By the Numbers: The Top 10 Weapons Crimes Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025

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Navigating weapons-related criminal charges in Houston can be daunting, making it crucial to find an exceptional attorney near you. This article highlights the top 10 weapons crimes defense attorneys in Houston for 2025, providing you with data-driven insights to ensure you secure the best possible legal representation.

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Discover the top 10 weapons crimes defense attorneys near you in Houston for 2025. Our data-driven insights highlight experienced lawyers near you who excel in handling weapons-related charges, ensuring you find the best legal representation for your case.

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By the Numbers: Top 10 Weapons Crimes Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025

When faced with weapons-related criminal charges in Houston, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether the charge involves unlawful carrying, possession by a felon, or use of a weapon in the commission of a crime, these cases demand an exceptional lawyer near you. For individuals or families navigating this challenging and often overwhelming situation, finding the right attorney near you can make all the difference in securing the best possible outcome.

At ReferU.AI, we understand that you’re not just looking for any lawyer—you’re looking for the best weapons crimes defense attorney near you in Houston. That’s why we’ve developed a patent-pending platform that uses data-driven insights to match you with attorneys near you who have a proven track record of success. Our system doesn’t rely on subjective reviews or generic recommendations; it analyzes actual court records to pinpoint attorneys near you with the expertise, experience, and results needed to mount a robust defense for your specific case.

This article will guide you through the Top 10 Weapons Crimes Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025. By combining empathy and an intelligent understanding of your situation with unmatched analytics, we aim to help you make an informed decision during this critical time.

Why This Data Matters

Importance of Attorney Performance Data

Choosing the right defense attorney near you is one of the most critical decisions you’ll ever make, especially when it comes to weapons-related charges. The average win rate for attorneys handling all criminal charges in Harris County District Courts in 2025 underscores just how important this decision is. With 463,163 total cases tried by 3,714 attorneys, the average win rate stood at 69%. While this may seem promising, it also means nearly a third of defendants face less-than-favorable outcomes—a sobering reality that calls for careful selection.

Weapons crimes often carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences, long-term incarceration, and loss of rights. Unlike general criminal cases, these charges frequently involve legal nuances such as intent, prior offenses, and the technicalities of firearm laws. Having a lawyer near you who not only understands these intricacies but also has a demonstrable record of success in weapons crimes is paramount to securing a positive resolution.

Real-World Comparison: A “Secret Shop” of the Top Traditional Lawyer Directory

To illustrate the difference data makes, we conducted a “secret shop” on the leading traditional lawyer directory, a popular legal directory. We searched “top criminal defense attorney near me” and sorted by their “best match,” which yielded the following results according to Harris County District Courts records in 2025:

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 these attorneys performed above the county’s average win rate of 69%, many individuals facing weapons charges need their very best chance at success—not just an average or above-average representation.

For comparison, ReferU.AI’s data-driven analysis identified an Sara Richey with 311 total cases and a 98.07% win rate, a significantly higher success rate than those listed on our competitor’s sites. This kind of precision and reliability is only possible through a platform like ReferU.AI, which analyzes real court records instead of relying on subjective ratings or paid advertising.

Expertise in Legal Specialties

Legal expertise matters even more when it comes to specific charges, such as DWI or weapons crimes. After searching “top DWI defense attorneys near me” on the leading traditional lawyer directory and sorting by their “best match,” we uncovered this alarming fact: our competitor’s top recommendation for a DWI defense attorney near me tried 0 (zero!) DWI cases in 2025. In contrast, ReferU.AI identified Jim Butler, a leading DWI defense attorney who handled 672 cases with an 88.09% win rate, showcasing the stark difference between traditional directories and evidence-based recommendations.

For weapons crimes, the stakes are similarly high, with outcomes often hinging on an attorney’s ability to navigate complex laws, negotiate reduced charges, and effectively argue cases in court. Without data-backed insights, many individuals unknowingly settle for less-experienced representation, risking life-altering consequences.

Implications for Consumers

The implications for those facing criminal charges are clear: traditional lawyer directories often provide generic profiles and subjective reviews, akin to choosing a lawyer from the “Yellow Pages.” When every decision matters, you deserve better than guesswork. ReferU.AI revolutionizes the search for legal defense by matching users with attorneys based on real-world performance data, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions about your defense.

