If you’re looking for the best

Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer

in the Dallas area or elsewhere in Texas, then attorneys Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to meet you.

Facing Criminal Charges in Dallas? Why Choosing the Right Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer Matters

If you’re facing criminal charges in Dallas, hiring the right Dallas criminal defense lawyer may be the most important decision you ever make. Whether you’re under investigation or facing an ongoing prosecution, you need a skilled attorney you can trust. 

While everyone is entitled to a court-appointed attorney after they’re arrested, the standard for the court-appointed lawyers is a minimal “constitutionally effective” representation. This standard could also be considered practically useless.

The best criminal lawyers do more than just understand the law and the court procedures to “guide you” through the process…

…the best criminal defense attorneys fight back.

The criminal justice system in Texas can be more than just “complex” and “difficult to navigate.” The system can be unfair, corrupt, fraudulent, opaque, misleading, and destructive. From the moment you’re being questioned or placed under arrest, your rights and your freedom are at risk.

The consequences of a criminal accusation can be swift and life-altering—threatening your job, family, freedom, your future, and sometimes your life. You deserve an experienced lawyer who will fight relentlessly for your best interests.

How to find the top criminal defense attorneys in Texas

At Saputo Toufexis, we are looking for clients who want to hire the top criminal defense attorneys in Texas. Keep reading to learn why those clients have hired us and why you should, too.

Some lawyers have worked to put people in jail. We’ve spent our entire careers keeping people out.

Our clients do not want to hire a former prosecutor. They want to hire someone who has always fought to protect the rights of the accused.

You don’t want to be second-guessing which side your lawyer is really on. We know how the prosecutors think because we fight them every day. We know what goes on behind closed doors, and we know how they operate.

We’ve made it our goal to be the best, most aggressive, and skilled criminal defense attorneys in the state of Texas. We’ve never stood with the government. We stand with you, and only you. 

Our focus on legal representation is matched only by our commitment to client service. We don’t just prepare you for your court dates—we prepare to win. 

The mission of our law office is to provide powerful, principled representation to clients facing criminal charges in Dallas County and across the state of Texas. 

Pure defense. No prosecution history. Just relentless advocacy for your freedom.

Dallas criminal defense lawyers Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis have dedicated their entire legal careers to defending people from government prosecution. 

Over a decade of fight – and lots more to go

With over a decade of experience providing personalized legal counsel and defending clients facing the legal system, we are known for delivering results. We’ve earned a reputation for tenacity, challenging government accusations head-on.

That’s how our law firm has established a proven track record of success in Texas courtrooms. As experienced legal counsel, our lead Dallas criminal defense attorneys apply cutting-edge legal tactics, drawn from years of real trial experience.

Our reputation speaks for itself

Don’t take our word for it. Explore at our reviews. Look at the awards we’ve won. Examine our results and our history of success.

Our storied history includes representation of numerous high-profile clients and notable high-profile victories. But we have also disposed of many other cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. No matter the case or the client, we fight to keep our clients out of government custody.

We train other lawyers.

We publish the industry-leading penal code analysis, updated ever legislative session. Lawyers read what we write, judges do too. Even prosecutors read our publications!

Check out our comprehensive penal code analysis – written and updated by hand every year since 2015. We have also published extensively on topics including federal sentencing guidelines, extradition, and constitutional law.

We practice across the entire state – not just Dallas, TX

We have represented clients in trial matters across more than 50 counties in Texas. This experience gives us more courtroom experience, more trial time, and a deeper understanding of how to win in a wide range of cases. No matter where your charges are, you deserve a lawyer who’s battle-tested statewide.

We regularly practice in both federal and state courts – and not just in Texas – we’ve been admitted in federal courts in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Utah, and even Wyoming!

What Types of Criminal Cases Do We Handle at Our Law Firm?

We represent clients in a wide range of criminal offenses and other related matters: 

⸻

DWI/DUI Charges

Our deep knowledge of field sobriety test methods, breath and blood testing science, and constitutional protections related to DWI investigations helps us fight DWI cases for clients in Dallas County, Collin County, and the surrounding areas.

