PRO
Katheryn Heather Haywood
also known as Law Office of Katheryn H Haywood, PLLC.
Virtual Consultation Available
About Katheryn
Biography
I have been a judge, prosecutor and defense attorney for over 29 years. I have tried over 200 jury trials and handled over 10,000 criminal cases. I have a winning rapport with juries and judges alike.
I love the field I am in. To me, criminal law is about 2 things: people and facts. I enjoy unraveling both and getting to the who and why of a particular offense. Then my job is to persuade the prosecuting attorney to adopt my vision of the case.
When this is not feasible, a trial is often the last recourse. While trials are emotionally taxing on the client, the system often corrects errors in arrests and overly aggressive plea offers, bringing equity to the client.
It is an honor and a privilege to practice criminal law.
When you hire me you get MY services, guidance and counsel, not some associate. I will defend you.
I defend any and all criminal charges in Collin, Dallas and Tarrant Counties. Felonies and misds.
When you hire me you get MY services, guidance and counsel, not some associate. I will defend you.
When you hire me you get MY services, guidance and counsel, not some associate. I will defend you.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
26 years | 1,000 cases
31 years | 1,000 cases
26 years | 1,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Texas for 30 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Katheryn H. Haywood (UPS STORE LOCATION FOR MAIL ONLY)
Fax
9720 Coit Road., Suite. 220-255, Plano, TX, 75025
dfwcrimes.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Katheryn online.
Katheryn Heather Haywood's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
181 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 181 reviews
Posted by Arthur | February 09, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Greatest advocate you could possibly find
When a child falsely accuses you of molestation you enter a world you would never have imagined. The police convince the family to try to entrap you into an admission. Soon you find yourself facing felony charges and a demand that you surrender. You scramble to find a good attorney to take your case,...
Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2026 | Hired Attorney
No mess around Attorney
Katheryn is a no mess around type of Lawyer; you get what you pay for - my wife was looking at downwards spiral that when Katheryn stepped into our lives and went to work, years later, I am writing this review as my wife is one step closer to having a normal life - thank you, Katheryn we love you - R...
Posted by Sodiq | October 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Thank You
I cannot thank Katheryn Heather Haywood enough for the outstanding work she did on my case. From the very beginning, she was professional, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to fighting for me. She carefully explained every step of the process, kept me informed, and always made sure I understood my ...
Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Juvenile
Great Juvenile Attorney!
Katheryn was attentive, responsive and flawlessly executed on our case for my 16yo son. She calmed our fears with her patient demeanor. She was clearly a well known name/voice in the Collin County Juvenile Court system. 10 of 10. Highly recommend!
Posted by Rick | March 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Great Criminal Defense Lawyer
My son, who is on the spectrum for Autism created some legal challenges for himself. Katheryn Haywood who lead his defense team was excellent to work with and helped secure the best possible result for him. Katheryn is the perfect choice to work with regarding any mental health situation. If you are ...
Katheryn Heather Haywood's Lawyer Endorsements
"Katheryn handles the toughest of the toughest cases and her advocacy on behalf of her clients is stellar. Always stellar. She is the definition of "Good Trouble" when it comes to criminal defense. She's a dynamo in the courtroom and out — indefatigable and kind-hearted as all get out — but her true strengths are that she is wise and personable. No other attorney ever knows the facts of her clients' cases better than she does or will present it better to a jury. You simply could not go wrong with Ms. Haywood as your defender."
"Katheryn is an amazing attorney. She approaches her client's cases with understanding and empathy. An amazing mix of insight and absolute tenacity in the courtroom. I highly endorse Katheryn!"
"Katheryn is an outstanding defense attorney. Having worked with her for years when I was a prosecutor, she has a reputation for being incredibly dedicated, fair, genuine, and hard working for her clients. I strongly recommend her to handle any criminal case especially with those involving mental health issues."
""I have known Katheryn for about 20 years. Katheryn is one of the most tenacious and diligent lawyers that I have practiced with. She really listens to her Clients and then uses her keen knowledge of the law to provide exceptional representation to everyone who she represents. She doesn't discriminate against people needing representation, whatever their circumstances may be. Whatever she may charge, she's worth the investment.""
"I endorse this lawyer. I'm a criminal defense attorney and recently worked side by side with Katheryn on a case. I found her to be very well organized, diligent, knowledgeable on the law pertaining to our case and very polite, respectful and attentive to our client and his family. Katheryn also had a good rapport with all of the prosecutors that were involved in the case. It was obvious that they respected her as well. We were able to obtain a very good outcome on our case and I'm certain it was due in large part to Katheryn's efforts. Were I to ever be charged with a serious criminal offense, I'd have no hesitation or reservation about hiring Katheryn to represent me."
"Katheryn is a passionate advocate for her clients, and treats all parties involved with dignity and respect. She is a pleasure to work with and never compromises her integrity while zealously advocating on behalf of her clients."
