Criminal Defense Attorneys in Dallas and North Texas
Criminal Defense Attorneys in Dallas and North Texas
A criminal accusation changes everything. Your freedom, your record, your career, and your family relationships may all feel like they are on the line. The decisions you make early in a case can affect plea negotiations, trial strategy, and the long-term impact on your life.
McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans’s Criminal Law practice offers legal help fighting criminal accusations of many kinds, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Our criminal defense attorneys handle both state and federal criminal cases and are committed to assisting clients facing DWI and DUI charges, alcohol and drug offenses, assault and battery, theft and robbery, and weapons charges.
Criminal defense cases are highly time-sensitive. Our attorneys work diligently and efficiently to protect your rights, gather critical information, and pursue the best outcome the facts and law will allow.
Finding the Right Criminal Defense Team for You
Choosing a criminal defense law firm is one of the most important decisions you may ever make. You need a team that understands the criminal justice system from every angle and is prepared to stand between you and the power of the state.
At McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans, our criminal defense attorneys:
- Represent clients in both state and federal courts across Texas
- Include former prosecutors, a former district court judge, and board-certified criminal law specialists
- Understand how criminal cases intersect with careers, professional licenses, and related civil and personal injury matters
- Provide clear explanations about charges, possible outcomes, and the steps in the process
- Take a practical approach that weighs risk, timing, and long-term consequences
Some clients want to fight the allegations at trial. Others need a strategic resolution that protects immigration status, employment, or family responsibilities. Our team works to understand your goals and risk tolerance before recommending a path forward.
Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services
McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans’s criminal defense attorneys handle a wide range of criminal cases in Texas, from first-time misdemeanors to complex felony indictments and federal investigations.
DWI, DUI, and Alcohol Offenses
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI)
- Underage drinking and alcohol-related offenses
- Intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter
- License suspension issues and occupational driver’s licenses
These cases often move quickly, with strict deadlines for challenging license suspensions and preserving key evidence. Early representation can make a significant difference.
Drug Crimes
- Possession of controlled substances, including prescription medications, marijuana, and other drugs
- Possession with intent to deliver and drug distribution charges
- Drug conspiracy and federal narcotics cases
- Asset forfeiture proceedings tied to alleged drug activity
Our attorneys examine whether the stop, search, or seizure complied with constitutional requirements and whether the state can prove actual possession or intent.
Assault, Family Violence, and Violent Offenses
- Assault and aggravated assault
- Domestic violence and family violence allegations
- Robbery, aggravated robbery, and related theft offenses
- Weapons charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm
Even a misdemeanor assault or family violence case can carry serious consequences for employment, gun rights, and family law matters. We focus on the facts, the credibility of witnesses, and any self-defense or defense-of-others issues that may apply.
Theft, Fraud, and Property Crimes
- Theft, burglary, and robbery
- Fraud and deception offenses under Texas law
- White collar and financial crimes handled in coordination with our White Collar & Government Investigations team for more complex matters
- Cases where criminal charges overlap with business disputes and civil lawsuits
These cases often involve document-heavy investigation and can affect both criminal exposure and related civil liability. Our team understands how to manage both tracks.
Federal Criminal Cases and Grand Jury Matters
- Representation in federal criminal investigations
- Responding to grand jury subpoenas
- Defense in federal indictments involving financial crimes, conspiracy, or other serious federal offenses
- Guidance on the federal sentencing process and mitigation strategies
McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans’s criminal defense lawyers have experience handling federal cases and understand the unique procedures, guidelines, and stakes involved.
Criminal Defense Attorneys:
McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans’s criminal defense team includes attorneys with significant courtroom experience and leadership roles in the Texas criminal law community.
Founding Partner Levi G. McCathern McCathern II is widely recognized as one of the premier litigation lawyers in Texas. He is Board Certified in both Civil Trial Law and Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by a small fraction of Texas attorneys. Levi is frequently called upon to defend catastrophic damage and high-exposure commercial claims, including complex casualty and bad faith insurance matters.