⸻

Drug Crimes

Drug-related charges can range from possession of a controlled substance to trafficking and manufacturing. We craft aggressive strategies to suppress illegal searches and protect your rights. 

⸻

Assault, Aggravated Assault, and Domestic Violence Cases

Assault crimes include misdemeanor offenses like Assault (by contact or resulting in bodily injury) and Assault – Family Violence (domestic violence), as well as felony charges like Aggravated Assault. Both aggravated assault and simple assault can lead to incarceration, protective orders, and even deportation for non-citizens. 

⸻

Misdemeanor and Felony Theft

The Texas theft offense makes it broadly illegal to “unlawfully appropriate” property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. The state can file felony theft charges when the value of the property is significant or for identity theft offenses.

⸻

Sex Crimes

Sex crimes include sexual assault, child molestation (indecency with a child), child sexual assault, and child pornography. These charges require discreet, aggressive, and technologically-driven legal strategies.

⸻

White Collar Crimes in Federal Court

We have defended clients against federal prosecutions across the country, including prosecutions of federal crimes in the Northern District of Texas and beyond. We understand the intricacies of federal law for crimes like money laundering, fraud, and securities regulations.

⸻

Federal Drug Charges

To effectively combat federal drug charges, you need a federal criminal defense lawyer who is both admitted to practice in the district court where the government is bringing the case and knows how to beat drug cases. It’s a special skill set that we have honed over the years of trial advocacy in the gritty state courts while maintaining our federal litigation practice.

Explore our other practice areas

Pre-arrest & Ongoing Investigations

We represent people under investigation.

Post-arrest, Bond Matters & Pretrial

We represent people immediately after arrest and in pretrial hearings.

Criminal Trials

Our trial practice presents cases to a jury.

Appeals

In courts of appeal, we help people get new trials.

Expunctions

Expunctions can erase your criminal record.

Petitions for Nondisclosure

Orders of nondisclosure seal your criminal records.

Sex Offender Deregistration

We help low-recidivism people get off the sex offender registry.

Writs of Habeas Corpus

We help people get a new shot at freedom through our habeas practice.

Probation Revocation

If your probation officer has filed revocation charges, we can help you stay out of jail.

How Can Our Law Office Defend You Against Criminal Charges in Texas?

The legal system isn’t designed for people to navigate alone. Prosecutors aggressively seek convictions, and deadlines come fast. That’s why having experienced legal representation can make all the difference.

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

An experienced criminal defense lawyer provides legal strategy, case analysis, and courtroom advocacy. From the moment we’re retained, our team evaluates all the evidence, investigates the prosecution’s claims, and crafts a tailored defense plan. We also provide advice about the potential outcomes of trial, sentencing ranges, and plea bargaining options, helping our clients make informed decisions at every turn.

We conduct investigations, file motions to suppress unconstitutional evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare comprehensive trial strategies. If you have already spoken with law enforcement without an attorney present, we assess any statements for admissibility and constitutional violations.

Investigating and Building the Defense Early

When you’re charged with a crime, the decisions you make early in the case can shape the entire outcome. For clients who come to us during an ongoing investigation, we can intervene to help prevent formal charges from ever being filed. 

Immediately after arrest, our attorneys begin gathering information. This includes interviewing witnesses, reviewing bodycam footage, and analyzing police reports. It’s essential that the defense starts early and leaves no stone unturned. In fact, many successful cases are won not in court but in the weeks leading up to it—during this intense investigative phase.

How Do We Challenge Evidence and Protect Your Rights?

In every criminal case, the government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt—but that doesn’t mean they play fair. At Saputo Toufexis, one of our most effective strategies is to challenge evidence before it ever reaches a jury. This kind of proactive defense work can lead to evidence being thrown out entirely, cases being dismissed, or charges being reduced significantly.

We’ve found that prosecutors frequently try to admit evidence gathered under questionable circumstances, hoping the defense won’t push back.

But our experienced criminal defense attorneys do push back—hard.

We begin each case by analyzing how law enforcement collected and handled the evidence. We examine whether the police had probable cause to search, whether any warrants were valid, and whether procedures were followed precisely. If officers violated your constitutional rights—through unlawful searches, coerced confessions, or failure to Mirandize—you may be entitled to file a motion to suppress.

