Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney in Dallas, TX

Looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Dallas, TX? From DWI to murder, Michael & Associates will fight to get our clients the best possible outcome.

What we’ll cover here


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Ben Michael

Founding Attorney

aka "Mr. Dismissal"

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Facing Charges in Dallas? We’ll Fight For You.

Our criminal defense team is backed by over 425 years of combined legal experience. Our attorneys are dedicated to criminal defense, but many also have experience working as former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement.

If you’re facing a criminal charge, your future is at stake. You deserve the best possible legal representation. Michael & Associates is committed to providing customized, client-forward criminal defense services in Dallas. We know this is a challenging time for you, so we’re committed to returning all texts and phone calls on the same business day.

While we could use this space to boast about our attorneys’ awards and accolades (and they have plenty), we believe that experience matters most when it comes to your case. Most of our Dallas teammates were born and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and one is a former prosecutor with the Dallas County District Attorney’s office. Together, they have over 65 years of combined legal experience and have handled over 1,500 criminal defense cases.

We know what it takes to get you the best possible case outcome, and we have the track record to prove it, with a success rate of almost 95%.

Our No. 1 goal is a dismissal. Let us work to protect your rights and freedom.

Testimonials

Thanks Michael and associates

Ikes Lawncare

Dallas, Texas

The attorney we got is knowledgeable and caring. However, the legal team lacks experience and is confusing. They are messy and not fully putting effort into our case. We had to hire another attorney, Mike and Howards LBJ, for the criminal case. We would not recommend Michael and Associates Team for criminal cases. Waste of money and time.

Laurent P.

Dallas, Texas

They are wonderful! The team’s dedication and understanding made the journey enjoyable and comforting. Highly recommend them for their helpful assistance! Thanks to Todd.

Lawal R.

Dallas, Texas

Top notch attorneys. Knowledgeable, many resources available to clients, easy to reach, thoroughly reviewed and understood the case, excellent support staff. Attorney was able to get a fairly prompt resolution to the case with a good outcome.

Vicki N.

Dallas, Texas

Very knowledgeable, attentive lawyer, direct to the point, no running around. He meant what he says, which earned my trust and confidence. I am willing to recommend him.

Lane

Dallas, Texas

Best attorney I’ve ever worked with. Appreciate the help.

Malakai S.

Dallas, Texas

Everyone I worked with was very professional and helpful. I would recommend this group. Zac did a great job!

Josh E.

Dallas, Texas

Great representation!

Madison N.

Dallas, Texas

I can’t begin to express what a great experience it was as a witness for a case and working with this group of attorneys. I have never observed attorneys so passionate and professional. I strongly recommend if you’re looking for a fantastic defense attorney that fight till the end.

Linda M.

Dallas, Texas

I had a great experience as a client and fully recommend this service.

Raquel B.

Dallas, Texas

Michael and nis team are the best! 5 stars

Blue Z.

Dallas, Texas

Outstanding professionalism throughout the firm, intelligent staff and attorneys will help you legally.

Catol

Dallas, Texas

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Thanks Michael and associates
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The attorney we got is knowledgeable and caring. However, the legal team lacks experience and is confusing. They are messy and not fully putting effort into our case. We had to hire another attorney, Mike and Howards LBJ, for the criminal case. We would not recommend Michael and Associates Team for criminal cases. Waste of money and time.
close
They are wonderful! The team’s dedication and understanding made the journey enjoyable and comforting. Highly recommend them for their helpful assistance! Thanks to Todd.
close
Top notch attorneys. Knowledgeable, many resources available to clients, easy to reach, thoroughly reviewed and understood the case, excellent support staff. Attorney was able to get a fairly prompt resolution to the case with a good outcome.
close
Very knowledgeable, attentive lawyer, direct to the point, no running around. He meant what he says, which earned my trust and confidence. I am willing to recommend him.
close
Best attorney I’ve ever worked with. Appreciate the help.
close
Everyone I worked with was very professional and helpful. I would recommend this group. Zac did a great job!
close
Great representation!
close
I can’t begin to express what a great experience it was as a witness for a case and working with this group of attorneys. I have never observed attorneys so passionate and professional. I strongly recommend if you’re looking for a fantastic defense attorney that fight till the end.
close
I had a great experience as a client and fully recommend this service.
close
Michael and nis team are the best! 5 stars
close
Outstanding professionalism throughout the firm, intelligent staff and attorneys will help you legally.

