1. Herrmann & Archer Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with board-certified attorney and 60+ years combined experience
Practice Areas: Drug offenses, marijuana crimes, DWI, assault, theft, federal crimes, appeals and writs
Background: Herrmann & Archer Law Firm is proud to call Amarillo, TX home, but their reach extends beyond just their hometown. They serve clients across the Texas Panhandle, offering experienced mitigation for those facing charges anywhere in the surrounding counties. The Amarillo criminal defense attorneys are there to provide the same level of dedicated and aggressive representation you would expect in a big city. Any criminal charge made against a person, no matter the size or scope, can add significant stress to that person’s life. With Herrmann & Archer Law Firm, you won’t have to feel so fearful for your future. With decades of combined experience, Paul Herrmann and Natalie Archer are the powerhouse defense team you want on your side. Paul, board-certified since 1999 in criminal law, is a former felony prosecutor and veteran criminal defense attorney with over 35 years of experience. His record includes 100+ not guilty verdicts and numerous dismissals in tough cases. Natalie Archer graduated from the Texas A&M School of Law with a passion for defending all types of cases.
Location: Amarillo, Texas (serves Texas Panhandle)
Contact: (806) 372-9258 | https://herrmannandarcherlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Dunham & Jones
Focus Area: Award-winning criminal defense with recognition from Time and Newsweek magazines
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, theft, assault, domestic violence, federal crimes, misdemeanors, felonies
Background: Dunham & Jones #1 Goal as your Amarillo Criminal Attorney is to get your case DISMISSED or REDUCED, so that you can have your arrest record, fingerprints and mugshot removed from public records. The Amarillo Criminal Attorneys at Dunham & Jones offer FREE Consultations and Easy Payment Plans with No Money Down in most cases. Dunham & Jones believes experienced and quality legal representation should be affordable when hiring a Criminal Attorney in Amarillo, Texas. Dunham & Jones was voted Best Law Firm by the Daily Texan and has been recognized as leading attorneys by both Time and Newsweek magazines. In addition they have been ranked as one of the nation’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers and 10 Best in Client Satisfaction. Awards include Best Attorneys of America 2018-2019, NACDA 2017, Veteran Approved 2017, National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers to Paul Dunham 2014, Newsweek top attorneys 2013, and American Institute of Attorney 10 Best 2015.
Location: Amarillo, Texas (serves Potter County and Texas Panhandle)
Contact: (806) 222-2222 | https://www.dunhamlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Quackenbush Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 30+ years experience and proven trial record
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, sexual assault, murder, theft, domestic violence, federal crimes
Background: Whether you or a loved one has been charged with domestic violence, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, cruelty to children, kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, or any other violent crime in Amarillo, Georgia, you know that the potential consequences are devastating and life-changing. The attorneys at Quackenbush Law Firm are experienced criminal lawyers who believe that everyone deserves a vigorous defense, no matter what the allegations are. Attorney Jesse Quackenbush has been helping individuals under investigation or charged with offenses in Amarillo, TX for more than 30 years. Because of that, the firm is deeply familiar with Texas statutes, TX criminal law case, and the local Amarillo court system. The Amarillo-based criminal defense firm is dedicated to serving clients in Randall and Potter counties, in addition to Moore, Carson, Armstrong, Gray, Dallam, Ochiltree, Castro, Deaf Smith, Hutchinson, Sherman, Hale, Swisher, and Donley counties. Notable case results include murder charges dismissed, multiple aggravated sexual assault cases dismissed, and numerous hung jury mistrials.
Location: Amarillo, Texas (serves Randall, Potter, and surrounding counties)
Contact: (806) 424-4108 | https://www.quackenbushlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. The Law Office of Dennis R. Boren
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 35+ years experience and Texas Panhandle coverage
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, federal crimes
Background: At The Law Office of Dennis R. Boren, they are an award-winning criminal defense firm located in Amarillo. With over 35 years of experience serving clients throughout the Texas Panhandle, criminal defense attorney Dennis R. Boren has built a reputation for being a dedicated advocate who fiercely protects his clients’ rights. The firm understands that facing criminal charges can be one of the most stressful and challenging times in your life, and is committed to providing the personalized attention and aggressive representation you deserve. Clients trust the firm because they go the extra mile, offering clear communication and a deep commitment to their defense. The local law firm’s unique approach to criminal defense combines empathy with a relentless pursuit of justice. With over thirty years of experience in the courtroom, the firm has seen a broad spectrum of criminal cases and knows how to navigate complex legal challenges. The firm serves Potter, Randall, Amarillo, Deaf Smith, Carson, Hutchinson, Gray and Hale County, TX.
