If you’re facing criminal charges in Dallas, Texas, the legal system here can be complicated.

The court system is massive and intimidating. The region spans several counties, and each has its own set of quirks to worry about. Where your case is heard can make a big difference. Penalties can be stiff.

You need a Zealous Advocate on your side. The right defense attorney will be familiar with the Dallas-area legal system and be able to capitalize on its weaknesses. After all, the system is designed to favor you and you have rights. You are innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Why You Need a Zealous Advocate

You have the right to a defense attorney who will represent you at every court appearance. And we’re here to help. We firmly believe that everyone who has been accused of a crime in the Dallas area is entitled to the best possible defense.

Dallas isn’t limited exclusively to Dallas County. We can also help clients in Collin, Denton, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties.

In North Texas, the county in which you’re facing charges is significant. Because district attorneys are elected, partisan politics means that each county has very different prosecutorial standards and priorities. You need a defense attorney who understands the distinctions and can capitalize on them.

Our #1 Goal is Getting You the Best Possible Outcome

When you hire a Zealous Advocate to represent you, you will get:

• Representation by an experienced attorney with at least a decade of experience
• A team that will carefully review and investigate each piece of evidence
• People who know how to earn case dismissals and will work tirelessly to get them for our clients
• An advocate with a proven track record of career excellence
• Lawyers with knowledge of the region and established relationships with Dallas-area prosecutors and judges
• A team on your side that will zealously prepare for your case – we will be far more prepared than the prosecution.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in the Dallas area, contact Michael & Associates today to set up a free consultation. There’s no commitment, but know that we will fight on your behalf until you walk away with the best possible outcome.

Why Michael & Associates?

Michael & Associates is a premium criminal defense law firm in North Texas. Our team boasts over 100 years of combined experience and has a proven track record of client satisfaction.

Decades of Experience

Our team includes defense attorneys with diverse experiences, so we will always have someone who is equipped to handle your case, no matter the circumstances. Our staff is comprised of former prosecutors, career defense attorneys, ALR specialists, three certified DWI scientists, and a former FBI Agent.

Awards and Honors

Some of the firm’s recognitions and awards include:

• Ranked Top 10 Defense Attorney by Attorney & Practice Magazine
• Named to the 40 Under 40 by the American Academy of Attorneys
• A Top 10 ranking by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
• An “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot
• Five-star client ratings from Google and Thumbtack
• A 9.7/10 superb rating on Avvo

Our attorneys are the go-to authorities in criminal defense. Our firm has been cited in Bloomberg, Business Insider, CNET, Newsweek, the Austin American-Statesman, and McClatchy News Service.

Five-Star Client Reviews

“Let me tell you, these defense lawyers are something else. They go above and beyond, always considering every angle and showing genuine care. Communication? Top-notch. They keep you in the loop every step of the way. Trust me, when someone asks me for a recommendation, I don't hesitate to point them in their direction. They're not just good lawyers; they're the best I've encountered.”

How We Beat Criminal Charges in Dallas

At Michael & Associates, we take a customized approach to each case, because each one is unique.

We thoroughly investigate each client’s case, and each case is our top priority. Prosecutors, public defenders, the police department, and other defense attorneys will not spend as much time examining the details.

When our investigation is complete, we will use our findings to determine your best defense strategy.

Some may include:

• You have been framed
• You did not commit the crime
• You were acting in self-defense or defending others
• There may have been a laboratory error
• The police violated procedure or your rights during your arrest
• A police officer has a documented history of taking shortcuts or violating procedures
• Your constitutional rights have been violated

Exceptionally High Standards

We hold ourselves to the highest of standards. Throughout your case, we will:

Protect Your Rights: We will fight from day one to protect your rights. You are innocent unless proven guilty.

Negotiate Hard with Prosecutors: Our experienced attorneys build rapport with the prosecution and familiarize themselves with their styles. We use our knowledge to play hardball. Prosecutors know we’re serious, and they don’t want to lose to us in trial.

This helps us earn favorable outcomes for our clients.

Minimize Bond Conditions: We will fight high bail requirements, travel restrictions, and ignition interlock devices. Our goal is to get you the best possible bond deal.