Described as a legal “powerhouse” by the Dallas Morning News, Daniel Hagood is one of the most sought-after trial attorneys in Texas, representing companies and individuals entangled in the criminal justice system from initial investigation through trial. He is board certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has tried more than 300 criminal and civil jury trials across the United States.
Jennifer L. Falk joined McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans after a renowned career in the Harris County and Dallas County District Attorney’s Offices. She is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a Texas Bar Foundation Fellow, and serves as Co-Chair of the Criminal Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association. She now brings this experience to criminal defense, family law, and business litigation matters.
Scott Becker is a former district court judge who presided over the 219th State District Court in Collin County from 2010 through 2018. That court handled serious felony criminal cases, multi-million dollar civil litigation, and complex family matters. Scott now focuses his practice on family law, civil litigation, and criminal defense, giving clients the benefit of both trial experience and judicial perspective.
Alexandra Hunt went directly into criminal defense after graduating cum laude from SMU Dedman School of Law. She has handled a wide array of criminal cases in both state and federal courts and guides clients through every stage of the process, from grand jury subpoenas to trial and sentencing.
Noah McCathern represents clients in criminal defense, business litigation, employment matters, and personal injury and wrongful death cases, giving him a broad perspective on how criminal allegations intersect with civil exposure and long-term consequences.
Based at The Star in Frisco, Kylie Peebles works with McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans’s family law and criminal law practices. She brings experience from her prior role as an Assistant District Attorney in Denton County and has handled a variety of criminal defense matters for clients across North Texas.
These attorneys work closely with colleagues in the firm’s White Collar & Government Investigations practice, which has earned recognition in Best Law Firms rankings for Criminal Defense: White Collar.
How Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Approach Cases
Every criminal case is personal. The same charge can have very different consequences depending on your record, immigration status, profession, and family situation. Our criminal defense attorneys focus on both the legal case and the person behind it.
In a typical matter, our approach includes:
- Early intervention
We work to get involved as early as possible, sometimes before formal charges are filed. Early action can help shape how the case is charged, preserve favorable evidence, and sometimes avoid an indictment altogether.
- Thorough investigation
We review police reports, body camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence rather than taking the state’s version of events at face value. When appropriate, we work with investigators and expert witnesses.
- Candid risk assessment
We explain the strengths and weaknesses of the case, possible penalties, and collateral consequences. Our goal is to give you a realistic picture, not false comfort.
- Strategic negotiations and motion practice
We pursue dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements where appropriate and file motions to suppress or exclude evidence when constitutional or procedural violations may have occurred.
- Trial readiness
Some cases must be tried. Our team includes lawyers who have tried hundreds of criminal cases and who understand how judges and juries evaluate evidence in serious criminal matters.
Throughout the process, clients receive clear communication and straightforward answers so they can make informed decisions at every stage.
Serving Clients Across North Texas and Beyond
McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans’s criminal defense attorneys represent clients across Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Tarrant Counties and in other Texas jurisdictions where the client’s needs call for it. Additionally, our vast network of attorneys allows us to represent our clients facing criminal charges in nearly every state across the country.
Our clients include:
- Individuals facing first-time charges who have never been in the criminal justice system
- Professionals whose licenses and careers may be affected by a conviction
- College students and young adults facing DWI, drug, or assault allegations
- Business owners and executives whose criminal cases overlap with business and commercial disputes
- Individuals and companies involved in high-profile criminal cases that require careful media and reputation management
The firm’s offices in Dallas, Frisco, Houston, and Los Angeles allow us to coordinate criminal defense work with related civil, family, and business matters when needed.
Criminal Defense Resources and Next Steps
If you believe you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Early legal guidance can help you:
- Understand the charges or potential charges and what they mean
- Avoid statements or decisions that may be difficult to undo later
- Protect your constitutional rights during interviews, searches, and seizures
- Begin building a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances