We meticulously test and assess everything we review. Learn more about why you can trust us.

Top 5 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Houston

Top 5 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Houston Homepage

Our Criteria:

Availability – Being involved in a criminal proceeding is an emotionally-taxing event. Thus, we picked law firms that are reachable so clients can readily inquire about the status of their cases.
Communication – We chose lawyers that connect well with their clients. These lawyers must also be courteous and professional when answering questions and explaining issues.
Experience – The top criminal defense lawyers in Houston must have a proven track record of defending clients in the courts. They should also possess vast on-field knowledge acquired through years of practice.
Specialization – The law firms’ expertise must lie in the field of criminal defense. The firms must also have multiple attorneys-at-law that can provide aggressive representation for their clients in Court.

1: The Martinez Law Firm

The Martinez Law Firm Homepage

Services: Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, Violation of Protective Order, Theft Crime, Misdemeanor Charges, Probation Violation, Clearing Your Record, Violent Crimes, Warrants Assault, Felony Charges, Sex Crimes, Intoxication Assault, Intoxicated Manslaughter, First Time DWI, Third DWI, Felony DWI

Website: https://www.martinezlawhouston.com/ 

Address: 2617 Canal St, Houston, TX 77003

Contact Details: (713) 242.1779

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 A.M. – 5: P.M.; Saturday to Sunday: Closed; Hotlines available 24/7

Google Reviews Score4.8/5
Yelp Reviews Score3.5/5
Total Reviews4.5/5
Score Consistency4.5/5
Availability4.5/5
Communication5/5
Expertise5/5
Specialization4.5/5

Pros

  • Specializes in DWI defense
  • Connects well with clients
  • Offers free consultations and a DWI book

Cons

  • Only one practicing attorney-at-law
  • Require an immediate upfront cash fee before accepting a case

The Martinez Law Firm has been in the criminal defense field for 25 years. However, they specialize more in handling DWI cases in Texas.

Upon hiring this firm, a client will be provided with their portal to view relevant documents in the case, including their DWI video. They’ll also communicate extensively with the Texas Department of Public Safety to prevent license suspension.

Note that under Texas Law, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is punishable by a $3,000-fine and a maximum of 180 days imprisonment in the first offense.

This law firm’s head Attorney  Herman Martinez communicates well with his clients. Aside from giving his contacts, he also makes sure that the client fully understands their charges, taking the time to explain everything in layman’s terms.

It’s with mentioning that The Martinez Law Firm currently only has one attorney-at-law, which may prevent them from taking on many cases at the same time. They also charge upfront fees, which is disadvantageous for those with no cash in hand

Still, the company offers free consultations for everyone plus a free DWI book to help offenders to have a background on laws related to that case. 

2: The Law Office of David A. Breston

The Law Office of David A. Breston Homepage

Services: Assault and Battery Defense, Auto Theft, Bail Bond Proceedings, Cocaine Charge Defense, Cyber Crimes, Domestic Violence, Drug Manufacturing, Drug Possession, Expungement, Juvenile Defense, Marijuana Charge Defense, Murder/Homicide, Defense Probation Revocation, Robbery Defense, Sex Crimes, Shoplifting Defense, State Crimes, Traffic Violations, Defense, Intoxicated Manslaughter, Drugged Driving, Underage DWI

Website: https://www.houston-criminalattorney.com/ 

Address: 1820 W Bell St., Houston, TX 77019

Contact Details:  (713) 804-6492

Operating Hours: Open 24 Hrs

Google Reviews Score4.8/5
Yelp Reviews Score4.5/5
Total Reviews4.5/5
Score Consistency5/5
Availability5/5
Communication4/5
Expertise4.5/5
Specialization5/5

Pros

  • Has a wide area of focus on drug-related crimes
  • Offers excellent juvenile representation in the court
  • Refunds part of fees when necessary

Cons

  • Expensive consultation fees
  • Doesn’t provide extensive legal advice during their free consultation service

Founded in 1997, The Law Office of David A. Breston focuses on providing legal services related to drug crimes and juvenile offenses.

The firm deals with a wide array of drug charges, including drug possession, manufacturing, and usage. They are also experts when dealing with charges related to specific drugs like cocaine and marijuana.

Hiring a criminal defense attorney can help you reduce your drug-related sentence, which can be at most life imprisonment. They can also help you expunge or remove your arrest record permanently if you’re acquitted. 

On the other hand, The Law Office of David A. Breston is also skillful in representing juvenile offenders in adult court. 

We love how their team ensures that the minor clients know their rights, as there are times when juvenile offenders are subjected to interrogation without counsel or warrantless searches.

Still, clients must know that the law firm’s consultation fee is higher than most companies, even if the visit only lasts for several minutes.

Also, during their free consultation, they do not provide extensive legal advice because they need to accept the case before deep-diving into the facts of it. Although, it’s wonderful that they provide refunds in certain cases, especially for complex charges.

3: Fred Dahr PLLC

Fred Dahr PLLC Homepage

Services: Aggravated Robbery, Record Clearing, Cyber Crimes, Drug Cases, Expunction, Homicide Defense, Juvenile Sealing Records, Theft, Assault Charges, Criminal Appeals, DWI, Habeas Corpus, Non-Disclosure, Sexual Assault, Weapons Charges, Drug Cases, Medicaid Fraud

Website: https://www.texasdefenselaw.com/ 

Address: (713) 597.5236

Contact Details: 405 Main St #900, Houston, TX 77002

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.

