Denton County Criminal Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Denton County, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side immediately. The attorneys at Varghese Summersett have deep roots in Denton County’s courts and a track record of fighting charges at every level — from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Why Denton County Residents Trust Varghese Summersett

Varghese Summersett is one of the most decorated criminal defense firms in North Texas. The firm’s criminal defense team includes three Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists — Benson Varghese, Anna Summersett, and Letty Martinez — along with two Board Certified Juvenile Law Specialists: Lisa Herrick and Mike Hanson. Board certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization is the highest credential a Texas attorney can earn in their practice area. It requires demonstrated experience, peer evaluation, and passing a rigorous exam.

The firm as a whole has secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800+ charge reductions for clients across Texas. With over 100 years of combined experience, a team of 70+ legal professionals, and offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Southlake, and Houston, Varghese Summersett brings serious firepower to Denton County cases.

Associate attorney Ashley Feldt, a former Assistant District Attorney in Denton County, knows firsthand how the Denton County District Attorney’s Office evaluates cases and makes charging decisions. That prosecutorial insight is a powerful advantage for clients facing charges in this county.

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What People Charged With Crimes in Denton County Ask Us

Every situation is different, but most people who call us have the same urgent questions. Here are the ones we hear most often — and the honest answers.

Will I go to jail?

That depends on the charge, your prior record, and the strength of the evidence. Many first-time offenders qualify for diversion programs, deferred adjudication, or probation. Even people with prior convictions have options. The key is having a lawyer who knows the Denton County system and understands how to present your case in the best possible light — from the earliest stages.

What happens if I just take the plea deal the DA offers?

You may be leaving a much better outcome on the table. Prosecutors make initial offers without always knowing the full picture. An experienced defense attorney can investigate, find weaknesses in the State’s case, and negotiate — or take the case to trial if necessary. A conviction has consequences that follow you long after the sentence ends.

Can my case be dismissed?

Yes. Cases get dismissed for many reasons: insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, witness problems, lab errors, or prosecutorial discretion. The path to dismissal starts with a thorough review of every piece of the State’s case. Our team examines arrest reports, body camera footage, lab results, and witness statements looking for the openings that make dismissals possible.

What charges are most common in Denton County?

Based on our analysis of Denton County bond data, DWI and intoxication offenses are the most frequently filed charges in the county, followed by assault, drug offenses, and theft. Our firm handles all of these. Visit our specific practice pages for Denton County DWI, drug crimes, assault, and sexual assault for charge-specific information.

How Texas Criminal Law Works: What the State Must Prove

The foundation of every criminal case is the same: the burden of proof rests entirely on the State of Texas. You have no obligation to prove your innocence — not one word, one document, or one witness. The prosecution must convince a judge or jury that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. That is the highest standard in the American legal system.

Under the Texas Penal Code § 1.07, a criminal offense is established when the State proves, beyond a reasonable doubt, that a person engaged in conduct that satisfies every element of the charged offense. The elements vary by charge, but in every case, the State carries the full weight of that proof. A reasonable doubt about any element of the offense is sufficient for an acquittal.

This means a defense attorney’s job is not to prove you didn’t do it — it’s to hold the State to its burden. Skilled defense attorneys challenge witnesses, challenge evidence, challenge procedures, and force prosecutors to prove every element they allege. When the State falls short on any single element, the defendant wins.

Classification of Offenses in Texas

Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 12, criminal offenses are classified by severity, which determines the range of punishment:

• Class C Misdemeanor: Fine only, up to $500
• Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in county jail, up to $2,000 fine
• Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail, up to $4,000 fine
• State Jail Felony: 180 days to 2 years in state jail, up to $10,000 fine
• Third Degree Felony: 2 to 10 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine
• Second Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine
• First Degree Felony: 5 to 99 years or life in prison, up to $10,000 fine

These ranges are starting points. Prior convictions, use of a weapon, victim characteristics, and other enhancement factors can elevate a charge to the next level — sometimes dramatically. The sooner you have an attorney reviewing the facts, the more options you have.

