Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers
Trusted Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers
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Over 1,000+ criminal cases defended in Dallas County
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Hundreds of dismissals and reductions across DWI, drug & felony cases
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Regularly appear in Dallas County courts, including Frank Crowley
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Recognized by Top Trial Lawyers, ThreeBestRated, and other legal organizations
Arrested in Dallas? You Need a Defense Lawyer Who Knows This City Inside and Out.
If you've been arrested or cited within Dallas city limits, you're facing a criminal justice system that moves fast—and hits hard. Whether your case starts in Dallas Municipal Court, Frank Crowley Courthouse, or the Lew Sterrett Jail, you need a criminal defense lawyer who knows how to navigate every part of the system.
At Texas Defenders, Dallas is our home. We've defended thousands of people in every corner of this city—from Deep Ellum and Oak Cliff to North Dallas, Pleasant Grove, Downtown, and beyond. Our attorneys know the local police, the prosecutors, and the judges. More importantly—we know how to win.
We Defend All Criminal Charges in the City of Dallas
Whether you were arrested by Dallas Police Department or cited for a criminal offense, we handle:
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Drug Possession – marijuana, THC oil, edibles, vapes, pills
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Drug Paraphernalia
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Class C Assault (Offensive Contact)
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Public Intoxication
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Probation Violations
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All Felony and Misdemeanor Charges in Dallas
We do not handle traffic tickets, but we do handle criminal Class C charges filed in Dallas Municipal Court—and we can help you keep them off your record.
Where Dallas Criminal Cases Are Heard
Dallas is one of the largest and busiest criminal jurisdictions in Texas. Your case location depends on the level of offense:
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Dallas Municipal Court – Class C misdemeanors (public intox, paraphernalia, theft under $100, Class C assault)
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Dallas County Criminal Courts at Law (Frank Crowley) – Class A & B misdemeanors
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Dallas County District Courts (Frank Crowley) – Felony charges
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Magistration at Lew Sterrett Jail – First appearances and bond hearings
We appear daily in Frank Crowley Criminal Courts Building, and we're highly familiar with every courtroom and prosecutor's team.
Why Dallas Cases Require Fast Action
In Dallas, prosecutors file cases quickly—and plea deals can be pushed early. That's why it's critical to involve a defense attorney before your first court date, if possible.
We move fast to:
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Secure your release or lower your bond
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Review police reports and body cam footage
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File motions to suppress evidence
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Negotiate for dismissals, diversions, or reduced charges
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Take your case to trial if needed
Whether you were arrested in Deep Ellum after a night out, in Oak Lawn after a traffic stop, or in North Dallas on a possession charge—we've handled it before.
Arrested by Dallas Police? We Know How They Work.
The Dallas Police Department (DPD) is one of the largest and most active in the state. Their officers are trained, experienced, and armed with body cams. We regularly challenge:
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Unlawful searches
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Bad traffic stops
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Consent issues
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Mishandled evidence
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Overreaching charges in family violence cases
We know the patterns, the pitfalls—and how to beat a DPD case.
Serving All Neighborhoods and Courts in the City of Dallas
We represent clients from every part of the city, including:
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Downtown Dallas
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Oak Cliff
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Pleasant Grove
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Lake Highlands
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North Dallas
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Deep Ellum
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South Dallas / Fair Park
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West Dallas
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Uptown
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Bishop Arts
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Knox-Henderson
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East Dallas / Casa View
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Highland Park (with Dallas citations)
If you were arrested or cited within Dallas city limits, we can help.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer
You can't afford to wait. Whether you're facing a first-time arrest or a serious felony charge, your defense starts today.
Call Texas Defenders at 214-306-9696 now for a free, confidential consultation. We'll help you understand your options—and fight to protect your freedom, record, and future.
Dallas Criminal Defense FAQs
Q: Is a Class C citation in Dallas a criminal charge?
Yes. Class C misdemeanors (like public intox, paraphernalia, and assault by contact) are criminal charges and can appear on your record if not dismissed or sealed.
Q: What court will my Dallas case be in?
Class C citations go to Dallas Municipal Court. Misdemeanors and felonies are handled in Dallas County Criminal or District Courts, both located at the Frank Crowley Courthouse.
Q: Can I get my Dallas DWI or possession charge dismissed?
Yes. Depending on the facts, we've had great success getting DWIs and drug cases reduced, dismissed, or diverted in Dallas courts.
Q: How long does a criminal case take in Dallas County? Most misdemeanor cases in Dallas County resolve within 3-6 months. Felony cases typically take 6-18 months depending on complexity, evidence, and whether the case goes to trial. Cases at Frank Crowley move faster when you have an attorney who appears there regularly.
Q: What is the Frank Crowley Courthouse? The Frank Crowley Courts Building at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd is where all Dallas County misdemeanor and felony criminal cases are heard. It houses both the Criminal Courts at Law (misdemeanors) and District Courts (felonies). Texas Defenders attorneys appear there daily.
Q: Can I get a DWI dismissed in Dallas County? Yes. Dallas County DWI cases are dismissed or reduced regularly when there are issues with the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breathalyzer calibration, or officer conduct. Our attorneys review every piece of evidence including body cam footage to find weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
Q: What happens at my first court date in Dallas? Your first setting is typically an arraignment where you enter a plea. No evidence is presented and no decisions are final. It's mainly administrative — but having an attorney present from day one signals to prosecutors that you're serious about your defense.
Q: Will a Dallas arrest show up on my background check? Yes — an arrest alone can appear on background checks even without a conviction. The only way to remove it is through expunction (if your case is dismissed) or nondisclosure (if you received deferred adjudication). Texas Defenders handles both.
Q: Can I get a drug possession charge dismissed in Dallas? Many drug possession cases in Dallas are dismissed or diverted, especially for first-time offenders. Dallas County has diversion programs that can keep charges off your record entirely. Eligibility depends on the charge level, your history, and the specific facts of your case.
Q: What's the difference between a misdemeanor and felony in Dallas? Misdemeanors are heard in the Criminal Courts at Law at Frank Crowley and carry up to one year in county jail. Felonies are heard in District Courts and carry potential prison sentences. Both can have serious long-term consequences for employment, housing, and licensing.
Q: Can a Dallas assault charge be dropped? Yes. Assault charges in Dallas — especially family violence cases — are sometimes dismissed when the complaining witness is uncooperative or when evidence doesn't support the charge. However the decision to prosecute belongs to the DA's office, not the alleged victim. An attorney can significantly influence the outcome.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a Class C misdemeanor in Dallas Municipal Court? Technically no — but you should have one. Class C charges like public intoxication, paraphernalia, and assault by contact can appear on your criminal record and affect employment and housing. An attorney can often get these dismissed or deferred so they never appear on your record.
Q: How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Dallas? Fees vary based on charge level and complexity. Misdemeanor representation typically starts around $1,500-$3,500. Felony cases start higher. Texas Defenders offers free consultations so you can understand your options before committing to anything.
