Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me | Varghese Summersett

Find a Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me in Fort Worth

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.

Our downtown Fort Worth headquarters puts us where decisions are made. While other firms commute from distant suburbs, 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.

Board Certified Criminal Defense Specialists

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 Audrey Hatcher.

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.

You've Seen Us On

Former Prosecutors Who Changed Sides

Our senior attorneys didn’t learn criminal law from textbooks. They learned it from inside the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office and federal prosecutor’s office. Several partners began their careers prosecuting cases in the same courtrooms where they now defend clients. This includes a former Assistant United States Attorney and former federal public defenders who understand how federal cases are built and how to dismantle them.

This prosecutorial background gives our team an unfair advantage. We know how the state builds cases because we used to build them. We know which evidence prosecutors rely on and which weaknesses they try to hide. We anticipate their moves before they make them. When you’re facing criminal charges, you want attorneys who have been on both sides of the courtroom.

Recognized Excellence in Fort Worth Criminal Defense

Varghese Summersett has been named to Best Law Firms for Criminal Defense: General Practice in Dallas/Fort Worth in 2022, 2023, and 2026, a peer-reviewed ranking that specifically recognizes the firm’s criminal defense work in this region. Best Lawyers has designated the firm as “Top Listed in Fort Worth – Criminal Defense,” indicating that more attorneys from Varghese Summersett are listed for Fort Worth criminal defense than any other firm.

Multiple attorneys are individually listed in Best Lawyers in America for criminal defense and white-collar defense, including founding partner Benson Varghese. The firm’s criminal defense lawyers have earned Super Lawyers and Rising Stars recognitions, and 17 firm attorneys were named to Fort Worth Magazine’s Top Attorneys list in 2025. 360 West Magazine has also recognized firm attorneys in its peer-reviewed Top Attorneys designation for criminal defense.

Award-Winning Legal Excellence

Fort Worth’s Trusted Law Firm

Our commitment to Fort Worth extends beyond the courtroom. In 2023, Varghese Summersett received the Fort Worth Chamber Small Business of the Year award at the Mayor’s State of the City event, recognizing exemplary entrepreneurship and business practices. The firm has been named Best Company to Work For in Fort Worth by Fort Worth Inc. multiple years running and recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents for family-friendly workplace policies.

Community recognition includes the Richard L. Knight Rotary Minority Business Award (1st Place) from Fort Worth Rotary for minority-owned business excellence and the TVAS Pro Bono Law Firm Partner Award from Tarrant County Volunteer Attorney Services for our commitment to serving those who cannot afford representation. We’ve earned DFW Favorites Gold Winner status from regional readers who know the firm’s reputation firsthand.

Founding partner Benson Varghese was named a 2025 Entrepreneur of Excellence by Fort Worth Inc., and partner Anna Summersett has received Forty Under Forty and Entrepreneur of Excellence finalist honors from Fort Worth business publications. These aren’t just awards. They’re proof that our firm is deeply rooted in Fort Worth’s business and civic community.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

A criminal defense lawyer represents people accused of crimes, from the moment of arrest through trial and appeal if necessary. But the job involves far more than showing up in court. A skilled criminal defense attorney investigates the facts independently, challenges the prosecution’s evidence, negotiates with prosecutors, and protects the constitutional rights that stand between an accused person and the full power of the government.

In Texas, criminal defense attorneys handle cases in both state and federal court systems. They represent clients facing charges ranging from Class C misdemeanors like traffic tickets to capital murder cases where life imprisonment or death is on the table. The work includes analyzing police reports for constitutional violations, reviewing body camera and surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, hiring expert witnesses when needed, filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and preparing cases for trial.

Criminal defense lawyers also guide clients through the practical realities of the criminal justice system. This means explaining how bail works, what to expect at each court setting, how plea negotiations typically unfold, and what sentences are realistic given the facts and the defendant’s history. A good criminal defense attorney tells clients the truth about their situation, even when the truth is difficult to hear.

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do in Texas?

Texas criminal defense attorneys operate within a unique legal landscape. Texas has its own penal code, its own rules of criminal procedure, and its own court system with practices that differ significantly from other states. Understanding Texas-specific law is essential.

In Texas, criminal defense attorneys must navigate issues like the state’s approach to drug penalties (which can be severe), its broad self-defense laws including the Castle Doctrine, its complex DWI statutes with administrative license revocation hearings separate from criminal court, and its use of grand juries for all felony indictments. Texas also has specific programs like deferred adjudication that can keep convictions off a client’s record if handled correctly.

The role extends to protecting clients from collateral consequences unique to Texas law. A criminal conviction can affect professional licenses, child custody arrangements, immigration status, gun rights, and future employment. Texas criminal defense attorneys must understand these consequences and factor them into every strategic decision.

