Facing a violent crime charge in Texas places you in direct confrontation with some of the strictest sentencing laws in the nation. In 2026, the legal environment has intensified with updated bail procedures under the “Texas Bail Reform Act” and enhanced mandatory minimums for offenses involving firearms. Navigating these high-stakes cases requires a defense team with a proven history of trial success and deep expertise in the Texas Penal Code’s assaultive and homicidal statutes.
1. 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: Murder, Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Federal Violent Crimes, High-Profile Defense
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Dick DeGuerin is a legendary figure in Texas criminal law, often cited as the “first choice” for those facing the most serious charges in the Lone Star State. The firm specializes in high-stakes violent crime defense, having famously secured acquittals in numerous high-profile murder and capital cases. For 2026, DeGuerin & Dickson continues to be recognized for its elite investigative capabilities and strategic brilliance in the courtroom. Their team is known for taking on “unwinnable” cases, utilizing a deep understanding of self-defense statutes and forensic evidence to dismantle the prosecution’s narrative. Whether the charge is state-level assault or a complex federal RICO case involving violence, they remain a premier authority in Texas.
2. 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: Aggravated Assault, Murder, Deadly Conduct, Robbery, Domestic Violence, Kidnapping
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 powerhouse trial firm that has rapidly grown into a dominant force for violent crime defense across the Texas Triangle. Composed largely of former senior prosecutors, the firm has collectively handled over 700 jury trials. For 2026, the firm was once again awarded Tier 1 rankings in the “Best Law Firms” guide for criminal defense. They are particularly noted for their success in Tarrant and Dallas counties, where they have secured hundreds of “no-bills” and dismissals in aggravated assault and deadly weapon cases. Their “trial-ready” strategy involves a meticulous review of digital evidence and a commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of the accused from day one.
3. The Law Offices of Jed Silverman
Founder: Jed Silverman
Founded: 1999
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 713-222-6767
Website: https://www.jedsilverman.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 1415 Louisiana St, Suite 2900, Houston, TX 77002 | 713-222-6767
- Richmond: 214 Morton Street, Richmond, TX 77469 | 281-232-0000
Practice Areas: Murder, Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, Weapons Charges, Robbery, Violation of Protective Orders
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Jed Silverman is a dual Board Certified criminal law specialist known for his relentless advocacy in cases involving serious violence. Based in Houston, his firm focuses on a personalized defense strategy for each client, often uncovering critical evidence that law enforcement overlooked. They are experts in handling the complexities of the “Michael Morton Act,” ensuring the state fulfills its discovery obligations. In 2026, the firm remains highly rated for its success in negotiating charge reductions and securing acquittals in cases involving self-defense claims and disputed forensic testimony. Their commitment to “leaving no stone unturned” has made them a trusted name for defendants in Harris and Fort Bend counties.
4. 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: State & Federal Violent Crimes, Capital Murder, Criminal Appeals, Civil Rights Litigation
Firm Size: 10+ attorneys (Board Certified specialists)
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Goldstein & Orr is a nationally recognized firm with over 50 years of experience defending against the most serious violent crime allegations in the country. Gerry Goldstein and Cynthia Orr are both dual Board Certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law. The firm is widely sought for its academic depth and its ability to handle cases with massive constitutional implications. In 2026, they continue to be a premier choice for individuals facing federal investigations or seeking to appeal major violent crime convictions. Their strategic brilliance in the courtroom is balanced by their significant influence on Texas criminal justice policy, often serving as a final line of defense for the rights of the accused.
5. Rosen & Kovach, PLLC
Partners: John T. Kovach and Courtney Rosen Kovach
Founded: 2012 (Legacy practice dating back 40 years)
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 713-222-0400
Website: https://www.rocketrosen.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 123 North Post Oak Lane, Houston, TX 77024 | 713-222-0400
- Richmond: 214 Morton Street, Richmond, TX 77469 | 281-232-0000
Practice Areas: Capital Murder, Manslaughter, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Robbery, Burglary of a Habitation
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Hourly / Free Consultation
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Rosen & Kovach, PLLC, is a distinguished firm serving Fort Bend and Harris counties, carrying on the legacy of the late board-certified specialist Steven “Rocket” Rosen. The firm is led by former prosecutors who have defended more than 10 capital murder cases. They are experts in the technicalities of violent crime scenes and ballistics, frequently using independent forensic investigators to challenge the state’s experts. In 2026, the firm is highly active in the Richmond and Houston areas, providing aggressive representation for individuals facing high-profile felony charges. They are known for their “tenacious capacity to zealously fight” for their clients’ freedom, offering a sophisticated trial defense rooted in decades of experience.
Violent crimes in Texas are primarily prosecuted under Title 5 of the Texas Penal Code (Offenses Against the Person), which includes Homicide (Chapter 19) and Assaultive Offenses (Chapter 22). As of January 1, 2026, new legislative reforms have modified bail procedures for violent offenses, making it more difficult for individuals charged with aggravated crimes to secure pre-trial release without an evidentiary hearing. Furthermore, Texas law recognizes “self-defense” and the “Castle Doctrine” under Chapter 9 of the Penal Code, but these defenses require specific, admissible evidence to be successfully argued at trial. Defendants should also be aware that a conviction for a violent offense can lead to significant sentencing enhancements under the “Three Strikes” law (Section 12.42), which mandates life imprisonment for certain repeat violent offenders.
The firms listed on this page represent a selection of violent crime 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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