Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Austin, Texas

Criminal defense lawyers in Austin handle a heavy caseload across Travis County courts. Texas penalties escalate fast. A Class A misdemeanor can carry up to a year in jail, while felony convictions mean years in state prison. Your choice of attorney shapes every stage of the process. Use the profiles below to compare credentials, case results, and client reviews.

We research each Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers listing using public records, verified reviews, and direct evaluation. Our rankings reflect reputation, reliability, and results.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Overall online reputation and verified user feedback

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Best-Rated Austin Criminal Defense Attorneys with Trial and Dismissal Records

Screenshot of the Michael & Associates, Attorneys at Law Website
500 W 2nd St Suite 1900, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Ben Michael & Associates is an Austin criminal defense firm with 20+ attorneys, including former prosecutors and FBI agents. The team has secured hundreds of dismissals and maintains an A+ BBB rating with hundreds of five-star reviews. You get 24/7 direct attorney access and no upfront fees. They handle DWI, drug possession, assault, and domestic violence cases throughout Texas with over 200 years of combined experience.

Screenshot of the The Hull Firm Website
1004 West Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA

The Hull Firm is a criminal defense and DWI law firm in Austin, Texas. Their attorneys have secured more than 700 case dismissals across Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties. The team defends clients facing DWI/DUI, assault, drug charges, theft, weapons offenses, and juvenile cases.

The firm maintains a 5-star Google rating based on hundreds of reviews. They also handle record expungement, probation violations, and protective order cases. A criminal defense attorney is available around the clock, and initial consultations are at no cost.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of Kevin Bennett Website

Kevin Bennett's Austin criminal defense firm represents clients facing DWI, assault, and theft charges. With over a decade of experience, Bennett has a perfect 5.0 rating. His firm boasts hundreds of five-star reviews, the most for a criminal defense firm in Austin. Bennett provides personalized attention and aggressive representation to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Screenshot of the Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys Website

Stephen T Bowling leads a team of former law enforcement officers who defend DWI and criminal cases in Austin and San Antonio. They've handled thousands of cases with high dismissal rates. The firm offers transparent flat fees with no hidden trial costs and flexible payment plans. Their attorneys bring police experience to challenge field sobriety tests and protect clients' driving privileges. Free consultations are available for all criminal defense matters.

Screenshot of the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC Website

Austin criminal defense attorney David White brings 20+ years of experience and a 99% dismissal rate to every case. Specializing in DWI, drug crimes, and assault charges, he and partner Kenneth Hines provide direct client access—no intermediaries. Free consultations help Texas residents understand their options. The firm fights charges aggressively, ready for trial when necessary to protect clients' futures.

Screenshot of the Hildreth & Rueda Website
1301 Nueces St #101, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Hildreth & Rueda defend clients facing criminal charges in Austin and surrounding counties. The attorneys handle DWI, drug crimes, theft, and assault cases in Travis and Williamson Counties. They work to reduce charges and seek dismissals, especially for college students. The firm offers free consultations and serves Spanish-speaking clients. Their track record includes successful defenses in serious criminal matters.

Screenshot of the Blackburn Betts PLLC Website
605 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Blackburn Betts PLLC defends clients facing criminal charges in Austin, TX. Their attorneys handle DUI cases, drug crimes, and other criminal matters. The firm helps clients navigate warrants and court proceedings. They work to reduce charges or secure dismissals. Blackburn Betts protects driving privileges and helps clients avoid jail time. The team offers complimentary case evaluations. Their goal is to minimize the impact of criminal charges on clients' futures.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Jorge Vela - Abogado de Defensa Criminal Website

The Law Office of Jorge Vela defends Austin clients facing criminal charges. Jorge Vela is a former federal and state prosecutor with seven years of prosecution experience. He handles DWI, drug crimes, assault, and violent offenses throughout Travis County. The team offers 24/7 availability and bilingual services in English and Spanish.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski Website
702 Rio Grande St #309, Austin, TX 78701, USA

The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski provides criminal defense representation in Austin, Georgetown, and Central Texas. Attorney Gorski handles DWI cases, sex offenses, domestic violence, drug charges, theft crimes, and juvenile defense. Super Lawyers Rising Stars recipient (2022-2024) serving Travis and Williamson Counties. Free consultations available 24/7. Call 512-960-4646 for immediate legal assistance. Offices located in Austin and Georgetown with aggressive representation for felony and misdemeanor charges throughout Texas.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of Diana E. Buss Website
13341 W U.S. 290 Building 2, Austin, TX 78737, USA

Diana E. Buss is an Austin criminal defense attorney serving Travis, Hays, Williamson, Caldwell, and Bastrop counties. She has been licensed by the State Bar of Texas since 2010 and holds degrees in criminal justice and legal studies from Texas State University.