We Will Never Be Afraid to Take Your Case to Trial

Choosing an attorney who is willing to take your case to trial is important. Sometimes it’s the only way to ensure that you get the best possible outcome. We know it can be time-consuming and alarming, but don’t worry. We’re here to help you through the process.

We Leverage Weaknesses in the Justice System

The legal system in Dallas County has been plagued by problems. For example:

• The entire Dallas County court system has been in chaos due to massive technological problems from a bungled software rollout. At times, many case files are inaccessible.
• Defendants say the county’s pre-trial detention system discriminates against defendants who can’t afford bail.
• A capital murder case recently ended in a mistrial after a Dallas County judge was caught making inappropriate remarks about the defendant on the courtroom’s livestream.
• An extra-large case backlog and a single judge who decided to hear 100 cases in a single day. "I've never known this to happen," Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot told WFAA-TV.
• Since 2001, at least 24 men who were wrongfully convicted in Dallas County have been fully exonerated by DNA testing. Together, the 24 exonerees served more than 300 years in prison and spent even more time on parole.
• Failure to meet federal standards in police department internal affairs investigations.
• The Dallas Police Department has been plagued by complaints about the use of excessive force.
• Overworked police forces due to staffing shortages.
• Blood alcohol level test tubes recalled by the manufacturer were used in at least 2,760 DWI arrests across Texas, including at least 61 in the Dallas suburb of Arlington.

We Capitalize on Those Weaknesses

We boost our clients’ cases by capitalizing on these weaknesses. The justice system may not always be fair, but you still have rights. We will do whatever is necessary to protect those rights.

We can:

Prepare the Best Possible Arguments: Our goal is to get you the best possible outcome, and we will zealously fight for a dismissal or a favorable deal.

Suppress Evidence when Possible: If we believe the evidence against you is flawed, we’ll present it to a judge to have it thrown out. This will boost the odds of case dismissal.

Identify Empathetic Jurors: Jury selection is important. If your case proceeds to trial, we'll take every step possible to select the best possible jury members. We look for people who are sympathetic and inclined to rule in your favor.

Types of Cases We Handle

Michael & Associates handles virtually every type of criminal charge in the Dallas area.

Here are some of the common cases we take on:

DWI and DUI Charges:  Driving While Intoxicated involves operating a motor vehicle or watercraft in a public place while impaired – typically due to alcohol. It is one of our most common cases, and we have a very high rate of DWI dismissals. We have several Certified DWI Scientists on our team who know more about breath and blood testing than any prosecutor. We handle all types, including first DWI offenses, second offenses, third (or more) DWI offenses, intoxication manslaughter, and DUI.

Drug Charges: Drug crimes in Texas can vary in severity from possession of small amounts to drug trafficking. No matter how serious the charge may be, we will fight it.

Felony Charges: In Dallas, there are more than a thousand different ways to commit a felony. Many of these can potentially result in massive fines or long prison sentences. If you’re facing any type of felony charge, we will do everything within our power to get it dismissed or reduced.

Misdemeanor Charges: Though misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, penalties can still be harsh. We handle Class A and Class B misdemeanors, and many Class C misdemeanors as well.

Assault Charges: In Texas, assault covers a wide variety of charges. They can range in severity from Assault Family Violence to Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Many of these charges can have long-term consequences if you’re convicted.

Probation Violations: Facing a Motion to Revoke Probation can be particularly serious. If your probation is revoked, you may have to serve your entire original sentence. We have a strong track record of beating these.

Homicide Charges: Homicide charges are extremely serious and require meticulous preparation and care. Charges can range from criminally negligent homicide to Capital Murder.  Any manslaughter or murder charge requires a carefully planned strategy and detailed investigation of evidence. If you’re facing any type of homicide charge in the Dallas area, don’t leave your fate in the hands of an overworked public defender. We will devote the necessary time and care to your case.

Other Charges: We handle virtually all types of criminal charges.

This includes:

• Criminal Trespassing
• Burglary
• Theft
• Terroristic threat
• Harassment
• Evading arrest
• Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Contact us today to set up a free consultation to review your case.

Meet Your Dallas Defense Team

Zach Redington

With 20 years of experience defending clients against DWI and other criminal charges in state and federal court, Zach boasts a winning jury trial record and is recognized as a leader in criminal defense. He formerly served as the President of the Ellis County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (ECCDLA) and was appointed to serve on the State Grievance Committee.

