Best Criminal Defense Attorneys 2022
Thiessen Law Firm
Thiessen Law Firm is a Houston-based practice handling criminal defense representation for clients around the metro area. Practice areas involve assault and domestic violence, sex crimes, drug offense, and theft. The firm acts as an advocate for clients within the legal system, simultaneously protecting its client's rights while fighting for their freedom within the court system. Its criminal lawyers in Houston may also work with prosecutors to help clients achieve the best possible sentencing when acquittal is unlikely.
LeGrande Law
LeGrande Law is a criminal defense firm based out of Houston, Texas that has been defending clients for over a decade. Attorney Tristan LeGrande takes on cases involving assault, domestic violence, DWI, drug crimes, and parole violations. The firm has received Avvo’s Clients’ Choice award in 2016 and aims to pay special attention to each individual case so that they can provide personalized representation in all of their cases.
The Martinez Law Firm
The Martinez Law Firm has been representing defendants throughout the Houston metro area for over 20 years. It takes cases involving felonies and misdemeanors, including drug and alcohol charges, juvenile offenses, white-collar crimes, domestic violence, assault, arson, federal indictments, burglary, robbery, and kidnapping. The firm's attorneys represent clients at preliminary hearings, trial, sentencing, and appeals. It also handles probation and order of protection violations. Services are available in English and Spanish.
The Gonzalez Law Group, PLLC
The Gonzalez Law Group in Houston handles criminal defense representation for clients accused of various crimes including drug charges, violent assault or murder, sex-based offenses, and theft. It represents juvenile clients as well and handles both white-collar and federal crimes. The firm educates clients on their rights and makes certain that they haven't been violated throughout the legal process, then advocates for them in court or in dealings with prosecutors.
Looney & Conrad, PC
Looney & Conrad PC is a law firm in Houston providing criminal defense representation. It typically defends clients accused of assault, burglary, drug charges, or corporate crimes, but handles a wide range of criminal issues. The firm handles the expungement process and consults clients as they petition for the nondisclosure of case details or other facets. It serves juvenile clients as well, who typically need unique forms of assistance. Looney & Conrad PC handles personal injury and family law also.
The Law Firm of Andrea M. Kolski
The Law Firm of Andrea M. Kolski is a solo-practice criminal defense and family law firm serving individuals and families in Houston since 2006. Its attorney has an impeccable track record of obtaining dismissals in DWI cases and suppressing DWI conviction records from being disclosed to the public. Attorney Andrea M. Kolski helps in juvenile criminal proceedings and mount defense strategies in cases involving federal drug crimes, weapons charges, online solicitation of a minor, possession of pornography, and assault or domestic violence allegations.
Paul Doyle & Associates
Paul Doyle & Associates is a law firm in Houston giving legal assistance with criminal defense issues. It is experienced with sex crimes, family violence, drug charges, and weapons offenses as well as federal crimes, and some of its clients face tax fraud. The firm also represents juveniles. Outside of direct criminal cases, Paul Doyle & Associates assists clients seeking expungements and petitions for non-disclosure. Other practice areas involve DWI and various alcohol related offenses.
M. Irene Wilson, Attorney at Law
M. Irene Wilson, Attorney at Law is a criminal defense law firm serving the League City area. Its attorney helps people charged with misdemeanor and felony charges arising from resisting arrest, domestic violence, trespassing, criminal mischief, and theft. She also handles drug offense and DWI cases, petitioning for the reduction of jail sentences and elimination of license suspensions. Founder M. Irene Wilson has been featured as a Top Criminal Lawyer by Houstonia Magazine and is a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Scheiner Law Group, P.C.
Scheiner Law Group PC is a boutique firm that's been championing the accused's rights in state and federal courts in the Houston area since 1995. Staffed with a team of well-versed criminal defense lawyers, it's uniquely positioned to provide impactful representation in cases concerning certain types of DWIs, including intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter. The attorneys also pursue justice for clients charged with sex crimes, such as indecency with a child, along with persons facing significant jail time or fines due to murder, aggravated assault, or drug crimes.
A.T. Law Office
A.T. Law Office is a criminal defense firm that represents clients in the Houston metro area. The firm handles misdemeanor and felony cases involving assault, DWI, revenge porn, drugs, fraud, and theft. It also assists immigrants facing criminal charges. Amir Tavakkoli, a seasoned criminal lawyer in Houston, works directly with clients to review case evidence and build a defense. He is a member of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition and the Houston Bar Association. Additionally, he handles expungement and record sealing requests.
The Aslett Law Firm, PLLC
The Aslett Law Firm PLLC is a firm serving clients involved in criminal law matters near the Pasadena area. The practice focuses on defending clients accused of domestic violence crimes. It maintains an extensive network of former prosecutors to help them build solid cases and its team ensures clients are aware of their rights and options during litigation. The firm also handles cases involving juveniles. Additionally, The Aslett Law Firm assists clients with filing appeals.
Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak
Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak is a criminal defense firm that advocates for the accused's rights in the Houston area. As a former chief prosecutor, attorney Nathaniel Pitoniak has an in-depth understanding of defending clients against DUI cases involving child endangerment, DWI with an open alcohol container, and refusing to submit to breathalyzer tests. With over 10 years of legal experience, he can represent individuals indicted for offenses aggravated sexual assault and sexual coercion offenses. He also handles white-collar crime, gun, and drug-related cases.
Greco Neyland, PC
Greco Neyland PC is a firm of seasoned criminal attorneys with offices in Houston and Kingswood. Founded by attorneys and former prosecutors Jeffrey Greco and Dustan Neyland, the firm handles every type of criminal case, from white-collar crime and drug offenses to sexual assault and murder. Greco Neyland PC can be contacted 24/7. It deploys a dedicated attorney and investigator to every case and also serves clients throughout Harris County.
Law Office of James Alston
The Law Office of James Alston is located in Houston, Texas and represents clients in criminal defense cases. Serving the Greater Houston area, the firm represents clients in a variety of federal and state crimes including sex crimes, DWI, drug offenses, fraud, and robberies. Attorney James Alston served as Assistant District Attorney for Harris County for eight years before going on to serve as Assistant United States Attorney. James Alston is a board-certified attorney, has been listed in “Texas Super Lawyers,” and uses his experience and understanding of state and federal law to win his client’s cases.
The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC
The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC is a criminal defense legal practice serving clients throughout the Houston area. It has over 40 years' combined experience protecting the rights of individuals arrested or under investigation for allegedly driving under the influence, drug possession and distribution, homicide, sex offenses, burglary, theft, shoplifting, weapons offenses, and white-collar crimes. The firm's attorneys also handle family law, including divorce, paternity, child custody, agreement modifications, and juvenile law.
Leeds Law Firm, PLLC
Leeds Law Firm, PLLC, has three main practice areas: criminal defense, personal injury, and employment law. It represents clients in Houston, Harris County, Fort Bend, and the surrounding areas, and was established in 2014. The firm’s founder, Jaques Leeds, defends persons charged with drug possession, burglary, traffic violations, assault or family violence, fraud, and terroristic threat. He graduated cum laude at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. The firm also provides in-house bail bondsman services.
Edward Law Group
The Edward Law Group is a criminal defense law firm representing clients in Houston and the nearby areas. The firm's attorneys have a combined experience of over 30 years, and they defend clients from allegations of misdemeanors and felonies. They work to maintain their clients' innocence and prevent fines, jail time, and license suspension. Founding attorney Edward Okwueze was named in the National Trial Lawyers' Top 100 Trial Lawyers ranking.
Clouthier Law
Clouthier Law is an appellate law firm that's been serving clients in the Houston area for over five years. Principal attorney Susan J. Clouthier defends individuals who have fallen victim to mistakes in the criminal justice system by helping them obtain successful verdicts in felony and misdemeanor cases. She is well-versed in filing criminal appeals and post-conviction writs in state and federal courts to challenge unfair sentencing. Other practice areas include bankruptcy, family and civil appeals. Ms. Clouthier is a member of the Houston Bar Association.
The Law Office of David A. Breston
For more than 20 years, David A. Breston Attorney at Law has been providing legal counsel to DWI clients living in Houston and other areas of Texas. The practice handles a wide array of drinking and driving charges, including felony DUI, property damage due to drunk driving, and first-time offenders. Lawyers at the firm can provide legal support during hearings at the DMV, drunk driving court processes, and blood tests. David A. Breston is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Mary E. Conn Law
Mary E. Conn & Associates is a criminal defense practice located in Houston, Texas, that has more than 30 years of experience including areas such as drug trafficking, white-collar crime, sex crimes, assault, and mail fraud. It is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, having received presidential awards from both of these organizations. It also works with clients that speak Espanol.
Neal Davis Law Firm
Neal Davis Law Firm is located three blocks from the Harris County courthouse in Houston, Texas and represents clients in criminal and civil defense for the Greater Houston area and surrounding counties. Board-certified attorney Neal Davis has over 20 years of experience defending clients on a state and federal level, in cases involving sex crimes, drug possession, assault, and white collar crimes. The firm has a track record of getting many cases dismissed, and previous clients talk about the firm’s kind but straightforward approach. The law firm has achieved a Martindale-Hubble AV® Preeminent™ Rating and has been listed as one of the Best Law Firms in America.
The Law Offices of Jed Silverman
The Law Offices of Jed Silverman is the law firm of a criminal lawyer in Houston. The firm defends clients charged with misdemeanors, felonies, DWIs, drug crimes, parole violations, and property crimes. Attorney Jed Silverman, the owner of the firm, is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Grievance Committee. The law firm also provides legal services in the fields of white-collar crimes and motions to revoke probation.