Meet your Dallas Defense Team

Ben Michael

Ben Michael

Ben “Mr. Dismissal” Michael is founder and Managing Partner of Michael & Associates, and has nearly a decade of experience in criminal defense here in Austin, TX, successfully defending hundreds of clients facing charges ranging from DWI to assault.
Audrey Kelly

Audrey Kelly

A native Texan, Audrey started working in a law office when she was 18. With more than a decade of experience as a criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor, she offers clients strategic and aggressive legal representation.
Holly Fox

Holly Fox

Holly’s been on every side of the justice system. Her experience as a prosecutor, FBI agent, defense attorney, criminal magistrate, and municipal court judge provides in-depth knowledge of how all sides will approach your case.
Todd Rash

Todd Rash

Todd is a legal legacy in Texas as the great grandson of the early Texas judge, Judge Charlie Grant Rash, who came to Texas by wagon train in the late 1800s. Todd honors that heritage by seeking justice and defending fellow Texans who are accused of crimes.
Clifford Duke

Clifford Duke

Before joining Michael & Associates, Clifford spent 17 years working for the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office. He knows that every case, no matter the level or charge, is the most important to his client and will help them every step of the way.
Cole Nettles

Cole Nettles

Cole started his career at the Kendall County District Attorney’s Office. But prosecution was a stepping stone. Since pivoting to criminal defense, Cole has successfully defended clients facing a wide range of charges, including DWI, murder, and sexual assault.
Michael Garcia

Michael Garcia

A Fort Worth native whose career has been focused exclusively on criminal defense, Michael has represented thousands of clients facing charges from DWI to kidnapping. His approach yields “not guilty” verdicts at trial and wins at the negotiating table.
Nelson Knight

Nelson Knight

Nelson started his law career at the Dallas County District Attorney’s office, but criminal defense has been his focus since 2001. He fights the state at every turn to ensure that people accused of crimes in North Texas receive the best possible defense.
Robert Keating

Robert Keating

Rob’s service in the U.S. Navy provides him with a unique perspective as he successfully represents individuals charged with crimes ranging from serious felony offenses to minor municipal citations.
Thomas Murphree

Thomas Murphree

Thomas believes that a successful defense is built on transparency, honesty, and open communication. He genuinely listens to each client’s needs and expectations, ensuring that every defense strategy he crafts is tailored to the client’s unique circumstances.
Zach Redington

Zach Redington

Born and raised in Dallas, Zach has 20+ years of experience defending clients against DWI and other criminal charges. He understands the stress that criminal accusations afflict upon the accused, so he approaches each case with a sense of urgency.

Client Case Results

Dismissed

Charge disorderly conduct C

Location Dallas, Texas

Circumstances The client was caught on camera looking through the window of an ex-partner. The client has mental health issues, including PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder.

Result Case Dismissed

Dismissed

Charge UCW

Location Dallas, Texas

Circumstances The individual was arrested after a car accident. Police suspected speeding, and marijuana and a firearm were found in the vehicle. The client refused a car search and a blood draw.

Result Case Dismissed

Dismissed

Charge Public Intox

Location Dallas, Texas

Circumstances The individual was charged with public intoxication while changing a flat tire. The law enforcement officer, who was training a rookie cop, deemed the individual intoxicated, even though the client insisted that only one drink had been consumed. No testing was completed.

Result Case Dismissed

Charges Reduced

Charge Felony MTRP

Location Dallas, Texas

Circumstances The individual faced charges due to multiple misdemeanor and felony cases, with some cases still active and others closed.

Result Charges Reduced

Dismissed

Charge Deadly Conduct Misdemeanor

Location Dallas, Texas

Circumstances An individual was arrested while talking with a family member. The client was shocked by the arrest and was unclear on the reason. The client had a prior arrest for deadly conduct.

Result Case Dismissed

Arrested in Dallas? You Need an Experienced Defense Attorney

Dallas County courts can be unpredictable, and every court has its own rules, prosecutors, and pressure points. You need someone who knows how to work within that system and win.

