a year due to their complexity. Early intervention by an experienced attorney can speed the process and lead to better outcomes.

Can criminal charges be removed from my record in Texas? +

Texas law allows for expunctions and orders of non-disclosure that can remove or seal certain charges from your record. Eligibility depends on the outcome of your case and the specific charges involved.

How much does a Dallas criminal defense attorney cost? +

We offer transparent flat fees and flexible payment plans because financial concerns shouldn’t prevent you from getting quality representation. The cost of an experienced attorney is often far less than the long-term consequences of inadequate representation. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide transparent information about expected costs.

At Home in Dallas

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.

The building is easily accessible via I-35E and the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, with DART stations within walking distance. Underground parking and street parking are available. 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.

2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 950, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: (214) 903-4000

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Dallas Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Experienced criminal defense attorneys serving Dallas County

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