The Law Office of Brian S. Laviage
The Law Office of Brian S. Laviage is a general practice legal firm that's been offering criminal and civil litigation solutions in the Houston area since 2006. Founding attorney Brian S. Laviage focuses on alcohol-related offenses, such as alcohol distribution to minors, drunk driving, and public intoxication charges. He also handles a wide range of felony offenses, including armed robbery and white-collar felony crimes as well as vehicular manslaughter, burglary, and aggravated kidnapping. Mr. Laviage's practice extends to juvenile delinquency defense.
Law Office of Brett A. Podolsky
The Law Office of Brett A. Podolsky represents people across the Houston metropolitan area who are involved in criminal cases. It advocates on behalf of clients who are being investigated or have been charged for crimes, including child abuse, harassment, possession of drug paraphernalia, drug distribution, driving while intoxicated, theft, and sexual assault. Brett A. Podolsky, a criminal defense attorney in Houston, is board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Eddington & Worley
Eddington & Worley provides access to a criminal defense attorney in Houston. The firm handles a variety of criminal cases, including those involving assault and battery, drug crimes, federal crimes, and kidnapping. It also defends clients from charges such as larceny and counterfeiting as well as tax fraud and drug trafficking. The firm's other areas of focus include theft crimes and professional license defense. Additionally, it helps clients charged with DWI seek dismissals and other favorable outcomes.
Topek & Topek
Topek & Topek is the law firm of a criminal lawyer in Houston. The law firm defends and represents clients arrested for or under investigation for drug charges, theft, burglary, juvenile charges, and assault, among other crimes. Attorney E. Stanley Topek, a partner of the firm, is a member of the Houston Bar Association and the Chairman Inmate Skills Committee. The firm also provides legal services to help clients who face probation revocation.
The Law Office of Shahin Zamir
The Law Office of Shahin Zamir is a boutique criminal defense firm that protects the freedom of persons facing criminal charges in Houston and surrounding areas. Lawyer Shahin Zamir is well-versed in challenging DWI, kidnapping, manslaughter, arson, and weapons charges. He also represents clients arraigned for computer and internet crimes, child abuse allegations, and sex and drug-related offenses. The Law Office of Shahin Zamir also handles criminal record expunctions and defends individuals accused of violating their parole requirements.
Mendez Law Group
Mendez Law Group is based near Houston and defends clients from a variety of criminal charges, including DUI, public intoxication, and the manufacture or delivery of marijuana. Founded in 1996, it also handles cases involving suspended driver's licenses and assaultive offenses as well as violations of protective orders and criminal trespassing. Additional areas of focus include perjury, weapons offenses, and fraud. The firm provides aid with petitions for expungement and nondisclosure, along with motions to revoke and adjudicate.
The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates
The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates assists individuals who need a criminal justice attorney in Houston. The firm handles matters such as expungements, grand jury proceedings, and Texas criminal appeals. It defends clients facing charges such as DWI and other traffic violations and alcohol-related offenses. Additionally, it takes on cases involving arson, assault, burglary, capital murder charges, and other serious felonies. The firm's other areas of focus include sex crimes and white-collar offenses. Consultations are available.
John T. Floyd Law Firm
John T. Floyd Law Firm offers legal assistance to clients accused of criminal offenses in Houston and nearby areas. Attorney John T. Floyd has over 20 years of experience representing individuals charged with drug possession, sexual offenses, DUI, white-collar crimes, assault, and homicide. He also assists people facing federal charges. In addition, Mr. Floyd advocates for clients arrested for fraud allegations and those seeking a bond reduction or expungement services.
Adamo & Adamo Law Firm
The Adamo & Adamo Law Firm operates offices in Houston and Austin. It provides criminal defense services for clients who have been accused of violent and sex-based offenses, drug charges, DUI, and federal crimes. In the wake of an arrest or indictment, the firm advises clients on their legal rights and helps them explore defense strategies about the charges. With over 50 years of combined experience, the criminal defense attorneys at the firm have obtained several dismissals and not guilty verdicts.
Law Office of Jim Medley
The Law Office of Jim Medley is a team of criminal defense attorneys in Houston. It assists many clients that have been charged with arrest-related rebellion, drug possession, assault, or shoplifting. The firm helps clients charged for probation violations as well. Clients can receive consultation regarding the expungement process when they desire to have charges removed from their records. The Law Office of Jim Medley usually works on behalf of clients to reduce or eliminate criminal charges.
Expert Answers To Common Questions:
- What does a criminal defense lawyer do?
- How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?
- What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?
- What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?
- Why hire a criminal defense attorney?
- Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?
- Q: What does a criminal defense lawyer do?
- A: Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.
- Q: How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?
- A:
Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:
Misdemeanors
- Petty theft
- Public intoxication
- Simple assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Vandalism
- Reckless driving
Felonies
- Murder
- Rape
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated assault
- Specific types of fraud
- Possession of certain types of drugs
- Q: What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?
- A: The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.
- Q: What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?
- A: All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.
- Q: Why hire a criminal defense attorney?
- A: Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.
- Q: Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?
- A: Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.