Dexter Earl Gilford, Criminal Defense Attorney in Austin, Texas
Over 33 years of legal practice · 4.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatThe Gilford-Diaz Firm, P.L.L.C.
Austin, TX
Practicing criminal defense in Austin since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Dexter Earl Gilford?
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Quick answer
Dexter Earl Gilford is a member based in Austin, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Dexter has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Gilford-Diaz Firm, P.L.L.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Austin, TX
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense matters from Austin, TX.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Dexter Earl Gilford: Dexter Earl Gilford is a member based in Austin, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Dexter has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Gilford-Diaz Firm, P.L.L.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Dexter takes on
Dexter concentrates on criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dexter handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Austin, Texas
Dexter takes criminal defense matters in Austin, 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 Dexter agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Dexter Earl Gilford — criminal defense lawyer in Austin
Dexter Earl Gilford is a member based in Austin, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Dexter has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Gilford-Diaz Firm, P.L.L.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Dexter Earl Gilford is a lawyer practicing criminal law, criminal defense. Dexter received a B.S. degree from University of Texas School of Law in 1989, and has been licensed for 33 years. Dexter practices at The Gilford-Diaz Firm, P.L.L.C. in Austin, TX.
Dexter's approach to criminal defense cases
Mr. Dexter Earl Gilford is a lawyer practicing criminal law, criminal defense. Dexter received a B.S. degree from University of Texas School of Law in 1989, and has been licensed for 33 years. Dexter practices at The Gilford-Diaz Firm, P.L.L.C. in Austin, TX.
The kind of cases Dexter takes
Dexter reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense matters in Austin and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Texas School of Law
J.D. · 1992
University of Texas School of Law
B.S. · 1989
Jurisdictions
Dexter's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1993 · ACTIVE
Texas
1993 · ACTIVE
Dexter studied at J.D. in University of Texas School of Law and B.S. in University of Texas School of Law.
Law school and academic background
Dexter completed J.D. in University of Texas School of Law and B.S. in University of Texas School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Dexter runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Dexter has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Dexter's professional memberships and bar associations
Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
President, 2001) Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Board of Directors, 2001— Executive Board, 2004—) National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Member, 1999—) College of the State Bar of Texas (Member, 1999—) Pro Bono College of the State · membership
Locations
Dexter Earl Gilford's office in Austin
Dexter's primary office is at 401 Congress Ave., Ste. 1540, Austin, TX, 78701-3851. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
The Gilford-Diaz Firm, P.L.L.C.
401 Congress Ave., Ste. 1540
Austin, TX 78701-3851
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Dexter Earl Gilford — 4.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Dexter. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Austin.
4.9
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Dexter Earl Gilford claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Dexter Earl Gilford — 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 Dexter usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Dexter charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dexter'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; Dexter will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Austin, 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 Dexter
Dexter 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. Dexter confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Dexter'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 Dexter Earl Gilford
How much does it cost to hire Dexter for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Dexter walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Dexter offer a free consultation?
Dexter charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dexter's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Dexter'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. Dexter gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Dexter take my case if I'm outside Austin?
Dexter 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 — Dexter 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 Dexter?
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. Dexter will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Dexter accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Dexter'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 Austin, Houston and Dallas in Texas
Dexter 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.
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Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Texas
If Dexter's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Austin handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





