Facing criminal charges in Texas places your future, freedom, and reputation at the mercy of one of the most rigorous legal systems in the United States. In 2026, the landscape has become increasingly complex with new sentencing guidelines and stricter penalties for drug and intoxication offenses, making it vital to secure a defense team with deep roots in the Texas Penal Code and a proven record in the courtroom.
1. Varghese Summersett
Founder: Benson Varghese
Founded: 2014
Headquarters: Fort Worth, TX
Phone: 817-203-2220
Website: https://versustexas.com
Office Locations:
- Fort Worth: One City Place Building, Fort Worth, TX 76102 | 817-203-2220
- Dallas: 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 950, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-903-4000
- Houston: 2925 Briarpark Drive, Suite 850, Houston, TX 77042 | 713-222-7211
Practice Areas: State & Federal Criminal Defense, DWI, Drug Crimes, White Collar Crimes, Sex Crimes, Juvenile Law
Firm Size: 25+ attorneys (Includes 5 Board Certified Specialists)
Fee Structure: Hourly / Flat Fee options
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Varghese Summersett is a powerhouse trial firm that has rapidly grown into one of the most respected criminal defense practices in Texas. The team is composed primarily of former senior prosecutors, providing them with “inside the arena” knowledge of how the state builds its cases. For 2026, the firm was once again recognized as a Tier 1 practice in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for criminal defense. Their team includes three attorneys board-certified in Criminal Law and two in Juvenile Law, a credential held by less than 1% of Texas lawyers. They prepare every case as if it is going to a jury, a strategy that has resulted in over 700 jury trials handled by their senior staff.
2. DeGuerin & Dickson
Partner: Dick DeGuerin
Founded: 1982 (Founder licensed since 1965)
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 Criminal Defense, Federal Crimes, Murder, White Collar Crime, Regulatory Enforcement
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Dick DeGuerin is a legendary figure in the Texas legal community, known for defending some of the most high-profile and complex cases in American history. Based in Houston, the firm specializes in defending individuals and corporations against serious state and federal allegations. DeGuerin is Board Certified in Criminal Law and has been recognized as one of the best trial lawyers in the nation for over five decades. The firm is sought after for its strategic brilliance and its ability to secure favorable outcomes in “seemingly impossible” cases through meticulous investigation and masterful storytelling in the courtroom. In 2026, they continue to be a top choice for defendants facing immense public and legal pressure.
3. Goldstein & Orr
Partners: Gerald “Gerry” Goldstein and Cynthia Orr
Founded: 1970 (Focused exclusively on criminal defense for 45+ years)
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: Criminal Defense, Criminal Appeals, White Collar Crimes, Marijuana Defense, Federal Investigations
Firm Size: 10+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Free Initial Consultation
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: For more than 70 years, Goldstein & Orr has operated from the heart of San Antonio, establishing a national reputation for excellence in criminal advocacy. Both Gerry Goldstein and Cynthia Orr are dual Board Certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law. The firm is highly distinguished, with both lead partners having served as presidents of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). In 2026, the firm received Tier 1 rankings in the “Best Law Firms” guide for both general and white-collar defense. They are known for their unwavering commitment to constitutional rights and their deep technical expertise in both trial and appellate courts.
4. Broden & Mickelsen, LLP
Partners: Clint Broden and Mick Mickelsen
Founded: 1998 (Founders have 60+ combined years of experience)
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 Criminal Defense, White Collar Crimes, Drug Offenses, Computer Crimes, Homicide, Appeals
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Hourly / Free Consultation
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Broden & Mickelsen is a premier Dallas boutique specializing in complex federal and state criminal defense. Both partners are Board Certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. For 2026, Mick Mickelsen was once again selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list, a distinction he has held for over 20 years. The firm is recognized for its unique, resource-intensive approach to discovery and its success in securing not-guilty verdicts in high-stakes felony cases, including murder and theft of trade secrets. They are experts in federal court procedures, often negotiating protections such as immunity or narrower subpoenas for their clients.
5. Law Office of E.G. Morris
Founder: E.G. “Gerry” Morris
Founded: 1977
Headquarters: Austin, TX
Phone: 512-893-6121
Website: https://www.egmorrislaw.com
Office Locations:
- Austin: 505 W. 12th St. Suite 206, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-893-6121
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, White Collar Crimes, DUI-DWI, State & Federal Trial Work, Appeals
Firm Size: Boutique specialized practice
Fee Structure: Hourly / Fixed Fee options
Languages: English
About the Firm: Gerry Morris is a past president of both the NACDL and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) and is an inductee into the TCDLA Hall of Fame. Based in Austin, his firm handles cases ranging from DWI to capital murder in both state and federal courts. Morris is a Board Certified specialist who has practiced for over 44 years, earning an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He is widely respected for his calm yet fierce advocacy and his ability to dismantle the prosecution’s evidence through rigorous cross-examination. His practice is known for its high level of ethical standards and its historical involvement in significant cases like the Branch Davidian trial.
Criminal defense in Texas is primarily governed by the Texas Penal Code and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. As of early 2026, new legislative updates (such as HB 11) have introduced stricter sentencing guidelines for repeat DWI offenders and established higher mandatory minimums for certain drug offenses involving synthetic opioids. Under Article 1.051 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, all defendants are entitled to the right to counsel; however, if you are seeking a private attorney, it is critical to engage one early to protect your rights during the “probable cause” hearing. Defendants should also be aware of the “discovery” rules under the Michael Morton Act, which requires prosecutors to share all evidence with the defense—a process that an experienced lawyer will use to identify weaknesses in the state’s case.
The firms listed on this page represent a selection of 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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