Arnold Spencer, Criminal Defense Attorney in Dallas, Texas
Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and General · 1.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Managing PartneratSpencer & Associates
Dallas, TX
Practicing criminal defense in Dallas since 1994.
- 32+
- Years practicing
- 1.8 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Arnold Spencer?
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Quick answer
Arnold Spencer is a managing partner based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Arnold has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spencer & Associates. Rated 1.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Dallas, TX
- Experience
- over 32 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Criminal Defense and General matters from Dallas, TX.
- Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Arnold Spencer: Arnold Spencer is a managing partner based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Arnold has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spencer & Associates. Rated 1.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Arnold takes on
Arnold concentrates on criminal defense and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Arnold handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Dallas, Texas
Arnold takes criminal defense matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Arnold agrees to represent you.
General cases in Dallas, Texas
Arnold takes general matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Arnold agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Arnold Spencer — criminal defense lawyer in Dallas
Arnold Spencer is a managing partner based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Arnold has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spencer & Associates. Rated 1.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Attorney Arnold Spencer is a highly skilled and knowledgeable lawyer who has been handling cases involving white collar crimes, asset forfeiture, and related issues for over 28 years. He graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1994, and in the years since then, he has built experience as a trial lawyer and gained a reputation as a strong litigator. He served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Texas, where he prosecuted more than 100 federal cases, and he has also provided representation as a defense attorney in a large number of cases involving white collar crimes. He received the John Marshall Award from the U.S. Department of Justice and was recognized with a courage and valor award from the Securities and Exchange Commission. With his understanding of state and federal laws and regulations related to financial crimes and other offenses, he can provide strong representation for those who need to defend against asset forfeiture.
Honors and Awards
Super Lawyers, 2020-Present
Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2007John Marshall Award, Department of Justice
Securities & Exchange Commission, Courage and Valor AwardPublished Works
International White Collar Enforcement: Leading Lawyers on Preventive Measures, Regulatory Compliance, Aspatore Books, 2015
Classes/Seminars
Cryptocurrency Regulations, New York Federal Reserve, 11/01/2018 to Present
Emerging Regulations for Digital Currency Companies, Texas Bankers Association, 04/01/2018 to Present
SEC Regulations of Cryptocurrencies, Dallas Bar Association, 05/01/2018 to Present
Past Employment Positions
United States Attorney's Office, Eastern Texas, Chief, Criminal Division, 2006 to 2010United States Attorney's Office, Eastern Texas, Asst. U.S. Attorney, 2000 to 2010
Working with Arnold on a criminal defense matter
Attorney Arnold Spencer is a highly skilled and knowledgeable lawyer who has been handling cases involving white collar crimes, asset forfeiture, and related issues for over 28 years. He graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1994, and in the years since then, he has built experience as a trial lawyer and gained a reputation as a strong litigator. He served as an Assistant United…
Clients Arnold works with
Arnold reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and general matters in Dallas and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
The University of Texas School of Law
J.D. · 1994
Amherst College
B.A. · 1988
Jurisdictions
Arnold's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1995 · ACTIVE
Texas
1994 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1994 · ACTIVE
Texas
1994 · ACTIVE
Arnold studied at J.D. in The University of Texas School of Law and B.A. in Amherst College.
Law school and academic background
Arnold completed J.D. in The University of Texas School of Law and B.A. in Amherst College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Arnold runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Arnold Spencer's office in Dallas
Arnold's primary office is at 5956 Sherry Lane, Suite 2000, Dallas, TX, 75225. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Arnold Spencer — 1.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Arnold. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Dallas.
1.8
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Arnold Spencer claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Arnold Spencer — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Arnold usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Arnold charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Arnold's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Arnold will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Dallas, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Arnold
Arnold discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Arnold confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Arnold's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Arnold Spencer
How much does it cost to hire Arnold for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Arnold walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Arnold offer a free consultation?
Arnold charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Arnold's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Arnold's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Texas typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Arnold gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Arnold take my case if I'm outside Dallas?
Arnold is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Arnold will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Arnold?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Arnold will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Arnold accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Arnold's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Dallas, Houston and Austin in Texas
Arnold handles criminal defense matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Texas
If Arnold's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Dallas handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