Understanding Our Patent-Pending Methodology

Overview of the Technology

ReferU.AI revolutionizes how individuals find legal representation by leveraging patent-pending machine learning and AI technology. Our platform analyzes millions of court records to identify not just top-performing attorneys near you, but those uniquely qualified for your specific needs, including weapons crimes defense.

Unlike traditional directories, our system evaluates attorneys near you on key performance metrics such as:

Win Rate: A straightforward but critical metric that reflects an attorney’s success in obtaining favorable outcomes for clients.

Case Volume: The number of related cases tried, indicating an attorney’s experience and specialization in weapons crimes.

Case Complexity: Performance is analyzed across different levels of offense severity, including first-time offenders and repeat offenders.

Outcome Categories: Beyond wins and losses, we examine outcomes such as charge reductions, dismissals, and negotiated settlements.

Client Factors: Variables like prior criminal history, budget considerations, and potential mitigating circumstances are incorporated to provide tailored recommendations.

Our methodology ensures you’re paired with an attorney near you whose expertise aligns with your case’s unique demands, giving you the best possible chance for success.

The Role of Real-Time Updates

To maintain the accuracy and relevance of our recommendations, ReferU.AI’s platform is continuously updated with new court records and attorney performance data. This dynamic approach ensures that as legal trends evolve and attorneys gain or lose experience, our recommendations reflect the most current information.

How It Works for Weapons Crimes

Weapons crimes defense requires a distinct skill set, including deep knowledge of gun laws, evidentiary standards, and courtroom strategies. ReferU.AI’s system analyzes every case detail to identify attorneys with proven expertise in areas like:

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon (UCW): Successfully arguing against evidence of intent or possession.

Felon in Possession of a Firearm: Navigating constitutional challenges and technical defenses.

Use of a Weapon During a Crime: Reducing or dismissing charges by challenging prosecution evidence or highlighting mitigating circumstances.

Our analysis isn’t just about finding someone with a high win rate—it’s about finding the right attorney near you for your specific situation. By accounting for the complexity and context of weapons-related charges, our recommendations provide unparalleled confidence in your legal defense.

Introducing The Top 10 Weapons Crimes Defense Attorneys in Houston, 2025

Editor’s Note:

1. We’re a Matchmaking Platform—Not a Ranking Platform.

Our main focus at ReferU.AI is on intelligently matching clients to attorneys whose track records align with the user’s unique circumstances. Because legal matters can vary greatly—even within the same practice area—ranking attorneys in a strictly ordered list doesn’t capture the full nuance of each case. For example, a personal injury from a car accident involving a privately owned vehicle is quite different from one involving an intoxicated commercial driver. Our true strength (and focus) lies in evaluating PDF images of court records (not just case indexes) to identify the closest attorney “match” for each user based on highly similar factual scenarios—much more nuanced than a simple ranking can convey. For your best match, have a conversation with Link at ReferU.AI.

2. How We Calculated the “By the Numbers” Statistics.

For this particular article, we relied on a modified statistical model using case indexes only (rather than our full PDF-court-record-based approach) to create a snapshot that is more suited for broad ranking. We looked at offense details (e.g., offense type, level, and degree), overall case volume, whether the attorney “won” (no permanent criminal record) or not, and how any sentence compared against typical sentencing guidelines. From this data, we calculated a standard error, applied relevant weighting, and arrived at the figures you see.

While these metrics can illustrate general performance trends, they do not capture the complete picture of an attorney’s practice or capabilities; that’s precisely why our real methodology uses deeper data (including full-text court records) for matching rather than ranking. To see our tech in action, share your unique legal need with Link at Referu.AI.

Name	Related Cases	Win Rate*
Justin Harris	61	100%
Jim Butler	47	100%
Thomas Witek	74	98.64%
Brandon Strauss	186	94.62%
Armen Merjanian	63	98.41%
Michael Mercer	40	100%
Kate Ferrell	82	96.34
Doug Murphy	33	100%
Rey Davila	33	100%
Marcos Adrogue	162	92.59%

Justin Harris

Justin Harris, a native Houstonian, is a highly regarded criminal defense attorney near you with a stellar track record in weapons crimes and other serious offenses. With 61 total cases in weapons crimes, Justin has achieved an impressive 100% win rate, demonstrating his exceptional legal skill and commitment to his clients. His work has earned him recognition as one of the top defense attorneys near you in Houston.

