Dallas Criminal Defense Attorneys

We Fight for Your Future

The phone call came at 2 AM. The knock on your door shattered a quiet evening. The handcuffs clicked shut, and suddenly your world turned upside down. In that moment, everything you’ve worked for—your career, your family, your reputation, your freedom—hangs in the balance. The weight of criminal charges doesn’t just threaten your present; it threatens to rewrite your entire future.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely facing one of the most terrifying experiences of your life. You’re probably wondering how this happened, what comes next, and most importantly, how you can protect everything that matters to you. The truth is stark: in the criminal justice system, you’re not just fighting charges—you’re fighting for your life as you know it.

At Varghese Summersett, we understand that behind every criminal case is a human being whose world has been turned upside down. We’ve seen the fear in our clients’ eyes, felt the weight of their desperation, and witnessed the relief that comes when the right defense strategy turns the tide. For over a decade, we’ve stood between our clients and the full force of the government, and we’ve made it our mission to ensure that one moment—one mistake, one misunderstanding, one false accusation—doesn’t define the rest of your life.

The Reality of Criminal Charges in Dallas

When you’re facing criminal charges in Dallas, you’re not just dealing with a legal problem—you’re confronting a system designed to secure convictions. Dallas County prosecutors are among the most aggressive in Texas, with conviction rates that reflect their relentless pursuit of guilty verdicts. They have unlimited resources, teams of investigators, and years of experience building cases against people just like you.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. A criminal conviction doesn’t just mean potential jail time or fines. It means a permanent mark on your record that follows you forever. It means explaining to every potential employer why you checked “yes” on that background check question. It means losing professional licenses, facing deportation if you’re not a citizen, losing your right to vote or own firearms, and watching opportunities slip away because of one entry in a database.

But here’s what the prosecution doesn’t want you to know: every case is winnable. Every charge can be challenged. Every piece of evidence can be scrutinized. Every witness can be cross-examined. Every constitutional violation can be exposed. The question isn’t whether you can fight back—it’s whether you have the right team fighting for you.

The Criminal Defense Team Dallas Trusts

In the high-stakes world of criminal defense, credentials matter. Experience matters. Results matter. But what matters most is having a team that treats your case like it’s the most important case they’ve ever handled—because to you, it is.

Varghese Summersett isn’t just another law firm. We’re the criminal defense team that other lawyers call when they or their family members face charges. We’re the firm that prosecutors respect and fear in equal measure. We’re have four Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists at our firm. This includes Anna Summersett, Benson Varghese, Letty Martinez, and Lisa Herrick. You’d be hard-pressed to find another firm in all of Texas, with so many criminal specialists.

This isn’t just a job for us; it’s our calling. We’ve spent over 100 years combined in courtrooms across Texas, handling everything from misdemeanor DWIs to capital murder cases, from federal drug conspiracies to white-collar fraud allegations.

But credentials are just the beginning. What sets us apart is our approach to every case. While other firms might see you as just another file, we see you as a person whose life has been disrupted and who deserves a fierce advocate. We don’t just practice criminal defense—we live it, breathe it, and perfect it every single day.

Our Trial-Tested Approach: Where Courtroom Warriors Are Made

The difference between a good criminal defense attorney and a great one isn’t found in law school textbooks—it’s forged in the crucible of the courtroom. Our attorneys have tried over 550 jury trials, and that experience shows in every case we handle. We know how prosecutors think because many of us used to be prosecutors. We know how judges rule because we’ve argued before them hundreds of times. We know how juries decide because we’ve watched them deliberate on cases just like yours.

This trial experience isn’t just a number on our website—it’s the foundation of everything we do. When we negotiate with prosecutors, they know we’re not afraid to go to trial. When we file motions, judges know we’ve done our homework. When we investigate your case, we’re looking for the same weaknesses that we’d exploit if we were on the other side.

But perhaps most importantly, our trial experience means we can look you in the eye and tell you exactly what you’re facing. We won’t sugarcoat the challenges, but we also won’t let you lose hope. We’ve seen cases that seemed impossible turn into victories. We’ve watched prosecutors’ “slam dunk” cases crumble under scrutiny. We’ve seen juries acquit clients when everyone else thought conviction was certain.

Communication That Makes the Difference: You’re Never Left in the Dark

One of the most frustrating aspects of facing criminal charges is feeling like you’re in the dark about your own case. At Varghese Summersett, we believe that communication isn’t just about keeping you informed—it’s about empowering you to make the best decisions for your future.