The Consequences Go Beyond the Sentence

A criminal conviction doesn’t end when you serve your sentence. In Texas, the consequences follow you for years — sometimes permanently. Felony convictions strip your right to vote, own firearms, and in many cases end professional licenses. Even misdemeanor convictions appear on background checks and can cost you jobs, housing, and educational opportunities. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, certain convictions can trigger deportation proceedings.

This is why it matters so much to fight charges from the beginning — not just accept the first offer and move on. The “easy” plea today can mean a lifetime of consequences tomorrow.

Bond Amounts in Denton County

Based on an analysis Varghese Summersett completed of over 12,937 bonds set in Denton County in 2025, here is an overview of how bond amounts typically break down by offense category:

Offense Category	Total Cases	Most Common Bond
DWI and Intoxication Offenses	2,539	$2,500
Assault and Violence	1,986	$2,500
Drug Offenses	1,816	$2,500
Theft and Property Crimes	1,537	$5,000
Obstruction of Justice	1,485	$2,500
Weapons Offenses	437	$2,500
Family Violence	327	$5,000
Murder and Homicide	22	$500,000

These figures reflect what judges actually set in Denton County courtrooms — not hypothetical amounts. Actual bond in any individual case will depend on the specific charge, prior criminal history, flight risk, and public safety considerations. If a loved one is in custody, call us immediately. We can advise you on bond reduction motions and next steps.

Common Defenses in Denton County Criminal Cases

There is no one-size-fits-all defense in criminal law. The right strategy depends entirely on the facts of your case, the evidence the State has, and the charge itself. But here are the most common categories of defenses our attorneys use to challenge criminal charges in Denton County.

Challenging the Stop or Arrest

The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement stopped you without reasonable suspicion or arrested you without probable cause, any evidence gathered after that point may be suppressed. A suppression of key evidence can collapse the State’s case entirely.

Challenging the Evidence

Evidence can be tainted, mishandled, or simply wrong. Lab results can have errors. Surveillance footage can be misidentified. Witness memories are unreliable. Our attorneys dig into how the State gathered and handled every piece of evidence to find vulnerabilities before the case reaches a courtroom.

Challenging Witness Credibility

Witnesses lie, misremember, and have their own motives. Cross-examination is one of the most powerful tools in a defense attorney’s arsenal. Our trial lawyers know how to expose inconsistencies, bias, and prior misconduct that undermine a witness’s credibility with a jury.

Affirmative Defenses

Some cases involve recognized defenses under Texas law, including self-defense, defense of others, necessity, duress, or lack of mental state required to commit the offense. These defenses admit some conduct occurred but argue the law does not hold you criminally responsible for it.

Negotiating From Strength

Not every case goes to trial. When the facts and law support it, our attorneys negotiate with Denton County prosecutors to get charges reduced, deferred, or dismissed outright. Having attorneys who know the courts and the players — and who are genuinely prepared to go to trial — puts real leverage behind those negotiations.

A Real Case Result in Denton County

In one Denton County Case, a client was charged with DWI with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.15 — a Class A misdemeanor carrying steeper penalties than a standard DWI. We successfully negotiated a reduction to a standard DWI charge, with a sentence of 120 days in jail and 12 months of probation, avoiding the enhanced punishment range entirely. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

How a Criminal Case Moves Through Denton County’s Courts

Knowing what to expect at each stage reduces anxiety and helps you make smarter decisions. Here is how most Denton County criminal cases unfold.

Arrest and Initial Appearance

After an arrest, you’ll appear before a magistrate for a bond hearing, typically within 24 to 48 hours. The magistrate sets bond based on the offense, your background, and flight risk. This is one of the earliest opportunities for your attorney to advocate for you — and for many clients, getting out of custody quickly is the top priority.

The District Attorney’s Office Reviews the Case

The Denton County District Attorney’s Office reviews the arrest and decides whether to file charges, reject the case, or present it to a grand jury for felony indictment. Having an attorney involved before charges are filed can sometimes prevent a case from moving forward at all.

Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions

Your attorney obtains all the evidence the State intends to use, including police reports, witness statements, lab results, and body camera footage. This is where cases are often won. Pre-trial motions can challenge the legality of evidence, seek to exclude prejudicial statements, or raise constitutional issues that could result in the case being reduced or dismissed.

Plea Negotiations or Trial

Many cases resolve through negotiation. When the State’s evidence is strong, securing a fair plea may be the best result. When it isn’t, trial is the answer. Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers — not just negotiators — which gives our clients real options at every stage.

Cases are heard at the Denton County Courts Building at 1450 E. McKinney Street in Denton. Felony cases are handled in the district courts; misdemeanors are handled in county courts at law. Knowing how each court operates is part of what makes local experience so valuable.

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

When you hire Varghese Summersett, you’re not hiring a general-purpose law firm that dabbles in criminal defense. This is a dedicated criminal defense team with a culture built around results and transparency.

From day one, you’ll know who is handling your case and how to reach them. You’ll receive regular updates. You’ll have access to attorneys who have stood where prosecutors stand and know how they think. Our team includes former Denton County prosecutors — including Ashley Feldt, who served as an Assistant District Attorney in Denton County before joining the firm.

The firm’s criminal defense lawyers have tried cases ranging from first DWIs to capital murder. The breadth of that experience means that whatever you’re facing, someone on this team has seen it before and knows how to respond. Our Denton County criminal defense team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, because criminal emergencies don’t wait for business hours.

If you’re facing charges, the worst thing you can do is wait. Evidence gets lost. Witnesses’ memories fade. Surveillance footage gets overwritten. The people who get the best outcomes are the ones who act immediately. Reach out today for a free consultation with a Denton County criminal lawyer who will tell you exactly where you stand.

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Watch: Should You Talk to Police After an Arrest?

One of the most important decisions you’ll make after an arrest is whether to speak to law enforcement. Watch this short video from a Varghese Summersett defense attorney before you say a word.

Should You Talk to Police? A Texas Defense Attorney Explains

For more videos covering Denton County criminal defense topics, visit our Denton County criminal defense video playlist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly should I hire a criminal defense lawyer in Denton County?

Immediately. The moment you know you’re under investigation or have been arrested, you should have an attorney. Evidence can be gathered and preserved early. Your attorney can communicate with law enforcement on your behalf, preventing you from making statements that hurt your case. The sooner you act, the more options you have.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Texas?

Misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by county jail time of up to one year and fines. Felonies carry potential prison sentences ranging from 180 days in state jail up to life in prison. Both can appear on your permanent record and carry lasting consequences, but felony convictions carry far heavier collateral effects — including loss of voting rights, firearm rights, and many professional licenses.

Can I get a criminal charge expunged in Texas?

In some circumstances, yes. Texas law allows expunction of certain arrests that did not result in conviction, as well as cases that were dismissed, no-billed by a grand jury, or where the statute of limitations expired. If you were placed on deferred adjudication, you may qualify for an Order of Nondisclosure rather than full expunction. The rules are specific and eligibility depends heavily on the charge type and outcome. An attorney can evaluate your record and tell you what’s possible.

What happens if I miss a court date in Denton County?

A warrant will be issued for your arrest, and your bond may be forfeited. Courts treat failures to appear seriously. If you miss a court date for any reason, contact an attorney immediately. In some cases, an attorney can arrange a voluntary surrender and bond in a way that avoids the most serious consequences of a missed appearance.

Does Varghese Summersett handle cases in all Denton County courts?

Yes. Our attorneys handle misdemeanor cases in the County Courts at Law and felony cases in the District Courts, all located at the Denton County Courts Building.

Charged with a crime in Denton County? Don’t face the Denton County District Attorney’s Office alone. The attorneys at Varghese Summersett are available around the clock — call (940) 252-2220 for a free, confidential consultation with a Denton County criminal lawyer who will tell you exactly what you’re up against and what can be done about it.