A criminal charge in Texas is not something to face without experienced representation. Whether you are dealing with a DWI, drug offense, violent crime, or complex federal investigation, the attorney you hire determines whether you walk away with your freedom intact. The eight firms below have each earned strong reputations through consistent results, peer recognition, and client reviews that speak to real advocacy.
1. David Breston
A University of Texas Law School graduate who founded his practice in 1997, David Breston has defended more than 4,000 clients in state and federal matters. The firm handles the full spectrum of criminal defense — DWI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, white-collar offenses, and juvenile matters — and also integrates immigration law, a rare combination for clients whose charges carry potential immigration consequences. The firm is open 24/7.
What sets them apart: 4,000+ cases · Rare criminal/immigration integration · 24/7 availability · Free consultation
2. Cogdell Law Firm PLLC
Dan Cogdell is one of the most decorated criminal defense attorneys in Texas. With 40-plus years of practice, he has tried 260+ cases to a jury across 13 states, and his most celebrated achievement is the only acquittal among all Enron Barge Trial defendants — while every other defendant was convicted. He is one of only 2% of attorneys nationwide admitted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been named to the Best Lawyers in America list for 17 consecutive years. The firm deliberately limits its caseload so every client receives senior-level attention.
What sets them apart: Fellow ACTL (top 2%) · Only Enron Barge Trial acquittal · 260+ jury trials · 17 consecutive years on Best Lawyers list
3. The Law Office of Philip M. Gommels
Philip Gommels is a former Harris County Assistant District Attorney, a U.S. Army Reserve Combat Medic, and a former member of the DA’s Mental Health Section — one of only two Houston defense attorneys with that specific background. He left the DA’s office in 2012 and has used that insider knowledge for defendants ever since. He is a National Trial Lawyers Top 100 honoree, a Houstonia Magazine Top Lawyer for three consecutive years, and a Board member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association.
What sets them apart: Former Harris County prosecutor · Army veteran · One of two attorneys with DA Mental Health Section background · National Trial Lawyers Top 100
4. Tyler Brock Law Firm, PLLC
Tyler Brock clerked for a Harris County District Court judge, interned in the DA’s Felony Division, and brought something unusual into criminal defense: a background as a former high school teacher. He credits that experience with giving him the ability to explain complex matters to juries in plain terms — a skill behind a track record of dismissals in serious felony cases. He has been selected to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list every year from 2018 through 2026, placing him in the top 2.5% of attorneys under 40.
What sets them apart: Former teacher with distinctive jury communication skills · DA Felony Division experience · Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2018–2026 · Felony dismissal track record
5. The Haggard Law Firm
Carl Haggard is a former Misdemeanor and District Court Chief Prosecutor with the Harris County DA’s Office who graduated cum laude from South Texas College of Law and is licensed before the United States Supreme Court. He also served as an Adjunct Professor at UH Law. The firm handles everything from misdemeanors to federal offenses and lists real case numbers and outcomes on its results page — a level of transparency rare in criminal defense.
What sets them apart: Former Harris County Chief Prosecutor · U.S. Supreme Court licensed · Former UH Law professor · Publicly documented results · Free direct consultation
6. Mark Bennett (Bennett & Bennett)
Mark Bennett holds one of the most demanding credentials available to a Texas criminal defense attorney: dual board certification in both Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The dual certification is something very few attorneys in the state can claim. Practicing since 1995 alongside his spouse, Bennett runs a collaborative husband-and-wife firm. Fellow attorneys call him a “master of his craft.”
What sets them apart: Dual board-certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law · Practicing since 1995 · Deep peer and client trust
7. The Downey Law Firm
Christopher Downey is board certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a Texas Super Lawyers selectee since 2012, and H Texas Magazine’s Top Lawyer in Houston every year since 2009. A former prosecutor who tried more than 100 cases to jury verdict, he has defended clients in investigations involving the DOJ, FBI, DEA, IRS Criminal Division, ATF, and U.S. Secret Service, with high-profile involvement in matters tied to Enron, USA Gymnastics, and January 6th.
What sets them apart: Board certified in Criminal Law · Super Lawyers since 2012 · 100+ jury trials · Federal defense experience spanning DOJ, FBI, DEA, IRS, ATF, and Secret Service
8. Parker Sanchez & Donnelly, PLLC
Parker Sanchez & Donnelly is built around the insight that white-collar crime and complex business disputes no longer exist in separate legal universes — and their attorneys handle both simultaneously. Mark Donnelly brings a twelve-year DOJ career including a senior advisory role with the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, 100+ jury trials, and eight years as a Harris County prosecutor who rose to Chief Felony Prosecutor. All five firm attorneys are on the Texas Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists.
What sets them apart: White-collar criminal defense integrated with civil litigation · Mark Donnelly: DOJ senior advisor and former Chief Felony Prosecutor · Five attorneys on Texas Super Lawyers/Rising Stars
How to Choose
Know your charge type. Federal fraud and a state DWI require very different expertise. Match the firm to what your situation actually demands.
Ask about board certification. Texas certifies attorneys in criminal law and appellate law through its Board of Legal Specialization — requiring documented experience, examination, and peer review. Bennett and Downey both hold this credential.
Consider the former-prosecutor advantage. Gommels, Haggard, Downey, and Donnelly all came from the prosecution side and know exactly how cases are built — and where they are most vulnerable.
Use the free consultation. Most firms on this list offer one. It is your chance to assess the attorney, not just the other way around.
