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.
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Why Should You Hire Our Criminal Defense Attorney in Dallas?
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.
Having the right defense attorney means someone who can investigate the facts, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and negotiate from a position of strength. With 550 jury trials behind us, prosecutors know we don’t bluff. Our track record of 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions demonstrates that aggressive, knowledgeable defense produces results.
Talk to a lawyer before you speak to police. Call 214-903-4000 for a free consultation.
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. For example, to convict someone of assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.01, the State must prove the defendant intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused bodily injury to another person. If any single element cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury must return a not guilty verdict.
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 Criminal Cases Does Varghese Summersett Handle in Dallas?
We defend clients against the full spectrum of criminal charges under the Texas Penal Code and federal law. Every case is unique, and we develop tailored defense strategies based on the specific facts, evidence, and circumstances of your situation.
Dallas DWI Defense
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 with the right attorney. 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, including a permanent criminal record, license suspension, increased insurance rates, and potential job loss.
Our approach focuses on challenging the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath or blood test procedures. Officers make mistakes. Lab technicians make mistakes. When we find those errors, we use them to protect our clients. Felony DWI charges carry much more serious consequences, including potential prison time. DWI with a child passenger is automatically charged as a felony and can result in Child Protective Services involvement.
Dallas Assault and Violent Crime Defense
Assault charges in Dallas range from Class C misdemeanors for minor contact to first-degree felonies for aggravated assault causing serious injury under Texas Penal Code § 22.01. 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.
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. Domestic violence cases present unique challenges because they can affect child custody, divorce proceedings, and your ability to remain in your own home.
Dallas Drug Crime Defense
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. Our approach begins with investigating how the evidence was obtained. The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches, and police officers often push constitutional boundaries. We examine every traffic stop, search warrant, and consent to search for violations that can result in suppressed evidence and dismissed charges.
Dallas White Collar and Fraud Defense
White collar crimes often involve successful professionals who never imagined they’d need a criminal defense attorney. Embezzlement charges often arise from misunderstandings about authority or accounting errors. We work with forensic accountants to reconstruct financial records and demonstrate that what appears to be theft was actually authorized conduct. Our approach recognizes that these cases are frequently built on circumstantial evidence and interpretations of intent.
Dallas Sex Crime Defense
Sex crime allegations carry not just lengthy prison sentences but also lifetime sex offender registration. Sexual assault cases often come down to credibility battles. We conduct thorough investigations, examine all physical evidence, and challenge inconsistencies in witness statements. Online solicitation cases raise questions about entrapment and digital evidence reliability.
Additional Criminal Defense Services
Beyond our major practice areas, we handle the full spectrum of criminal charges. 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 firm has two Board Certified Juvenile Law Specialists who understand that young people make mistakes, and our goal is to ensure those mistakes don’t define their futures. Expungement services help clients clear their records and move forward with their lives.
Protect your rights and your record. Schedule a free consultation at 214-903-4000.
What Are the 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
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.
These are statutory ranges. Actual sentences depend on the facts of your case, your criminal history, and the skill of your defense attorney.
What Are Typical Bond Amounts in Dallas County?
Based on an analysis Varghese Summersett completed of over 64,136 bonds in Dallas County:
| 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.
What Defense Strategies Work in Dallas Criminal Cases?
Every case is different, but effective criminal defense typically involves one or more 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.
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. We’ve won cases by proving that traffic stops were illegal, confessions were coerced, and 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 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. 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. With 550 jury trials behind us, prosecutors know we’re not afraid to fight, and that strengthens every negotiation.
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, 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.
Don’t wait. Get a free consultation at 214-903-4000.
What to Expect From Varghese Summersett
When you hire Varghese Summersett, you get a full team of legal professionals working on your case, not a solo practitioner trying to juggle too many files. From your first call, we move quickly. We review the charges against you, explain your options, and begin developing a strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Our criminal defense division includes five Board Certified attorneys. Three are Board Certified in Criminal Law: Benson Varghese, Anna Summersett, and Letty Martinez. Fewer than 10 percent of Texas attorneys who practice criminal law earn this certification. Two additional attorneys, Lisa Herrick and Mike Hanson, are Board Certified in Juvenile Law, making our firm one of the few in Texas with specialists in both adult and juvenile criminal defense.
Many of our attorneys are former prosecutors. They spent years on the other side of the courtroom, learning how the system works from the inside. That experience gives us a tactical advantage in plea negotiations and at trial. We’ve also been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, which reflects the infrastructure and resources we bring to complex, high-stakes cases.
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.
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Conveniently Located in Downtown 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Criminal Defense
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.
Dallas Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Experienced criminal defense attorneys serving Dallas County
Main Pages
Assault & Violent Crimes
Sex Crimes
DWI & Intoxication
Drug Crimes
Theft & Property
Fraud & White Collar
Weapons
Other Offenses
Expunction & Record Clearing
Facing charges in Dallas? Get a free consultation.
Contact Our Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Every day you wait to secure experienced criminal defense representation is a day the prosecution uses to build their case against you. Evidence disappears. Witnesses’ memories fade. Opportunities for early intervention are lost.
We offer free consultations because everyone deserves to understand their options before making decisions that affect their future. During your consultation, we’ll review the charges against you, explain your options, and begin developing a strategy tailored to your situation.
Your life is worth fighting for. Your future is worth protecting. Your freedom is worth defending.
Located at 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 950, Dallas, Texas 75201. Free initial consultations for all criminal defense matters. Serving Dallas County and surrounding areas.
