Business Details
9 Years
experience
Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Protecting Your Future
McCriminal Law is a premier criminal defense firm based in Dallas, Texas, with a proven track record of defending clients against severe criminal accusations. Founded in 2017 by former prosecutors Kendall Castello and Messina Madson, the firm combines decades of prosecutorial insight with aggressive defense strategies to protect clients' rights. Our attorneys specialize in handling complex cases ranging from aggravated crimes and drug offenses to assault, child abuse, and federal charges.We prioritize personalized legal representation, leveraging our deep understanding of Texas law and courtroom procedures to achieve favorable outcomes. Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition, including inclusion in the Texas Super Lawyers list. We serve Dallas County and surrounding areas, offering compassionate yet assertive advocacy for individuals facing life-altering criminal charges.
Services
Criminal Defense
DWI Defense
Drug Crimes
Assault Charges
Federal Crimes
Sex Crimes
Probation Violations
Expungement
Gun Crimes
Child Abuse Defense
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- Former prosecutors with insider knowledge of district attorney strategies
- 30+ years of combined legal experience and 300+ trials handled
- Proven success in reducing charges and securing dismissals
- Personalized defense strategies tailored to each client's unique case
- Recognized in Texas Super Lawyers for excellence in criminal defense
Associations and certifications
- Texas Super Lawyers
What people say
Extraordinary attorney
Up front and honest
Pleasure deal cut in half
Step ahead of everyone
Invaluable counsel and resource
Services
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges across Texas. We handle cases involving assault, drug crimes, DUI, and federal offenses. With former prosecutorial experience, we develop strategic defenses to protect clients' rights and futures. Our approach combines courtroom advocacy with negotiations to secure dismissals, reduced charges, or favorable trial outcomes.
DWI Defense
We defend clients charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) and related offenses. Our strategies challenge blood alcohol test accuracy, procedural violations, and officer observations. We handle first-time offenses, repeat DWI charges, and intoxication manslaughter cases. Our goal is to minimize penalties through dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing options like diversion programs.
Drug Crimes
Our firm defends against drug possession, trafficking, and manufacturing charges in Texas. We challenge evidence collection procedures, chain of custody issues, and forensic testing accuracy. We advocate for diversion programs, reduced charges, or dismissals based on constitutional violations. Our experience includes handling complex cases involving controlled substances across all penalty groups.
Assault Charges
We defend clients accused of simple and aggravated assault, family violence, and child injury charges. Our strategies include self-defense claims, lack of intent, and challenging witness credibility. We handle cases ranging from Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies, focusing on protecting clients' reputations and avoiding long-term consequences like firearm ownership restrictions.
Federal Crimes
Our attorneys represent clients in federal criminal cases involving white-collar crimes, drug trafficking, and firearm offenses. We navigate complex federal procedures and sentencing guidelines to minimize penalties. Our experience includes handling grand jury investigations, pre-indictment negotiations, and trial representation in U.S. District Courts across Texas.
People
Kendall Castello
Attorney
Former Criminal Law Chair of the Dallas Bar Association, Kendall Castello brings extensive prosecutorial experience to criminal defense. With over 30 years of legal practice, he specializes in complex felony cases and has handled 300+ trials. His background includes developing Dallas County's diversion program for non-violent offenders.
Messina Madson
Attorney
Recognized in Texas Super Lawyers, Messina Madson is a former First Assistant District Attorney. She focuses on high-profile criminal defense cases, including sexual assault and federal crimes. With 30+ years of experience, she has successfully negotiated dismissals and reduced charges for clients facing severe penalties.
Jessica Mason
Attorney
Jessica Mason specializes in defending clients accused of drug crimes and assault charges. Her practice focuses on guiding families through the criminal justice system while protecting clients' rights. She brings a client-centered approach to cases involving substance abuse and domestic disputes.
Questions
What should I do immediately after being charged with a crime?
Contact MC Criminal Law immediately. Avoid speaking to police, contacting accusers, or discussing the case publicly. Our attorneys will begin building your defense strategy and protecting your rights from the earliest stages.
Can first-time DWI charges be dismissed?
Yes, we've successfully secured dismissals for first-time DWI charges by challenging evidence collection procedures, breathalyzer accuracy, and officer observations. Each case requires individualized analysis to identify defense opportunities.
How do you handle family violence assault cases?
We defend family violence cases through thorough investigation of evidence, challenging witness credibility, and addressing false accusations. Our approach includes negotiating alternative resolutions while protecting clients' rights and future opportunities.
What happens during an initial consultation?
The initial consultation involves reviewing case details, explaining legal options, and developing a defense strategy. We assess evidence, discuss potential outcomes, and answer questions about Texas criminal procedures and penalties.
Can drug possession charges be expunged?
Eligible charges can be expunged or sealed through non-disclosure orders. We've successfully negotiated expunctions for clients through diversion programs, case dismissals, and court proceedings to remove criminal records affecting employment and housing.
Do you handle federal criminal cases?
Yes, our attorneys represent clients in federal courts for drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, and firearm offenses. We leverage our prosecutorial experience to challenge complex federal charges and minimize sentencing exposure.
