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Criminal Defense Lawyer · Amarillo, TX/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Amarillo, TX

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer in Amarillo can be daunting. We ranked the best based on reviews and expertise to help you make an informed choice.

Editorially independent7 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceThe Law Office of Dennis R. Boren
95Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 7 Amarillo-metro criminal defense lawyer businesses evaluated, top 7 ranked by Vetted Score.

When facing criminal charges, having a reliable defense lawyer can make all the difference. In Amarillo, the gap between the most affordable options and the most trusted lawyers is significant. With seven providers evaluated, our rankings highlight those who offer the best combination of price and proven track records.

We looked at the ratings and reviews of each firm, considering not just the star ratings but also the number of reviews to gauge overall client satisfaction. The result is a list that reflects both quality service and the varying price points available in the Amarillo area.

7criminal defense lawyers evaluated in Amarillo
4.69average rating across the field
504customer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does criminal defense lawyer cost in Amarillo? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
95Score

The Law Office of Dennis R. Boren

★★★★★4.8(176 reviews)

With a stellar rating of 4.8 based on 176 reviews, The Law Office of Dennis R.

Read full review
Best Value
94Score

Herrmann & Archer Law Firm

★★★★★4.9(76 reviews)

Herrmann & Archer Law Firm holds an impressive 4.9 rating from 76 reviews.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
92Score

Dunham & Jones

★★★★★4.7(66 reviews)

Dunham & Jones has a solid rating of 4.7 from 66 reviews, praised for its professional approach and commitment to clients.

Read full review

All 7, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
95Score
4.8★★★★★
176Serious criminal charges requiring experienced representation
2
94Score
4.9★★★★★
76Budget-conscious clients needing reliable defense
3
Dunham & Jones
Dunham & Jones
Most Reviewed
92Score
4.7★★★★★
66Clients needing a firm with a good mix of experience and client feedback
4
82Score
4.7★★★★★
55Misdemeanor cases, especially DUIs
5
81Score
4.7★★★★★
47First-time offenders needing guidance
6
80Score
4.6★★★★★
66Clients who want a trial-ready attorney
7
78Score
4.4★★★★★
18Clients seeking personalized attention
Methodology

How we evaluated all 7 criminal defense lawyers.

To compile our rankings, we evaluated seven criminal defense lawyers in Amarillo based on their Vetted Scores. Each firm's rating reflects client feedback, which we gathered through extensive research on online platforms and review sites. Importantly, no firm paid for placement in our rankings, ensuring an unbiased assessment.

We refresh our evaluations monthly, keeping our rankings current with the latest client feedback and market trends. This process allows us to provide you with the most accurate and relevant information when selecting legal representation.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

The Law Office of Dennis R. Boren

★★★★★4.8(176 reviews)
95Score

With a stellar rating of 4.8 based on 176 reviews, The Law Office of Dennis R. Boren is highly regarded for its dedication to clients and effective defense strategies. Clients appreciate the personalized attention and thorough preparation for cases, making it a go-to choice for those facing criminal charges. However, due to its popularity, securing an appointment may take some time.

Pros

  • Highly rated for client service
  • Extensive experience in criminal defense
  • Strong case outcomes

Cons

  • May have limited availability due to demand
  • Higher fees compared to smaller firms
Best forSerious criminal charges requiring experienced representation
Service areaAmarillo and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$1,500 to $5,000
2
Best Value

Herrmann & Archer Law Firm

★★★★★4.9(76 reviews)
94Score

Herrmann & Archer Law Firm holds an impressive 4.9 rating from 76 reviews. Clients commend the firm for its approachable staff and effective legal strategies. It excels in providing solid defense at competitive rates, making it an excellent choice for those seeking quality representation without breaking the bank. However, the smaller review base means it may not have as much established reputation as others.

Pros

  • Very high rating for client satisfaction
  • Competitive pricing
  • Strong communication

Cons

  • Fewer reviews than top competitors
  • Limited specialization in certain areas
Best forBudget-conscious clients needing reliable defense
Service areaAmarillo and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$1,000 to $4,000
3
Most Reviewed

Dunham & Jones

★★★★★4.7(66 reviews)
92Score

Dunham & Jones has a solid rating of 4.7 from 66 reviews, praised for its professional approach and commitment to clients. This firm is known for handling a variety of criminal defense cases effectively. While many clients appreciate their expertise, some have noted occasional delays in communication during busy periods.