The Role of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

The criminal defense lawyer serves as the accused person’s advocate, advisor, and shield against government overreach. The role has three primary dimensions.

Constitutional Guardian: Criminal defense lawyers enforce the Constitution. They ensure police followed proper procedures during stops, searches, and interrogations. They challenge evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches. They protect the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. They demand the Sixth Amendment right to confront accusers and to effective assistance of counsel. Without defense lawyers aggressively enforcing these rights, constitutional protections become meaningless.

Investigator and Analyst: Prosecutors have police departments and crime labs working for them. The defense lawyer must level the playing field by conducting independent investigation. This means reviewing every piece of evidence, identifying what’s missing, finding witnesses the police didn’t interview, and spotting weaknesses in the state’s case that can lead to dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.

Negotiator and Trial Advocate: Most criminal cases resolve through negotiation, not trial. A skilled defense lawyer knows how to leverage case weaknesses to obtain favorable plea offers. But negotiating from strength requires the credibility that comes from being willing and able to go to trial. When cases do go to trial, the defense lawyer must master courtroom procedure, develop compelling arguments, cross-examine witnesses effectively, and present the defense theory persuasively to judges and juries.

The Importance of a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer

The difference between a good criminal defense lawyer and an average one can be the difference between freedom and prison, between a clean record and a conviction that follows you forever. Criminal cases are not places to cut corners.

A good criminal defense lawyer brings experience that translates into pattern recognition. They’ve seen how cases like yours typically unfold. They know which arguments work with which judges. They understand how local prosecutors approach negotiations. They can spot issues that less experienced lawyers miss entirely.

Good criminal defense lawyers also bring resources. Complex cases require investigation, expert witnesses, and extensive preparation. A lawyer who handles serious criminal cases regularly has the infrastructure to mount a real defense, not just go through the motions.

Perhaps most importantly, a good criminal defense lawyer provides honest counsel. They tell you when the evidence is strong against you and when the state’s case has holes. They help you make informed decisions about whether to fight or negotiate. They prepare you for what’s coming so nothing in the process catches you off guard.

The stakes in criminal cases are simply too high for anything less. A felony conviction can cost you your job, your professional license, your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and years of your life. Even misdemeanor convictions create permanent records that show up on background checks for decades. The cost of good representation pales compared to the cost of a conviction that could have been avoided.

Why Choose Varghese Summersett for a Criminal Case in Fort Worth

Choosing a criminal defense firm in Fort Worth comes down to three factors: expertise, local knowledge, and resources. Varghese Summersett leads in all three.

Expertise: Five Board Certified attorneys means you’re hiring lawyers the State Bar of Texas has verified as experts. Three are Board Certified in Criminal Law. Two are Board Certified in Juvenile Law. This level of certified expertise is unmatched by any other Fort Worth criminal defense firm. Add the former prosecutors on staff who know how the other side thinks, and you have a team that understands criminal law from every angle.

Local Knowledge: Our office sits two blocks from the Tarrant County courthouse. Our attorneys appear in these courts daily. They know the judges’ preferences, the prosecutors’ tendencies, and the local practices that vary from courtroom to courtroom. This isn’t knowledge you can get from a book or a CLE seminar. It comes from years of practicing in these specific courts, which our team has done for over a decade.

Resources: With 70+ team members, we have the infrastructure to handle cases properly. We don’t farm out investigation or lean on overworked staff. We have dedicated investigators, experienced paralegals, and the technology to review voluminous discovery efficiently. When your case requires expert witnesses, forensic analysis, or extensive preparation, we have the capacity to deliver.

Our track record confirms the approach works. Over 700 jury trials. More than 1,600 dismissals. Recognition from Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and every major legal ranking organization. But the real measure is what happens for individual clients facing individual charges in Tarrant County courts. That’s where our preparation, expertise, and local knowledge translate into outcomes that change lives.

Understanding Tarrant County Bonds: Our Deep Dive Into Local Data

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 to understand exactly how magistrates handle different offenses. This research helps us advise clients accurately about what to expect and how to prepare.

Here’s what the data reveals about bond practices in Tarrant County:

Overall Bond Statistics

Across all 52,320 cases, the average bond in Tarrant County was $8,790.72, but that number can be misleading. The median bond was just $1,500, and the most commonly set bond amount was $500. This means while serious felonies drive up the average, most people arrested in Tarrant County face bonds they can reasonably post.

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 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 with a child passenger) and intoxication assault or manslaughter carry significantly higher bonds.

Assault and Violence 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 and 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 and 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 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 Case Timelines

If you’re facing a misdemeanor charge in Tarrant County, here’s what the 2025 data shows:

• 27.7% of cases (about 7,200 cases) resolved within 30 days. These are typically simple cases with plea agreements, often involving first-time offenders or defendants who accept deferred adjudication quickly.
• 51.1% of cases resolved within 90 days. This includes straightforward cases with clear evidence and defendants who have legal representation.
• 48.9% of cases (nearly 12,700 cases) took more than 90 days. These include complex cases, cases going to trial, and cases with multiple court settings or continuances.

