Protecting the rights of Dallas county citizens has been the primary aim of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (DCDLA) for the past 57 years. Its 250-strong members, all professional criminal attorneys employed by top defense firms, have beeninvolved in protection of individual rights and legislation as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution.

The association holds that criminal defense lawyers should represent anyone who has been accused of committing a crime to the best of their abilities. Other than question witness in court, defense lawyers need to explain objectively the defendant's position. Through their skills of negotiation, they can talk prosecutors into reduced charges. They are expected to be familiar on the one hand, with criminal law so as to be able to interpret it in a way appropriate to the client's case, and on the other, with local court procedures, which may be unwritten but are binding. They have to also be in the know of what kind of argument may convince the prosecutor. The criminal defense lawyer should be in a position to extract relevant information from prosecution witnesses and press an investigator into service when necessary.

Dallas has many criminal defense lawyers with years of experience and areas of specialization to help citizens accused of crime. Dan C. Guthrie, Jr. used to be a state and federal prosecutor who for over 23 years, has been focusing on the defense of federal white collar grand jury investigations. David Finn, P.C. has specialized in the defense of possession of drugs and other substances, narcotics sales, white-collar fraud and juvenile charges. G. Thayer Williamson offers his defense services in intoxication-oriented offenses, drug offenses, aggravated assault, terrorist threats, and robbery. Kalen Donnelly, board certified in criminal law and formerly an assistant district attorney has practiced law for 17 years and has specialized in defense of felony offenses.

Durrand A. Hill's law office has specialized in cases of juvenile delinquency, sex crimes and domestic violence. The Law Firm of Durrand A. Hill handles only criminal cases and is dedicated to providing superior legal representation in the following areas: DWI, Domestic Violence, Drug Possession, Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Felonies and Misdemeanors Probation Violation, Juvenile Delinquency, Bonds, Sex Crimes, Theft, and Burglary. Paul Ngoyi, PLLC's law firm handles legal matters concerning bankruptcy, business law, immigration law, and real estate transactions. Elliston and Associates' practice areas include state and federal misdemeanors, felonies, drug crimes and sexual assault.

With specialist criminal defense lawyers behind the Dallas citizenry, those accused of

crimes have a variety of legal advice and counsel available to them.