Born and raised in Dallas, Zach graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest University before attending the University of Texas School of Law. During law school, Zach earned the honor of serving as an intern in the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and as a law clerk for a criminal defense lawyer in Austin. He also participated in the Criminal Defense and Juvenile Justice Clinics in Austin.

Zach’s approachable manner and affable demeanor have enabled him to build trust and rapport with clients, local judges, prosecutors, and juries. From DWI to sexual assault to the myriad of other potential criminal accusations, Zach approaches each case with a sense of urgency, understanding the duress that criminal accusations can inflict upon the accused.

Bobby Leahey

Bobby is a Senior Trial Lawyer at Michael & Associates. After earning a political science degree from UCLA, his path into law was circuitous. He worked in various fields, from management to high school education, before deciding to pursue his lifelong desire to practice law. He attended The University of Miami School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctorate degree in 2010.

Shortly after graduation, he passed the Florida Bar Exam and moved back to his home state of Texas, where he successfully passed the Texas Bar Exam. With a strong desire to help clients accused of crimes, he chose to begin his practice in Odessa, Texas, a city with one of the highest crime rates in the country.

He eventually opened a second office in Fort Worth, where he was able to assist more clients in a broad array of cases. Bobby has Zealously Advocated for clients for over a decade. He joined Michael & Associates in 2022 to further the firm's goal of providing top-notch representation to every client, no matter how serious the charge.

Thomas Murphree

Thomas is a senior trial attorney at Michael & Associates, known for his unwavering dedication to criminal defense. He has been named “Texas Super Lawyer Rising Star” and “Top Attorney” in Fort Worth and the DFW metroplex.

Thomas earned a Political Science degree from Texas Tech University before attending the  Texas A&M School of Law. Over the past decade, he has honed his expertise in criminal law, navigating the complexities of dozens of high-stakes jury trials in local, state, and federal courts across Texas.

Cole Nettles

Cole is committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of his clients facing criminal charges. Throughout his legal career, Cole has successfully represented clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including DWI, murder, and sexual assault.

He grew up in the Texas Hill Country. After graduation from the University of Texas-San Antonio, he studied law at Texas A&M University School of Law in Fort Worth. He then got straight to work at the Kendall County District Attorney's Office, where he handled an entire misdemeanor court and the office’s growing Asset Forfeiture division. But he always knew that prosecution was a stepping stone to the career he wanted -- criminal defense. After leaving the DA’s office, Cole joined the largest criminal defense firm in San Antonio, quickly rising in the ranks and becoming the Managing Attorney for their San Antonio Office.

His philosophy is that a successful defense is built on transparency, honesty, and open communication. He is known for his empathetic approach, giving each client personalized attention and taking the time to genuinely listen to each client's needs and expectations.

We Only Hire the Right People

Michael & Associates’ hiring process is highly selective. Only about 1% of all applicants are invited to join our firm. We work hard to ensure that some of Texas’ best and brightest end up on our staff.

We don’t hire “associates” (also known as “baby lawyers”). Our attorneys have an average of 15 years of legal experience.

The screening process is rigorous: We review each applicant’s entire career. We assess their legal cases, their approach to various cases, their track record, and most importantly, their commitment to Zealously Advocating for our clients. We interview every single past direct supervisor. By the time someone joins the Michael & Associates team, we have established that they have a proven track record of success. Our clients deserve nothing less.

Extremely High Performance Standards

Our performance standards are even higher than the hiring standards.

We have established protocols for how each case is handled. For instance:

We Carefully Review Evidence: The evidence for every single case undergoes an in-depth review. No detail is too small. We will go beyond what you’d get from any other defense firm, and we often surprise the police and prosecution with our findings.

We Work Quickly: We understand that this is a very stressful time and case speed is a priority. But our ultimate goal will always be an excellent outcome.

We Prioritize Client Communication: There’s no waiting by the phone. Our attorneys return all client calls on the same business day.

We Ensure That You’re Fully Prepared for any Court Appearance: We will contact you seven days before any court dates so there are no unpleasant surprises.

Contact Information

If you’re looking for a Dallas-area defense attorney, the simplest way to get in touch is to schedule a free case review. We will set up a time with one of our senior attorneys to review the preliminary details of your case and determine if it’s a good fit.