Google Reviews Score4.9/5
Yelp Reviews Score4/5
Facebook Reviews Score4.5/5
Total Reviews4.5/5
Score Consistency/5
Availability4.5/5
Communication5/5
Expertise5/5
Specialization5/5

Pros

  • Well-versed on dealing with assault charges
  • Strives to expunge criminal records of student clients

Cons

  • Head attorney can’t be contacted at certain times
  • No refunds

Fred Dahr PLLC has been serving clients in Houston for 17 years, and they provide excellent representation for assault charges. 

The firm provides legal counsel and defense against several types of assault, including aggravated, family violence, misdemeanor, and public servant assault. 

The company’s legal team will extensively interview clients regarding all the facts of the case, and use the said information to determine the best defense to use during proceedings.

As of this writing, this firm has dismissed or reduced the sentence of 25 assault cases in Texas.

One should know that depending on the type of injury inflicted and circumstance, assault can be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. The sentence for the said crime can range from a fine and probation to imprisonment of a maximum of 20 years. 

Although, it’s sometimes difficult to reach their lead Attorney Fred Dahr, preventing other clients from asking about their cases. The company also doesn’t offer refunds like others.

Nonetheless, Fred Dahr PLLC also excels in handling student clients. 

This firm’s process strives to expunge the criminal record of the student to prevent complications in the future, especially when applying for colleges or professional licenses. In cases where dismissal isn’t applicable, their legal team would try to get a pretrial diversion.

It’s necessary to point out that in Texas, a person can avoid prosecution and expunge their criminal record by applying for a pretrial diversion and completing its requirements.

However, this privilege is only granted to specific individuals, and you need to plead guilty as part of the arrangement.

4: Dunham & Jones, Attorneys at Law

Dunham & Jones, Attorneys at Law Homepage

Services: Abandoning or Endangering a Child, Aggravated Kidnapping, Assault, Child Abuse or Neglect, Child Protective Services, Investigation, Continuous Violence Against the Family, Domestic Violence, DWI Felony, Crimes Misdemeanor, Crimes Parole, Hearing Representation, Probation Violation, Possession, Sex Crimes, Theft Weapons

Website: https://www.dunhamlaw.com/ 

Address: 2323 S. Shepherd Drive, Suite 1400, Houston 77019

Contact Details: (713) 999-9999 

Operating Hours: Open 24 hrs

Google Reviews Score4.9/5
Total Reviews5/5
Score Consistency5/5
Availability4/5
Communication4.5/5
Expertise5/5
Specialization5/5

Pros

  • Focuses on Child Endangerment Cases
  • Has many practicing attorneys-at-law

Cons

  • Difficult to reach when there are many clients
  • Expensive acceptance fees

With 33 years of experience in the criminal defense field, Dunham & Jones, Attorneys at Law are experts in dealing with crimes related to Abandoning or Endangering a Child.

The firm’s team of lawyers conduct thorough interviews with both children and caretakers, finding necessary facts that can build a stronger defense for the accused.

They’ll also make sure to communicate in a simple manner so that both parties can understand and answer effectively.

Texas laws on child abandonment are very strict, with simple acts like letting a 14-year-old child stay at home without a guardian being possible grounds for conviction. 


Criminal defense lawyers ensure that the Judge and the Jury would consider the circumstances of the caretakers during the proceedings.

Aside from that,  Dunham & Jones, Attorneys at Law also has many practicing lawyers that are licensed to represent clients in court. They also have different offices across the country, which is beneficial if ever you’re charged with a crime outside the State.

Although, note that even if they have many attorneys, the company is also difficult to reach, especially if they are accommodating many clients at the same time.

Their services are also expensive, especially their acceptance fees for complex cases. Still, we think the fees are reasonable given the firm’s expertise in dealing with criminal law.

5: Leeds Law Firm, PLLC

 Leeds Law Firm, PLLC Homepage Homepage

Services: Assault, Family Violence, Drug Possession Cases, Theft, Terroristic Threat, Robbery, Fraud, Felon in Possession of Weapon, Evading Arrest, Criminal Mischief, Burglary,

Website: https://www.jleedslawfirm.com/ 

Address: 700 Milam St #1300 Houston, TX 77002

Contact Details: (713) 492-2906

Operating Hours:  Monday to Friday: 8:00 A.M. – 5: P.M.; Saturday to Sunday: Closed; By appointments only

Google Reviews Score4.8/5
Yelp Reviews Score3/5
Total Reviews4.5/5
Score Consistency4.5/5
Availability4/5
Communication5/5
Expertise4.5/5
Specialization4.5/5

Pros

  • Strong representation in terroristic threat charges
  • Has an in-house bondsman
  • Also practices employment law, family law, and personal injury law

Cons

  • Specializes more in employment law
  • Short office hours
  • Doesn’t take walk-in appointment

What sets Leeds Law Firm, PLLC from others is its strength in working with terroristic threat charges.

The company’s legal team works round-the-clock to gather facts to disprove the threat charge, scouring every shred of evidence that can be used to dismiss the case.

Clients also commend how their lawyers, Attorneys Jacques Leeds and Tracey Lewis try their best to find relevant leads.

People must take note that terroristic threat charges don’t mean that the accused is a terrorist. This crime refers to making actions or threats to change the behavior of a group or individual, with light actions like preventing someone from entering a place falling under this category.

Aside from criminal law, the company also practices in other fields including employment law, family law, and personal injury.

Still, note that they specialize more in employment-related matters, which may not be the right fit if you’re looking for lawyers who only practice criminal law.

What’s more, Leeds Law Firm, PLLC also has an in-house bondsman that can help clients acquire bail should there be a need for it. In our opinion, this is a great addition to their services because it takes away the hassle of finding a separate bondsman.

However, we don’t like that the firm has short office hours, and does not take walk-in appointments. This practice can be inconvenient for those in a hurry or has an emergency.

FAQs About Criminal Defense Lawyers

Related topics