Pros

  • Experienced attorneys
  • Diverse case handling
  • Good client feedback

Cons

  • Possible delays in response times
  • Not as personalized as smaller firms
Best forClients needing a firm with a good mix of experience and client feedback
Service areaAmarillo and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$1,500 to $4,500
4

Tisdell Law Firm

★★★★★4.7(55 reviews)
82Score

Tisdell Law Firm has a rating of 4.7 based on 55 reviews. Clients appreciate their thoroughness and support throughout the legal process. They are particularly effective in handling DUI cases and other misdemeanors. However, some clients have mentioned that their availability can be inconsistent. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is misdemeanor cases, especially DUIs. It serves Amarillo and surrounding areas, with $1,200 to $3,500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistent availability and limited experience with felonies.

Pros

  • Thorough legal support
  • Effective in DUI cases
  • Good client communication

Cons

  • Inconsistent availability
  • Limited experience with felonies
Best forMisdemeanor cases, especially DUIs
Service areaAmarillo and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$1,200 to $3,500
5

Ryan Brown Attorney at Law

★★★★★4.7(47 reviews)
81Score

Ryan Brown Attorney at Law has a respectable rating of 4.7 from 47 reviews. Clients commend his knowledge of the law and approachable demeanor. He is particularly noted for his work with first-time offenders. However, some feedback suggests that he may not have as much experience with complex cases. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is first-time offenders needing guidance. It serves Amarillo and surrounding areas, with $1,000 to $3,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are less experience with complex cases and smaller firm may lack resources.

Pros

  • Knowledgeable in criminal law
  • Approachable and friendly
  • Good for first-time offenders

Cons

  • Less experience with complex cases
  • Smaller firm may lack resources
Best forFirst-time offenders needing guidance
Service areaAmarillo and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$1,000 to $3,000
6

Law Offices of D. Chris Hesse

★★★★★4.6(66 reviews)
80Score

Law Offices of D. Chris Hesse has a rating of 4.6 based on 66 reviews. Clients appreciate his straightforward approach and willingness to take cases to trial if needed. While he provides solid representation, some reviews indicate that communication could be improved. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients who want a trial-ready attorney. It serves Amarillo and surrounding areas, with $1,500 to $4,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are communication issues reported and not as much personal attention.

Pros

  • Straightforward and honest
  • Willingness to go to trial
  • Good reputation in certain circles

Cons

  • Communication issues reported
  • Not as much personal attention
Best forClients who want a trial-ready attorney
Service areaAmarillo and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$1,500 to $4,000
7

Len Walker Law

★★★★★4.4(18 reviews)
78Score

Len Walker Law holds a 4.4 rating from 18 reviews. Clients appreciate the personalized service and the attention to detail in their cases. While he is well-liked, the thin review base makes his services promising but unproven compared to more established firms. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients seeking personalized attention. It serves Amarillo and surrounding areas, with $800 to $2,500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are thin review base raises concerns and limited case types handled.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Detail-oriented approach
  • Friendly demeanor

Cons

  • Thin review base raises concerns
  • Limited case types handled
Best forClients seeking personalized attention
Service areaAmarillo and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$800 to $2,500
Before you book

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Amarillo

Selecting the right criminal defense lawyer involves balancing trustworthiness and cost. Here are three key factors to consider:

Review Ratings

Look for lawyers with high ratings and a substantial number of reviews. This indicates consistent performance and client satisfaction.

Experience with Your Case Type

Ensure the lawyer has experience in handling cases similar to yours. Specialization can significantly impact the outcome.

Consultation Availability

Choose a lawyer who offers free consultations. This allows you to gauge their approach and compatibility before committing.

What it costs

What criminal defense lawyers cost in Amarillo

Basic RepresentationPrices start at $1,500 for straightforward cases, such as misdemeanors.
Mid-Range ServicesExpect to pay between $2,500 to $5,000 for more complex cases, including some felonies.
Experienced AttorneysTop-tier lawyers may charge $5,000 to $10,000, particularly for serious offenses requiring extensive work.
Premium DefenseHigh-profile cases or those needing extensive investigation can exceed $10,000, depending on the lawyer’s reputation and experience.

Frequently asked questions

How much does hiring a criminal defense lawyer cost in Amarillo?

In Amarillo, fees for criminal defense lawyers typically range from $150 to $400 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of the case.

What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer?

Look for a lawyer's experience in criminal cases, their success rate, and client reviews to gauge their reliability and effectiveness.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Amarillo residents: <strong>The Law Office of Dennis R. Boren</strong>

The Law Office of Dennis R. Boren is the best overall choice for its high rating of 4.8 from 176 reviews, making it a reliable option for serious legal issues. For those seeking great value, Herrmann & Archer Law Firm offers a stellar 4.9 rating on 76 reviews, providing excellent service without breaking the bank. If you're looking to splurge on top-tier representation, Dunham & Jones with a 4.7 rating on 66 reviews is a solid pick for comprehensive legal support.