The Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer You Want in 2025
Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer at Varghese Summersett
If you’ve been arrested in Houston, you realize everything you’ve worked for is at stake: your reputation, your freedom, and your future. Our Houston Criminal Defense Attorney team at Varghese Summersett understands what’s at stake, and we fight for the best possible outcome in every case.
Former Prosecutors at Your Side
Each Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer on our team has experience working as a prosecutor. Our team includes Board Certified Criminal Specialists such as Benson Varghese and Anna Summersett. This is the highest designation a practitioner can reach in Texas.
All of our lawyers are also experienced trial attorneys. Mike Hanson is a former prosecutor with over 60 jury trials under his belt, bringing deep insight into local justice systems. With a passion for juvenile justice and veteran advocacy, he works to ensure fair treatment for all clients, especially the most vulnerable.
Robert Huseman, with his experience as a former Harris County detective and long-time prosecutor, has insider knowledge of law enforcement and prosecutorial tactics. His ability to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy makes him a powerful defense attorney in complex cases. Christy Jack has become a household name as a trial attorney who has tried – and won – many high-profile cases.
Lisa Herrick is a Board Certified Juvenile Specialist. She handles the most serious juvenile cases across the state. Tiffany Burks is a former Fort Bend County prosecutor who spent over two decades prosecuting cases in Texas before entering private practice to defend individuals accused of crimes.
Our Houston Criminal Defense Practice Areas
At Varghese Summersett, we handle a wide range of criminal cases, including but not limited to:
State Crimes
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Possession
- Drug Trafficking
- DWI Defense
- Fraud
- Improper Educator Student Relationship
- Money Laundering
- Murder
- Online Solicitation
- Prostitution
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Assault of a Child
- Solicitation
- Theft
Federal Crimes
- Bankruptcy Fraud
- Healthcare Fraud
- Drug Conspiracy
- Possession of Child Pornography
- RICO Violations
- Money Laundering
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Healthcare Fraud
- Mail Fraud
- Weapons Charges
- Wire Fraud
Our local expertise and national recognition give us a unique edge in defending clients across Harris County. Give us a call today if you or a loved one is facing a charge in Houston.
What Our Past Clients Say
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Contact Us
When facing criminal charges, you need an experienced defense team by your side. Contact Varghese Summersett’s Houston criminal defense lawyers today for a free confidential consultation. We are here to protect your rights and fight for your future.
Phone: Â (281) 805-2220
If You Have Been Arrested in Houston
We understand the criminal justice system inside and out. We know when it can seem like the presumption of innocence has gone out the window. We fight for you every step of the way. The sooner you contact us the sooner we can begin that fight on your behalf.
Where Are Criminal Cases Prosecuted in Houston?
In Houston, criminal cases are prosecuted by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, and they are heard in the Harris County Criminal Justice Center. Felony and misdemeanor cases are handled in various district and county criminal courts. Below is a breakdown of the courts, their judges, and their locations within the Criminal Justice Center at 1201 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002.
Harris County Felony Courts
| Court Name | Judge | Floor | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 174th District Court | Judge Hazel B. Jones | 19th | (832) 927-4200 |
| 176th District Court | Judge Nikita V. Harmon | 19th | (832) 927-4225 |
| 177th District Court | Judge Robert Johnson | 19th | (832) 927-4250 |
| 178th District Court | Judge Kelli Johnson | 19th | (832) 927-4275 |
| 179th District Court | Judge Ana Martinez | 18th | (832) 927-4100 |
| 180th District Court | Judge DaSean Jones | 18th | (832) 927-4125 |
| 182nd District Court | Judge Danilo Lacayo | 18th | (832) 927-4150 |
| 183rd District Court | Judge Kristin M. Guiney | 18th | (832) 927-4175 |
| 184th District Court | Judge Katherine N. Thomas | 17th | (832) 927-3900 |
| 185th District Court | Judge Andrea Beall | 17th | (832) 927-3925 |
| 208th District Court | Judge Beverly D. Armstrong | 17th | (832) 927-3950 |
| 209th District Court | Judge Brian E. Warren | 17th | (832) 927-3975 |
| 228th District Court | Judge Frank Aguilar | 16th | (832) 927-3800 |
| 230th District Court | Judge Chris Morton | 16th | (832) 927-3825 |
