Table of Contents
- By the Numbers: The Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
- Why This Data Matters
- The Importance of Attorney Performance Data
- Real-World Comparison: A “Secret Shop” of Traditional Lawyer Directories
- Why Specialization and Case History Matter
- Implications for Consumers
- Understanding Our Patent-Pending Methodology
- Overview of the Technology
- How We Process and Analyze Data
- Why This Matters
- Introducing The Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
- Attorney Profiles
- Sara Richey
- Education and Early Career
- Practice Areas and Specialization
- Client-Centered Philosophy
- Notable Achievements
- Why Sara Richey Stands Out
- Michael Stoll
- Armen “Hammer” Merjanian
- Justin Harris
- Jim Butler
- Coby DuBose
- Patrick Ngwolo
- Hannah Louise Herzog
- Thomas Witek Jr.
- Doug Murphy
- Where to Learn More
- Visit Our Blog
- Market Availability
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Next Steps
Ready to Publish
Ready to Publish
Author
OG Image (1200x630)
Excerpt
In the ever-evolving landscape of criminal defense, finding the right attorney near you is crucial for achieving favorable outcomes. This blog post presents a data-driven analysis of the top 10 criminal defense attorneys near you in Houston for 2025, showcasing their performance metrics to empower consumers in making informed legal choices.
Meta Description
Discover the top 10 criminal defense attorneys in Houston for 2025, featuring data-driven insights and performance metrics to help you find the best lawyer near you. With a focus on attorney performance, win rates, and client success, ReferU.AI empowers you to make informed decisions in your legal representation.
Slug
by-the-numbers-top-10-lists/criminal-defense/2025/houston-tx/by-the-numbers-top-10-criminal-defense-attorneys-houston-2025
Alt Image Text
Flat vector illustration of a courtroom scene featuring a confident criminal defense attorney in Houston presenting a case. The background includes legal symbols such as a gavel, courthouse, and law books, emphasizing expertise in criminal defense.
Related Posts
By the Numbers: ReferU.AI’s Top 10 ListsBy the Numbers: The Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Assault Defense Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Theft Crimes Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Weapons Crimes Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Evading Arrest Defense and Detention Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: Top 10 Burglary and Criminal Trespass Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: Top 10 Criminal Mischief Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: Top 10 Robbery Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
Global Tags
Parent item
Sub-item
By the Numbers: The Top 10 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Assault Defense Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Theft Crimes Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Weapons Crimes Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Evading Arrest Defense and Detention Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: Top 10 Burglary and Criminal Trespass Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: Top 10 Criminal Mischief Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: Top 10 Robbery Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
Hide in Main Feed
Hide in Main Feed
Post Id
192
Updated
Mar 5, 2025 04:57 PM
Featured
Featured
Hide CTA
Hide CTA
Hide Cover
Hide Cover
By the Numbers: The Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
When faced with criminal charges, the path ahead can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and fraught with anxiety. Whether you're charged with a crime or helping a loved one in need, finding an attorney near you who not only understands your case but also has a proven track record of success is paramount.
Enter ReferU.AI—a cutting-edge, patent-pending platform designed to connect users with attorneys near them who excel in their field. By analyzing millions of court records with advanced machine learning algorithms, ReferU.AI ensures that users are paired with the best legal representation available, based on real-world performance data.
Unlike traditional lawyer directories or subjective online reviews, ReferU.AI's data-driven approach considers factors such as win rates, case volume, reduced sentences, and specialization. This ensures that individuals seeking legal aid receive recommendations that are as precise and impactful as the legal defense they need.
In this article, we’ll take you through why selecting the right attorney near you matters, our innovative methodology for identifying top performers, and introduce you to the top 10 criminal defense attorneys near you in Houston for 2025.
💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”
Why This Data Matters
The Importance of Attorney Performance Data
When faced with criminal charges, the attorney you choose can be the difference between dismissal, reduced charges, or confinement. In Harris County District Courts in 2025, the stakes are clear, with data revealing an overall average win rate of 69% for all criminal charges.
To put this in perspective:
- Total Cases: 463,163
- Total Attorneys: 3,714
- Average Win Rate: 69%
This average win rate underscores the importance of selecting an attorney near you with a proven track record. While 69% may seem like a coin toss, the best-performing attorneys near you far exceed this benchmark, offering their clients a significant advantage. The question is, how do you find these attorneys without relying on guesswork or overly generalized reviews?