Justin's educational background includes a J.D. from South Texas College of Law, Houston, where he graduated in 2011. He also holds a B.A. from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas (2004). Furthermore, he completed the Gideon’s Promise program in 2016, a prestigious criminal defense training initiative, and is a certified NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Test Practitioner. These credentials, combined with his ongoing professional development, ensure that he remains at the forefront of legal defense strategies.

In addition to his legal qualifications, Justin is deeply involved in the local legal community. He was elected to the Harris County Criminal Lawyer’s Association (HCCLA) Board in 2015 and has contributed extensively to HCCLA’s initiatives, including writing articles for The Defender and serving as Director of the TV show Reasonable Doubt. His extensive experience and involvement with the criminal defense bar contribute to his effectiveness in handling complex cases, especially those related to weapons crimes.

Beyond the courtroom, Justin is passionate about his personal life, enjoying hobbies such as playing guitar, attending live music events, and spending time with his family, friends, and his dog, Scout.

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, Sexual Offenses, and Burglary and Criminal Trespass.

Jim Butler

Jim Butler, born and raised in Waco, Texas, has established a reputation as a dedicated and skilled DWI defense attorney near you in Houston. With a 100% win rate across 47 cases, Jim has dedicated his career to defending clients against DWI charges.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Baylor University in 1988 and his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law in 1992. Over the years, Jim has developed an impressive list of qualifications, including certifications in field sobriety testing, breath test machine operation, and forensic gas chromatography. He is also a founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association and a Top 100 Trial Lawyer according to the National Trial Lawyers.

“I am proud of the work that I do to help hard working people get their lives back after being arrested for DWI,” says Jim. “It is a 7 day a week commitment to always being available for my clients.”

Jim is committed to helping his clients navigate the complex legal system, aiming to return them to their productive lives. Outside the courtroom, Jim enjoys family activities and his passion for motorcycles, often seen riding his Harley around town.

As well as being one of Houston’s Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys, Jim is also a featured attorney in our article Houston's Top 10 Driving While Intoxicated Attorneys Near You.

Thomas Witek Jr.

Thomas M. Witek is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney near you licensed to practice in both Texas and Michigan. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Financial Markets and Securities from Wayne State University, he graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. In his early career, Thomas worked in insurance law before moving to Texas in 2010, where he shifted his focus to family and criminal law.

With a 98.65% win rate and a total of 74 related cases, Thomas has built a reputation for his dedication to clients and strong legal expertise. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and Michigan, and has been involved in numerous professional organizations. His practice emphasizes a compassionate approach, offering skilled criminal defense near you for individuals facing criminal charges in Texas.

Thomas Witek Jr. is also featured in our articles the Top 10 Criminal Defense and Assault Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025.

Brandon Strauss

Brandon Strauss is a seasoned criminal defense attorney near you with a strong reputation for achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. A Texas native, Brandon earned his law degree from South Texas College of Law after completing his undergraduate studies at The University of Texas in Austin. Since passing the Texas bar, he has built a successful practice, focusing primarily on criminal law, personal injury, family law, and immigration law.

With a win rate of 94.62% across 186 total related cases, Brandon is known for his deep knowledge of the legal system and his skill at securing case dismissals. His passion for criminal defense and helping his clients navigate the complexities of the legal system has earned him recognition as a top weapons crime defense attorney near you in the Houston area.

Armen Merjanian

Armen “Hammer” Merjanian: Houston’s Top 10 Weapons Crimes Defense Attorney Near You in 2025

Armen “Hammer” Merjanian is a highly skilled criminal defense attorney near youbased in Houston, Texas. Licensed to practice in Texas since 2013, he has accumulated an impressive track record, with a win rate of 98.41% across 63 total cases.

A graduate of South Texas College of Law, Armen also holds legal credentials in California, Florida, and New York, providing him a wide-ranging perspective on criminal law. His clients benefit from his in-depth knowledge and dedication, which have earned him a reputation as a formidable defender in criminal cases.

