CityVettedCityvetted
Independent. Never pay-to-play.
Criminal Defense Lawyer · Arlington, TX/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Arlington, TX

When facing legal challenges, having a skilled criminal defense lawyer is essential. Here are the best options in Arlington.

Editorially independent9 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceShane Lewis Law
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 9 Arlington-metro criminal defense lawyer businesses evaluated, top 8 ranked by Vetted Score.

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer can make a significant difference when navigating the complexities of the legal system. In Arlington, TX, the stakes are high, and a knowledgeable attorney can provide the guidance necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our list of the best criminal defense lawyers in Arlington is based on extensive research and analysis of local firms. We evaluated each firm based on client reviews, success rates, and overall reputation, ensuring you have access to the top-rated professionals in the area.

9criminal defense lawyers evaluated in Arlington
4.86average rating across the field
707customer reviews analyzed

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

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

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
Editor's Choice
96Score

Shane Lewis Law

★★★★★5.0(483 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 from 483 reviews, Shane Lewis Law stands out for its exceptional client service and successful outcomes in criminal cases.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Albert Roberts Law, PLLC

★★★★★4.9(110 reviews)

Albert Roberts Law, PLLC, holds a 4.9 rating from 110 reviews.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Arlington Criminal Attorneys

★★★★★5.0(32 reviews)

Arlington Criminal Attorneys boasts a perfect 5-star rating from 32 reviews.

Read full review

All 8, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Shane Lewis Law
Shane Lewis Law
Editor's Choice
96Score
5.0★★★★★
483Personalized attention and successful outcomes
2
95Score
4.9★★★★★
110Clients seeking value without sacrificing quality
3
94Score
5.0★★★★★
32Aggressive representation in court
4
93Score
5.0★★★★★
28Clients seeking a personal touch
5
92Score
5.0★★★★★
24Building strong attorney-client relationships
6
90Score
4.9★★★★★
21DWI case representation
7
85Score
5.0★★★★★
2Clients seeking quick responses
8
78Score
4.1★★★★★
7Basic legal needs
Methodology

How we evaluated all 9 criminal defense lawyers.

To compile this ranking, we assessed nine criminal defense lawyers in the Arlington area, focusing on their ratings and review counts. Each lawyer was evaluated based on client feedback and their track record in handling criminal cases. Importantly, no business pays for placement in our rankings, ensuring impartiality.

We refresh our rankings monthly to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. This ongoing analysis helps to reflect any changes in client satisfaction and attorney performance, so you can trust our recommendations.

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

Shane Lewis Law

★★★★★5.0(483 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 from 483 reviews, Shane Lewis Law stands out for its exceptional client service and successful outcomes in criminal cases. Reviewers frequently praise the firm for its attentive staff and strategic approach to defense. However, some clients note that availability can be limited due to high demand.

Pros

  • High client satisfaction
  • Strong track record
  • Personalized service

Cons

  • Limited availability
  • Higher fees
Best forPersonalized attention and successful outcomes
Service areaArlington and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$150 to $500 per hour
2
Best Value

Albert Roberts Law, PLLC

★★★★★4.9(110 reviews)
95Score

Albert Roberts Law, PLLC, holds a 4.9 rating from 110 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm's dedication and thorough preparation in their cases. The firm is recognized for providing excellent value, especially for those facing financial constraints. A downside is the smaller review base, which may not fully represent their capabilities.

Pros

  • Affordable rates
  • Dedicated representation
  • Thorough preparation

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Less established than competitors
Best forClients seeking value without sacrificing quality
Service areaArlington and nearby regions
Typical pricing$100 to $300 per hour
3
Most Reviewed

Arlington Criminal Attorneys

★★★★★5.0(32 reviews)
94Score

Arlington Criminal Attorneys boasts a perfect 5-star rating from 32 reviews. Clients commend the firm for its aggressive defense strategies and strong communication. This firm is ideal for those needing a fierce advocate in court. However, the limited number of reviews suggests it may still be establishing its reputation. 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 aggressive representation in court. It serves Arlington and surrounding areas, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review count and less known in the community.