Real-World Comparison: A “Secret Shop” of Traditional Lawyer Directories
To illustrate why performance data matters, we conducted a secret shop of one of the most popular attorney directories. Searching “top criminal defense attorneys near me” and sorting by their “best match” rating revealed the following profiles:
- 1st Listing: 310 total cases, 82.58% win rate
- 2nd Listing: 499 total cases, 70.34% win rate
- 3rd Listing: 101 total cases, 77.23% win rate
While each attorney here performed above the 69% average win rate, our competitor’s methodology left significant gaps. None of the listings provided context for win rate, experience, case types, offense severity, or specialization. Compare this to ReferU.AI’s top recommendation:
- Sarah Richey: 311 total cases, 98.07% win rate
This difference highlights a key issue with traditional directories: they focus on marketing visibility rather than evidence-based results. When everything is at stake, do you want a 70% or 98% chance of a clean criminal record? Users deserve more than generic profiles. They need granular insights to make informed decisions.
Why Specialization and Case History Matter
Another example reinforces this point. When we searched “top DWI defense attorney near me,” the leading lawyer directory’s first “best match” attorney tried zero DWI cases in 2025. In contrast, ReferU.AI’s recommendation for the same search was:
- Jim Butler: 672 total cases, 88.09% win rate
This difference highlights the critical role of specialization. Criminal defense attorneys often focus on particular charges, such as assault, drug offenses, theft, or DWI. An attorney near you with a stellar record in one area may not have the expertise or experience needed for another. ReferU.AI ensures users are matched with attorneys near them whose success aligns with their specific legal needs.
Implications for Consumers
The implications of selecting the wrong attorney near you can be life-changing. Criminal convictions often carry long-term consequences, including imprisonment, fines, loss of employment opportunities, and damaged reputations. Yet, many consumers turn to traditional lawyer directories, relying on subjective reviews or superficial profiles to make their decision.
Without evidence-based recommendations, choosing a lawyer is akin to selecting one from the Yellow Pages—an outdated, hit-or-miss process. This is where ReferU.AI stands apart, offering unparalleled insight into attorney performance.
By analyzing real court data and tracking key performance metrics, ReferU.AI eliminates guesswork and empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their defense. It’s a revolutionary step forward in ensuring fair and effective legal representation.
Understanding Our Patent-Pending Methodology
Overview of the Technology
At ReferU.AI, we believe that data should empower legal decisions. Our patent-pending methodology leverages advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze millions of court records. This allows us to provide highly targeted recommendations based on an attorney’s proven performance, not just their marketing budget or subjective client reviews.
Our technology doesn’t stop at win rates. Instead, it delves deep into the nuances of legal success, considering factors that matter most to defendants, including:
- Case Type and Severity: Differentiating between misdemeanors, felonies, and specialized charges like DWI or assault.
- Repeat Offenders: Measuring how attorneys perform in defending clients with prior convictions.
- Outcome Metrics Beyond Wins: Tracking reduced charges, plea deals, and sentencing outcomes.
- User-Specific Factors: Factoring in the user’s budget, geographic location, and preferences.
By analyzing these metrics, ReferU.AI matches users with attorneys near them who have a history of success in cases most like theirs, providing peace of mind during a stressful time.
How We Process and Analyze Data
The power of our recommendations comes from the depth and breadth of our data. Here’s how it works:
- Data Collection
ReferU.AI has amassed the largest database of court records in the United States, aggregating information on attorney performance across all criminal charges. This includes trial outcomes, plea agreements, and dismissals, and more.
- Data Normalization
Not all cases are created equal. Our AI normalizes data by adjusting for variables such as case complexity, the severity of charges, and whether defendants were first-time or repeat offenders, and other criteria. This ensures a level playing field when comparing attorney performance.
- Performance Metrics
- Frequency of plea bargains vs. dismissals
- Percentage of cases resulting in reduced charges
- Average sentencing reductions achieved
- Trial experience and outcomes
Beyond overall win rates, our platform evaluates metrics, including:
- Dynamic Matching Algorithm
Our AI-powered algorithm dynamically recommends attorneys based on their performance in cases similar to the user’s. For example, a user facing a theft charge would be paired with attorneys near them who have a proven track record of success in theft-related cases—not a generalist.
- Real-Time Updates
Court records are continuously updated, ensuring that our recommendations remain accurate and relevant.
Why This Matters
Traditional lawyer directories rely on paid placements or algorithms that prioritize visibility over competence. By contrast, ReferU.AI focuses on what truly matters: proven success in court. With our platform, users are no longer left guessing about an attorney’s capabilities. They can trust that their legal representation is backed by a history of success tailored to their unique situation.
