Why Choose Varghese Summersett for Your Denton County Criminal Case?
Varghese Summersett is one of the most experienced criminal defense firms serving Denton County. Our team of 10 attorneys has tried more than 750 criminal cases to verdict, including capital murder, sexual assault, and federal charges. Four of our lawyers hold board certification in criminal law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by less than 1 percent of Texas attorneys. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Denton County, call 817-203-2220 for a free consultation with a Denton County criminal defense attorney.
What Sets Our Denton County Defense Lawyers Apart?
Facing criminal charges in Denton County puts everything at risk: your job, your family, your reputation, and your freedom. We understand the fear and uncertainty you’re experiencing, and we’re here to help you through it.
Our Denton County criminal defense team operates differently than most firms. Every senior attorney is a former prosecutor who understands how the State builds cases and where those cases are vulnerable. We’ve spent years on both sides of the courtroom in Denton County, which means we know the judges, the prosecutors, and the procedures that can make or break your case.
We handle cases ranging from DWI and drug possession to capital murder and federal crimes. Whether you’re facing marijuana charges, assault allegations, or more serious offenses, our attorneys have secured acquittals, dismissals, and no-bills on cases that other firms wouldn’t touch.
Who Are the Attorneys on Our Denton County Defense Team?
Our criminal defense team includes 10 lawyers who bring more than 100 years of combined experience to your case. Four of our attorneys hold board certification in criminal law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization: Benson Varghese, Anna Summersett, Letty Martinez, and Lisa Herrick.
Board certification requires passing a rigorous examination, demonstrating substantial trial experience, and earning peer recognition for competence and ethics. Fewer than 1 percent of Texas attorneys achieve this distinction in any practice area.
Attorney Lisa Herrick also holds board certification in juvenile law. She is one of approximately 70 attorneys in Texas with this credential. This specialization proves essential when representing clients under 17 who face charges in the juvenile justice system, which operates under entirely different rules than adult court.
Our team serves clients throughout North Texas, including Denton, Collin, Tarrant, Dallas, Parker, Wise, Johnson, and Ellis Counties. We also maintain a Houston office serving Harris and Fort Bend Counties.
What Results Has Varghese Summersett Achieved in Denton County?
Several factors distinguish our firm from other criminal defense practices in Denton County.
Our trial experience runs deeper than most. We’ve tried more than 750 criminal cases to state and federal juries. Many defense attorneys settle cases because they lack courtroom experience. Prosecutors know which attorneys will actually go to trial. That knowledge shapes every negotiation.
Our track record includes acquittals and dismissals on cases involving murder, sexual assault, federal drug conspiracy, and other serious charges. We don’t guarantee outcomes because no ethical attorney can. But our results demonstrate what’s possible when experienced trial lawyers prepare a case properly.
We’ve earned recognition both individually and as a firm. Our awards include Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Entrepreneurs of Excellence, Law Firm of the Year, and Best Place to Work. More importantly, we’ve accumulated more than 1,100 five-star Google reviews from clients we’ve represented over the past decade.
Every case receives personalized attention. We listen to your story, answer your questions, and build a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. You’re not a case number to us. You’re a person whose future depends on the quality of your representation.
Watch: A Client Shares Their Experience
What Types of Criminal Cases Do We Handle in Denton County?
Our Denton County defense lawyers handle the full spectrum of criminal charges at both the state and federal level:
| Offense Category | Types of Charges We Handle |
|---|---|
| Violent Crimes | Homicide (manslaughter to capital murder), assault (misdemeanor to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon), family violence |
| Sex Offenses | Sexual assault, indecency with a child, improper relationships between educators and students |
| Drug Crimes | Drug possession, manufacturing, trafficking, marijuana charges |
| DWI & Intoxication | DWI, intoxication assault, intoxication manslaughter |
| Weapons Charges | Unlawful carrying, felon in possession, weapons in prohibited places |
| Property & Financial Crimes | Theft offenses, white collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement) |
| Juvenile & Gang Crimes | Juvenile crimes, gang-related charges |
We also help clients pursue diversion programs when available. These programs can result in charges being dismissed upon successful completion.
What Should You Do After an Arrest in Denton County?
The decisions you make immediately after an arrest in Denton County can dramatically affect your case outcome. Taking the right steps protects your rights and preserves your defense options.
Exercise your right to remain silent. Under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, you cannot be compelled to incriminate yourself. Politely decline to answer questions beyond providing basic identifying information. Tell officers you want to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.
Do not speak with law enforcement without your lawyer present. Investigators are trained to elicit incriminating statements. Even innocent explanations can be twisted or taken out of context. Anything you say will appear in police reports and can be used against you at trial.