From the moment you become our client, you’ll have direct access to your attorney. Not a paralegal, not an assistant, but the actual lawyer handling your case. We return calls promptly, explain legal concepts in plain English, and make sure you understand every option available to you. We know that criminal charges don’t just affect you during business hours, which is why we’re available when you need us most.

Our approach to communication goes beyond just returning phone calls. We take the time to understand your unique situation, your concerns, and your goals. Are you worried about losing your job? We’ll factor that into our strategy. Concerned about how this affects your family? We’ll work to minimize the impact. Facing immigration consequences? We’ll coordinate with immigration attorneys to protect your status.

This level of communication isn’t just good customer service—it’s strategic. The more we understand about your life and your priorities, the better we can tailor our defense to protect what matters most to you.

Located in the Heart of Dallas

When you’re facing criminal charges, every minute counts. That’s why our Dallas office is strategically located at 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 950, in the heart of downtown Dallas. This isn’t just convenient—it’s strategic. We’re minutes away from the Dallas County courthouse, the federal courthouse, and the Dallas Police Department headquarters. When urgent motions need to be filed or emergency hearings need to be attended, we’re already there.

Our location in the 2100 Ross Ave building puts us at the center of Dallas’s legal district, surrounded by the Dallas Arts District, Klyde Warren Park, and the Dallas Museum of Art. The building is easily accessible via I-35E and the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, with DART stations within walking distance for those using public transportation. Underground parking and street parking ensure that getting to our office is never a barrier to getting the help you need.

But location is about more than convenience—it’s about relationships. Being in the heart of Dallas’s legal community means we work alongside prosecutors, judges, and court staff every day. These relationships, built over years of professional interaction, often make the difference between a favorable plea agreement and a harsh sentence, between a dismissed charge and a conviction.

Our Comprehensive Defense Practice: No Case Too Complex, No Charge Too Serious

At Varghese Summersett, we’ve built our reputation by taking on the cases that other firms won’t touch and winning the cases that others think are unwinnable. Our comprehensive approach to criminal defense means that whether you’re facing a misdemeanor DWI or a federal conspiracy charge, you’ll have the same level of expertise and dedication fighting for you.

Assault and Violent Crime Defense: When Your Freedom and Reputation Are on the Line

Violent crime charges carry some of the harshest penalties in the Texas criminal justice system, but they also present some of the best opportunities for aggressive defense. From misdemeanor assault cases that can often be resolved without a conviction to felony aggravated assault charges that threaten decades in prison, we approach every violent crime case with the understanding that your life hangs in the balance.

The key to defending violent crime charges lies in understanding that these cases are often more complex than they appear on the surface. What looks like a clear-cut assault to police officers might actually be self-defense. What seems like aggravated assault might be a case of mistaken identity. What appears to be domestic violence might be a situation where the alleged victim has their own motives for making false accusations.

Our approach to domestic violence and family violence cases recognizes the unique challenges these charges present. Not only are you facing potential criminal penalties, but these charges can affect child custody, divorce proceedings, and your ability to remain in your own home. We work closely with family law attorneys when necessary and understand how to navigate the intersection of criminal and family court.

Protective orders often accompany family violence charges, and we treat these hearings with the same seriousness as criminal trials. A protective order can force you out of your home, prevent you from seeing your children, and create a permanent record that affects employment and housing opportunities. We fight these orders aggressively, understanding that they’re often the first step in a larger strategy to gain advantage in family court proceedings.

Drug Crime Defense: Fighting the War on Drugs One Case at a Time

The war on drugs has created a criminal justice system where drug crimes are prosecuted more aggressively than ever before. From simple possession charges that can result in jail time and permanent records to manufacturing and distribution cases that carry mandatory minimum sentences, drug charges require a defense team that understands both the science and the law.

Our approach to drug defense begins with a thorough investigation of how the evidence was obtained. The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures, but police officers often push the boundaries of what’s constitutional. We examine every traffic stop, every search warrant, every consent to search, looking for violations that can result in evidence being suppressed and charges being dismissed.

Drug trafficking cases often involve complex investigations with surveillance, wiretaps, and confidential informants. These cases require a defense team that can match the government’s resources and expertise. We work with forensic experts, challenge the reliability of informants, and scrutinize every piece of evidence to build the strongest possible defense.

Federal drug crimes present unique challenges because of mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines and the resources of federal prosecutors. However, federal cases also present unique opportunities for experienced defense attorneys who understand the federal system. We’ve successfully defended clients in federal court across Texas and know how to navigate the complex world of federal criminal defense.