| 232nd District Court | Judge Josh Hill | 16th | (832) 927-3850 |
| 248th District Court | Judge Hilary Unger | 16th | (832) 927-3875 |
| 262nd District Court | Judge Lori Chambers Gray | 15th | (832) 927-3700 |
| 263rd District Court | Judge Melissa M. Morris | 15th | (832) 927-3725 |
| 337th District Court | Judge Colleen Gaido | 15th | (832) 927-3750 |
| 338th District Court | Judge Ramona Franklin | 15th | (832) 927-3775 |
| 339th District Court | Judge Te’iva J. Bell | 14th | (832) 927-3650 |
| 351st District Court | Judge Natalia “Nata” Cornelio | 14th | (832) 927-3680 |
| 482nd District Court | Judge Veronica M. Nelson | 14th | (832) 927-4040 |
| 486th District Court | Judge Aaron Burdette | 14th | (832) 927-8585 |
| 487th District Court | Judge Lori DeAngelo | 13th | (832) 927-8600 |
| 488th District Court | Judge Matthew Peneguy | 20th | (832) 927-8615 |
Harris County Misdemeanor Courts
| Court Name | Judge | Floor | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 1 | Judge Alex Salgado | 8th Floor | (832) 927-3100 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 2 | Judge Paula Goodhart | 8th Floor | (832) 927-3125 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 3 | Judge Leslie R. Johnson | 8th Floor | (832) 927-3150 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 4 | Judge Shannon Baldwin | 8th Floor | (832) 927-3175 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 5 | Judge David M. Fleischer | 9th Floor | (832) 927-3200 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 6 | Judge Kelley Andrews | 9th Floor | (832) 927-3225 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 7 | Judge Andrew A. Wright | 9th Floor | (832) 927-3250 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 8 | Judge Erika Ramirez | 9th Floor | (832) 927-3288 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 9 | Judge Toria J. Finch | 10th Floor | (832) 927-3300 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 10 | Judge Juanita A. Jackson | 10th Floor | (832) 927-3325 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 11 | Judge Sedrick T. Walker II | 10th Floor | (832) 927-3350 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 12 | Judge Genesis E. Draper | 10th Floor | (832) 927-3375 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 13 | Judge Raul Rodriguez | 11th Floor | (832) 927-3400 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 14 | Judge Jessica N. Padilla | 11th Floor | (832) 927-3425 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 15 | Judge Tonya Jones | 11th Floor | (832) 927-3450 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 16 | Judge Darrell Jordan | 11th Floor | (832) 927-3475 |
Harris County Juvenile Courts
Juvenile criminal cases in Houston are handled at the Harris County Juvenile Justice Center, located at 1200 Congress, Houston, TX 77002.
| Juvenile Court | Judge | Floor | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 313th Juvenile Court | Judge Natalia Cokinos Oakes | 5th Floor | (832) 927-8450 |
| 314th Juvenile Court | Judge Michelle Moore | 5th Floor | (832) 927-8470 |
| 315th Juvenile Court | Judge Leah Shapiro | 7th Floor | (832) 927-8480 |
The Criminal Process in Houston
The criminal process in Houston can be complex and intimidating. It begins with an investigation where authorities assess whether criminal charges should be brought. If sufficient evidence is found, charges may be filed through an arrest or a warrant. Felonies are presented to grand juries, while misdemeanors are filed directly with the court.
Pre-trial settings often occur, where cases can be resolved through negotiations, but some will proceed to trial. If convicted, the judge has broad discretion to impose penalties such as fines, community service, or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime. In cases of unfavorable rulings, an appeal can be filed to challenge the decision.
Why You Should Hire Varghese Summersett in Houston
Hiring the right attorney is crucial when facing criminal charges. Here’s why you should choose Varghese Summersett to represent you:
- Experience: Our legal team has extensive experience in criminal defense, handling cases in state, federal, and juvenile courts.
- Reputation: We have a proven track record of success and are highly respected in the legal community.
- Local Connections: Our attorneys are familiar with the local courts in Houston, which helps us secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
- Resources: We have access to investigators, expert witnesses, and a wealth of legal knowledge that we use to build a strong defense for you.
- Communication: We prioritize clear and timely communication, ensuring you understand every step of your case.
Contact Varghese Summersett today for a no-cost consultation and learn how we can fight for your rights. Call us at (281) 805-2220. The consultation is free. The advice is priceless.