The firm defends clients facing DWI charges, drug offenses, assault, theft, and property crimes. Diana Buss also handles expunctions and non-disclosures to help clients clear their records. She believes everyone deserves a second chance. Call 1-844-BUSSTED to schedule a case review.

Screenshot of the David B. Frank Website
1212 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

David Frank is a Board Certified criminal defense attorney in Austin. He has practiced law since 1993. His practice focuses on DWI and DUI defense across Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bastrop Counties. In 2014, he successfully challenged the Texas Mandatory DWI Blood Draw Statute. Frank is a former president of the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He handles felony and misdemeanor cases. Initial case reviews are free.

Screenshot of the Chris Perri Law Website
1304 Nueces St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Chris Perri is an award-winning criminal defense attorney in Austin, Texas, with over 20 years of experience. He has helped clients overturn wrongful convictions, reverse plea deals, win trials, get cases dismissed, and clear criminal records through expungements.

The firm handles DWI and DUI charges, drug crimes, federal offenses, assault, family violence, sex crimes, white collar offenses, and murder cases. Chris Perri has earned Super Lawyers recognition and a 9.6 Avvo rating. Free consultations are available for all Texas criminal defense matters.

Screenshot of the Keates Law Firm Website
901 S MoPac Expy Bldg. 1, Ste. 300, Austin, TX 78746, USA

Attorney Robert Keates won the 2008 Trial Attorney of the Year award. His Austin criminal defense firm specializes in Travis County cases. With two decades of experience, he has secured numerous dismissals and acquittals. Clients get his personal cell phone and email. The BBB-accredited firm handles DWI, drug, theft, and assault charges. Keates earned eight Litigator of the Month awards during his career. He offers free phone consultations and payment plans.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Jessica Bernstein Website

Jessica Bernstein brings compassionate criminal defense to Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties. Licensed since 2011, she handles everything from traffic tickets to felonies. Jessica offers 24-hour jail release services and free consultations. She takes the "counselor" part of her title seriously, helping clients move forward in better positions. Her practice focuses on realistic expectations while striving for the best possible outcomes.

Screenshot of the Sablatura & Williams PLLC Website
108 E Bagdad Ave #200, Round Rock, TX 78664, USA

Sablatura & Williams PLLC serves Austin and Round Rock with over 30 years of combined trial experience. The firm earned recognition as Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys and Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Russ Sablatura, a 20+ year Texas trial lawyer, has defended high-profile cases, including Aryan Brotherhood attempted murder. They handle criminal defense, family law, and personal injury cases. The attorneys provide cost-effective representation and free evaluations throughout Central Texas.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Zachary Bidner Website
818 W 10th St Suite A, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Zachary Bidner is an Austin criminal defense attorney with over 50 jury trials under his belt. As a former prosecutor in both New Mexico and Travis County, he brings unique insight to state and federal defense cases. His firm handles DWI, drug crimes, domestic violence, and sexual assault charges across Central Texas. Clients receive 24/7 availability and personal attention from Zachary himself. The University of Texas graduate operates on the principle that every case deserves thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Sandra C. Ritz Website
902 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

The Law Office of Sandra C. Ritz is an Austin criminal defense firm in downtown Austin, Texas. Attorney Sandra Ritz has defended clients in state and federal courts for over 25 years. She handles DWI/DUI, assault, drug possession, theft, family violence, and felony cases across Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties.

Ritz earned her law degree from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. She opened her own practice in 2001 after gaining trial experience at the Federal Public Defender's Office. Texas Monthly named her a Top Attorney in Texas, and she has been selected to Super Lawyers for three consecutive years. Forbes Advisor also recognized her as one of Austin's best criminal defense attorneys.

The firm offers consultations and is available around the clock for jail releases.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of E.G. Morris Website
505 W 12th St #206, Austin, TX 78701, USA

The Law Office of E.G. Morris is an Austin criminal defense firm led by attorney E.G. "Gerry" Morris. He has defended clients in state and federal courts since 1977.