Realistic expectation for most misdemeanors: 3-6 months from arrest to resolution, with 3-5 court appearances and multiple opportunities for plea negotiations.

Felony Case Timelines

Felony cases in Tarrant County move faster than many people expect:

• 53.5% of felony cases (over 13,000 cases) resolved within 90 days. This often involves plea agreements in cases with strong evidence where defendants accept responsibility.
• 75.6% of cases resolved within 6 months, including most straightforward felony cases with completed discovery.
• 90% of cases resolved within one year, including cases with pre-trial motions and moderate complexity.
• Only 10% of cases (about 2,400 cases) took more than a year. These are very complex cases, trials, or cases with extensive evidence or multiple defendants.

Realistic expectation for most felonies: 6-12 months from indictment to resolution, with 4-8 court appearances, grand jury process, discovery, and plea negotiations.

The Good News: Courts Are Getting Faster

Our data shows significant improvement in Tarrant County court efficiency. In 2021, only 25.5% of misdemeanor cases resolved within 90 days. By 2025, that number reached 51.1%, meaning cases are moving twice as fast. Felony cases showed similar improvement, with cases resolving within 90 days jumping from 31.8% in 2021 to 53.5% in 2025.

Factors That Affect Your Timeline

Things that speed up cases: Having an attorney early, being out on bond, accepting responsibility when appropriate, first-time offender status, and straightforward facts.

Things that slow down cases: Going to trial, continuances, complex evidence (DNA, digital forensics, lab results), multiple charges or defendants, legal motions, and prior criminal history affecting negotiations.

This data isn’t just academic. When clients ask how long their case will take, we give them answers based on what actually happens in Tarrant County courts, not vague generalities. That’s the difference local knowledge makes.

The Numbers That Matter

Experience in criminal defense is measured in cases won, not years practiced. Our criminal defense team has completed more than 700 jury trials and secured over 1,600 case dismissals, much of it in Tarrant County courts. These numbers represent real people who kept their freedom, their jobs, and their futures because of the work done in this office.

With over 1,100 five-star Google reviews, our reputation is built on results and client experience. These reviews tell stories of people facing everything from first-time misdemeanors to capital murder charges who found attorneys who fought for them at every stage.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Practice Areas

The criminal defense attorneys at Varghese Summersett handle every type of criminal charge in both state and federal court. Our practice includes DWI defense, sexual assault cases, drug charges, federal crimes, juvenile defense, theft, assault, aggravated assault, child sexual assault, online solicitation, white collar crimes, intoxication manslaughter, and improper relationships with students.

We also connect clients with Tarrant County diversion programs when applicable, helping first-time offenders avoid permanent criminal records through programs like DWI Court, Domestic Violence Diversion, and pre-trial intervention.

Protecting More Than Your Freedom

A criminal charge threatens far more than jail time. Varghese Summersett fights to protect clients’ reputations, careers, professional licenses, voting rights, and gun rights. We work to minimize disruption to families and employment while seeking outcomes that keep permanent marks off criminal records. Our defense extends beyond courtroom victories to address collateral consequences impacting housing, employment, and family relationships.

State and Federal Court Defense

Our attorneys hold licenses in all four federal districts in Texas, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Whether facing charges at the Eldon B. Mahon Federal Courthouse or in Tarrant County Criminal Court, clients receive the same relentless representation from attorneys experienced in both systems.

Schedule a Consultation with a Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Experience Throughout Fort Worth Neighborhoods

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 and Nightlife Areas

Downtown Fort Worth and Sundance Square: The heart of Fort Worth’s nightlife, dining, and entertainment. High-rise condos and lofts attract urban professionals who enjoy walkability to restaurants, bars, and offices. The concentration of nightlife means Downtown sees a high volume of DWI arrests, public intoxication charges, and assault cases stemming from bar altercations.

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.

Near Southside and Magnolia Avenue: An artsy, rapidly growing district anchored by the medical center and Magnolia Avenue’s mix of historic homes, new apartments, restaurants, and nightlife. The neighborhood’s popularity with young professionals means active nightlife and corresponding criminal cases.

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 Stockyards blend cowboy culture, tourism, and authentic Fort Worth nightlife. The entertainment density results in DWI, public intoxication, and assault cases, particularly on weekends.

Clearfork: Fort Worth’s upscale mixed-use development along the Trinity River featuring high-end shopping, restaurants, and residential options. The area’s restaurants and bars attract an affluent clientele, and criminal charges here often involve professionals with significant careers at stake.