Introducing The Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
The following attorneys near you represent the pinnacle of criminal defense attorneys near you in Houston, earning their spots through outstanding performance metrics and dedication to their clients. Here’s an overview of their key statistics:
Editor’s Note: The attorneys featured below were intentionally curated for having represented a broad range of common charges and varying degrees and levels of offenses, and many have specialized expertise in narrower practice areas. To identify the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys Near You in the 10 most common criminal offenses in Houston, see our featured profiles for Driving While Intoxicated, Assaultive Offenses, Drug, Theft, and Weapons Crimes, Sexual Assault, Evading Arrest, Burglary and Criminal Trespassing, Criminal Mischief, and Robbery.
Name | Total Cases | Win Rate* |
Sara Beth Richey | 311 | 98.07% |
Michael Stoll | 398 | 96.73% |
Armen Merjanian | 782 | 93.73% |
Justin Harris | 877 | 92.81% |
Jim Butler | 758 | 89.31% |
William DuBose | 550 | 90.18% |
C. Patrick Ngwolo | 738 | 86.58% |
Hannah Herzog | 932 | 84.76% |
Thomas Witek, Jr. | 650 | 87.53% |
Marshall Murphy | 638 | 87.61% |
Attorney Profiles
Sara Richey
With an extraordinary win rate of 98.07% across 311 cases—many involving gambling violations and sex crimes—Sara Beth Richey is the epitome of excellence in Houston’s criminal defense community. Her Ivy League education, vast courtroom experience, and client-focused approach distinguish her as the top-performing criminal defense attorney near you of 2025.
Education and Early Career
Richey graduated from an Ivy League law school, a testament to her dedication and rigorous legal training. After earning her degree, she launched her career with a focus on providing top-tier legal representation to individuals facing criminal charges.
Practice Areas and Specialization
Richey handles a diverse range of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to high-stakes felony charges. Her expertise includes:
- Assault and violent crimes
- White-collar offenses
- Drug possession and trafficking
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) cases
Her ability to secure favorable outcomes in complex cases underscores her mastery of criminal law and her unwavering commitment to justice.
Client-Centered Philosophy
Richey’s approach to legal defense is deeply empathetic and tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. She understands the emotional and financial toll that criminal charges can take on individuals and their families. Richey works closely with her clients, offering honest advice and crafting defense strategies designed to protect their rights and futures.
Notable Achievements
Richey’s biography emphasizes her exceptional legal acumen and dedication:
- Courtroom Success: Securing case dismissals, reduced charges, and acquittals at an unparalleled rate.
- Professional Leadership: Richey frequently shares her insights with peers at legal conferences and seminars, demonstrating her role as a thought leader in criminal defense.
- Community Impact: Known for her pro bono work and commitment to defending underrepresented individuals, Richey’s dedication extends beyond the courtroom.
Why Sara Richey Stands Out
- Performance: With a win rate of 98.07%, Richey has consistently outperformed her peers in Harris County District Courts.
- Experience: Over 300 successfully resolved cases reflect her expertise in navigating complex legal landscapes.
- Empathy: Clients praise her for her compassionate approach and relentless advocacy.
Notably, Sara Richey also appears in our list of Top 10 Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025.
Michael Stoll
Michael Emanuel Stoll is a highly skilled criminal defense attorney near you with a win rate of 96.73% across 398 cases with most of his practice’s year representing cases of highway racing and other reckless driving offenses and DWI. Practicing primarily in Houston, Texas, Stoll earned his Juris Doctor degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2012 and has been licensed since 2013. With over a decade of legal experience, he focuses on criminal and business law, providing personalized and strategic defense for his clients. He is fluent in Hebrew, Spanish, and American Sign Language.
Michael Stoll is also one of the Top 10 Evading Arrest Defense and Detention Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025.
Armen “Hammer” Merjanian
Armen Merjanian is a distinguished criminal defense attorney near you with a win rate of 93.73% across 782 cases, showcasing his exceptional legal acumen particularly in assaultive offenses, possession, and theft. Merjanian operates a solo practice from his office in Houston, TX.
Merjanian earned his Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College of Law and has been licensed to practice law in Texas since May 2013. He is a member of the Pro Bono College and Texas Bar College, Merjanian demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and community service. He is fluent in French, Spanish, and Armenian, which allows him to provide legal assistance to a diverse clientele. With flexible payment options, including flat fees and payment plans, Merjanian ensures accessibility for his clients.
