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Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer | Board Certified Specialists | Varghese Summersett Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer | Varghese Summersett

FORT WORTH
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
LAWYER

Board Certified Criminal Specialists

Former Prosecutors

Our Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer Team

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, or are under investigation, who you hire matters. Our team is made up of criminal practitioners who have put decades into honing their craft. We are home to five Board Certified specialists in criminal law — three Board Certified in Criminal Law specifically and two Board Certified in Juvenile Law. This is the highest designation afforded to lawyers in Texas who handle these cases, held by fewer than 10% of Texas attorneys in any specialty.

All of our partners in the criminal division have served as prosecutors previously — specifically in Tarrant County. We came up in the ranks alongside the current judges. We are in these courtrooms every day.

Varghese Summersett is located at 300 Throckmorton Street in downtown Fort Worth, just two blocks from the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center and seven blocks from the Eldon B. Mahon Federal Courthouse. When you're facing criminal charges in Tarrant County, proximity to the courthouse matters. Our attorneys walk to court. They know what every judge is looking for, the weaknesses of every prosecutor, and every hallway in the buildings where your case will be decided.

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 Tarrant County.

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 Tarrant County’s juvenile courts.

Meet the Entire Varghese Summersett Team →

Our Reviews: What Past Clients Have to Say

700+
Jury Trials
1,600+
Dismissals
5
Board Certified
1,100+
5-Star Reviews

Why Choose Varghese Summersett?

01

Board Certified Specialists — Unmatched in Fort Worth

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 Fort Worth 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

All of our criminal division partners served as prosecutors in Tarrant County. They know how the other side builds cases, which arguments land with local juries, and how individual prosecutors approach negotiations. That dual perspective catches things single-track defense attorneys miss.

03

Two Blocks from the Courthouse

Our office at 300 Throckmorton Street sits two blocks from the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center. Our attorneys walk to court. They know every judge's preferences, every prosecutor's tendencies, and every hallway where your case will be decided. This isn't just convenient — it's strategic.

04

Award-Winning Recognition

Named to Best Law Firms for Criminal Defense in Dallas/Fort Worth in 2022, 2023, and 2026. Designated "Top Listed in Fort Worth – Criminal Defense" by Best Lawyers. Multiple attorneys listed in Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and Fort Worth Magazine's Top Attorneys. Fort Worth Chamber Small Business of the Year 2023.

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 700 jury trials. More than 1,600 dismissals. Over 1,100 five-star Google reviews. The track record confirms the approach works.

Varghese Summersett Team

We Know Tarrant County

52,320 bonds analyzed from January–December 2025

Most law firms tell you they know the local courts. We prove it. Varghese Summersett conducted an extensive analysis of 52,320 bonds set in Tarrant County from January through December 2025. Across all cases, the average bond was $8,790.72, but the median was just $1,500 and the most common amount was $500. Expand any offense category below for a full breakdown.

Drug Offense Bonds +

Drug charges account for the largest category of arrests in Tarrant County, with 11,629 cases in our dataset. The most common drug offense is possession of marijuana under 2 ounces (3,153 cases), where the typical bond is just $500 and the average is $622. Possession of a controlled substance (penalty group 1, under 1 gram) accounts for 2,496 cases with bonds typically set at $1,500. As quantities increase, so do bonds: possession of 4 to 200 grams of a penalty group 1 substance averages $20,105 with bonds commonly set at $10,000.

DWI & Intoxication Bonds +

DWI and intoxication offenses represent 6,015 cases. First-offense DWI bonds average $3,178, with the most common bond being $500. This relatively low bond reflects that most DWI defendants are employed, have community ties, and pose minimal flight risk. However, felony DWI (third offense or intoxication assault/manslaughter) carries significantly higher bonds, often $10,000–$50,000 or more.

Assault & Violent Crime Bonds +

Assault and violent crime cases (6,481 total) carry higher bonds, averaging $20,346 with a typical bond of $10,000. Simple assault cases see lower bonds, while aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and family violence cases trigger higher amounts. Continuous violence against the family (361 cases) averages $13,178 with bonds typically set at $5,000.

Theft & Property Crime Bonds +

Theft and property offenses (6,958 cases) vary widely based on value. Theft of property valued $100–$750 (1,920 cases) typically carries a $500 bond. Burglary of a habitation averages $25,974 with bonds commonly set at $10,000. Aggravated robbery (257 cases) averages $87,169 with $50,000 being the most common bond amount.

Sexual Offense Bonds +

Sexual offenses (846 cases) carry the highest average bonds after homicide, averaging $69,920 with typical bonds of $10,000. These cases receive heightened scrutiny from magistrates, and bonds often include conditions restricting contact with alleged victims and limiting internet access.

Murder & Homicide Bonds +

Murder charges (71 cases) average $445,000 with bonds most commonly set at $100,000. Capital murder cases involving multiple victims or committed during another felony average over $1 million. One capital murder case involving a child under 10 years old carried a $10 million bond.