Residential Neighborhoods

TCU, Westcliff, and Bluebonnet Hills: The neighborhoods surrounding Texas Christian University draw families, students, and faculty seeking a close-in residential feel. The mix of college students and families means cases ranging from minor in possession charges to more serious offenses.

Fairmount: Historic district just south of downtown with early-1900s homes, walkable to Magnolia Avenue restaurants and bars. Popular with young professionals and families, it’s one of the largest historic neighborhoods in the Southwest.

Arlington Heights: West of downtown near the Cultural District with tree-lined streets, bungalows, and Tudor-style homes. Strong community feel, good for families and professionals who value proximity to museums, parks, and trendy restaurants.

Tanglewood: South of I-30 along the Trinity Trails with larger homes, top-rated public schools, and abundant parks. One of Fort Worth’s most sought-after family neighborhoods.

Monticello and Mistletoe Heights: Near the Cultural District and Medical District with older, well-kept homes walkable to parks and museums. Attractive to professionals and families who value established neighborhoods.

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.

Westover Hills: Small, ultra-affluent enclave with large estates and heavy tree cover. Extremely private and exclusive, home to some of Fort Worth’s most prominent residents.

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.

Our prime location at One City Place puts us within walking distance of Sundance Square Plaza and just three blocks from the Tarrant County Courthouse, perfect for serving clients throughout these neighborhoods and entertainment districts.

How to Get to Varghese Summersett Fort Worth

Get Directions to Varghese Summersett

Driving Directions from North Fort Worth

From Denton, Alliance, and Saginaw: Take I-35W South toward Fort Worth, merge onto TX-280 Spur toward Downtown, continue straight and take the exit toward Taylor Street, turn right onto Taylor Street, then right onto 3rd or 4th Street, and right onto Throckmorton Street. One City Place will be on your right.

Driving Directions from South Fort Worth

From Burleson, Crowley, and Mansfield: Take I-35W North toward Fort Worth, merge onto I-30 West toward Abilene, take Exit 15A and merge onto Houston Street northbound, turn right onto 3rd or 4th Street, then right onto Throckmorton Street. One City Place will be on your right.

Driving Directions from East

From Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Dallas: Take I-30 West toward Fort Worth, use Exit 15A and merge onto Houston Street northbound, turn right onto 3rd or 4th Street, then right onto Throckmorton Street. One City Place will be on your right.

Driving Directions from West Fort Worth

From Weatherford, Aledo, and Benbrook: Take I-30 East toward Fort Worth, use Exit 12B for Forest Park Blvd, turn right onto Forest Park Blvd, left onto W. 5th Street, then right onto Throckmorton Street. One City Place will be on your right.

Once you arrive at One City Place, take the elevators to the 7th floor, Suite 700. Call (817) 203-2220 if you need assistance finding the office.

Meet Our Fort Worth Criminal Defense Team

Areas Served Near Fort Worth

Varghese Summersett provides criminal defense representation throughout:

• Arlington
• Bedford
• Burleson
• Colleyville
• Fort Worth
• Grapevine
• Haltom City
• Keller
• Mansfield
• North Richland Hills
• Richland Hills
• Saginaw
• Sansom Park
• Southlake
• Trophy Club
• Watauga
• Westlake
• Westover Hills

The firm also handles cases throughout Tarrant, Dallas, Collin, Johnson, Parker, Wise, and Denton counties, plus significant cases in McClennan, Ellis, Jack, Montague, and Williamson counties.

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

When you contact Varghese Summersett, you’ll speak with someone who understands criminal law within minutes. We offer free consultations for criminal defense matters, available 24/7 for urgent situations. During your consultation, an attorney will review the facts of your case, explain potential charges and penalties, discuss defense strategies, and outline next steps.

Clients receive direct access to their attorney’s cell phone, regular case updates, and honest assessments of their situation. Our team takes a proactive approach, using prosecutorial background to identify weaknesses in cases before they progress. Whether stopping an investigation in its tracks or preparing for trial, our former prosecutor perspective gives us advantages other defense firms simply don’t have.

Watch More Criminal Defense Videos

Our attorneys regularly share insights on criminal law topics. Watch our Fort Worth Criminal Defense playlist:

Fort Worth Criminal Defense Video Playlist

What Our Clients Say

Ask Varghese Summersett AI

Versus-AI has been taught everything from our website and is here to help you find the answers you need. Ask Versus-AI anything.

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.

Contact a Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

When you’re facing criminal charges in Fort Worth, Arlington, Southlake, Grapevine, or anywhere in Tarrant County, you need attorneys who know these courts inside and out. Varghese Summersett is headquartered two blocks from where your case will be decided, staffed by Board Certified specialists and former prosecutors who have tried hundreds of cases in local courtrooms. Call (817) 203-2220 for a free consultation or visit us at 300 Throckmorton Street, Suite 700. Protect your rights and your record.