Criminal defense in Texas covers misdemeanor and felony cases at the state level (handled in Texas's district and county courts) as well as federal prosecutions in the Southern, Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas. Common state-level matters include DWI/DUI, drug offenses, theft and property crimes, assault, family-violence allegations, juvenile cases, and white-collar matters; federal practice in Texas frequently involves drug-trafficking, immigration-related crimes, fraud, and firearms cases.
When evaluating a Texas criminal defense attorney, prospective clients commonly look at trial experience versus plea-negotiation history, board certification in Criminal Law through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, prior prosecution experience (some criminal defense lawyers are former DAs or AUSAs), familiarity with the specific county or federal district, and language fit. Fee structures vary — misdemeanor representation is often flat-fee, while felony or federal cases more typically involve a structured retainer.
General information only — not legal advice. Consult a licensed Texas attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Last reviewed 2026-05-18.