Denton County Criminal Defense Attorney

The absolute necessity of a criminal defense attorney is woven into the very fabric of our nation’s origin. It is why we see the right to counsel referenced in the Sixth Amendment. As criminal defense attorneys, we ensure that the presumption of innocence is upheld and the the State is forced to stand up to its burden of providing proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The partners in the criminal division of Varghese Summersett are former prosecutors. We know how prosecutors put cases together, so we are adept at dismantling them. If you or a loved one is charged with a criminal offense in Denton County, give us a call. We are here to help.

Denton County Criminal Cases

Criminal cases are filed in Denton County based on the nature of the case. Felony cases are filed into one of eleven district courts. Misdemeanor cases are filed into one of five County Courts at Law. All of the criminal courts are located inside the Denton County Courts Building.

Court	Judge	Floor	Phone
16th District Court	Judge Sherry Shipman	3rd Floor	(940) 349-2310
158th District Court	Judge Steve Burgess	3rd Floor	(940) 349-2320
211th District Court	Judge Brody Shanklin	4th Floor	(940) 349-2330
362nd District Court	Judge Bruce McFarling	3rd Floor	(940) 349-2340
367th District Court	Judge Brent Hill	3rd Floor	(940) 349-2350
393rd District Court	Judge Karen Alexander	4th Floor	(940) 349-2360
431st District Court	Judge Jim Johnson	4th Floor	(940) 349-4370
442nd District Court	Judge Tiffany Haertling	4th Floor	(940) 349-4380
462nd District Court	Judge Lee Ann Breading	4th Floor	(940) 349-2110
467th District Court	Judge Derbha Jones	2nd Floor	(940) 349-4390
481st District Court	Judge Crystal Levonius	4th Floor	(940) 349-2270
County Criminal Court 1	Judge Lauri Ragland	1st Floor	(940) 349-2160
County Criminal Court 2	Judge Susan Piel	1st Floor	(940) 349-2170
County Criminal Court 3	Judge Forrest Beadle	2nd Floor	(940) 349-2180
County Criminal Court 4	Judge Chance Oliver	2nd Floor	(940) 349-2380
County Criminal Court 5	Judge Coby Waddill	2nd Floor	(940) 349-2190

Denton County Criminal Courts inside the Denton County Courthouse

Denton County’s criminal courts are housed within the Denton County Courts Building, located at 1450 E McKinney Street, Denton, TX 76209. The building accommodates both misdemeanor and felony courts, each designated to handle specific types of criminal cases. Completed in 1998, this modern courthouse was constructed to accommodate the county’s growing population and the increasing demands on its judicial services. It houses various district and county courts, including those handling criminal, civil, probate, and family law cases.

Meet Our Denton County Criminal Defense Attorney Team

At Varghese Summersett, our criminal defense lawyers understand that life can take unexpected turns, and even good people can face daunting legal challenges. Our team features board-certified criminal defense specialists like Benson Varghese, Anna Summersett, and Letty Martinez, whose expertise ensures every case is managed with the utmost professionalism. We are also proud to have board-certified juvenile specialist Lisa Herrick, dedicated to protecting the rights of younger clients facing the legal system. With experienced, award-winning attorneys and former prosecutors, we offer top-tier legal representation throughout North Texas and beyond, ensuring that every client receives compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy when they need it most.

Denton County Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Assault / Family Violence

We defend individuals accused of assault, domestic violence, or family violence, whether the case involves a misunderstanding, self-defense, or false accusations.

Computer Crimes

With technology-related offenses on the rise, we represent clients facing charges such as fraud, hacking, identity theft, and online solicitation of a minor.

Criminal Conduct & Aliens

We assist non-citizens facing criminal charges, helping them navigate the intersection of immigration and criminal law, which can have serious consequences on residency status.

Disorderly Conduct

From public intoxication to disturbing the peace, we defend individuals facing disorderly conduct charges and work toward minimizing penalties.

Domestic Violence & Assault

Allegations of domestic violence can lead to serious consequences, including protective orders and loss of parental rights. We fight to ensure our clients receive a fair trial.

Drug Charges

We defend individuals accused of possession, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking of illegal substances, working to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully.

DUI, DWI, Intoxication Assault, and Intoxication Manslaughter

Our team represents individuals charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI), challenging breathalyzer and field sobriety test results. We handle every level of intoxication offense from misdemeanor DWIs to felony DWIs, intoxication assault, and intoxication manslaughter.

Expunction and Nondisclosures

If you have a criminal record, we help seal or expunge eligible offenses, ensuring they don’t impact your future employment or housing opportunities.

