How to Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Worth
Your Guide to Finding the Right Lawyer in Tarrant County and the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex
Choosing a criminal defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make after an arrest. Whether you’re facing a DWI, an Assault Causing Bodily Injury, or a more serious felony, the lawyer you hire can dramatically impact the outcome of your case. Fort Worth and Tarrant County have no shortage of criminal defense attorneys—but not every lawyer has the experience, resources, or skill needed to protect your rights when the stakes are highest. Here’s how to choose the right criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth.
1. Choose an Attorney Who Focuses on Criminal Defense—Not a General Practitioner
Criminal defense is a highly specialized field. You deserve a lawyer who focuses exclusively on criminal cases, understands Texas criminal procedure, and knows how to counter the strategies prosecutors use in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
For high-stakes charges like DWI and Assault, specialization matters even more. These cases involve unique legal issues—such as field sobriety tests, forensic evidence, intoxication science, self-defense claims, and witness credibility—that require focused experience to challenge effectively.
2. Look for an Attorney Experienced in Fort Worth & Tarrant County Courts
Criminal cases move differently in every county in Texas. That’s why you want a lawyer who regularly practices in the Tarrant County Criminal Courts at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center.
Local experience gives your attorney insight into the tendencies of local prosecutors, judges, and even jury pools. For example, DWI prosecutors in Tarrant County take an aggressive approach, and assault cases often involve no-drop policies—meaning they move forward even if the alleged victim changes their story.
Hiring a local Fort Worth attorney means hiring someone who understands all of this from day one.
3. Review Their Track Record With Cases Like Yours
It’s not enough for an attorney to say they “handle” criminal cases. You need someone with proven results in charges similar to your own.
If you’re charged with DWI, look for an attorney who:
- Regularly handles first-time DWI and DWI 2nd offenses
- Knows how to challenge probable cause, BAC results, and field sobriety tests
- Has experience fighting ALR driver’s license suspensions
- Understands breath testing, blood testing, and lab procedures
If you’re charged with Assault, look for an attorney who:
- Has experience defending family violence, bodily injury, and aggravated assault cases
- Knows how to challenge credibility, statements, and 911 call evidence
- Understands the collateral consequences, such as firearm restrictions and protective orders
- Has secured dismissals, reductions, or Not Guilty verdicts in similar cases
Your attorney should be able to confidently explain their strategy—not just promises.
4. Choose a Lawyer Who Communicates Clearly and Frequently
A strong criminal defense attorney should:
- Respond promptly to your calls and messages
- Explain the charges, penalties, and process clearly
- Keep you informed at every stage
- Answer questions without frustration or confusion
You should never feel left in the dark during a criminal case. Your lawyer works for you.
5. Evaluate Their Reputation Through Reviews and Professional Recognition
Public feedback can offer valuable insight into how an attorney treats clients and handles cases. Look for:
- Google reviews
- Local Fort Worth testimonials
- Criminal defense awards or recognitions
- Professional ratings (Avvo, Justia, SuperLawyers, etc.)
An attorney with a strong reputation has earned it by consistently achieving strong results and providing excellent client service.
6. Pay Attention to How They Approach Your Case During the Consultation
During your consultation, ask yourself:
- Did the attorney ask meaningful questions?
- Did they explain immediate next steps?
- Did they identify possible defenses or strategies?
- Did they listen—or just talk?
- Were they honest about potential outcomes?
A strong Fort Worth criminal defense attorney should demonstrate strategic thinking during that first meeting. If they’re vague, dismissive, or inattentive, that’s a red flag.
7. Make Sure They Offer Comprehensive Representation
Serious criminal cases involve multiple stages:
- Investigation representation (before charges are filed)
- Pre-trial representation
- Negotiations with prosecutors
- Trial representation
- Appeals or post-conviction relief
You want an attorney who can fight for you at every step—not someone who hands you off to another lawyer once your case becomes complicated.
8. Choose an Attorney Who Fights—and Wins—Difficult Cases
Assault and DWI are two of the most aggressively prosecuted offenses in Fort Worth. A lawyer who regularly wins these cases knows how to:
- Challenge police credibility
- Attack flawed evidence
- Suppress illegally obtained statements
- Identify weaknesses the State hopes you won’t see
You want a fighter—not a plea mill.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney Matters
Your future, reputation, freedom, and career are on the line. Hiring the right attorney could mean the difference between:
- Jail time and no jail time
- A conviction and a dismissal
- A permanent record and an expunction
- Losing your driver’s license and keeping your life on track
Sloane Law Firm – Award Winning & Cost-Effective Fort Worth Criminal Defense
The Sloane Law Firm has defended thousands of clients across Fort Worth and Tarrant County, focusing on DWI, assault, drug offenses, and sexual assault cases. Our office is located just blocks from the Tarrant County Courthouse, and we appear in local courts daily.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Fort Worth, get the home-team advantage.