Morris holds board certification in criminal law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He served as president of both the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. In 2017, he was inducted into the TCDLA Hall of Fame.

The firm handles DWI, fraud, drug charges, white collar crimes, and federal investigations. Morris has earned AV Preeminent status and has appeared in Best Lawyers in America since 1995.

Screenshot of the Leichter Law Firm PC Website
1602 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA

Leichter Law Firm is an Austin professional license defense firm with a satellite office in Houston. The seven-attorney team includes board-certified specialists in administrative law, labor and employment law, and criminal law.

The firm represents physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists facing Texas Medical Board investigations, nursing board complaints, and DEA inquiries. They have handled over 500 licensing cases in recent years. Leichter also takes employment cases involving wrongful termination, unpaid overtime, discrimination, and whistleblower claims. Initial phone assessments are free.

Screenshot of the Sylestine Law PLLC Website
602 W 11th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Jeremy Sylestine defends criminal cases across Austin with insight from 15 years as a felony prosecutor. Sylestine Law PLLC handles DWI, drug charges, assault, and domestic violence cases. The attorney tried over 100 jury trials during his career as a prosecutor. He now uses that courtroom experience to defend clients. The firm offers initial case reviews at no charge. Services include pre-trial diversion assistance and expungement options for eligible cases.

Screenshot of the Dan Wannamaker Website
13809 Research Blvd Suite 500, Austin, TX 78750, USA

Wannamaker & Associates is a criminal defense firm in Austin, Texas. Daniel Wannamaker holds rare dual board certifications in criminal law and appellate law. He secured a Presidential Pardon from President Obama for one client. With four decades of experience, he has won 18 acquittals in federal fraud cases. The firm defends high-profile cases nationwide, including Olympic athletes. Super Lawyers selected him as one of the top 5% of attorneys. Free case evaluations are available.

Screenshot of the Brand & Resendez Law Website
505 W 12th St #204, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Brand & Resendez Law defends clients facing criminal charges in Austin and throughout Texas. The firm brings over 20 years of criminal law experience with a former prosecutor on the legal team. They handle cases that other attorneys decline due to complexity. The team challenges both state and federal charges in court. Attorneys stay accessible to clients through direct email and scheduled appointments. Their approach presumes innocence and actively challenges police reports and prosecution claims. The firm welcomes difficult cases requiring aggressive defense strategies.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Eric Harron Website
319 S 1st St #13, Temple, TX 76504, USA

The Law Office of Eric Harron handles criminal defense, DWI, and personal injury cases throughout Central Texas. Attorney Eric Harron has served clients since 2007 from offices in Austin, Temple, and Georgetown. The firm offers complimentary consultations for criminal matters and works on contingency for injury claims. They have secured case dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and six-figure injury settlements for their clients.

Screenshot of the Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C. Website

At Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C., we are committed to aggressively pursuing our client’s interests while treating them like family. When your future is at risk, our firm will handle your case with the dedication, focus, and respect it deserves.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Alejandro Martinez, PLLC Website

Alejandro Martinez is a former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney in Austin. Listed as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, he uses his experience from both sides of the courtroom to defend clients. His practice handles DWI, drug charges, theft, and violent crimes throughout Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties. Martinez offers free consultations and payment plans. Many clients report getting their cases dismissed. He graduated from SMU Dedman School of Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Austin Cost?

Fee structures vary by charge severity. Most Austin defense attorneys charge flat fees for misdemeanors. DWI cases typically start in the low thousands. Felony cases cost more and may require retainer-based billing. Some firms offer free consultations and payment plans. Always ask for a written fee agreement before signing.

How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in Travis County?

Timelines depend on the charge and court docket. A simple misdemeanor may be resolved in a few weeks. Felony cases in Travis County often take six months to over a year. Complex cases involving multiple defendants or forensic evidence take longer. Your attorney can request a continuance if additional preparation time would strengthen your defense.

What Are the Statutes of Limitations for Criminal Charges in Texas?

Texas sets different time limits by offense level. Most misdemeanors carry a two-year statute of limitations. General felonies have a three-year window. More serious offenses, like robbery, carry a 5-year term. Murder, manslaughter, and sexual assault of a child have no time limit at all. Time spent outside Texas does not count toward the clock.

What Happens If I Am Charged with a Felony in Austin?

