1. David B. Frank — Downtown Austin
Board certified in criminal law, per the firm.
David B. Frank says he's board certified and cites an appellate win challenging the mandatory DWI blood draw statute.
1212 Guadalupe St, Suite 103, Austin, TX 78701
The 5 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Austin (2026)
The best criminal defense lawyers in Austin in 2026 include David B. Frank, who says he's board certified in criminal law, Kevin Bennett for felony and misdemeanor cases, The Hull Firm for DWI and other charges, Jorge Vela, a former federal and county prosecutor, and Barton & Associates.
The list at a glance
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. David B. Frank | Downtown Austin | Criminal defense and appeals | Clients seeking a certified specialist |
| 2. Kevin Bennett Law | Downtown Austin | Felonies, misdemeanors and record sealing | Those seeking to seal a record later |
| 3. The Hull Firm | Downtown Austin | Criminal defense and DWI | People wanting 24/7 contact |
| 4. Law Office of Jorge Vela | Downtown Austin | Criminal defense and immigration consequences | Non-citizens and Spanish speakers |
| 5. Barton & Associates (Austin) | Downtown Austin | Criminal defense | Clients with several legal needs |
Most Austin defense offices are near West Avenue and Guadalupe Street, close to the Travis County courthouses. If you aren't a US citizen, ask about immigration consequences before any plea, since even minor charges can matter.
2. Kevin Bennett Law — Downtown Austin
Lists expunctions and record sealing.
Kevin Bennett defends felony and misdemeanor charges, including family violence and drug cases, and handles expunctions and sealing.
1411 West Ave, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78701
3. The Hull Firm — Downtown Austin
Advertises 24/7 availability.
The Hull Firm handles criminal defense and DWI from West Avenue and says it's available at any hour.
1004 West Ave, Austin, TX 78701
4. Law Office of Jorge Vela — Downtown Austin
A former federal and Travis County prosecutor, per the firm.
Jorge Vela's bilingual practice covers jail release and has pages on immigration consequences such as aggravated felonies.
818 W 10th St, Suite A, Austin, TX 78701
5. Barton & Associates (Austin) — Downtown Austin
A firm with San Antonio and Corpus Christi offices.
Barton & Associates handles criminal defense from West 12th Street, along with family and injury cases.
316 W 12th St, Suite 400, Austin, TX 78701
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I'm arrested in Austin?
Stay polite, give your identifying details, and say you want a lawyer. Don't answer questions without one, and don't discuss the case on a jail phone.
Can I clear my record in Texas?
Some records can be expunged or sealed through an order of nondisclosure, depending on the charge and outcome. Ask a lawyer what applies.
What does board certified mean in Texas?
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization certifies lawyers in fields such as criminal law. You can check whether a lawyer holds it on the board's site.