Award-winning Dallas criminal defense attorney with 31 years and more than 150 jury trials. Choose an experienced lawyer who has handled more than 5,000 criminal cases. State charges. Federal indictments. Handled personally, in English or Spanish.
Many cases never go to trial. However, lawyers who know how to present cases in a courtroom are taken more seriously by prosecutors. The earlier Peter Barrett is involved, the more he can do to protect you.
Every charge calls for a different defense. Peter Barrett has tried, negotiated, and appealed cases in each of these areas across Texas state and federal courts.
Assault, manslaughter, and murder.
Learn more →Fraud, conspiracy, federal drug charges.
Learn more →Discreet, aggressive defense.
Learn more →Possession through distribution.
Learn more →Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft.
Learn more →Breath, blood, refusal, and felony DWI.
Learn more →What to do in the first 48 hours.
Read the guide →Get a free, confidential case review.
Start now →Matters that drew coverage from Dallas newsrooms and federal prosecutors. Every headline links to the original report.
The Dallas Morning News
Read the coverage →U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Texas
Read the release →The Dallas Morning News
Read the coverage →FOX 4 News
Read the coverage →D Magazine
Read the coverage →Bloomberg Law
Read the coverage →NBC DFW
Read the coverage →Four things that shape how every case in this office is handled.
The team handles criminal defense matters exclusively, and every aspect of your case is handled in-house.
You work directly with the attorney, who builds each case around that client's individual needs.
Most cases do not reach a trial. When trial is in the client's best interest, Peter Barrett has handled more than 150 jury trials in state and federal courts.
Where a case goes to trial, the firm can associate forensic accountants, investigators and other experts to give you the most thorough representation.
Peter Barrett has defended clients across the Dallas-Fort Worth area and throughout Texas for 31 years, in state and federal court.
A top-ranked trial lawyer, Peter Barrett has handled thousands of criminal cases since 1994. He built his practice on one promise: the lawyer you hire is the lawyer who prepares your motions, negotiates with the prosecutor, and stands beside you at trial.
Over 31 years he has taken more than 150 cases to a jury verdict, a number most defense lawyers never reach. That experience changes how prosecutors negotiate, because they know which lawyers are willing to try a case. His peers elected him President of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association in 2005.
Cases are prepared as if they are going to trial, because that is what changes the outcome. And every step is explained in plain English or Spanish, so the decisions are yours.
A focused practice and a willingness to try cases produce outcomes. These examples depended on their specific facts.
Client was found guilty of a lesser offense of aggravated robbery. The jury returned a verdict of five years' probation.
The judge ruled that the search resulting in the seizure of five kilos of heroin was unlawful. The case was dismissed.
Seven counts involving three of the defendant's children. The jury trial lasted one week and returned a Not Guilty verdict.
Every case is different. These results depended on their specific facts and do not predict or guarantee the outcome of any future case.
Verbatim reviews from the firm's public Google Business Profile. A few of the most recent are below.
"I want to thank Mr. Barrett for his flexibility and for taking the time to really listen to our case. He is very attentive, responsive, and got us the best results in our case (full dismissal). He is..."
L.Google · February 2026"A+. I deal with numerous attorneys across the nation and Peter is one of the finest. Quick to analyze the facts and articulate sound legal arguments. I sent a very demanding client facing two charges. Without..."
C.C.Google · June 2025"A year ago on this month Peter Barret saved my life and freedom by getting serious charges dismissed. It took about 3 years and things were difficult, but with his guidance and support he helped me a lot..."
J.R.Google · February 2025Most cases are handled on a flat fee that depends on the charge, the court, and whether trial is likely. The initial consultation is free, so you will know what your case involves before you spend anything.
Say that you are choosing to remain silent, ask for a lawyer, and do not consent to searches or discuss your case on jail phones. Then call a defense attorney. Some deadlines, like the 15-day DWI license hearing, start immediately.
Yes. Peter has defended clients in Texas state courts and in federal court, including the Northern District of Texas, for 31 years.
Yes. The initial case review is free and confidential, with no obligation to hire the firm.
The earlier a defense lawyer gets involved, the more options you have. Tell us what happened and get a straight answer about where you stand.
