Best Criminal Lawyer inTexas
Douglas B. Chanco
Criminal Lawyer
A litigator with record results. Legal commentator. Legal author. National legal education presenter. Elected bar association president. Civically minded citizen. This is Douglas Chanco.
Douglas Chanco is a second-generation litigation attorney who devotes his career to the pursuit of one goal: Helping people when they need it the most. To achieve this goal, Douglas chose to limit his practice to only representing individuals who were hurt by other people.
Whether you need help after a car accident, trucking wreck, defective product injury or a premise injury (slip and falls, trip and falls, negligent/inadequate security) matter, Mr. Chanco fights to get the best possible results for your case. Douglas’ distinguished legal work includes:
- Securing a $5,000,000 verdict compensating a domestic violence victim
- Representing victims in high-profile litigation involving Jeffery Epstein’s estate
- Obtaining record outcomes for clients that other lawyers said could not prevail
TOM CHURCH
Criminal Lawyer
Tom became a trial lawyer to represent people, not big corporations or powerful government agencies. Since graduating from law school and becoming an attorney, Tom has been able to fight for individuals by getting successful results in criminal cases, personal injury lawsuits, and civil rights litigation across Georgia and the rest of the country.
In 2020, Tom was selected as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers in Georgia by the National Trial Lawyers. Membership in the Top 40 Under 40 is by invitation only and limited to the top 40 attorneys in the state based on their qualifications, leadership skills, and proven results as a trial lawyer. In 2021, Tom was identified by Best Lawyers as “One to Watch,” a recognition awarded to young attorneys by their peers. While most “Ones to Watch” recipients have been in practice for at least five years, Tom received this recognition in only his third year of practicing law. In 2022 and 2023, Tom was named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, a national organization dedicated to recognizing attorneys for significant achievements in their practice areas.
In his criminal practice, Tom handles a variety of cases at the federal and state level, including drug trafficking and conspiracy charges, white collar crimes, immigration offenses, and sex crimes. In post-conviction proceedings, Tom has obtained successful outcomes in appeals, habeas corpus petitions, and sentencing hearings.
Tom has also filed several motions for “compassionate release” on behalf of inmates all across the country, including in California, Texas, Virginia, and several other states, and has been able to get several inmates released from prison early based on their medical condition or because they received excessive sentences.
Susan E. Williams
Criminal Lawyer
After graduating from high school, I went on to the University of South Carolina, proud to be a Gamecock fan. Shortly after my freshman year I was held up at gunpoint and carjacked. It was a frightening ordeal, but in the end I “made lemonade out of lemons” and decided to pursue a career in Criminal Justice. I completed an internship in the SC State House and another internship at the Richland County Drug Court. I was so excited about the prospect of being a lawyer that I graduated in three and a half years from USC with a 3.7 GPA by taking summer school courses (that, combined with my AP credits from high school).
I always had some kind of part time job. I babysat before I was old enough to work. I was incredibly driven and realized quickly the harder I worked, the more I accomplished. I worked in a small ladies clothing store, Hallmark card stores, was an academic tutor in college, helped students with disabilities, had holiday employment at the mall, and even landed a job as a courier at a small law firm (Tompkins and McMaster Law Firm in Columbia, South Carolina).
JIM YEARGAN
Criminal Lawyer
James Yeargan is one of the most respected and sought after Atlanta DUI Lawyers. His successful defense record, and unprecedented devotion to his clients has earned him this honor.
Mr. Yeargan ’s reputation as a tenacious DUI practitioner, coupled with his remarkable trial strategy and indomitable presence in the courtroom, have earned him the moniker “DUI Jim” throughout the Atlanta community, and Georgia at large.
It is his dedication to his clients that makes Mr. Yeargan ’s DUI practice so unique and sought after.
- Former DUI Prosecutor
- Assigned to Atlanta’s DUI Prosecutorial Task Force
- Atlanta DUI Task Force
- Georgia State Patrol Task Force
- Police Academy DUI Instructor
- DUI Prosecutor Instructor
- Atlanta DUI Task Force Advisory Task Force Committee Chairman
- Certified NHTSA Field Sobriety Testing
- Certified NHTSA Field Sobriety Testing Instructor
- Certified DUI and Drugs
Brandon A. Thomas
Criminal Lawyer
Mr. Thomas received his law degree from Emory University School of Law. He also received his bachelors degree, cum laude, in political science from the State University of New York at Albany (SUNY).
Mr. Thomas is a former Assistant Federal Defender for the Middle District of Alabama (Montgomery). As a federal defender, Mr. Thomas handled serious felony cases ranging from white collar crime to drug and firearm cases where defendants were facing life sentences. Prior to this, he was an Assistant Public Defender for the Eastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia (Savannah), where he exclusively handled felony cases and served as lead attorney on jury trials.
Mr. Thomas was also formerly a plaintiff’s attorney on Wall Street at Pelton & Graham in New York, where he litigated class action law suits to recover overtime wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Prior to working on Wall Street, Mr. Thomas was a Judicial Clerk at the EEOC for the Honorable Donna N. Dawson, Supervisory Administrative Judge, and drafted opinions on behalf of Judge Dawson ruling on Title VII discrimination claims.
Mr. Thomas has been studying Spanish for seven years, and is intermediate in reading, writing, and speaking Spanish. He enjoys conversing with his latino clients in Spanish, and is working towards eventually becoming fluent in Spanish.