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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant County

Our analysis extends beyond bond data. We've studied Tarrant County court statistics from 2021–2025 to help clients understand realistic timelines and what factors affect how long cases take. In 2025 alone, Tarrant County processed approximately 26,023 misdemeanor cases and 24,643 felony cases, totaling over 50,000 criminal cases per year.

Misdemeanor Timelines (2025)

  • 27.7% resolved within 30 days
  • 51.1% resolved within 90 days
  • 48.9% took more than 90 days
  • Typical: 3–6 months, 3–5 court appearances

Felony Timelines (2025)

  • 53.5% resolved within 90 days
  • 75.6% resolved within 6 months
  • 90% resolved within one year
  • Typical: 6–12 months, 4–8 court appearances
Tarrant County criminal case timeline

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.

No other Fort Worth criminal defense firm can match this concentration of certified expertise. When the stakes include your freedom, your career, and your record, that distinction matters.

Former Prosecutors — We Know How the Other Side Builds Cases

Our team has worked the other side — both at the state and federal level. That experience doesn't just look good on a résumé. It fundamentally changes how we approach your defense. Every criminal case starts with a theory the prosecution is building toward. Our former prosecutors built those same narratives for years. They know exactly how prosecutors sequence evidence to create the impression of guilt, which weaknesses get buried in discovery, and which arguments land with local juries versus which ones fall flat in a Tarrant County courtroom.

When our attorneys review your case, they aren't just looking for what helps you — they're simultaneously stress-testing the prosecution's case the way a senior prosecutor would before trial. That dual perspective catches things single-track defense attorneys miss: a witness statement that doesn't match the timeline, a chain of custody gap in forensic evidence, an affidavit that misrepresents what the officer actually observed.

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 Tarrant 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.

Aggressive Defense in Court When It Comes to That

When a case goes to court, we are ready. Our attorneys have tried over 700 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.

The Numbers That Matter: Over 700 jury trials. More than 1,600 case dismissals. 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.

Fort Worth Neighborhoods We Serve

Criminal defense experience throughout every corner of Tarrant County

Varghese Summersett defends criminal cases throughout Fort Worth's diverse neighborhoods and entertainment districts. Our clients come from every corner of Tarrant County — from exclusive estates to the bars and restaurants where a night out can turn into a criminal charge.

Entertainment Districts & Nightlife
Downtown Fort Worth & Sundance Square +

The heart of Fort Worth's nightlife, dining, and entertainment. The concentration of nightlife means Downtown sees a high volume of DWI arrests, public intoxication charges, and assault cases stemming from bar altercations. If you were cited or arrested in the Sundance Square area, you are likely facing Tarrant County court proceedings at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center — two blocks from our office.

West 7th Street Corridor +

One of Fort Worth's most popular entertainment districts, packed with bars, restaurants, and clubs. The 7th Street area generates significant criminal defense work, particularly DWI cases as patrons leave venues late at night and assault charges from disputes inside or outside establishments. The area's density of alcohol-serving establishments means TABC investigations and intoxication-related charges are common.

Near Southside & Magnolia Avenue +

An artsy, rapidly growing district anchored by the medical center and Magnolia Avenue's mix of historic homes, restaurants, and nightlife. The neighborhood's popularity with young professionals means active nightlife and corresponding criminal cases, including DWI, minor in possession, drug possession, and assault. Residents who work in the nearby medical district sometimes face professional license consequences when charged with criminal offenses — a collateral consequence we work aggressively to address.

Stockyards +

A National Historic District famous for Western heritage, daily cattle drives, honky tonks, and Billy Bob's — the world's largest honky tonk. The entertainment density results in DWI, public intoxication, and assault cases, particularly on weekends and during major events. Out-of-town visitors who pick up charges here often need an attorney who can handle the case locally without requiring them to return for every setting.

Clearfork +

Fort Worth's upscale mixed-use development along the Trinity River featuring high-end shopping, restaurants, and residential options. Criminal charges here often involve professionals with significant careers at stake. A DWI or drug charge for someone with a professional license — a doctor, nurse, attorney, or CPA — carries consequences far beyond the criminal penalty itself. We handle those collateral professional licensing issues alongside the criminal defense.

Residential Neighborhoods
TCU, Westcliff & Bluebonnet Hills +

The neighborhoods surrounding Texas Christian University draw families, students, and faculty. The mix of college students and families produces a range of criminal cases — from minor in possession and fake ID charges among students to more serious offenses. For TCU students, a criminal charge can also trigger university disciplinary proceedings that operate on a separate track from the criminal case. We handle both simultaneously to protect the student's academic standing and criminal record.

