Phillip Payter, Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston, Texas
Houston, TX
Trusted criminal defense attorney serving Houston.
Practices in
Are you Phillip Payter?
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Quick answer
Phillip Payter is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Currently practicing at Sullo & Sullo Attorneys.
- Based in
- Houston, TEXAS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Criminal Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense matters from Houston, TEXAS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026).
About Phillip Payter: Phillip Payter is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Currently practicing at Sullo & Sullo Attorneys.
Areas of practice
Phillip's practice areas in Houston
Phillip concentrates on criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Phillip handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Houston, Texas
Phillip takes criminal defense matters in Houston, 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 Phillip agrees to represent you.
Biography
Phillip Payter, criminal defense attorney serving Houston
Phillip Payter is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Currently practicing at Sullo & Sullo Attorneys. Phillip works from Houston, Texas and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Phillip Payter is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice.
Phillip, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Phillip is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Working with Phillip on a criminal defense matter
Phillip Payter is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice. Phillip, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Phillip is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Who Phillip represents
Phillip reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Phillip studied and practices
Texas Southern University
J.D. · 2016
Phillip studied at J.D. in Texas Southern University.
Law school and academic background
Phillip completed J.D. in Texas Southern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Phillip runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Phillip's legal honors and published work
Phillip has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026).
Locations
Phillip Payter's office in Houston
Phillip's primary office is at 2020 Southwest Freeway, Suite 300, Houston, Texas, 77098. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Sullo & Sullo Attorneys
2020 Southwest Freeway, Suite 300
Houston, Texas 77098
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Client reviews of Phillip Payter
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Phillip Payter — 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 Phillip usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Phillip charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Phillip'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; Phillip will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Houston, 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 Phillip
Phillip 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. Phillip confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Phillip'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 Phillip Payter
How much does it cost to hire Phillip for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Phillip walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Phillip offer a free consultation?
Phillip charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Phillip's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Phillip'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. Phillip gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Phillip take my case if I'm outside Houston?
Phillip 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 — Phillip 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 Phillip?
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. Phillip will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Phillip accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Phillip'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 Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas
Phillip 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 Phillip's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





