How much does it cost to hire Bret for a criminal defense case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Bret walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Bret offer a free consultation?

Bret charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Bret's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Bret'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. Bret gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Bret take my case if I'm outside Dallas?

Bret 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 — Bret 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 Bret?

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. Bret will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Bret accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

Bret's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

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Bret W. Schmidt, Criminal Defense Attorney in Dallas, Texas

Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Divorce, and Drug Crimes

MemberatBret W. Schmidt, P.C.

Dallas, TX

Practicing criminal defense in Dallas since 1994.

32+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense Divorce Drug Crimes DV Protection Family Law General +5 more →

Are you Bret W. Schmidt?

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Quick answer

Bret W. Schmidt is a member based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Divorce, and Drug Crimes. Bret has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bret W. Schmidt, P.C..

Based in: Dallas, TX
Experience: over 32 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Divorce · Drug Crimes

Handles Criminal Defense, Divorce, and Drug Crimes matters from Dallas, TX.
Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Bret takes on

Bret concentrates on criminal defense, divorce, drug crimes, dv protection, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Bret handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Dallas, Texas

Bret 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 Bret agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Dallas, Texas

Bret takes divorce 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 Bret agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in Dallas, Texas

Bret takes drug crimes 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 Bret agrees to represent you.

DV Protection cases in Dallas, Texas

Bret takes dv protection 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 Bret agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Dallas, Texas

Bret takes family law 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 Bret agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Bret W. Schmidt — criminal defense lawyer in Dallas

Mr. Bret W. Schmidt is a lawyer practicing criminal, capital offenses, drug crimes and 14 other areas of law. Bret has been licensed for 32 years. Bret practices at Bret W. Schmidt, P.C. in Dallas, TX.

Working with Bret on a criminal defense matter

Clients Bret works with

Bret reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, divorce, and drug crimes matters in Dallas and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

St. Mary's University
J.D. · 1994

Jurisdictions

Bret's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1995 · ACTIVE
Texas
1994 · ACTIVE

Bret studied at J.D. in St. Mary's University.

Law school and academic background

Bret completed J.D. in St. Mary's University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Bret runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Bret's professional memberships and bar associations

Dallas Bar Association Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
membership

Locations

Bret W. Schmidt's office in Dallas

Bret's primary office is at 3500 Oak Lawn, Ste. 700, Dallas, TX, 75219. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Bret W. Schmidt, P.C.

3500 Oak Lawn, Ste. 700

Dallas, TX 75219

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Bret W. Schmidt

Bret has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Bret W. Schmidt — 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 Bret usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Bret charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Bret'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; Bret 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 Bret

Bret 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. Bret confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Bret'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 Bret W. Schmidt

How much does it cost to hire Bret for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Bret walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Bret offer a free consultation?
Bret charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Bret's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Bret'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. Bret gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Bret take my case if I'm outside Dallas?
Bret 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 — Bret 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 Bret?
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. Bret will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Bret accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Bret's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Texas residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like Bret W. Schmidt. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What are my options if I’m charged with a felony in Texas?
In January, I was arrested in Houston, TX, for felony possession of a controlled substance. I’m really scared because this is my first offense, and I don’t want to face jail time.
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Texas
How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Dallas, Houston and Austin in Texas

Bret 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

If Bret'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.

Bret W. Schmidt, Criminal Defense Attorney in Dallas, Texas

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