White Collar and Fraud Defense: Protecting Your Professional Life and Reputation

White collar crimes often involve successful professionals who never imagined they’d face criminal charges. These cases are particularly devastating because they don’t just threaten your freedom—they threaten your career, your professional reputation, and everything you’ve worked to build. The complexity of white collar cases requires a defense team that can match the government’s financial experts and understand the intricate details of business transactions.

Embezzlement and employee theft charges often arise from misunderstandings about authority, accounting errors, or civil disputes that have been criminalized. We work with forensic accountants to reconstruct financial records and demonstrate that what appears to be theft was actually authorized conduct or honest mistakes.

Credit card fraud cases increasingly involve digital evidence that can be challenged on multiple fronts. From questioning the reliability of electronic records to challenging the chain of custody of digital evidence, we use cutting-edge technology and expert witnesses to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Medicare fraud allegations can end medical careers and result in decades of prison time. These cases require a deep understanding of healthcare regulations and the ability to distinguish between billing errors and intentional fraud. We work with healthcare experts to demonstrate that billing irregularities were the result of complex regulations rather than criminal intent.

Computer crimes represent the fastest-growing area of criminal law, and they require a defense team that understands both technology and the law. From challenging the admissibility of digital evidence to demonstrating that computer intrusions were the result of security vulnerabilities rather than criminal hacking, we stay at the forefront of cyber defense.

Wire fraud is one of the most commonly charged federal offenses, but it’s also one of the most defensible. The government must prove intent to defraud, which often comes down to a battle of interpretations about business communications and transactions.

Bankruptcy fraud charges often arise from the complexity of bankruptcy law rather than criminal intent. We work with bankruptcy attorneys to demonstrate that alleged omissions or misstatements were the result of legal confusion rather than deliberate deception.

Our approach to general fraud crimes recognizes that these cases are often built on circumstantial evidence and interpretations of intent. We challenge the government’s narrative at every turn, offering alternative explanations for conduct and demonstrating that what appears suspicious was actually legitimate business activity.

Sex Crime Defense: Protecting Your Life When Everything Is on the Line

Sex crime allegations are among the most serious charges in the criminal justice system, carrying not just the possibility of lengthy prison sentences but also lifetime registration as a sex offender. These cases require a defense team that can handle the emotional complexity of the charges while aggressively challenging the evidence and protecting your constitutional rights.

Sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault cases often come down to credibility battles between the alleged victim and the accused. We conduct thorough investigations, examine all physical evidence, and challenge inconsistencies in witness statements. Our experience in these cases has taught us that the truth often emerges through careful investigation and aggressive cross-examination.

Sexual assault of a minor cases present unique challenges because of the special rules governing child testimony and the emotional impact these cases have on juries. We work with experts in child psychology to understand how children’s memories can be influenced and how improper interview techniques can lead to false allegations.

Online solicitation of a minor cases often involve law enforcement sting operations where officers pose as minors online. These cases raise serious questions about entrapment and the reliability of digital evidence. We challenge the methods used by law enforcement and examine whether our clients were induced to commit crimes they wouldn’t have otherwise committed.

Possession of child pornography cases rely heavily on digital forensic evidence, which can be challenged on multiple fronts. From questioning whether our client actually accessed the illegal material to challenging the search methods used by law enforcement, we leave no stone unturned in defending these serious charges.

Improper student-teacher relationship cases often involve consensual relationships that become criminalized because of the professional relationship between the parties. We examine the specific facts of each case to determine whether the relationship actually violated Texas law and whether the evidence supports the charges.

DWI and Intoxication Crime Defense: Protecting Your License, Your Record, and Your Future

DWI charges are among the most commonly prosecuted crimes in Texas, but they’re also among the most defensible when you have the right legal team. A DWI conviction doesn’t just mean fines and possible jail time—it means a permanent criminal record, license suspension, increased insurance rates, and potential job loss. For professionals who drive for work or hold professional licenses, a DWI conviction can be career-ending.

Our approach to DWI defense begins with a thorough examination of the traffic stop. Police officers must have reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle and probable cause to arrest you for DWI. We scrutinize every aspect of the stop, from the officer’s stated reason for pulling you over to the field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results.

Felony DWI charges carry much more serious consequences, including potential prison time and permanent felony records. These charges typically arise when someone has prior DWI convictions or when the DWI involves an accident with injuries. We challenge prior convictions, examine the evidence of intoxication, and work to minimize the impact on our clients’ lives.