Importantly, Armen Merjanian is also featured in our articles on the Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys for Assault, Theft, Weapons Crimes, Evading Arrest and Detention, and Burglary and Criminal Trespass.
“My mission always is to help people, not the powerful,” says Armen.
Justin Harris
Justin Charles Harris is a seasoned criminal defense attorney near you with a win rate of 92.82% across an impressive 877 cases, placing him among the top attorneys near you in Houston for 2025. As an victor in many areas of criminal defense, his wins spread across many practice areas, including assaultive offenses, theft, and DWI. Harris has built a reputation for achieving favorable outcomes for his clients through strategic planning and meticulous preparation.
Harris earned his Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College of Law in 2011. Since then, he has dedicated his practice to defending clients facing a wide array of criminal charges. With over a decade of legal experience, Harris has developed expertise in both trial advocacy and negotiating favorable resolutions for his clients.
At his practice, Harris emphasizes a client-centered approach, ensuring that each case is handled with personalized care and attention. His comprehensive understanding of criminal law, combined with a strategic mindset, enables him to secure reduced charges, dismissals, or acquittals for his clients.
In addition to be featured as one of the Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys, his expertise is also highlighted in our Top 10 articles on Assault, Theft, Weapons Crimes, Sexual Offenses, and Burglary and Criminal Trespass.
Jim Butler
James R. Butler is a well-known criminal defense attorney near you in Houston with a notable win rate of 89.31% across 758 cases. His extensive experience and dedication to his clients have earned him a reputation as one of the leading defense attorneys near you, particularly in cases involving DWI charges.
Butler received his legal education at Baylor University, where he developed the foundational skills that have propelled his successful career. He has focused much of his practice on defending individuals charged with DWI offenses, leveraging his deep understanding of the law to achieve dismissals and reduced charges for his clients.
Known for his compassionate and strategic approach, Butler tailors his defense strategies to each client's unique circumstances. He is committed to protecting his clients’ rights and ensuring the best possible outcomes, whether through negotiation or trial advocacy.
As well as being one of Houston’s Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys, Jim is also a featured attorney in our articles on Houston’s Top 10 Driving While Intoxicated and Weapons Crimes Attorneys Near You.
Coby DuBose
William Jacoby DuBose, with a win rate of 90.18%, is a rising star in Houston’s legal scene since graduating the University of Houston Law Center in 2018. Practicing at his solo firm, DuBose Defense, he specializes in both criminal defense and civil rights cases, offering a unique blend of legal expertise to his clients. A large portion of his practice in 2024 was representing assaultive offenses, criminal mischief and trespassing, weapons crimes, and DWI.
DuBose earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Houston in December 2018. Since then, he has dedicated his practice to advocating for individuals facing criminal charges and those whose civil rights have been violated.
DuBose is committed to ensuring justice for his clients through a meticulous and compassionate approach. He offers ADA-accessible services and is fluent in Spanish and English, enabling him to serve a diverse clientele effectively.
Patrick Ngwolo
Patrick Ngwolo is a seasoned criminal defense attorney near you with a win rate of 86.59% across 738 cases—with many of them involving charges of assault, theft, and DWI—placing him among the most reliable advocates for defendants in Houston. Known for his strategic approach to complex legal issues, Ngwolo has a track record of achieving favorable outcomes for his clients.
Ngwolo graduated with a law degree from a distinguished program and has since developed a reputation for excellence in criminal defense. With years of experience in both state and federal courts, he has successfully defended clients in a broad spectrum of cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
Based out of Houston, Ngwolo operates from a client-first perspective, ensuring that every defense is tailored to the specifics of the case. His deep knowledge of criminal law, combined with his ability to navigate the intricacies of the legal system, has earned him the trust and respect of his clients and peers.
In addition to being considered one of Houston’s Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys Near You, Patrick Ngwolo is also considered one of Houston’s Top 10 Assaultive Offenses and Evading Arrest and Detention Defense Attorneys.
Hannah Louise Herzog
Hannah Louise Herzog is a standout on this list, representing the Harris County Public Defender's Office. As the sole public defender among the top attorneys near you in Houston for 2025, Herzog exemplifies dedication to public service, defending the rights of individuals who might otherwise lack access to robust legal representation. A large portion of Hannah’s work has involved assaultive offenses, criminal mischief and trespassing, terroristic threats, and theft crimes.
Herzog earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law in May 2016 and has been licensed to practice law in Texas since December 2016. After graduation, she chose a career in public defense, focusing on advocating for individuals who face systemic disadvantages in the criminal justice system.