Felony Charges

Felony offenses carry significant penalties, including prison time and lifelong consequences. We provide aggressive representation for clients facing serious criminal charges.

Firearm Offenses

From unlawful possession to weapons trafficking, we defend clients charged with firearm-related crimes, ensuring their Second Amendment rights are upheld.

Juvenile Charges / Juvenile Defense

We advocate for minors facing juvenile delinquency proceedings, aiming to secure rehabilitation-focused solutions instead of harsh penalties.

Misdemeanor Charges

Even misdemeanor offenses can have lasting effects. We represent clients charged with petty theft, minor drug possession, disorderly conduct, and more.

Probation Revocation & Violations

If you’re accused of violating probation, we work to prevent revocation and potential jail or prison time.

Sex Crimes

We defend individuals accused of sexual assault, indecent exposure, child pornography, and other sex-related offenses, working to protect their rights and reputation.

Theft Charges

Theft crimes range from shoplifting to grand larceny, and we fight to reduce penalties, negotiate plea deals, or secure dismissals.

Violent Crimes

Charges involving aggravated assault, homicide, manslaughter, or robbery carry severe consequences. We aggressively defend against these allegations.

Warrants

We assist clients in handling arrest warrants, bench warrants, and failure-to-appear cases, working to resolve matters before an arrest occurs.

White Collar Crimes

We defend individuals accused of fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, identity theft, and other financial crimes, offering strategic legal representation.

Clear and Free Case Evaluation with Varghese Summersett

At Varghese Summersett, we believe that an honest and thorough case evaluation is the foundation of a strong defense. That’s why we offer a free consultation to review the details of your case and provide a clear, realistic assessment of your legal options. When facing criminal charges, you need an attorney who will give you straightforward guidance—not empty promises or false hope. Our team carefully analyzes the evidence, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and outlines potential defense strategies, so you can make informed decisions about your next steps.

Without a transparent evaluation, it’s difficult to determine whether to seek a dismissal, negotiate a favorable plea, or take your case to trial. With years of experience as both prosecutors and defense attorneys, we understand how the system works and use that knowledge to our clients’ advantage. Our free consultation ensures that you get the information you need before making any decisions. At Varghese Summersett, we combine aggressive defense strategies with honest communication—protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.

Our Client-First Philosophy

When you turn to Varghese Summersett, you receive more than just legal representation—you gain a team dedicated to transparency and strategic defense. That’s why we:

• Offer free initial consultations to provide a clear, no-obligation assessment of your case.
• Give you an honest evaluation of your legal options, so you can make informed decisions.
• Analyze the evidence thoroughly to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Develop a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances to pursue the best possible outcome.
• Maintain open communication throughout the process, ensuring you understand every step.

Building a Strong Defense in Denton County with Varghese Summersett

Facing criminal charges can have a lasting impact on your life, but the right legal team can make all the difference. If you are under investigation or charged with a crime in Denton County, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will aggressively protect your rights. At Varghese Summersett, we are committed to providing top-tier representation and guiding you through the legal process with confidence.

Our firm is widely recognized across Texas for our success in handling complex state criminal cases. From misdemeanor charges like DWI, shoplifting, and drug possession to serious felonies such as homicide, sexual offenses, and white-collar crimes, we have the knowledge and experience to develop a powerful defense strategy tailored to your case.

Defending State and Federal Crimes

Most criminal offenses in Denton County fall under Texas state law, meaning they are prosecuted in state courts. These crimes include:

• Assault and Domestic Violence
• Drug Possession and Distribution
• DWI and Traffic-Related Offenses
• Theft, Burglary, and Robbery
• Sex Crimes and Homicide

While most cases remain at the state level, some crimes are prosecuted in federal court, particularly when they involve interstate commerce, national security, or federal programs. Common federal offenses include:

• White-collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion
• Drug trafficking across state lines
• Cybercrimes and identity theft
• Federal firearm violations

What Sets Varghese Summersett Apart?

When your future is at stake, you need a dedicated, knowledgeable, and highly skilled legal team on your side. At Varghese Summersett, we:

• Offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options
• Extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts
• Former prosecutors and board-certified defense attorneys focused on building the strongest defense possible
• Maintain open and honest communication, so you always know where your case stands
• Fight aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome

Contact Us Today for Immediate Help

If you or a loved one has been arrested or is under investigation in Denton County, don’t wait to seek legal counsel. The sooner you have an experienced defense attorney on your side, the better your chances of achieving a favorable result.

Your future is too important to leave to chance. At Varghese Summersett, we believe in providing straightforward guidance and aggressive defense from the very first conversation—all at no cost to you.