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

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

Does Peter offer a free consultation?

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

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

Peter 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 — Peter 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 Peter?

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

Is Peter accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Peter Michael Barrett, Criminal Defense Attorney in Dallas, Texas

Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and Federal Crimes · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

FounderatLaw Offices of Peter Barrett

Dallas, TX

Practicing criminal defense in Dallas since 1994.

32+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
6: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense Drug Crimes Federal Crimes General Health Care Probation +2 more →

Are you Peter Michael Barrett?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Peter Michael Barrett is a founder based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and Federal Crimes. Peter has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Peter Barrett. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

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

Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and Federal Crimes matters from Dallas, TX.
Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Peter takes on

Peter concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, federal crimes, general, and health care. Each area below outlines the kind of case Peter handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Dallas, Texas

Peter 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in Dallas, Texas

Peter 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

Federal Crimes cases in Dallas, Texas

Peter takes federal 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

General cases in Dallas, Texas

Peter 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

Health Care cases in Dallas, Texas

Peter takes health care 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Peter Michael Barrett — criminal defense lawyer in Dallas

Peter Barrett, principal of the Law Offices of Peter Barrett in Dallas, Texas, is a seasoned criminal defense attorney who has represented thousands of clients over a 25-year career. He defends individuals charged with a wide range of state and federal offenses, including manslaughter, sexual assault, probation violations, child pornography, health care fraud, and drug crimes. Known as a top-ranked trial lawyer, Mr. Barrett prepares each matter with meticulous investigation and strategic planning, striving to resolve cases when possible but ready to litigate aggressively when trial is necessary. His professional accolades include an AV Preeminent peer-review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, inclusion among The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and recognition from Expertise as one of McKinney’s Best Criminal Defense Attorneys. He has also earned high client-satisfaction honors such as Superb ratings on Avvo and the 10 Best in Client Satisfaction award from the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. The firm’s reputation is reinforced by numerous client testimonials and referrals. To pursue strong, experienced representation and explore your legal options, contact the Law Offices of Peter Barrett to arrange a consultation; virtual appointments are available for convenience and safety.

Peter's approach to criminal defense cases

The kind of cases Peter takes

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

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

St. Mary's University of San Antonio
J.D. · 1994
University of Arizona
B.A. Economics · 1991

Jurisdictions

Peter's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court
1998 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1995 · ACTIVE
Texas
1994 · ACTIVE

Peter studied at J.D. in St. Mary's University of San Antonio and B.A. Economics in University of Arizona.

Law school and academic background

Peter completed J.D. in St. Mary's University of San Antonio and B.A. Economics in University of Arizona. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Peter runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Peter has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Peter Michael Barrett's office in Dallas

Peter's primary office is at 3500 Maple Avenue, Suite 550, Dallas, TX, 75219. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of Peter Barrett

3500 Maple Avenue, Suite 550

Dallas, TX 75219

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Peter Michael Barrett — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Peter. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Dallas.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Peter Michael Barrett claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Peter Michael Barrett — 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 Peter usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Peter'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 Peter Michael Barrett

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

Peter 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 Peter'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.

Peter Michael Barrett, Criminal Defense Attorney in Dallas, Texas

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