A drug crime conviction in Texas can lead to life-altering penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences and the permanent loss of certain civil rights. In 2026, the legal landscape has become significantly more perilous due to the enactment of the HALT Fentanyl Act and new state-level sentencing enhancements for synthetic opioids, making it critical for defendants to secure a legal team with specific expertise in forensic drug analysis and federal conspiracy statutes.
1. Varghese Summersett
Managing Partner: 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 Drug Offenses, Drug Conspiracy, Manufacturing & Delivery, Prescription Fraud, Fentanyl Defense
Firm Size: 25+ attorneys (Includes multiple Board Certified specialists)
Fee Structure: Hourly / Flat Fee options
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Varghese Summersett is a premier Texas trial firm recognized for its aggressive and strategic defense against drug-related charges. The team, composed largely of former senior prosecutors, has handled more than 700 jury trials, including complex federal drug conspiracy cases and high-stakes state manufacturing charges. For 2026, the firm was once again ranked as a Tier 1 practice for criminal defense in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. They are particularly expert in challenging the “purity distinction” in methamphetamine cases and navigating the new 2026 sentencing enhancements for fentanyl-related substances. Their trial-ready approach has led to hundreds of dismissals and “Not Guilty” verdicts across Texas.
2. Goldstein & Orr
Partners: Gerald “Gerry” Goldstein and Cynthia Orr
Founded: 1970 (Focused on criminal defense since 1968)
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 Drug Trafficking, Marijuana Defense, Possession with Intent, Criminal Appeals, Racketeering (RICO)
Firm Size: 10+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Goldstein & Orr is a nationally renowned firm with a storied history of defending constitutional rights in high-profile drug cases. Gerry Goldstein and Cynthia Orr are both Board Certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law and have served as presidents of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). The firm is widely respected for its academic depth and its ability to challenge the legality of drug searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment. In 2026, they continue to be a top choice for individuals facing federal investigations or multi-state drug trafficking allegations. Their reputation for “making law” through successful appeals makes them a formidable presence in both state and federal courtrooms.
3. 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: Drug Manufacturing, Federal Drug Conspiracies, Possession of Controlled Substances, Expungements
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Hourly / Payment Plans
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Broden & Mickelsen is a highly specialized Dallas boutique that handles serious state and federal drug offenses. Both partners are Board Certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The firm is recognized for its technical expertise in “drug manufacturing” cases, where they often challenge the state’s chain of custody and lab results. For 2026, Mick Mickelsen was again named a Texas Super Lawyer, a distinction reflecting his 30+ years of trial success. They are particularly noted for their work in federal court, where they have successfully had numerous drug-related sentences overturned or reduced through post-conviction litigation.
4. Texas Criminal Defense Group
Managing Partner: Board Certified Leadership
Founded: 1993 (33+ years of collective experience)
Headquarters: Lubbock, TX (Statewide presence)
Phone: 866-557-4343
Website: https://texascriminaldefensegroup.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 1001 Texas Ave, Suite 405, Houston, TX 77002 | 866-557-4343
- Austin: 316 W 12th Street, Austin, TX 78701 | 866-557-4343
- San Antonio: 3003 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78230 | 866-557-4343
Practice Areas: Possession, Delivery, Sale & Distribution, Drug Trafficking, Conspiracy, Marijuana Crimes
Firm Size: 15+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Fixed Fee (Cost-of-trial included)
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Texas Criminal Defense Group is a statewide network of experienced drug lawyers who specialize in getting cases dismissed through aggressive pre-trial advocacy. With offices in every major Texas metro, the firm utilizes its large docket and collective experience to identify systemic flaws in law enforcement procedures. They are known for their “trial-inclusive” fee structure, which ensures that clients can pursue a jury verdict without facing unexpected legal costs. In 2026, the firm remains highly rated (with over 500 five-star reviews) for its success in defending cases involving minimum mandatory sentencing. Their attorneys include board-certified specialists who provide 24/7 availability for urgent drug-related arrests.
5. Law Office of Jesse Hernandez
Founder: Jesse Hernandez
Founded: 2008 (Founder is a former Public Defender)
Headquarters: San Antonio, TX
Phone: 210-807-8656
Website: https://www.jessehernandezlaw.com
Office Locations:
- San Antonio: 3107 Broadway Street, San Antonio, TX 78209 | 210-807-8656
- Austin: 2025 Guadalupe Street, Suite 260, Austin, TX 78705 | 512-982-4798
- Houston: 3663 N. Sam Houston Parkway East, Houston, TX 77032 | 713-984-4724
Practice Areas: Drug Possession, Importation Charges, Drug Distribution, Felony Drug Crimes, Expungements
Firm Size: 10+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Flexible Payment Plans; Free Consultations
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Jesse Hernandez, a former public defender, has built a practice dedicated to “tough defense and aggressive representation” for those accused of drug crimes in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. The firm is particularly effective in drug importation and distribution cases, where they leverage Jesse Hernandez’s extensive courtroom experience to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. They are noted for their 24/7 client service and their commitment to keeping families informed throughout the legal process. In 2026, the firm continues to be a top choice for individuals seeking “hard-hitting” defense measures and invaluable expertise in navigating both misdemeanor and felony drug dockets.
Drug offenses in Texas are primarily governed by the Texas Controlled Substances Act (Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 481). As of early 2026, new state laws have significantly increased penalties for the possession or distribution of fentanyl and synthetic opioids, which now carry harsher mandatory minimum sentences regardless of the amount. Furthermore, the HALT Fentanyl Act has permanently scheduled fentanyl-related substances, streamlining federal prosecution. Defendants should be aware that under Section 481.115, penalties are based on “Penalty Groups,” with Group 1 substances (including cocaine and heroin) carrying the most severe consequences. Additionally, the Michael Morton Act ensures that your defense team has the right to access all evidence held by the state, which is a critical tool for identifying illegal searches or constitutional violations during drug investigations.
The firms listed on this page represent a selection of drug crime 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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