Pros

  • Aggressive defense
  • Strong communicator
  • Tailored strategies

Cons

  • Limited review count
  • Less known in the community
Best forAggressive representation in court
Service areaArlington and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
4

The Hampton Law Firm P.L.L.C. has a perfect rating of 5 from 28 reviews. Clients highlight the firm's commitment to their cases and effective legal strategies. This firm is best for clients looking for a personal touch in representation. However, the small review base may raise questions about their experience.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Effective strategies
  • Strong client focus

Cons

  • Small review base
  • Limited visibility
Best forClients seeking a personal touch
Service areaArlington and nearby areas
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
5

Bruce Ashworth Law Office

★★★★★5.0(24 reviews)
92Score

Bruce Ashworth Law Office also holds a perfect rating of 5 from 24 reviews. Clients appreciate the attorney's approachable demeanor and legal expertise. This firm is suitable for those who value strong attorney-client relationships. A potential downside is the limited number of reviews, which may not reflect a broader experience.

Pros

  • Approachable attorney
  • Expert legal advice
  • Strong relationships

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Less known in the area
Best forBuilding strong attorney-client relationships
Service areaArlington and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$150 to $350 per hour

Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy holds a 4.9 rating from 21 reviews. Clients commend the firm for its extensive knowledge and effective defense tactics. This firm is particularly noted for its work in DWI cases. However, the review count is relatively low, which may not give a complete picture of their services.

Pros

  • Extensive knowledge
  • Effective defense tactics
  • Specializes in DWI cases

Cons

  • Low review count
  • Less established presence
Best forDWI case representation
Service areaArlington and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
7

criminal defense law firm

★★★★★5.0(2 reviews)
85Score

Criminal Defense Law Firm has a perfect rating of 5 from just 2 reviews. Clients praise the firm for its personalized attention and quick responses. While promising, the limited review count makes it unproven compared to more established firms. This may deter potential clients seeking a more reputable choice. 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 quick responses. It serves Arlington and nearby areas, with $150 to $300 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very limited reviews and unproven reputation.

Pros

  • Personalized attention
  • Quick responses

Cons

  • Very limited reviews
  • Unproven reputation
Best forClients seeking quick responses
Service areaArlington and nearby areas
Typical pricing$150 to $300 per hour
8
78Score

Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy, PLLC has a rating of 4.1 from 7 reviews. While some clients appreciate the lawyer's knowledge, others report less favorable experiences. This firm may be suitable for straightforward cases but could leave more complex situations wanting. The limited reviews raise questions about its overall effectiveness.

Pros

  • Knowledgeable attorney
  • Affordable rates

Cons

  • Mixed reviews
  • Limited experience
Best forBasic legal needs
Service areaArlington and nearby areas
Typical pricing$100 to $250 per hour
Before you book

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington

Selecting the right criminal defense lawyer is vital for your case. Consider these factors to make an informed decision:

Experience

Look for a lawyer with a proven track record in criminal defense cases similar to yours.

Client Reviews

Consider feedback from former clients to gauge satisfaction and effectiveness.

Communication Style

Choose a lawyer who communicates clearly and is responsive to your questions and concerns.

Fees and Costs

Understand the fee structure and ensure it aligns with your budget before proceeding.

What it costs

What criminal defense lawyers cost in Arlington

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington varies based on experience and case complexity. Here are some typical pricing tiers:

Consultation FeesInitial consultations can range from $100 to $300, depending on the lawyer.
Hourly RatesHourly rates typically range from $150 to $500, depending on the lawyer's experience.
Flat FeesSome lawyers may offer flat fees for specific services, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.
RetainersRetainer fees may be required, often starting at $2,000 and going up based on the case.

Frequently asked questions

How much does criminal defense lawyer cost in Arlington?

Pricing can range from $100 to $500 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and case complexity.

What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer?

Consider experience, client reviews, communication style, and fee structures when choosing a lawyer.

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 Arlington residents: Editor's Choice Shane Lewis Law

For those needing the best criminal defense representation in Arlington, Shane Lewis Law is the top choice. With a perfect rating and extensive client reviews, they excel in personal attention and successful outcomes. Close behind, Albert Roberts Law, PLLC offers great value, while Arlington Criminal Attorneys stands out for their aggressive representation.