Best Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal defense lawyers in Houston handle cases in one of the nation's busiest court systems. Harris County files a high volume of misdemeanor and felony cases each year. An experienced criminal attorney knows how local judges and prosecutors work. The firms below have argued cases inside the Harris County Criminal Justice Center.

To compile this list, we review Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers based on public information, client feedback, and professional standing.

  • 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
  • Consistency of public reviews across multiple platforms

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

Leading Houston Criminal Lawyers for State & Federal Charges

Screenshot of the John T. Floyd Law Firm Website
3730 Kirby Dr # 750, Houston, TX 77098, USA

John T. Floyd is a Houston criminal defense attorney who is board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His practice centers on federal cases, where penalties run high and investigations move quickly.

The firm defends white collar fraud, federal drug trafficking, and firearm charges. Attorneys Floyd and Christopher Choate also take on state charges such as sex crimes and homicide.

These investigations often begin long before an arrest. The team steps in early to protect clients during grand jury and pretrial stages.

Screenshot of the Fred Dahr PLLC Website
405 Main St #900, Houston, TX 77002, USA

For more than 20 years, Fred Dahr has defended Harris County criminal cases, building a record of dismissals and grand jury no-bills. His office sits three blocks from the criminal courthouse.

Dahr takes on serious felonies like aggravated robbery, drug possession, and murder. He also helps professionals and students whose careers or records are at risk.

He will not advise an innocent client to plead guilty. When prosecutors refuse to drop a case, Dahr is a Houston criminal defense lawyer ready to take it to a jury.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of David A. Breston, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorney Website

Based in downtown Houston, the Law Office of David A. Breston has defended more than 4,000 clients. The office answers within 24 hours and serves Spanish-speaking families.

Its Houston criminal lawyers handle domestic violence, sex crimes, and immigration matters in both state and federal court. Attorneys David Breston and Alma Garcia lead the work.

A criminal charge can affect a job, housing, and future plans. The team works to reduce or dismiss charges before they reshape a client's life.

Screenshot of the James Alston Law - Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Website

With over 30 years in the courtroom, former prosecutor James Alston defends both federal and state charges. He is board certified in criminal law.

His Houston practice handles white collar fraud, violent crimes, and weapons cases. Alston represents clients facing some of the most serious felonies in Texas.

Screenshot of the Criminal Defense Attorney Neal Davis Website
1545 Heights Blvd #700, Houston, TX 77008, USA

In 2025, Neal Davis won dismissal of all seven sexual assault charges against a former NASA engineer, days before trial. Board certified since 2009, he has also been named to Best Lawyers in America.

Davis and attorney Andrew Jordan focus on sex crime and felony defense. The bilingual office takes calls 24/7.

Screenshot of the Scheiner Law Group P.C. Website
2211 Norfolk St #735, Houston, TX 77098, USA

DWI and intoxication cases are a core focus at Scheiner Law Group, led by managing attorney Grant Scheiner. The firm also defends drug, sex, and violent crime charges in state and federal court.

It has earned several Houston legal awards and serves Spanish-speaking clients.

Screenshot of the Chernoff Law Website
917 Franklin St suite 300, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Chernoff Law pairs attorneys Ed Chernoff and Neal Davis III, who together bring more than 30 years of trial experience. The Houston practice handles family violence, fraud, and federal cases.

Free consultations are available to people facing serious charges.

Screenshot of the Adamo & Adamo Law Firm Website
3200 Travis St 4th floor, Houston, TX 77006, USA

Father-and-son attorneys Samuel Adamo Sr. and Samuel Adamo Jr. run Adamo & Adamo Law Firm, with offices in Houston and Austin. Together they bring over 60 years of combined experience.

The board-certified team defends violent, sex crime, weapons, and federal charges.

Screenshot of the Blass Law PLLC Website
917 Franklin St 400, Floor 4, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Jay Blass Cohen leads Blass Law, a Houston practice known for DWI defense. He holds ACS-CHAL certification for alcohol-related cases.

The firm also handles sex crimes, juvenile matters, and some personal injury work.