Troy Hendrick
Criminal Lawyer
Troy is the founding partner of Hendrick and Henry Law. He is an experienced and creative trial lawyer who has been based in Atlanta, Georgia since 2003. Troy specializes in General Plaintiff’s lawsuits (negligent security/shootings, motorcycle collisions, bicycle, e-bike/e-scooter collisions, premises liability/slip-and-fall, motor vehicle collisions, insurance bad faith, and constitutional claims). The firm he founded has continuously operated from the same office in the shadow of the DeKalb County courthouse in Decatur, Georgia since 2005.
Troy has recovered many millions of dollars for his clients, spearheading multi-million-dollar litigations to completion, including negligent security claims, premises liability, and serious motor vehicle collisions. Additionally, in the courtroom, he has beaten everything between unjust murder charges down through standard traffic citations. Troy’s zealous, creative, and aggressive advocacy regarding a simple speeding citation eventually led to a lawsuit against the DeKalb County district attorney’s office. This incident led to additional lawsuits against DeKalb County, multiple private probation companies, and a Chief Judge. It also resulted in the dismantling of the now-defunct DeKalb Recorder’s Court—which at the time was the largest traffic court (by revenue volume) in the nation. It was also a demonstrably unfair court, where underprivileged and underrepresented communities bore the brunt of consequences meted out by a system that existed in derogation of the constitution, specifically in violation of the principle of the separation of powers.
TANYA D. JEFFORDS
Criminal Lawyer
Tanya D. Jeffords is a successful trial lawyer who protects and defends her clients in the areas of criminal law, family law, employment and labor law, personal injury law, and civil rights litigation. Her motto for success is Preparation and the Power of Prayer. She earned her undergraduate degree from Augusta State University and her Juris Doctorate from Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law in 2001. She is licensed to practice law in both Georgia and South Carolina. Mrs. Jeffords believes in helping her clients and their families to find solutions to their problems within the judicial system by way of fierce and caring advocacy. Some clients have nicknamed her the “Tiger”.
She was a federal judicial law clerk for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, where she handled complex civil litigation cases and those involving employment discrimination. She returned to Augusta and practiced in the Fulcher Hagler Law Firm where she worked in litigation, concentrating on railroad defense, insurance defense, and employment and labor law. She has tried both civil and criminal cases, gaining most of her trial experience while working as a public defender in the Augusta Judicial Circuit.
Musa Ghanayem
Criminal Lawyer
Musa M. Ghanayem, attended University of Wisconsin Milwaukee where he majored in Criminal Justice and Philosophy. After college Musa attended Law School at Michigan State University College of Law, where he was a Dean’s List member every semester, and a Cum Laude graduate. Musa was also a member of the Michigan State University School of Law, Moot Court Board where was awarded the honor of, “Best Oralist,” and was selected to represent The College of Law in a National Competition. Musa is licensed to practice in Georgia and New York and has been involved in a variety of areas of Legal Practice.
As a 1st year associate Musa was a senior associate in a complex commercial litigation and Qui Tam boutique law firm. After two years as an associate, he realized his passion as an advocate for civil rights, human rights, and the protection of the Constitution. In 2002 Musa joined the office of the Fulton County Public Defender, excelling quickly and earning the award for “Employee of The Quarter.” Musa was later appointed as an Assistant District Attorney where he prosecuted all felony cases ranging from possession of Drugs to Murder, Musa was then appointed to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Team (H.I.D.T.A.), which is a joint State and Federal program to prosecute major drug crimes.
Having the best criminal lawyer in Texas can provide several advantages. Here are some key advantages:
1. Extensive Knowledge of Texas Laws: The best criminal lawyers in Texas have a deep understanding of the state’s criminal laws, statutes, and legal procedures. They stay updated on any changes or developments in the law that may impact your case. This knowledge allows them to provide you with accurate legal advice and develop effective defense strategies specific to Texas.
2. Expertise in Criminal Defense: Top criminal lawyers in Texas specialize in criminal defense and have extensive experience handling a wide range of criminal cases. They are well-versed in different types of offenses, including drug crimes, assault, theft, DUIs, white-collar crimes, and more. Their expertise allows them to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, identify potential defenses, and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
3. Protection of Legal Rights: The best criminal lawyers are dedicated to protecting your legal rights throughout the criminal justice process. They ensure that law enforcement and prosecutors uphold your constitutional rights, such as the right to remain silent, the right to legal counsel, and the right to a fair trial. They will challenge any violations of your rights and work to exclude any unlawfully obtained evidence from being used against you.
4. Case Evaluation and Investigation: Skilled criminal lawyers thoroughly evaluate the details of your case, including police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence. They conduct their investigations to uncover any inconsistencies, weaknesses, or potential defenses. This thorough evaluation allows them to build a strong defense strategy, identify favorable plea options, or prepare for trial.
5. Negotiation and Plea Bargaining: If a plea bargain is a viable option in your case, having the best criminal lawyer in Texas can be advantageous. They have strong negotiation skills and can work with prosecutors to secure a favorable plea agreement on your behalf. They will strive to minimize the potential consequences and penalties you may face.
6. Courtroom Advocacy: If your case proceeds to trial, having an experienced criminal lawyer by your side is crucial. The best criminal lawyers in Texas have extensive courtroom experience and are skilled at presenting your case, cross-examining witnesses, and delivering persuasive arguments to the judge and jury. They will vigorously defend your rights and innocence throughout the trial process.
7. Support and Guidance: Dealing with criminal charges can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. The best criminal lawyers provide not only legal representation but also support and guidance throughout the process. They will explain the legal proceedings, address your concerns, and help you make informed decisions about your case. Their support can provide you with peace of mind and alleviate some of the burdens associated with your legal situation.
When seeking a criminal lawyer, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in criminal defense in Texas. They will be able to assess the specifics of your case and provide you with the best legal representation tailored to your needs.