Intoxication assault and manslaughter are among the most serious charges in the Texas Penal Code, carrying potential sentences of decades in prison. These cases require immediate action to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and begin building a defense. We work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to challenge the prosecution’s theory of the case.

DWI with a child passenger is automatically charged as a felony in Texas and can result in Child Protective Services involvement. These cases require coordination between criminal defense and family law to protect both your freedom and your parental rights.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense

Beyond our major practice areas, we handle the full spectrum of criminal charges that can disrupt your life and threaten your future. Weapons and gun charges have become increasingly complex as Texas firearms laws evolve. What was legal yesterday might be illegal today, and we stay current on all changes to ensure our clients receive the most effective defense.

Juvenile crimes require a special approach that focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Our Board Certified Juvenile Specialist understands that young people make mistakes, and our goal is to ensure that those mistakes don’t define their futures. We work to secure alternative resolutions, educational programs, and deferred adjudications that allow young people to learn from their mistakes without permanent consequences.

Family violence charges can affect not just your criminal record but also your family relationships, child custody arrangements, and career prospects. We understand the intersection of criminal and family law and work to protect all aspects of our clients’ lives.

Criminal mischief charges might seem minor, but they can result in significant fines and restitution requirements. We challenge property damage valuations and work to resolve these cases without permanent criminal records.

Theft crimes range from shoplifting to complex embezzlement schemes. Regardless of the value involved, theft convictions can have lasting consequences for employment and professional licensing. We work to negotiate dismissals, restitution agreements, and alternative sentencing that allows our clients to move forward with their lives.

Probation violations can result in the revocation of probation and imposition of the original sentence. We act quickly to address violations, negotiate with probation officers, and seek modifications that allow our clients to successfully complete their probation.

Expungement services help our clients clear their records and move forward with their lives. Even if you weren’t convicted, an arrest record can affect employment, housing, and educational opportunities. We guide clients through the complex expungement and non-disclosure process to help them achieve a fresh start.

The Questions That Keep You Up at Night: Answers When You Need Them Most

When you’re facing criminal charges, your mind races with questions and fears about what comes next. We’ve answered these questions thousands of times, and we want you to have the information you need to make informed decisions about your case.

What Should I Do Immediately After Being Arrested in Texas?
The moments after an arrest are critical to your case. Invoke your right to remain silent immediately and clearly request an attorney. Don’t try to explain your way out of the situation—anything you say will be used against you, even if you think it helps your case. Contact us immediately so we can protect your rights and begin building your defense before charges are formally filed.

Should I Speak to Police If They Say They ‘Just Want to Clear Things Up’?
Never. Police questioning is designed to build a case against you, not to help you. Even if officers seem friendly or claim they just want to hear your side of the story, their job is to gather evidence for prosecution. Let us handle all communication with law enforcement to avoid self-incrimination and protect your constitutional rights.

How Does Bond Work in Texas, and How Can I Get Out of Jail?
Texas offers several types of bonds, including cash bonds, surety bonds, and personal recognizance bonds. The amount and type of bond depend on the charges, your criminal history, and your ties to the community. We often succeed in getting bonds reduced or securing personal recognizance bonds that allow our clients to return home without posting cash.

Will My Case Go to Trial?
Most criminal cases are resolved through plea negotiations or dismissals rather than trials. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial because that preparation strengthens our negotiating position and ensures we’re ready if trial becomes necessary. Our trial experience often leads to better plea offers because prosecutors know we’re not afraid to fight.

How Long Will My Criminal Case Take?
The timeline varies significantly depending on the charges and the court. Misdemeanor cases might resolve in a few months, while felony cases can take a year or more. Federal cases often extend beyond a year due to their complexity. Early intervention by experienced counsel can often speed the process and lead to better outcomes.

What’s the Difference Between a Felony and Misdemeanor in Texas?
Misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $4,000. Felonies carry potential sentences of more than one year in prison and can result in much higher fines. However, the collateral consequences of any criminal conviction can be just as important as the direct penalties.

Can Criminal Charges Be Removed From My Record in Texas?
Texas law allows for expunctions and orders of non-disclosure that can remove or seal certain charges from your record. Eligibility depends on the outcome of your case and the specific charges involved. We can evaluate your situation and advise you on your options for clearing your record.

How Can I Avoid Having My Professional License Suspended?
Professional licensing boards often take action based on criminal charges, even before conviction. Contact us immediately if you hold a professional license so we can coordinate with licensing attorneys and take steps to protect your career early in the process.