Hannah is also featured in our article on the Top 10 Burglary and Criminal Trespass Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
Thomas Witek Jr.
Thomas Michael Witek Jr. is a highly respected criminal defense attorney near you with a win rate of 87.54% across 650 cases, with a large portion of his practice focused on assaultive offenses and DWI. His dedication to defending his clients’ rights and achieving favorable outcomes has earned him a prominent place among Houston’s top attorneys near you for 2025.
Witek has extensive experience handling a variety of criminal cases, including high-profile and complex matters. His legal education and years of practice have equipped him with the skills to navigate the nuances of criminal law effectively.
Based in Houston, Witek takes a strategic and empathetic approach to his cases, ensuring that every client receives a strong and personalized defense. His reputation for thorough preparation and assertive courtroom advocacy makes him a go-to choice for those facing criminal charges.
Thomas Witek Jr. is also featured in our articles the Top 10 Assault and Weapons Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025.
Doug Murphy
Doug Murphy is one of Texas's most accomplished criminal defense attorneys near you, holding dual Board Certifications in Criminal Law and DWI Defense—a distinction shared by only one other attorney in the state. With a win rate of 87.62% across 638 cases, Murphy has earned a reputation for representing clients with skill and dedication, particularly in cases involving charges of DWI.
A leader in the field, Murphy serves as President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association and as a Regent for the National College for DUI Defense. He is also a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars, sharing his expertise nationwide. He was instrumental in exposing flaws in the Houston Police Department’s Breath Alcohol Testing program, leading to the decommissioning of unreliable testing vans—a landmark victory for Texas defense attorneys and their clients.
Based in Houston, Murphy focuses on providing comprehensive and client-focused representation. He approaches each case with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome for his clients, whether that involves reduced charges, dismissals, or acquittals.
Doug Murphy is, notably, also featured in our Top 10 articles for Driving While Intoxicated, Assault, and Weapons Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025.
Where to Learn More
Finding the right legal representation is no small task, but ReferU.AI makes it easier than ever with data-driven insights and transparent attorney recommendations. If you’re seeking more information about the attorneys near you featured in this article—or want to explore other practice areas—we’ve got you covered.
Visit Our Blog
For the full list of attorneys and their detailed profiles, visit the ReferU.AI blog at https://referu.ai/blog. Our blog doesn’t just feature attorney profiles; it provides informative articles on the law, trending legal news, and free access to legal forms and contracts.
Subscribe for updates on our next installments in our “By the Numbers” series, where we’ll highlight the top attorneys near you in the top criminal offenses in Houston, 2025.
Market Availability
ReferU.AI is currently live in select markets and will soon expand to Houston. To find out if our platform is available in your area—or to learn about upcoming launch dates—check out our site. We are constantly adding new regions to ensure that more people can benefit from smarter attorney matching.
Conclusion
Navigating the legal system is never easy, especially when facing criminal charges. The stakes are high, and the consequences can be life-altering. This is why choosing the right attorney near you is so crucial. With ReferU.AI’s data-driven insights, you’re not just choosing an attorney near you—you’re choosing the best advocate for your unique legal situation.
Key Takeaways
- Smarter Results: By analyzing millions of court records, ReferU.AI takes the guesswork out of finding legal representation.
- Better Representation: Our proprietary Link Score ensures that you’re matched with attorneys near you who excel in your specific case type, giving you the best chance for success.
- Superior Outcomes: ReferU.AI’s transparent data puts you in control, allowing you to make informed decisions with confidence.
Next Steps
For Clients: Ready to find the right attorney near you? Start your journey with ReferU.AI and gain access to smarter results, better representation, and greater chances of legal success. Visit https://referu.ai today and take the first step toward securing your future.
For Attorneys: Grow your practice with ReferU.AI. Our platform offers pre-qualified leads in your chosen practice areas and comprehensive marketing solutions to build your brand. Join now and become part of the future of legal matchmaking!
At ReferU.AI, we’re not just redefining how clients find attorneys near them—we’re revolutionizing the legal industry, one case at a time.
*When evaluating a defense attorney’s “win rate,” we define a “win” as any case outcome that does not result in a permanent criminal record. This includes dismissals, acquittals, pretrial diversions, and other resolutions that do not leave a lasting conviction. However, we include deferred adjudication in our calculation, as it allows the case to be dismissed upon successful completion of its terms, ultimately clearing the defendant’s record.
Written by
