What Makes a Great Criminal Defense Lawyer
Before jumping into specific lawyers, these are the most important qualities & criteria to consider:
| Criteria | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Experience in criminal law / trial work | Someone who’s been in court many times, especially in Austin or Travis County, understands local judges, prosecutors, how cases are handled. |
| Track record of success | Cases dismissed, charges reduced, acquittals, plea deals—all are good indicators. |
| Specialization | Some lawyers are better in certain areas: DWI/DUI, violent offenses, white-collar, sex crimes, juvenile law, federal vs state. Pick someone with specific experience in the kind of case you have. |
| Knowledge of local courts & judges | Local rules, courtroom culture, likely opponents—this helps a lot. |
| Reputation and reviews | Peer recognition (Super Lawyers, etc.), client reviews, Avvo, Justia, etc. |
| Availability / responsiveness | Criminal charges move fast. You want someone who returns calls, meets you, explains options clearly. |
| Fee structure / transparency | Know up front what costs, retainer, whether they bill by the hour or flat fee, etc. Sometimes cheaper doesn’t mean better. |
Top Criminal Defense Lawyers / Firms in Austin
Here are several attorneys or firms in Austin frequently recommended for criminal defense, along with what they’re known for. This is not a ranked list, but a survey of strong options. You’ll want to talk to a few to find the best fit for your case.
| Name / Firm | Noteworthy For / Strengths |
|---|---|
| Rick Cofer (Cofer & Connelly, PLLC) | Very highly rated. Former prosecutor. Known for strong outcomes: many cases dismissed or reduced. Strong courtroom trial experience. Justia+3Avvo+3attorneys.superlawyers.com+3 |
| Samuel E. Bassett | Long experience in criminal defense, many jury trials. Recognized in lists of top criminal defense attorneys in Austin. Forbes |
| Kris Ann Davis-Jones | Known for strong investigative work; handles sensitive matters like sex offenses and domestic violence. Forbes |
| David M. Gonzalez | Handles serious juvenile offenses, federal white-collar cases; teaches others in trial advocacy. Forbes |
| William B. Mange | Certified in criminal law, with past experience working as a prosecutor. Forbes |
| Wayne D. Meissner | Very long experience, including federal and state cases; handles serious felony matters. Forbes |
| E. G. Morris | Experienced in trials and appeals; takes fewer clients so might give more attention. Forbes |
| Sandra C. Ritz | Strong in state & federal felonies, probations etc., with background as a public defender. Forbes |
| Brian J. Roark | Former prosecutor in Travis County; strong reputation in government investigations, DWIs, white-collar defense. Forbes |
| Gene Anthes | Part of Gunter, Bennett & Anthes; well-rated in Super Lawyers listings. attorneys.superlawyers.com |
| Amber Vazquez (Vazquez Law Firm, PLLC) | Another name in the Super Lawyers “top criminal defense attorneys in Austin” space. attorneys.superlawyers.com |
What It Might Cost in Austin
Here’s a rough idea of what hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Austin could cost, depending on the case’s seriousness:
| Case Type | Typical Cost Factors | Ballpark Ranges* |
|---|---|---|
| Minor misdemeanors / traffic / low-level DWI | Fewer hours, less risk, sometimes flat fees | A few hundred to a few thousand dollars |
| Felonies, serious charges, trials | More hours, more preparation, experts, possible jury trial | Likely several thousand up to tens of thousands of dollars |
| Federal cases or very complex white-collar / high stakes | Very high stakes, expert witnesses, more documentation, possibly multiple lawyers | Potentially $20,000-$50,000 or more (possibly higher depending on complexity) |
* Actual fees vary widely depending on lawyer’s experience, case complexity, and function (defense, appeal, etc.). Always get a written fee agreement.
How to Choose the Right Lawyer For Your Case
- Do initial consultations. Many lawyers offer free or low-cost consultations to assess your case. Use these to ask questions like: “How many cases like mine have you handled?” “What was your outcome(s)?” “What is your strategy for my case?”
- Ask about trial vs plea possibilities. A good lawyer should explain options, risks, likelihoods—trial may be riskier but sometimes better for negotiating.
- Check credentials. License status, disciplinary history, special certifications (e.g. board certified criminal law specialist in Texas).
- Get clarity about all fees. Retainer amount, ongoing costs (experts, lab tests, transcripts, investigators), how billing works.
- Make sure you feel comfortable. Communication, trust, how well the lawyer listens. You’re going to rely on them.
- Check local reputation. Sometimes informal word of mouth, reviews, or even how they relate with local prosecutors & judges can make a difference.
Sample Case Scenarios & What “Best” May Mean
Depending on what kind of case you have, “best” might mean different things:
- For a first-offense DWI, the best lawyer might be one who is very familiar with local plea deals and local court process.
- For a serious felony (e.g. assault, sexual offense, gun crime), the best might be one with trial experience, resources for expert witnesses, ability to take the case to jury if needed.
- If you’re facing federal charges, you’ll want someone with experience in federal courts and working with federal prosecutors.
- If you are concerned about collateral consequences (immigration, employment, background checks), pick a lawyer who understands those areas too.
Risks of Choosing the Wrong Lawyer
- Missed deadlines or procedural rules, which could hurt your case irreversibly.
- Poor negotiation leading to worse plea deals.
- Not being prepared for trial.
- Communication breakdown—never knowing what’s going on, being surprised in court.
- Overpaying or being hit with unexpected fees or costs.
Conclusion
If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Austin:
- Start with a few of the top names above, especially ones who have handled cases similar to yours.
- Meet with them (or at least consult), compare strategy + fees.
- Don’t pick based only on price—experience, trial work, preparation matter a lot.
- Make sure you feel heard, respected, and informed.