Location: Amarillo, Texas (serves Potter, Randall, Deaf Smith, Carson, Hutchinson, Gray, Hale Counties)
Contact: Available through website | https://www.amarillocriminalattorney.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Tisdell Law Firm
Focus Area: Marijuana and federal drug defense with Super Lawyers recognition for Cannabis Law
Practice Areas: Marijuana crimes, federal drug charges, drug possession, drug distribution, drug trafficking
Background: If you are facing marijuana or federal drug charges in Amarillo or across Texas, Tisdell Law Firm provides strategic, personalized defense. They handle everything from simple possession and distribution cases to complex federal prosecutions, guiding each client through the state and federal legal process. Led by Attorney Adam Tisdell, recognized by Super Lawyers for Cannabis Law five years in a row, the firm has defended clients in marijuana and federal drug cases since 2009. With decades of combined experience, they guide clients through Texas’s strict marijuana laws and the complexities of federal drug regulations. Texas enforces some of the nation’s toughest marijuana laws. Even minor possession charges can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record affecting employment, housing, or education. The firm reviews every detail, from search legality to witness credibility, to build a thorough defense.
Location: Amarillo, Texas (serves statewide)
Contact: (806) 216-3226 | https://www.tisdelllaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available (in person, phone, or virtual); Se habla español
Criminal Defense Laws in Texas
Felony Classifications
Texas classifies felonies into five categories:
Capital Felony: Includes capital murder. Penalty is death or life imprisonment without parole.
First Degree Felony: Includes murder, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated sexual assault. Penalty is 5-99 years or life imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine.
Second Degree Felony: Includes manslaughter, robbery, and aggravated assault. Penalty is 2-20 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine.
Third Degree Felony: Includes intoxication assault, stalking, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 2-10 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine.
State Jail Felony: Includes theft $2,500-$30,000, certain drug possession, and forgery. Penalty is 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to $10,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes DWI (first offense), assault causing bodily injury, and theft $750-$2,500. Maximum 1 year in jail and $4,000 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes DWI (first offense under certain circumstances), criminal trespass, and theft $100-$750. Maximum 180 days in jail and $2,000 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor: Includes theft under $100, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication. Fine only up to $500.
Expunction and Nondisclosure
Texas allows expunction (complete erasure) for certain cases:
Expunction: Available for acquittals, dismissals, pardons, and certain deferred adjudications. Record is completely destroyed.
Nondisclosure: Available for successfully completed deferred adjudication on certain offenses. Record is sealed from public but accessible to law enforcement and certain employers.
DWI Laws
Texas DWI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, any detectable amount under 21). First offense is a Class B misdemeanor with 72 hours to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine, and 90-365 day license suspension. Second offense is a Class A misdemeanor with 30 days to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine, and 180 days to 2 year license suspension. Third offense is a third degree felony with 2-10 years prison and $10,000 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Amarillo?
Criminal cases in Amarillo are handled by multiple courts depending on the offense. Amarillo Municipal Court handles Class C misdemeanors and city ordinance violations. Potter County Court at Law handles Class A and B misdemeanors. The 47th, 108th, and 320th District Courts handle felony cases in Potter County. Randall County cases are handled in Canyon. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Amarillo Division. Having an Amarillo criminal defense attorney familiar with local judges and prosecutors in the Texas Panhandle provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What are the penalties for marijuana possession in Texas?
Texas has some of the strictest marijuana laws in the nation. Possession of 2 oz or less is a Class B misdemeanor with up to 180 days jail and $2,000 fine. Possession of 2-4 oz is a Class A misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail and $4,000 fine. Possession of 4 oz to 5 lbs is a state jail felony with 180 days to 2 years state jail and $10,000 fine. Possession of 5-50 lbs is a third degree felony with 2-10 years prison. Possession of 50-2,000 lbs is a second degree felony with 2-20 years prison. Texas has no medical marijuana program for smokable flower. An Amarillo criminal defense attorney can evaluate defenses and negotiate alternatives.
What is deferred adjudication in Texas?
Deferred adjudication is a form of community supervision (probation) available in Texas where the judge defers a finding of guilt. If you successfully complete the probation terms, the case is dismissed and you are not convicted. However, the arrest and deferred adjudication remain on your record unless you obtain an order of nondisclosure. Deferred adjudication is not available for DWI offenses. Eligibility and consequences vary by offense. An Amarillo criminal defense attorney can negotiate for deferred adjudication and later petition for nondisclosure.
What happens if I am charged with DWI in Potter County?
A DWI charge in Potter County carries serious consequences. First offense is a Class B misdemeanor with 72 hours to 180 days jail (minimum 6 days if open container), $2,000 fine, 90-365 day license suspension, and annual surcharges. Enhanced penalties apply for BAC of .15% or higher (Class A misdemeanor). Second offense within 10 years is a Class A misdemeanor with 30 days to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine, and 180 days to 2 year license suspension. Third offense is a third degree felony with 2-10 years prison. Texas does not allow deferred adjudication for DWI. An Amarillo criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results.
Can I get my Texas criminal record expunged?
Texas allows expunction (complete erasure) of certain criminal records. Eligible records include acquittals, dismissals, pardons, and certain completed deferred adjudications (for Class C misdemeanors only). Most successfully completed deferred adjudications are eligible only for nondisclosure (sealing), not expunction. Waiting periods apply for nondisclosure: immediate for some offenses, 2 years for misdemeanors, 5 years for felonies. Some offenses are never eligible for nondisclosure, including family violence, sexual offenses, and offenses requiring sex offender registration. An Amarillo criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the appropriate petition.