Defending against federal charges in Texas is a high-stakes endeavor that requires a legal team capable of navigating the federal court system, which operates with distinct rules, sentencing guidelines, and a conviction rate significantly higher than state courts. In 2026, the federal landscape in Texas is increasingly focused on white-collar investigations, international drug conspiracies, and border-related offenses, making specialized board-certified counsel a critical necessity.
1. Broden & Mickelsen, LLP
Partners: Clint Broden and Mick Mickelsen
Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Dallas, TX
Phone: 214-720-9552
Website: https://www.brodenmickelsen.com
Office Locations:
- Dallas: 2600 State Street, Dallas, TX 75204 | 214-720-9552
Practice Areas: Federal White Collar Crimes, Drug Trafficking, Cybercrimes, Federal Appeals, Habeas Corpus (2255 Motions)
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Broden & Mickelsen is a premier Dallas boutique that specializes in complex federal criminal defense at both the trial and appellate levels. Both partners are former Assistant Federal Public Defenders, giving them “inside-out” knowledge of federal prosecution strategies. Clint Broden is highly regarded for his success rate in federal court, where he has obtained dismissals or acquittals in nearly 60% of his federal jury trials—a remarkable statistic given the national federal conviction rate of over 95%. In 2026, the firm continues to lead the region in federal post-conviction relief and the defense of intricate white-collar and computer hacking cases.
2. DeGuerin & Dickson
Partner: Dick DeGuerin
Founded: 1982
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 713-223-5959
Website: https://www.deguerin.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 1018 Preston Avenue, 7th Floor, Houston, TX 77002 | 713-223-5959
Practice Areas: High-Profile Federal Crimes, White Collar Fraud, Public Corruption, Federal Drug Offenses, Regulatory Investigations
Firm Size: Boutique elite team
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Led by the legendary Dick DeGuerin, this firm is often the first call for politicians, executives, and high-profile individuals facing federal heat in the Lone Star State. DeGuerin, board-certified in criminal law for over 30 years, has successfully defended clients in some of the most significant federal cases in Texas history, including Enron-related prosecutions and federal public corruption trials. The firm is known for its ability to resolve federal investigations before an indictment is ever unsealed. Their strategic brilliance in the courtroom and mastery of the federal sentencing guidelines make them a top-tier choice for any defendant facing “possible time in the federal slammer.”
3. Goldstein & Orr
Partners: Gerald “Gerry” Goldstein and Cynthia Orr
Founded: 1970
Headquarters: San Antonio, TX
Phone: 210-226-1463
Website: https://www.goldsteinhilley.com
Office Locations:
- San Antonio: 315 E Commerce St #301, San Antonio, TX 78205 | 210-226-1463
Practice Areas: Federal Criminal Appeals, White Collar Crimes, Racketeering (RICO), Federal Drug Conspiracies, Fourth Amendment Litigation
Firm Size: 10+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Goldstein & Orr is a nationally recognized powerhouse for federal defense and constitutional advocacy. Gerry Goldstein and Cynthia Orr are both Past Presidents of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and hold dual board certifications in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law. The firm is widely respected for its academic depth, often serving as amicus curiae in pivotal U.S. Supreme Court cases. In 2026, they remain a premier choice for complex federal litigation across the Western District of Texas. They are especially known for their success in suppressing evidence obtained through illegal searches and for their tireless work in federal death penalty and high-stakes white-collar appeals.
4. Whalen Law Office
Founder: James P. Whalen
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: Frisco, TX (Serving DFW & Nationwide)
Phone: 214-368-2560
Website: https://www.whalenlawoffice.com
Office Locations:
- Frisco: 8501 Wade Blvd, Suite 110, Frisco, TX 75034 | 214-368-2560
Practice Areas: Federal Criminal Defense, White Collar Crime, Federal Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, Federal Appeals
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Hourly / Flat Fee options
Languages: English
About the Firm: Whalen Law Office has been recognized as a Tier 1 Firm in the 2026 edition of “Best Law Firms” for Criminal Defense: White-Collar in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Founder James Whalen is a former Assistant Federal Public Defender who focuses exclusively on federal defense. The firm is known for its careful, strategic approach to the federal sentencing guidelines, which can often make the difference between a lengthy prison sentence and a favorable resolution. They are experts in defending against federal “Operation” stings and complex wire/mail fraud allegations. Their commitment to “deliver careful, strategic defense” has earned them high praise from peers and clients across North Texas and the federal Fifth Circuit.
5. Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C.
Founder: Guy L. Womack
Founded: 1985
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 713-364-9913
Website: https://www.guywomack.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 609 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007 | 713-364-9913
- McAllen: 200 S 10th St, McAllen, TX 78501 | (By Appointment)
Practice Areas: Federal Crimes, Military Law (UCMJ), International Law, Federal Drug Trafficking, National Security Cases
Firm Size: Father-son boutique team
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English
About the Firm: Guy L. Womack is a retired Lieutenant Colonel of Marines and former military judge who brings a disciplined, aggressive approach to federal criminal defense. The father-son team at Guy L. Womack & Associates has handled thousands of jury trials in federal and military courts worldwide. The firm is uniquely qualified to handle cases involving international law and national security, as well as high-stakes federal drug trafficking cases along the Texas border. They are known for traveling anywhere in Texas or the globe to protect their clients’ rights. Their reputation for honesty and straightforward legal advice has made them a trusted choice for federal defendants facing the full weight of the U.S. government.
Federal criminal law in Texas is governed by the United States Code (U.S.C.) and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Unlike state courts, federal cases often begin with long-term investigations by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, IRS, or ATF. As of 2026, federal courts in the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas are seeing a 7% increase in drug-related prosecutions, particularly those involving fentanyl under the HALT Fentanyl Act. Furthermore, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, while advisory since the Booker decision, still heavily influence the length of imprisonment based on a defendant’s “offense level” and “criminal history category.” A critical tool in federal defense is the “Proffer Agreement” (or “Queen for a Day”), which allows defendants to provide information to the government under limited immunity—a process that requires an expert lawyer to navigate safely.
The firms listed on this page represent a selection of federal criminal defense practices operating across Texas. Each firm’s details, including office locations, phone numbers, practice areas, and background information, are based on publicly available data verified at the time of publication. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Individuals seeking legal representation should conduct their own research, verify current attorney licensing through the State Bar of Texas, and schedule consultations to determine the right fit for their specific situation.
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