What Happens If I’m on Probation and Get Arrested?
A new arrest while on probation can trigger a probation revocation hearing, which could result in the imposition of your original sentence. We intervene quickly to prevent revocation and minimize additional penalties, often negotiating modifications to probation rather than revocation.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Cost in Texas?
We offer transparent flat fees and flexible payment plans because we believe that financial concerns shouldn’t prevent you from getting quality representation. The cost of experienced counsel is often far less than the long-term consequences of inadequate representation or self-representation.

What Our Clients Say: Real Stories from Real People

[brb_collection id=61283]

The true measure of a criminal defense firm isn’t found in awards or accolades—it’s found in the lives we’ve helped rebuild and the futures we’ve helped protect. Our clients come to us in their darkest moments, facing charges that threaten everything they’ve worked for. They leave with their freedom intact, their records clean, and their faith in the justice system restored.

We’ve defended hundreds of cases that resulted in dismissals, acquittals, or favorable plea agreements. We’ve helped professionals keep their licenses, parents maintain custody of their children, and immigrants avoid deportation. Most importantly, we’ve helped people move forward with their lives without the burden of criminal convictions defining their futures.

Why Varghese Summersett Is the Right Choice for Your Defense

When your life is on the line, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team of warriors who will fight for your freedom with the same intensity you would fight for your own family. At Varghese Summersett, we’ve assembled the most experienced, most credentialed, and most successful criminal defense team in Dallas.

Award-Winning Attorneys: Our attorneys have been recognized by their peers and the legal community for their excellence in criminal defense. But awards don’t win cases—experience, skill, and dedication do.

Former Prosecutors with Insider Knowledge: Many of our attorneys are former prosecutors who understand how the other side thinks and operates. This insider knowledge gives us a strategic advantage in every case we handle.

Over 100 Years of Combined Criminal Law Experience: Our team has spent more than a century in courtrooms across Texas, handling every type of criminal case imaginable. This experience can’t be taught in law school—it’s earned through years of fighting for clients’ rights.

More than 550 Jury Trials: Trial experience matters because it affects every aspect of how we handle your case. Prosecutors know we’re not afraid to go to trial, which strengthens our negotiating position and often leads to better plea offers.

Hundreds of Dismissals and Acquittals: Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve successfully defended clients against charges ranging from misdemeanors to capital murder, from state court to federal court.

More Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists Than Any Other Dallas Firm: Board certification requires extensive experience, continuing education, and peer recognition. Having more Board Certified specialists than any other criminal defense firm in Dallas means you’re getting the highest level of expertise available.

The Time to Act Is Now: Your Future Can’t Wait

Every day you wait to secure experienced criminal defense representation is a day that the prosecution uses to build their case against you. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and opportunities for early intervention are lost. The decisions you make in the next few hours and days will affect the rest of your life.

At Varghese Summersett, we understand that facing criminal charges is one of the most terrifying experiences of your life. We also understand that with the right defense team, even the most serious charges can be successfully defended. We’ve seen cases that seemed hopeless turn into victories. We’ve watched prosecutors’ strongest cases crumble under aggressive defense. We’ve seen clients walk out of courtrooms free when everyone else expected conviction.

But none of that matters if you don’t take action now. The criminal justice system doesn’t wait for you to figure things out on your own. Prosecutors are already working on your case, building evidence, and preparing arguments. You need a team that can match their resources and exceed their expertise.

We offer free consultations because we believe that everyone deserves to understand their options before making decisions that will affect their future. During your consultation, we’ll review the charges against you, explain your options, and begin developing a strategy tailored to your specific situation. Most importantly, we’ll give you the honest assessment you need to make informed decisions about your case.

Don’t let fear, embarrassment, or financial concerns prevent you from getting the representation you deserve. We’ve helped clients from all walks of life, facing all types of charges, and we’ve seen how the right defense can transform what seems like a hopeless situation into a new beginning.

Your life is worth fighting for. Your future is worth protecting. Your freedom is worth defending. The question isn’t whether you can afford to hire experienced criminal defense counsel—it’s whether you can afford not to.

Contact Varghese Summersett today for your free consultation. Let us show you why we’re the criminal defense team that Dallas trusts when everything is on the line. Because when your life hangs in the balance, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team of fighters who will never give up on your case.

Call us now. Your future depends on it.

Located at 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 950, Dallas, Texas.Free initial consultations for all criminal defense matters.