Armen’s practice is characterized by a commitment to client-centered service, and he offers bilingual assistance in French, Spanish, and Armenian. He is also recognized for his pro bono work and is a member of the Texas Bar College. With extensive experience in both state and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, Armen tailors his legal strategies to secure the best possible outcomes for his clients. His fee structures are flexible, offering flat fees and payment plans, ensuring access to a quality weapons crimes defense attorney near you for a broad range of clients.

Armen Merjanian is also featured in our articles: Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys and for the offenses Assault, Theft, Evading Arrest and Detention, and Burglary and Criminal Trespass.

“My mission always is to help people, not the powerful,” says Armen.

Michael Mercer

Michael D. Mercer, a dedicated criminal defense attorney near you in Houston, has handled 40 weapons crime cases, boasting an impressive 100% win rate. He founded Mercer & Keirnan in 2012 after gaining experience at the Harris County District Attorney's Office. With over a decade of experience, Mercer has proven himself highly effective in defending clients charged with weapons offenses, achieving favorable outcomes in all of the cases he's managed.

Known for his strong commitment to his clients and his deep understanding of the legal system, Michael has earned a stellar reputation for achieving dismissals and not guilty verdicts in his cases. When not in the courtroom, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing music, and competing in BBQ contests across Houston.

Kate Ferrell

Kate Colleen Ferrell is a highly regarded criminal defense attorney near you based in Houston, specializing in both criminal lawand criminal appellate law. In her practice, she has successfully handled 82 weapons crime cases, with an exceptional 96.34% win rate. This impressive record reflects her meticulous approach and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for her clients, whether through dismissals, not guilty verdicts, or reductions in charges.

Kate's career began after earning her Juris Doctor from the University of Houston in 2014. Since then, she has built a reputation for her sharp legal acumen and her commitment to securing the best possible results for those accused of serious crimes, including weapons offenses. Kate operates her own firm, The Law Office of Kate Ferrell, and has proven to be a tenacious advocate in the courtroom. Her professionalism and effective strategies have made her a go-to lawyer for clients in Houston facing criminal charges.

Doug Murphy

With over 25 years of experience, Doug Murphy is a leading criminal defense attorney near you in Texas, known for his exceptional track record in weapons offenses, with a 100% win rate in 33 cases.

Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and in DWI Defense by the National College for DUI Defense, Doug has represented a diverse clientele, from professionals to everyday individuals. His commitment to his clients is reflected in his compassionate approach and strategic legal defense, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Doug has earned numerous accolades, including recognition as a Texas Super Lawyer and inclusion in the US News & World Report’s Best Lawyers in America list. He currently serves as President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association and as a Regent for the National College for DUI Defense. Doug's vast courtroom experience and leadership in the legal community make him one of the most sought-after criminal defense attorneys near you in Texas.

Doug Murphy is, notably, also featured in our Top 10 articles for Criminal Defense, Driving While Intoxicated, and Assault Attorneys Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025.

Rey Davila

Admitted to practice in 2022, Rey Ulisses Davila is an emerging talent in Houston's criminal defense landscape. A native of Alief-Houston, Texas, Rey began his career over 15 years ago at Sullo & Sullo, initially as a legal assistant and later a paralegal. After earning his B.A. from the University of Houston in 2016, where he graduated Cum Laude, Rey attended South Texas College of Law while continuing to work at the firm. He graduated as a certified mediator and was recognized for his work with the Randall O. Sorrells Legal Clinics, where he helped individuals with criminal expunctions and non-disclosures.

Rey now focuses on criminal defense, representing clients charged with DWI and a range of misdemeanor offenses, including assault, burglary of vehicle, hit and run, theft, and terroristic threats. Rey has a 100% win rate in 33 cases related to weapons offenses, demonstrating his strong commitment to his clients' defense. A member of the State Bar of Texas, he is a passionate advocate for the presumption of innocence and the burden of proof resting with the accuser.

Marcos Adrogue

Marcos Adolfo Adrogue is a dedicated attorney near you specializing in criminal law and immigration law. As an immigrant from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Marcos has a personal understanding of the value of living and working in the United States. This passion fuels his strong advocacy for his clients, especially in immigration matters.

