Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you are facing criminal charges in Fort Worth or Tarrant County, having a skilled criminal defense attorney in your corner can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal. The Goolsby Law Firm represents clients throughout Fort Worth and the surrounding area in all types of criminal cases, from DWI and drug charges to assault, theft, and serious felony offenses.

Criminal Defense in Fort Worth and Tarrant County

Fort Worth is the seat of Tarrant County and home to one of the busiest criminal court systems in Texas. The Tarrant County Criminal Courts at Law handle misdemeanor cases, while the district courts — including the 213th, 297th, and 371st Judicial District Courts — handle felony matters. The Tarrant County District Attorney’s office prosecutes cases aggressively, particularly for violent offenses, DWI, and drug crimes.

Attorney Mike Goolsby is a former prosecutor with over 27 years of experience who represents clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Tarrant County. His insider perspective on how the prosecution approaches cases is a distinct advantage for anyone facing charges in Fort Worth.

Criminal Charges We Handle in Fort Worth

Our firm defends clients in Fort Worth charged with:

  • DWI — Fort Worth police and the Tarrant County DA treat drunk driving charges seriously. We challenge the traffic stop, sobriety testing, and breathalyzer or blood results.
  • Assault and Family Violence — Assault charges in Tarrant County can escalate quickly, especially when family violence enhancements apply. We protect your rights and address both the criminal case and any protective order proceedings.
  • Drug Crimes — From marijuana possession to more serious drug trafficking allegations, we evaluate the legality of the search and fight for dismissal or reduction of charges.
  • Federal Criminal Defense — Federal charges are handled in the Northern District of Texas, which covers Fort Worth. Federal cases carry mandatory minimum sentences and require specialized defense strategy.
  • Probation Violations — If your probation supervision is in Tarrant County and you have been accused of a violation, prompt legal action can protect you from revocation.
  • Theft and Property Crimes — We defend misdemeanor and felony theft, burglary, and related offenses throughout the Fort Worth area.

What Sets Fort Worth Criminal Cases Apart

The Tarrant County criminal courts have their own culture, procedures, and tendencies. Prosecutors in Fort Worth handle a large volume of cases and make early decisions about which cases to fight and which to negotiate. Understanding that dynamic — when to push and when to find common ground — is part of what effective local defense looks like.

As a former prosecutor, Mike Goolsby has sat on both sides of the negotiating table. He understands the pressures that prosecutors face and the arguments that are most persuasive in achieving a favorable resolution for his clients.

Serving Fort Worth and All of Tarrant County

The Goolsby Law Firm serves clients in Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, North Richland Hills, Keller, and throughout Tarrant County. If you are facing criminal charges in Fort Worth, contact us at (972) 394-2141 for a free in-person consultation.

Fort Worth Neighborhoods and Areas We Serve

The Goolsby Law Firm represents clients from across Fort Worth, including the Near Southside, Westover Hills, TCU District, Cultural District, Stockyards National Historic District, and surrounding neighborhoods. Whether you were charged after an event near the Stockyards, stopped on I-30 or Loop 820, or arrested in a residential neighborhood, we handle criminal matters throughout Fort Worth and all of Tarrant County. Fort Worth is one of the largest cities in Texas, and its criminal cases arise across a wide geographic and demographic range — from college-area offenses near TCU to serious felony matters in the county courts.

The Tarrant County Criminal Court System

Criminal cases in Fort Worth are handled at the Tarrant County Criminal Justice Center at 401 W Belknap Street in downtown Fort Worth. Misdemeanor offenses are prosecuted in the Tarrant County Criminal Courts at Law (Courts 1 through 8). Felony matters are assigned to the district courts, including the 213th, 297th, 371st, and 372nd Judicial District Courts, among others. The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes aggressively, particularly for DWI, assault, and drug charges. Understanding how cases move through this specific system — and which arguments resonate with prosecutors and judges in these courts — is critical to building an effective defense. Mike Goolsby has spent decades working within and around the North Texas court system, and that experience translates directly to results for his clients.

Free Consultation for Fort Worth Clients

If you have been arrested or are under investigation in Fort Worth, time matters. Early decisions in a criminal case can determine how the entire matter unfolds. The Goolsby Law Firm offers free in-person consultations — not just phone calls — so you can get a real assessment of your situation, ask questions, and understand your options before making any decisions. We serve clients throughout Fort Worth and all of Tarrant County.

Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Worth Criminal Defense

In Texas, a DWI requires that you were operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. If you were parked with the engine running, prosecutors may still argue you were operating the vehicle. Whether that argument succeeds depends on the specific facts. Fort Worth and Tarrant County prosecutors take DWI charges seriously, and early legal representation is important.

After a Fort Worth arrest, you will be booked at the Tarrant County Jail, and a magistrate will set bond. Misdemeanor cases go to one of the eight Criminal Courts at Law. Felony cases are assigned to a district court. Having an attorney involved from the bond stage forward can affect the outcome of your case at every subsequent step.

The timeline varies by charge and court docket. Misdemeanor cases in the Criminal Courts at Law can sometimes resolve in a few months. Felony cases in the district courts often take longer, particularly if witnesses or expert testing are involved. An experienced attorney can identify early resolution opportunities when they exist.

Yes. Class C misdemeanor offenses are handled in Fort Worth Municipal Court. The firm assists with those matters as well as all higher-level charges in the Tarrant County courts.

Facing criminal charges in Fort Worth? Call The Goolsby Law Firm at (972) 394-2141 for a free consultation. Former prosecutor Mike Goolsby defends clients throughout Tarrant County.

Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Worth Criminal Defense

How do I select a criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth?

When selecting a criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth, you always want an attorney who has been a former prosecutor. They know the Tarrant County courts inside and out. Focus on someone with experience in cases like yours, familiarity with the local courts, communication style, and whether the attorney gives clear, practical answers. You should come away from a consultation feeling informed, respected, and confident that the firm understands what is at stake.

How do I get a criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth?

If you need a criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth, the quicker you hire the better. It can help in getting your case dismissed or keeping it from being filed. Your first step is to schedule a consultation as soon as possible after an arrest, investigation, or accusation. Always go into the attorney office for an in person interview and never do it over the phone. Early legal guidance can help you avoid mistakes and make better decisions from the beginning of the case.