Contact a Denton County criminal defense attorney immediately. Time matters in criminal cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and early intervention can sometimes prevent charges from being filed. An experienced attorney can begin protecting your interests from the first phone call.
Stay calm during the arrest process. Resisting arrest or acting aggressively creates additional charges and gives prosecutors more ammunition. Comply with officers’ instructions while clearly stating that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
Document everything you remember about the incident. Write down the events leading up to your arrest, what officers said and did, who witnessed the incident, and any other relevant details. Share this information only with your attorney.
Keep your case private. Do not discuss your arrest with friends, family members, or on social media. Prosecutors can subpoena witnesses and obtain social media records. Even well-meaning conversations can damage your defense. Remember that phone calls from the Denton County Jail are recorded and can be used as evidence.
How Does the Criminal Process Work in Denton County?
Criminal cases in Denton County proceed through several stages. Each stage presents opportunities for an experienced defense attorney to protect your rights and challenge the State’s case.
After arrest, you’ll appear before a magistrate who will inform you of the charges and set bond. For felony cases, the State must present evidence to a grand jury, which decides whether to issue an indictment. Misdemeanor cases proceed directly to arraignment, where you enter a plea.
The discovery phase allows your attorney to review the evidence against you. This includes police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and any video or audio recordings. Your attorney will file pretrial motions challenging improper evidence, unconstitutional searches, or other legal violations.
Many cases resolve through plea negotiations before trial. An experienced defense attorney knows how to leverage weaknesses in the State’s case to secure favorable outcomes. When the State’s offer is unacceptable, we’re prepared to take your case to a jury.
What Are the Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Texas?
Texas classifies criminal offenses by severity. The potential penalties increase significantly with each classification level. Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 12, the punishment ranges are:
| Offense Level | Jail/Prison Time | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class C Misdemeanor | No jail time | $500 |
| Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in county jail | $2,000 |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in county jail | $4,000 |
| State Jail Felony | 180 days to 2 years in state jail | $10,000 |
| Third Degree Felony | 2 to 10 years in prison | $10,000 |
| Second Degree Felony | 2 to 20 years in prison | $10,000 |
| First Degree Felony | 5 to 99 years or life in prison | $10,000 |
| Capital Felony | Life without parole or death | N/A |
Beyond incarceration and fines, felony convictions carry severe collateral consequences. These include loss of voting rights while incarcerated, loss of firearm possession rights, difficulty finding employment, and ineligibility for certain professional licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Denton County
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Denton County?
Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of your case, the severity of charges, and the amount of work required. Misdemeanor cases typically cost less than felonies. Cases going to trial require more preparation than those resolved through negotiation. We provide transparent fee quotes during your initial consultation so you understand the investment required to defend your case properly.
Can charges be dropped before trial in Denton County?
Yes. An experienced defense attorney can present evidence to prosecutors demonstrating weaknesses in their case. This can result in dismissed or reduced charges. We’ve secured dismissals on cases ranging from DWI to murder by conducting thorough investigations and presenting compelling evidence before trial.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Texas?
Under the Texas Penal Code, misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines up to $4,000. Felonies are more serious crimes punishable by state prison time ranging from 180 days to life, depending on the degree. Felony convictions also carry more severe collateral consequences, including loss of voting rights and firearm possession rights.
Should I accept a plea deal or go to trial?
This decision depends on the strength of the evidence against you, the potential consequences of conviction, and your personal circumstances. Your attorney should explain the risks and benefits of each option. We never pressure clients to accept deals. If the State’s offer doesn’t serve your interests, we’re prepared to fight at trial.
How long does a criminal case take in Denton County?
Case timelines vary significantly. Simple misdemeanors may resolve in weeks. Complex felonies can take a year or more, especially if the case goes to trial. Factors affecting timeline include the court’s docket, the complexity of evidence, and whether pretrial motions require hearings.
What courts handle criminal cases in Denton County?
Denton County has multiple courts that handle criminal matters. Justice of the Peace courts handle Class C misdemeanors. County Courts at Law handle Class A and B misdemeanors. District Courts handle all felony cases. The specific court assignment depends on the classification of your charges.
Contact Our Denton County Defense Lawyers Today
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Denton County, the clock is already running. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can forget, and delays can limit your options. Contact our team today to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
Our Denton County criminal defense attorneys are available to take your call right now. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your options. You’ll speak directly with an experienced attorney who can begin protecting your rights immediately.
Call 817-203-2220 today. Your future is too important to trust to anyone less than the best.