Fairmount +

Historic district just south of downtown with early-1900s homes, walkable to Magnolia Avenue restaurants and bars. Fairmount's proximity to Magnolia Avenue nightlife makes it a common end point for nights that result in DWI stops, public intoxication charges, or domestic violence calls — the latter of which can result in arrest even when neither party requests it under Texas mandatory arrest policies.

Arlington Heights +

West of downtown near the Cultural District with tree-lined streets, bungalows, and Tudor-style homes. When criminal charges arise in Arlington Heights — whether domestic violence, drug possession, or a DWI coming home from the Cultural District — the impact on family life, employment, and community standing makes fast, effective representation essential.

Tanglewood +

South of I-30 along the Trinity Trails with larger homes, top-rated public schools, and abundant parks. Criminal charges for Tanglewood residents — particularly white collar offenses, drug possession, or DWI — frequently involve professionals whose careers and community reputations are on the line. Protecting those interests alongside the criminal case is a priority we take seriously.

Monticello & Mistletoe Heights +

Near the Cultural District and Medical District with older, well-kept homes walkable to parks and museums. With the Medical District nearby, many residents are healthcare workers whose professional licenses are directly affected by a criminal conviction. We routinely work alongside professional license defense counsel when client careers are at risk.

Rivercrest +

Historic luxury area near the River Crest Country Club with large estates and river views — one of Fort Worth's priciest and most prestigious neighborhoods. Clients from Rivercrest often face charges where the collateral consequences — a firearms rights issue, a professional license, a security clearance, or a public reputation — dwarf the criminal penalty itself. Discretion, thoroughness, and the ability to handle high-profile cases without creating unnecessary exposure are qualities we bring to every case.

Westover Hills +

Small, ultra-affluent enclave with large estates and heavy tree cover — one of Fort Worth's most private and exclusive areas. Criminal charges for Westover Hills residents frequently involve complex financial matters, regulatory issues, or high-profile circumstances where managing the investigation before charges are filed is as important as the defense itself. Our team handles pre-charge representation and federal investigation response in addition to traditional defense work.

Oakhurst +

North of downtown with rolling hills and older homes — more affordable than some alternatives while remaining close in, with a tight-knit community feel. Criminal cases in Oakhurst often involve residents who are first-time offenders facing misdemeanor or lower-level felony charges. For those clients, the priority is often keeping the record clean through deferred adjudication, diversion programs, or dismissal — protecting future employment, housing, and background check results.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Criminal Defense in Fort Worth

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Fort Worth? +

Criminal defense fees in Fort Worth vary based on charge severity, case complexity, and whether the case goes to trial. Misdemeanor cases typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, while felonies can range from $7,500 to $50,000 or more for serious charges like murder or federal crimes. Most criminal defense attorneys offer free consultations to discuss fees for your specific situation.

What should I do if I'm arrested in Tarrant County? +

If arrested in Tarrant County, exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions about the alleged offense without legal counsel present. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, even from jail. Avoid discussing your case with anyone except your lawyer, including cellmates or family members on recorded jail phone lines.

Can a criminal charge be dismissed in Fort Worth? +

Yes, criminal charges can be dismissed in Fort Worth through various means. An experienced attorney may identify constitutional violations, witness credibility issues, insufficient evidence, or procedural errors that warrant dismissal. Prosecutors may also dismiss charges when presented with compelling evidence of innocence or mitigating circumstances. Early attorney intervention often provides the best opportunity for dismissal.

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

In Texas, 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 carrying potential state prison sentences ranging from 180 days to life imprisonment, depending on the degree. Felony convictions also carry more severe collateral consequences, including loss of voting rights and firearm possession.

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

Criminal case timelines in Tarrant County vary significantly. Simple misdemeanors may resolve in 2–4 months, while complex felonies can take 6–18 months or longer. Factors affecting duration include case complexity, evidence volume, witness availability, court schedules, and whether the case proceeds to trial. Cases resolved through plea agreements typically conclude faster than those going to trial.

At Home in Fort Worth

Varghese Summersett's main office at 300 Throckmorton Street, Suite 700 is located two blocks from the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center and seven blocks from the Eldon B. Mahon Federal Courthouse. Our attorneys walk to court. They know every judge's preferences, every prosecutor's tendencies, and the local practices that vary from courtroom to courtroom — knowledge that comes from years of practicing in these specific courts every single day.

Our downtown Fort Worth headquarters puts us where decisions are made. Our criminal defense team works steps away from where cases are filed, bonds are set, and trials are held. This isn't just convenient; it's strategic. We're in the courthouse before court starts, building relationships and staying current on local practices that can make or break your case.

300 Throckmorton Street, Suite 700, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Take the elevators to the 7th floor. Call (817) 203-2220 if you need assistance finding the office.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Fort Worth Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Experienced criminal defense attorneys serving Tarrant County

Facing charges in Fort Worth? Get a free consultation. (817) 203-2220