The best criminal defense lawyers in Dallas in 2026 include Warren Abrams, a board-certified former prosecutor, Varghese Summersett for serious cases, Deandra Grant for DWI and felonies, Marc Fellman for diversion and assault cases, RJ Harber for a broad state practice, and Buck Johnson, a former Dallas County prosecutor.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Abrams Law | North Central Expressway | State and federal defense, DWI | Serious charges and federal cases |
| 2. Varghese Summersett | Downtown Dallas | Serious state and federal crimes | High-stakes felony cases |
| 3. Deandra Grant Law | Uptown & Oak Lawn | DWI and criminal defense | DWI and related felonies |
| 4. Fellman Law Office | Uptown & Oak Lawn | Diversion, assault and drugs | First-time offenders |
| 5. The Law Office of RJ Harber | North Dallas | DWI, assault and felonies | State charges across Dallas County |
| 6. Buck Johnson Law | Uptown & Oak Lawn | DWI and criminal defense | DWI and intoxication charges |
Felony and misdemeanor cases in Dallas County are heard at the Frank Crowley Courts Building downtown. Texas has a formal board certification in criminal law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and several lawyers here say they hold it. For a first offense, ask about diversion or deferred adjudication, which may affect whether a record can later be sealed.
Board certified and a former prosecutor, per the firm.
Warren Abrams says he's board certified in criminal law and a former Dallas County prosecutor. The firm handles DWI, assault, drugs, family violence, federal defense, healthcare fraud and homicide.
Good to know: Check certification with the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
10300 N Central Expy, Suite 283, Dallas, TX 75231
A larger criminal defense team.
Varghese Summersett says it has board-certified attorneys and is a trial firm for high-stakes cases, with offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, Southlake and Houston.
Good to know: Ask who'd actually try your case.
2100 Ross Ave, Suite 950, Dallas, TX 75201
Author of The Texas DWI Manual, per the firm.
Deandra Grant says she's a former Dallas County prosecutor and author of The Texas DWI Manual. Her firm also handles assault, domestic violence, drug and gun crimes.
Good to know: The office is on Oak Lawn Avenue.
3300 Oak Lawn Ave, Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75219
Pretrial diversion is a named practice area.
Fellman Law Office lists pretrial diversion, assault and family violence, DWI, drug charges and theft. Diversion can be important for a first offense.
Good to know: Ask whether you qualify for a diversion program.
4131 N Central Expy, Suite 900, Dallas, TX 75204
A former prosecutor with a wide list.
RJ Harber says he's a former prosecutor and handles assault, drug crimes, family violence, felonies, stalking and theft, along with expunction, from Northwest Highway.
Good to know: Ask about an expunction if your case was dismissed.
2351 W Northwest Hwy, Suite 1220, Dallas, TX 75220
A former Dallas County prosecutor, per the firm.
Buck Johnson says he's a former prosecutor with the Dallas County District Attorney's office. His site explains breath and blood tests and license questions.
Good to know: Ask about the 15-day rule if you've been arrested for DWI.
2626 Cole Ave, Suite 315, Dallas, TX 75204
Be 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.
Some records can be expunged or sealed through an order of nondisclosure, depending on the charge and outcome. Abrams Law and RJ Harber list this work.
Many charge flat fees by charge and stage of the case. Ask whether a trial is included. If you can't afford a lawyer and could go to jail, you can ask the court to appoint one.