5 Best Texas Theft Defense Attorneys of 2026
These rankings are not attorney advertising or self-nominations. We scored every firm across six weighted factors: real theft and property crime case outcomes from Texas courts, how concentrated the firm's practice is in theft defense, the depth and credentials of attorneys handling these cases, caseload discipline, verified client reviews, and independent industry recognition. Whether it's a misdemeanor shoplifting charge or a career-ending felony theft allegation, the firms on this list have demonstrated they can move fast, pressure-test the state's evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock
That approach has produced a remarkable review footprint. Maintaining a perfect 5.0 rating across 703 reviews is a "trust and consistency" signal that's hard to fake, and it becomes especially valuable when felony theft negotiations get tense and clients need a steady hand guiding them through the process.
- Clients consistently highlight being kept updated, given options, and treated professionally
- Strong client-service signals that correlate with smoother, faster misdemeanor handling
- Perfect 5.0 rating across 703 reviews—a massive trust and consistency footprint
- Handles the full spectrum from misdemeanor shoplifting through felony theft
Notable Recognition
A perfect 5.0 rating across 703 reviews is a trust and consistency footprint that's especially valuable when felony theft negotiations get tense and clients need a steady hand.
Michael & Associates
What clients consistently report is outcome-driven resolution: "got my case dismissed" language shows up repeatedly in reviews, alongside strong mentions of clear communication, staying up to date, and explaining the process. Clients also describe coordinated "case outcome + next-step" guidance, including record clean-up language like "eligible for deletion from my records"—a sign the firm thinks beyond the courtroom.
- High-volume systems designed for fast pursuit of dismissal and diversion routes
- Immediate pressure-testing of valuation, intent, and evidentiary issues in felony theft cases
- Coordinated case outcome and record-clearing strategy for eligible clients
- BBB A+ rating with 5/5 customer review average as an additional trust marker
Notable Recognition
When felony theft is on the table, you want a team that can immediately pressure-test valuation, intent, and evidentiary issues—while also being positioned to negotiate from strength. That combination of speed and firepower is what sets them apart.
King Law, PC
With 239 reviews and a 4.9-star average, King Law has the kind of volume and sentiment that signals a consistently positive client experience. For theft cases in the Lubbock area and surrounding West Texas communities, they represent a serious option that combines local expertise with the professionalism you'd expect from a larger-market firm.
- Leading theft defense option in West Texas without driving to Dallas or Austin
- Deep local knowledge of county-specific diversion policies and restitution norms
- Strong review volume and sentiment outside major metro areas—a rare combination
- Handles misdemeanor and felony theft cases across West Texas communities
Notable Recognition
A firm with real volume and strong sentiment outside the big cities is valuable—local practice knowledge on diversion, restitution, and docket pace can make or break theft case outcomes.
Aulbaugh Law Firm
The review language tells the story: repeated signals on responsiveness, clear communication, and "fantastic result" are exactly what theft clients want. Not a mega-brand statewide, but the combination of Board Certification, former prosecutor background, and consistently glowing client feedback makes this one of the more underrated theft defense options in Dallas.
- Board Certified in Criminal Law with former Chief Felony Prosecutor experience
- Boutique feel with strong trial posture for serious felony theft cases
- Repeated review signals on responsiveness, clear communication, and strong results
- Insider understanding of how felony theft cases are built and where they break down
Notable Recognition
Not a mega-brand statewide, but the review language is exactly what theft clients want—responsiveness plus results—and Board Certification with former prosecutor background supports serious-case credibility.
Law Offices of R. Kelly Pace
Reviews consistently reference "second chance" language and being treated with dignity, which matters in theft cases where the human element often determines whether a client cooperates with their attorney effectively enough to get the best outcome. With 148 reviews across multiple platforms and a 4.8-star average, Pace has built a steady reputation in East Texas that metro firms can't touch.
- Strong East Texas theft defense option outside the major metros
- Client-first approach that prevents fear-driven bad decisions early in the process
- Reviews consistently reference "second chance" language and being treated with dignity
- Multi-platform review presence across Google, Facebook, and other directories
Notable Recognition
In theft cases where fear and shame can cause clients to make bad early decisions, Pace's approach of treating clients like people—not files—becomes a genuine strategic advantage in East Texas.
Our Ranking Methodology
How We Determine the Best Defense Lawyers in Texas
These rankings are built on court records, not paid placements. We score every firm across six weighted factors to produce rankings consumers can trust. No attorney can pay to appear on our lists. Read the full methodology.
Case Outcome Analysis
30%We analyze actual case outcomes from publicly available court records across Texas counties. This includes dismissal rates, acquittals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements relative to the severity of charges filed. Attorneys are benchmarked against county-level averages to account for jurisdictional differences in prosecution patterns and judicial tendencies. As the most objective and measurable indicator of attorney performance, case outcomes carry the greatest weight in our rankings.
Concentration of Focus
25%We measure the proportion of each attorney's total caseload that falls within the specific practice area being ranked. An attorney who dedicates 80% or more of their practice to a single area—such as DWI defense or assault cases—develops a depth of expertise that generalists simply cannot match. They see more fact patterns, know the nuances of specific statutes, build stronger relationships with the judges and prosecutors who handle those cases daily, and stay current on evolving case law. We heavily reward this specialization because a high concentration of focus is one of the strongest predictors of superior outcomes for clients.
Talent Concentration
20%We evaluate the depth and quality of legal talent within each firm. This goes beyond simple headcount—we assess how many attorneys on staff hold meaningful credentials such as Board Certification in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers recognition, former prosecutor experience, ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designations, or decades of focused trial experience. A firm with multiple highly credentialed attorneys creates a compounding advantage: they share institutional knowledge, collaborate on complex case strategy, and provide clients with backup expertise that solo practitioners simply cannot offer. The more impressive attorneys under one roof, the stronger the firm scores.
Caseload & Dedication
10%We evaluate each attorney's active caseload to assess their capacity for individual client attention. Firms that maintain manageable caseloads while sustaining high outcome rates demonstrate the balance of experience and dedication that clients deserve. We also examine whether the firm takes on court-appointed cases, which can dilute resources and attention away from retained clients who are paying for premium representation.
Client Reviews & Sentiment Analysis
10%Our analysis goes beyond simple star ratings—we use AI-powered sentiment analysis to evaluate the substance, tone, and specificity of client reviews across verified platforms. This allows us to distinguish between generic positive reviews and those that reflect genuine, detailed client satisfaction. We weight verified client reviews more heavily than anonymous submissions and penalize firms with patterns of suspected review manipulation.
Meta-Analysis of Industry Surveys
5%We conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis of existing attorney ranking systems, peer surveys, and industry recognition programs including Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Texas Monthly's Super Lawyers list, and local bar association awards. By synthesizing multiple independent ranking methodologies, we reduce individual survey bias and identify attorneys who consistently earn recognition across different evaluation frameworks.
Disclaimer: These rankings reflect our independent analysis of publicly available data and are meant to help consumers make more informed decisions. They are not legal advice and do not guarantee any particular outcome. Past results vary by case. We encourage everyone to do their own research and schedule consultations before hiring an attorney.