Screenshot of the Lisa Shapiro Strauss Attorney at Law Website
4545 Bissonnet St #293, Bellaire, TX 77401, USA

Lisa Shapiro Strauss centers her Houston-area defense work on assault and theft charges. From her Bellaire office, she also takes fraud, felony cases, expungements, and probation violations.

Many of her clients face first-time charges that threaten an otherwise clean record.

Screenshot of the The Haggard Law Firm Website
1217 Prairie St UNIT 201, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Carl D. Haggard served as a Chief Prosecutor in the Harris County DA's office before opening his own practice. With more than three decades of experience, he defends violent crime, theft, weapons, and record-sealing cases across Houston.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of Brian S. Laviage Website

Board-certified attorney Brian Laviage helps Houston clients clear their records through expunction and nondisclosure orders. He also handles juvenile cases and traffic matters across four area counties.

Screenshot of the Looney, Smith, Conrad & Hefti, P.C. Website
11767 Katy Fwy Suite #740, Houston, TX 77079, USA

Trial attorney Paul Looney has tried 60 criminal jury trials since 1995 with zero final convictions. His firm defends serious felonies and white collar cases in Houston, statewide, and in federal court.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a criminal defense lawyer in Houston cost?

It depends on the charge. Most Houston attorneys charge a flat fee for minor charges. Felony cases and trials usually cost more. Many firms offer a free first consultation.

How long does a criminal case take in Harris County?

A few months to over a year. Simpler cases often resolve faster than serious ones. Complex felony cases take longer. Court backlogs in Harris County can add delays.

What is the statute of limitations for crimes in Texas?

It varies by offense. Most misdemeanors have a two-year limit. Most felonies have a three-year limit. Murder, manslaughter, and some child sex offenses have no limit.

What if I was partly at fault or already confessed?

You still have defenses. A confession can be challenged if police violated your rights. Evidence from an illegal search may be suppressed. A lawyer reviews how the arrest was handled.

Can I get a charge off my record in Texas?

Sometimes, yes. Dismissed or acquitted cases may qualify for expunction. Deferred adjudication may allow a nondisclosure order. Eligibility depends on the offense and the outcome.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?

Usually, yes. Even a Class B misdemeanor can mean jail time and a record. A conviction can affect jobs and housing. A lawyer can often reduce or dismiss the charge.

Types of Criminal Cases Houston Defense Lawyers Handle

DWI and Intoxication. A first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor in Texas. Repeat offenses and high blood alcohol levels raise the penalties. Many firms focus on breath tests and license hearings.

Drug Charges. Texas treats most drug possession as a felony. Penalties depend on the substance and the amount. Trafficking and delivery carry the heaviest sentences.

Assault and Family Violence. Assault can be charged as a minor offense or a felony. A family violence finding affects gun rights and future cases. These cases often turn on witness accounts.

Theft and Property Crimes. The charge level rises with the value taken. Shoplifting, burglary, and robbery fall in this group. A conviction shows up on background checks.

Sex Crimes. These carry severe penalties and registration rules. Some have no statute of limitations in Texas. Good defense work starts before charges are filed.

Federal Crimes. Federal cases are tried in the Southern District of Texas. Fraud, drug trafficking, and weapons charges are common. They move quickly and carry strict sentencing guidelines.

White Collar Crimes. These involve fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering. Cases often rest on documents and financial records. Houston sees many energy and healthcare fraud matters.

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Houston

Check their Harris County experience. Local courts have their own routines. A lawyer who works there often knows the judges and staff.

Look at trial history. Some lawyers settle nearly every case. If yours may reach a jury, you want real trial experience.

Match the lawyer to the charge. A DWI specialist may not suit a federal fraud case. Pick someone who handles your type of charge often.

Ask about board certification. Few Texas attorneys are board certified in criminal law. The credential signals deep experience.

Confirm who handles your case. Some firms pass work to junior staff. Ask whether the named attorney will appear in court.

Criminal Penalties and Outcomes in Texas

Outcomes depend on the charge level and your record. Texas misdemeanors carry up to a year in county jail. Felony sentences can range from state jail time to prison or life. A first offense may qualify for deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion. These options can keep a conviction off your record. A Houston attorney can explain the realistic range for your case.