Challenging the Government’s Narrative

Our experienced criminal defense lawyers also assess how the prosecution plans to interpret the evidence. For example, bodycam footage and 911 calls may be distorted or taken out of context. Our job is to reframe that evidence, expose its weaknesses, and ensure jurors understand what really happened.

We use expert witnesses and cross-examination techniques to unravel complex circumstances and present a clear alternative narrative. Sometimes, the most powerful defense isn’t arguing that the crime didn’t happen—it’s showing that the government misunderstood its own evidence.

What Should You Expect from the Criminal Justice System in Texas?

Every criminal case carries the risk of severe consequences—from incarceration and fines to the lifelong stigma of a conviction. Whether you’ve just been arrested or already have court approaching, the complexity of the legal process can quickly become overwhelming. 

Navigating the justice system in Texas can be one of the most intimidating and confusing experiences of a person’s life. Fortunately, our experienced criminal defense lawyers are here to help you make sense of it—and take control of your case.

Our Dallas County Law Office is Your Team

Your team at Saputo Toufexis provides comprehensive representation at every stage of a case. When you retain our law office, you don’t just get a Dallas criminal defense lawyer – you get our experienced staff, investigators, and wide legal network. 

We begin as a team by conducting a thorough review of all the evidence – scrutinizing police reports, surveillance, witness statements, and forensic data.

Our experienced criminal defense lawyers frequently file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, particularly in cases involving illegal searches, coerced statements, or warrantless arrests.

Suppressing illegally-obtained evidence can dramatically shift the balance of power in your favor.

We believe in challenging every assumption—remember, you’re innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Strategic Negotiation and Trial Preparation

Once we’ve built leverage through a strong defense strategy, we engage in negotiations with the prosecution. We’ve worked against every type of prosecutor—from local assistant district attorneys to seasoned federal prosecutors—and we know how to recognize when a plea offer is worth considering and when it’s better to take the fight to trial.

Our attorneys are also skilled in plea bargaining, helping clients make informed decisions without pressure or confusion. Every step of the way, we prioritize transparency, strategic planning, and client collaboration. You’ll never be left in the dark about where your case stands or what your options are.

Trial Preparation: Your Defense Begins Long Before the Courtroom

We prepare for trial thoroughly and start early. Trial preparation includes witness interviews, expert consultation, and visual evidence presentation. We don’t just show up—our Dallas criminal defense attorneys build trial narratives around legal challenges, credibility issues, and constitutional violations.

How Does the Legal Process Work After You’re Arrested?

After an arrest in Texas, the legal process begins quickly—and so should your defense. ​​

Case Filing & Grand Jury Indictment

In some instances, we’ve helped clients avoid charges entirely by intervening before the grand jury process begins. In others, we’ve advised clients under investigation about whether they should speak to authorities, and under what conditions. If you’re ever contacted by law enforcement, always have an attorney present—even if you’re innocent.

From First Hearing to Final Disposition

The first hearing in Dallas County criminal cases is typically an arraignment, where a magistrate sets a bond. A Dallas criminal defense lawyer can offer legal representation immediately to advocate for reduced bond or even personal recognizance release.

Once you’re out on bond, you’ll be given a series of court dates. These may include pretrial conferences, evidentiary hearings, plea negotiations, and ultimately, trial. 

The government may begin offering plea deals, filing motions, and, without a seasoned defense attorney by your side, it’s easy to misstep. 

Why the Pretrial Phase Is So Critical in Criminal Law

Many clients think that their day in court is when the jury trial begins. In truth, the most decisive battles often happen weeks or months before trial—in motion hearings, suppression proceedings, or evidentiary challenges. That’s why retaining a highly strategic criminal defense lawyer is essential from day one.

Our criminal lawyers invest substantial time and energy into these early battles. In some cases, we may even be able to convince the prosecution to drop charges entirely once we expose holes in their case. In others, we’ll be prepared to go to trial and use those same evidentiary weaknesses to win before a jury. Either way, our focus is the same: aggressive representation to deliver the strongest, smartest defense possible.

---