T. Bradley Cates, Criminal Defense Attorney in Waco, Texas
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatBates & Cates Attorney at Law
Waco, TX
Practicing criminal defense in Waco since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you T. Bradley Cates?
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Quick answer
T. Bradley Cates is a member based in Waco, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation. T. has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bates & Cates Attorney at Law. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Waco, TX
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Family Law · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation matters from Waco, TX.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About T. Bradley Cates: T. Bradley Cates is a member based in Waco, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation. T. has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bates & Cates Attorney at Law. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by T. Bradley Cates
T. concentrates on criminal defense, family law, litigation, personal injury, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case T. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Family Law
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Probate
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Criminal Defense cases in Waco, Texas
T. takes criminal defense matters in Waco, 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 T. agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Waco, Texas
T. takes family law matters in Waco, 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 T. agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Waco, Texas
T. takes litigation matters in Waco, 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 T. agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Waco, Texas
T. takes personal injury matters in Waco, 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 T. agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Waco, Texas
T. takes probate matters in Waco, 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 T. agrees to represent you.
Biography
About T. Bradley Cates — Over 45 years of Texas criminal defense experience
T. Bradley Cates is a member based in Waco, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation. T. has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bates & Cates Attorney at Law. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. T. Bradley Cates is a lawyer practicing criminal law, family law, civil practice and 3 other areas of law. T. has been licensed for 45 years. T. practices at Bates & Cates Attorney at Law in Waco, TX.
Working with T. on a criminal defense matter
Mr. T. Bradley Cates is a lawyer practicing criminal law, family law, civil practice and 3 other areas of law. T. has been licensed for 45 years. T. practices at Bates & Cates Attorney at Law in Waco, TX.
Clients T. works with
T. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, family law, and litigation matters in Waco and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
T. Bradley Cates's legal education and bar admissions
Baylor University
J.D. B.B.A · 1980
Jurisdictions
T.'s state bar admissions
Texas Texas Western
1981 · ACTIVE
T. studied at J.D. B.B.A in Baylor University.
Law school and academic background
T. completed J.D. B.B.A in Baylor University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice T. runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of T. Bradley Cates
T. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
T. Bradley Cates's office in Waco
T.'s primary office is at 212 N. 6th St., Waco, TX, 76701. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of T. Bradley Cates — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of T.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Waco.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once T. Bradley Cates claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire T. Bradley Cates — 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 T. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
T. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain T.'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; T. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Waco, 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 T.
T. 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. T. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
T.'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 T. Bradley Cates
How much does it cost to hire T. for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. T. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does T. offer a free consultation?
T. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain T.'s office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check T.'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. T. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can T. take my case if I'm outside Waco?
T. 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 — T. 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 T.?
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. T. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is T. accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
T.'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 Waco, Houston and Dallas in Texas
T. 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 T.'s intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Waco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