Marcos earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of Texas at Austin in 1996, followed by a Doctor of Jurisprudencefrom the University of Houston Law Center in 2000. He also obtained his Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston School of Business. While in law school, Marcos completed judicial clerkships with the Honorable Vanessa D. Gilmore (U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas) and the Honorable Eric G. Andell (First District Court of Appeals).

Marcos began his legal career in 2000 with a Dallas-based law firm in its litigation section. He gained significant experience, representing clients in numerous trials and court proceedings in Dallas County, Tarrant County, and Harris County. His commitment to his clients’ cases has been demonstrated through his exceptional performance. With a win rate of 92.59%, having won 150 out of 162 cases related to weapons crimes in Harris County, Marcos has earned recognition as a skilled and highly effective criminal defense attorney

Why These Attorneys Stand Out

The attorneys near you highlighted here consistently outperform their peers in weapons-related cases. Their combined expertise spans hundreds of cases, with success rates far exceeding the county average. Each attorney near you brings unique skills to their practice, whether through specialized certifications, a history of aggressive courtroom representation, or a commitment to compassionate client care.

Unmatched Success Rates

The featured attorneys near you collectively maintain an average win rate of over 98%, significantly higher than the average 78% success rate for weapons crimes defense in Harris County District Courts. These attorneys near you demonstrate their ability to navigate the complexities of these serious charges effectively.

Where to Learn More

For anyone seeking to understand more about criminal defense and the attorneys who can offer the best representation, ReferU.AI is your go-to source for insightful data, trends, and analysis. We believe that informed decisions lead to better outcomes.

To learn more about the top criminal defense attorneys near you, visit our blog at referu.ai/blog. Here, you’ll find articles, resources, and detailed comparisons of attorneys specializing in various criminal charges—whether it’s assault, drug offenses, weapons crimes, DWI, or any other criminal matter. Our blog is regularly updated with the latest information, ensuring you have access to current, reliable content that can guide your legal journey.

In addition to insights on top criminal defense attorneys near you, we offer a range of free resources that can help you understand the legal landscape:

Legal Articles: In-depth articles on specific types of criminal charges, how the court process works, and what to expect when hiring a criminal defense attorney.

Trending Legal News: Stay updated on recent legal cases, changes in the law, and important news related to criminal defense.

Free Forms and Contracts: Access a collection of legal forms and contracts that can help you in the process of defending yourself or your loved ones.

Our platform is designed to empower you by providing the tools you need to make informed decisions. It’s not just about finding a lawyer near you—it's about finding the right lawyer for you, one whose experience and expertise align with your specific legal needs.

Market Expansion

Moreover, ReferU.AI is actively expanding to new markets, with Houston being one of our upcoming cities. Stay tuned for updates and sign up for our newsletter to get real-time notifications about new attorneys, market expansions, and other key updates that can benefit you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the process of selecting a criminal defense attorney is no small matter. Whether you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges, the stakes are incredibly high. Your future, your freedom, and your reputation are on the line. With that in mind, it’s essential to choose a lawyer who not only understands the law but has a proven track record of success in handling cases like yours.

Through data-driven insights and cutting-edge AI technology, ReferU.AI offers a unique, evidence-based approach to matching you with top-tier defense attorneys. Unlike traditional lawyer directories, our platform goes beyond basic reviews and credentials to provide deep insights into an attorney's actual performance in the courtroom. From win rates to specific expertise in various criminal defense areas, we ensure that every match is made based on measurable success, not just marketing claims.

By leveraging ReferU.AI, you empower yourself with the knowledge to make an informed decision—one that can dramatically impact the outcome of your case. For attorneys, our platform offers the opportunity to connect with pre-qualified leads who need your specific expertise, allowing you to focus on what you do best: defending your clients.

Next Steps

For Users: If you are currently facing a criminal charge or know someone who is, take the first step in securing the best defense possible. Visit ReferU.AI today to find a criminal defense attorney with the proven experience and success rate you need. The sooner you connect with the right legal expert, the better your chances for a positive outcome.

For Attorneys: Are you looking to grow your practice? ReferU.AI offers a platform where you can reach individuals actively searching for legal representation in your area of expertise. We connect you with pre-qualified leads and provide powerful marketing solutions that elevate your practice. Start your journey with ReferU.AI today and take advantage of a smarter, data-driven way to expand your client base.

*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.

By the Numbers: The Top 10 Weapons Crimes Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025