About Stephen
Stephen Duplantis is a Dallas criminal defense attorney and Senior Trial Attorney at Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys. With more than three decades of legal experience, he has worked on both sides of the criminal justice system as a longtime public defender, private defense attorney, and prosecutor. His background gives him firsthand insight into how criminal cases are investigated, prosecuted, negotiated, and tried.
Stephen spent more than 10 years with the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office, where he represented individuals facing criminal charges and developed extensive courtroom and trial experience. In 2017, he opened his own criminal defense practice, continuing to represent clients in criminal matters throughout the Dallas area.
In 2022, Stephen joined the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, adding prosecutorial experience to his defense background. Over the course of his career, he has served as primary counsel in more than 30 jury trials and has both prosecuted and defended murder cases. His experience on both sides of serious criminal cases helps him evaluate evidence, anticipate prosecution strategies, identify weaknesses in the state’s case, and prepare matters for trial.
Stephen began his legal career in California after earning his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1992, where he participated on the Moot Court Team. He practiced in Los Angeles for approximately five years, first with a law firm and later as a solo practitioner. He earned his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in 1989.
A native of South Louisiana, Stephen grew up on a sugar farm and cattle ranch along the Louisiana coast. He joined Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys in July 2026, bringing decades of criminal law, courtroom, prosecution, and defense experience to clients facing criminal charges in Dallas and North Texas.
Career History
Senior Trial Attorney
Michael & Associates
June 2026 to Present
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Assistant District Attorney
Dallas County District Attorney's Office
July 2022 to June 2026
Dallas, Texas
Criminal Defense Attorney
Stephen S. Duplantis, Attorney at Law
July 2019 to July 2022
Dallas, Texas
Criminal Defense Attorney
Udashen Anton
July 2018 to July 2019
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Assistant Public Defender
Dallas County
December 2006 to April 2017
Dallas, Texas
Awards
- American Association of Attorney Advocates Top 10 Law Firm (2026)
- American Institute 10 Best Law Firm (2026)
- American Institute of Legal Advocates Top Law Firm (2026)
- American Institute of Trial Lawyers Best Law Firm (2026)