Felony charges in Texas carry severe consequences. A third-degree felony means two to ten years in prison. Second-degree felonies carry two to twenty years. First-degree felonies can result in five to ninety-nine years or life. Travis County felony cases are prosecuted through the District Attorney's Office. An experienced attorney can negotiate reduced charges or pursue dismissal.

Can I Get My Criminal Record Expunged in Texas?

Texas allows expunction and nondisclosure in certain cases. You may qualify for expunction if charges were dismissed or you were acquitted. Nondisclosure orders can seal certain records after deferred adjudication. Not all offenses qualify. A criminal defense attorney can review your case history and determine your eligibility.

What If I Was Partly at Fault or Provoked the Incident?

Texas recognizes several affirmative defenses. Self-defense, defense of others, and necessity are common in assault cases. Provocation alone is not a full defense, but it may reduce charges. Your attorney can evaluate the facts and build a strategy around applicable defenses under the Texas Penal Code.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor in Austin?

Even minor charges can create lasting problems. A Class B misdemeanor like DWI stays on your record. Convictions affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. An attorney can often negotiate deferred adjudication or dismissal. The cost of representation is usually far less than the long-term cost of a conviction.

Types of Criminal Cases in Austin, TX

DWI and DUI. Driving while intoxicated is one of the most common charges in Travis County. Texas has a legal BAC limit of 0.08%. Penalties increase sharply with repeat offenses or if a child was in the vehicle. Austin's active nightlife along 6th Street and Rainey Street generates a high volume of DWI arrests.

Drug Charges. Austin attorneys handle possession, distribution, and manufacturing cases. Texas classifies controlled substances into penalty groups with different sentencing ranges. Even small amounts of certain drugs can result in felony charges.

Assault and Domestic Violence. Simple assault is a Class A misdemeanor in Texas. Charges escalate to a felony when the alleged victim is a family member, household member, or public servant. Travis County prosecutors pursue family violence cases aggressively, even when the accuser wants charges dropped.

Theft and Property Crimes. Texas theft charges range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony based on the value of property taken. Shoplifting, burglary, and robbery fall under this category. Restitution and prior record heavily influence sentencing.

White Collar Crimes. Fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and identity theft are prosecuted at both state and federal levels. The Western District of Texas federal court in Austin handles cases that cross state lines. These cases often involve complex financial evidence and lengthy investigations.

Weapons Offenses. Texas has permissive gun laws, but certain possession charges carry serious penalties. Convicted felons, those under protective orders, and individuals in prohibited locations face state or federal charges. Austin's proximity to federal facilities adds a layer of federal jurisdiction.

Juvenile Offenses. Minors charged with crimes in Travis County go through the juvenile justice system. The process differs significantly from adult court. An attorney experienced in juvenile defense can pursue diversion programs and sealed records.

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Austin

Check for Travis County courtroom experience. Local attorneys know the judges, prosecutors, and court procedures in Travis County. That familiarity can influence plea negotiations and trial strategy. Ask how many cases they have handled in the specific court where your case is assigned.

Ask about their track record with your charge type. A DWI specialist may not be the right fit for a federal fraud case. Look for attorneys who focus on the specific offense you are facing. Ask for dismissal and trial outcome statistics.

Verify board certification. The Texas Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys in criminal law. Board-certified lawyers have passed additional exams and met experience requirements. This credential signals a higher level of specialization.

Evaluate communication and availability. Criminal cases move quickly. You need an attorney who returns calls promptly and keeps you informed. Some Austin firms offer around-the-clock availability for arrests and emergencies.

Understand the fee structure upfront. Get a clear breakdown of costs before you commit. Ask whether the quote covers the full case or just specific stages. Confirm what happens if the case goes to trial and costs increase.

Factors That Affect Criminal Case Outcomes in Austin

Case outcomes in Travis County depend on multiple variables. The strength of the prosecution's evidence is the biggest factor. Witness credibility, forensic results, and police procedure all play a role. Prior criminal history significantly affects sentencing. Texas judges have wide discretion within statutory ranges. An attorney who knows the tendencies of local judges can better predict outcomes and negotiate effectively. Plea bargains resolve the majority of criminal cases in Travis County. A strong defense attorney can negotiate reduced charges, deferred adjudication, or alternative sentencing. Cases that go to trial carry a higher risk but may result in a full acquittal.