The best criminal defense lawyers in Houston in 2026 include Bennett & Bennett for state and federal cases and appeals, Brian Foley and Luis Baez, Paul Doyle, Michael D. Mercer and Herman Martinez among former prosecutors, Neal Davis for sex crime defense, Blass Law for assault and juvenile cases, and David A. Breston for cases with immigration issues.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bennett & Bennett | Downtown Houston | State, federal and appellate defense | Serious charges, federal cases and appeals |
| 2. Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC | Downtown Houston | DWI, assault, drug and federal charges | Clients who want former prosecutors |
| 3. Neal Davis Law Firm | The Heights | Sex crimes and felonies | Sex crime allegations |
| 4. Paul Doyle & Associates | Downtown Houston | Sex offenses and DWI | Serious felony allegations |
| 5. Mercer Law | Downtown Houston | Assault, weapons, drugs and record sealing | A wide range of state charges |
| 6. The Martinez Law Firm | Downtown Houston | DWI, drugs and domestic violence | DWI and misdemeanor clients |
| 7. Blass Law | Downtown Houston | Assault, juvenile and drug cases | Parents and defendants who prefer a career defender |
| 8. Law Office of David A. Breston | Greenway, Upper Kirby & Midtown | Criminal defense and immigration | Non-citizens charged with a crime |
Felony and misdemeanor cases in Harris County are heard at the Criminal Justice Center downtown, and many defense offices are within a few blocks, especially on Franklin Street. In Texas, board certification in criminal law is a formal credential from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Some lawyers on this list say they hold it, and you can check.
Board certified, per the firm, at every level.
Mark and Jennifer Bennett say they're board-certified criminal defense lawyers who defend state and federal charges at every level, including the Court of Criminal Appeals. Their office is on Franklin Street.
Good to know: Appeal deadlines are short, so call right after a conviction.
917 Franklin St, 4th Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Two board-certified former prosecutors, per the firm.
Brian Foley and Luis Baez say they are board-certified former prosecutors who defend DWI, assault, theft, drug and federal charges from Main Street.
Good to know: Ask which lawyer will appear for you in court.
310 Main St, Suite 201, Houston, TX 77002
A particular focus on sex crime defense.
Neal Davis Law Firm defends felony cases and has a particular focus on sex crime defense, including child-related offenses and online solicitation, along with white collar and DWI.
Good to know: Don't contact the accuser or delete anything.
1545 Heights Blvd, Suite 700, Houston, TX 77008
Seven years as a Harris County prosecutor, per the firm.
Paul Doyle says he spent seven years as a prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorney's office. His site has detailed pages on sexual assault, internet offenses and other sex charges.
Good to know: Ask about his experience on both sides of these cases.
1221 McKinney St, Suite 2500, Houston, TX 77010
Started at the Harris County DA's office, per the firm.
Michael D. Mercer says he started at the Harris County District Attorney's office. His practice covers assault, family violence, weapons, DWI, drugs, theft and expunctions and sealing.
Good to know: Ask about record options if your case is dismissed.
917 Franklin St, Suite 550, Houston, TX 77002
A former Harris County chief prosecutor, per the firm.
Herman Martinez says he's a former Harris County chief prosecutor. His East End office handles DWI as well as drug crimes, domestic violence and theft charges, and it advertises a free consultation.
Good to know: Ask about protective orders if there's a family violence charge.
2617 Canal St, Houston, TX 77003
Says he has never been a prosecutor.
Jay Blass Cohen says he has defended people since 2009 and has never been a prosecutor, which sets him apart here. He handles assault, sex crime, juvenile and drug cases.
Good to know: Ask about how juvenile records are handled.
917 Franklin St, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77002
Criminal defense with an immigration practice.
David A. Breston says he has defended clients in Harris County since 1997, and his firm also has an immigration practice, which matters because a plea can have immigration consequences.
Good to know: If you aren't a citizen, ask about immigration before any plea.
1820 W Bell St, Houston, TX 77019
Be polite, give your identifying details, say you want a lawyer and don't answer questions. Don't explain your side to police, even if you think it will help. Have a family member call a lawyer as soon as possible.
Many charge a flat fee based on the charge and the stage of the case. Ask what it covers, especially 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.
Some records can be expunged or sealed through an order of nondisclosure, depending on the charge and outcome. Rules are strict and vary with the offense. Mercer Law and David A. Breston, on this list, list record work.