We serve Dallas, but our attorneys handle cases in Collin, Denton, Tarrant, Rockwall, Kaufman, and Ellis Counties.

A criminal conviction could mean life-altering consequences, including:

  • Jail time
  • Expensive fines
  • Probation
  • Loss of gun rights

What Are the Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction?

Pleading guilty or no contest might seem like a simple way to avoid jail. However, any criminal conviction will damage you in ways you might not initially consider. A conviction could:

  • Cause you to lose child custody or visitation rights
  • Cost you your job or professional license
  • Damage your reputation within the community (for example, if you’re required to register as a sex offender)
  • Prevent you from renting an apartment or getting a loan to buy a house

When developing a customized strategy for your case, we will review every possible consequence of a conviction. Our Dallas team knows the key players in the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, the Frank Crowley Courthouse, and the surrounding counties. One previously served as President of the Ellis County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

But when you hire us, you aren’t just getting the Dallas team. We have teams across the state and meet each day to review case strategies. You’ll get the full force of our entire staff, which includes a former judge, three DWI scientists, and even an ex-FBI agent. These experiences give us insider knowledge of how the prosecutors will approach your case. We leverage this expertise to get you the best possible case outcome.

Our Process: What Happens When You Call Us

We know making a phone call can be intimidating. We’ve optimized our processes to make our consultation calls simple.

Free consultation: Speak with an intake specialist who gathers the facts and gets your paperwork moving. There’s no commitment.

Talk to an attorney ASAP: One of our experienced Dallas criminal lawyers will contact you to discuss legal options.

We get to work immediately: From day one, we can help with bond, jail release (even at night), and pretrial negotiations.

Your defense strategy begins: We build a customized plan that exposes weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Cases We Handle in Dallas

DWI and DUI: We’ve had hundreds of DWI charges dismissed. Our Certified DWI Scientists understand breath and blood testing better than most prosecutors.

We can handle:

  • First DWIs
  • Second or Third DWIs
  • Boating while under the influence
  • DUI for minors
  • Intoxication manslaughter

Drug charges: From marijuana to fentanyl, we fight all drug charges — possession, manufacturing, or trafficking.

Felony charges: Texas law defines 1,000+ felony offenses. We fight for dismissal, reduction, or acquittal — whatever it takes.

Misdemeanors: Don’t underestimate a misdemeanor. Jail, probation, and fines are all possible. We handle all levels — Class A, B, and C.

Assault and domestic violence: Assault charges can be life-changing. We defend against all types, including domestic/family violence. If charges stem from a misunderstanding, we’ll work to get them dropped.

Probation violations: Facing revocation? We’ve helped many clients keep their freedom and avoid serving complete sentences.

Homicide: From negligent homicide to capital murder, we handle it all. These cases require experience, time, and total dedication — don’t trust your life to an overworked public defender.

Theft and white-collar crimes: Shoplifting, embezzlement, fraud, bad checks—we fight all theft-related charges and challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

Other charges we handle:

  • Trespassing
  • Burglary
  • Evading arrest
  • Harassment
  • Terroristic threats
  • Weapons charges
  • Traffic violations

Public Defender vs. Private Criminal Defense Attorney: What’s the Difference?

Public defenders are often overloaded and under-resourced. Many lack trial experience or the time to dig into the details of your case.

At Michael & Associates, you aren’t just hiring a single attorney. You’re hiring our entire team. We take the time to listen to your side of the story and will investigate every possible aspect. We will give your case the attention, preparation, and aggressive strategy it deserves. And we keep you involved. We check in regularly, and won’t pressure you to take a deal to close your case. If you want to go to trial, we’re 100% willing to make that happen. You make the final decisions on how to proceed.

Additionally, you need an attorney you trust. You need to feel comfortable providing confidential information. It will ultimately affect your case if you don’t feel comfortable having these conversations with your lawyer.

When your freedom is at stake, don’t settle.

Our Goal: Get You Back to Your Life

We know how stressful it can be to face criminal charges. That’s why we focus on more than just legal results — we care about your future.

  • We’ll keep you informed at every step.
  • We’ll fight for dismissal or the most favorable outcome.
  • We’ll treat you like a person, not a case number.

Let us fight for your future. You are innocent unless proven guilty, and we’ll do everything possible to make your case.

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