"Katheryn is an excellent attorney, whom I've known for many years since her days as a Dallas city prosecutor. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer! I have known Katheryn for years. I was previously a prosecutor and had many cases with Katheryn. She is an amazing attorney who will represent her clients to the fullest."
"Katheryn is a great lawyer, and well respected in the North Texas legal community. I have referred clients to her, and they have always been very happy with the results she has been able to achieve in difficult cases."
"Katheryn is an excellent attorney. I've worked with her as both a prosecutor and a fellow defense attorney and she is always excellent to deal with. She shows true compassion and a passion for her client's cases."
"Katheryn Haywood's reputation in the criminal defense community is well established and well earned. She is one of the most experienced criminal trial lawyers you can find, a fierce opponent that prosecutors and judges respect. If I or anyone in my family needed a criminal defense attorney, Kat Haywood would be on my short list."
"Katheryn is a well-respected defense attorney with a fearless attitude in defending her clients. I would not hesitate to refer a client to her."
"Katheryn is everything a client could ever want in a criminal defense attorney. She's knowledgeable, passionate, and determined. Prosecutors know that they are in for a real fight when Katheryn is defending someone!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Katheryn is an incredible advocate. I agree with Mr. Indorf that she is a fearless attorney! She is passionate and committed when it comes to protecting her clients rights and sets the bar very high for those of us in the criminal defense bar."
"I have had the honor of working beside this attorney and can attest to her great skill in advocacy and fine character. Our legal community is better as a whole with attorneys like Katheryn. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Katheryn is a brilliant strategist and a fearless litigator. Her voir dire is without a doubt the best I've seen in 30 years of practice. Simply stated, if a member of my family needed a criminal defense lawyer, she is the first and only attorney I would call."
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer 2023, SuperLawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers 2022
2021
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer and Women Making Difference in Law, Super Lawyer Texas (DFW)
2018
Who I would hire for Child Sex Case, Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney's Association
2018
Who I would hire for Mental Health Client, Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney's Association
2018
Dallas Top Ten - Criminal Defense, Top Ten Dallas
2017
BEST DEFENSE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL, 2017 BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS IN DALLAS (AS VOTED ON BY THEIR PEERS)
2017
BEST DEFENSE SEX CRIMES, 2017 BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS IN DALLAS (AS VOTED ON BY THEIR PEERS)
2016
BEST DEFENSE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL, 2016 BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS IN DALLAS (AS VOTED ON BY THEIR PEERS)
2015
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1998
Scholarship to Attend Seminar, National Institute of Trial Advocacy
1994
2nd Best Speaker, Strasberger and Price Moot Court Competition
1993
Best Speaker, Strasberger and Price Moot Court Competition
Work Experience
1998 - 1999
Assistant District Attorney, Dallas County District Attorney's Office
1995 - 1998
Assistant City Attorney, Dallas City Attorney's Office
Associations
2024 - Present
SUPER LAWYERS 2024Nominted
2016 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationCriminal Justice Section Board Member
2010 - Present
Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2003 - Present
Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2002 - Present
Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Associationmember
2000 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2000 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Hung Jury
Reduced to assault
RAPE CHARGE DISMISSED
Case dismissed
DISMISSED
Not Guilty!
NOT GUILTY!
Refused by detective
Dismissed.
Both cases dismissed day prior to trial.
Not Guilty
NO BILLED
NO BILLED
Dismissed
Probation on lesser charge
NO BILLED
Case Dropped
All cases dropped
All cases dropped
NO BILLED
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Probation
No billed
NOT GUILTY
LOW PUNISHMENT
Hung Jury
Sudden Passion 7 TDC
NOT GUILTY
NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY
Reduced
Reduced
No billed
NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY
Minimum sentence imposed by jury
NOT GUILTY
NO Billed
NOT GUILTY
NOT GUILTY
Hung Jury
NO BILLED
NO BILLED
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
No Billed!
DISMISSED
DISMISSED
Not Guilty
NOT GUILTY
Not guilty on both defendants
Not guilty
DISMISSED
Probation
DISMISSAL
Probation terminated by judge after hearing.
NOT GUILTY
No Billed
NOT GUILTY
REDUCED
NO Billed!
No Billed
Dismissed.
Education
1995
1991
University Honors Degree
Speaking Engagements
2022
Mental Health: Pitfalls in the Criminal Justice System
2020
Picking a Child Sex Jury
2020
Picking Winning Family Violence Jury
2020
Picking a Winning Family Violence Jury
2019
Voir Dire in Child Abuse Cases in Dallas Courtrooms
2018
Mental Health and the Criminal Courts
2017
Cross Examination Techniques
2017
VOIR DIRE IN CRIMINAL CASES (JURY SELECTION)
2016
2016
2015
Cross Examination of Child Victim
2015
Radio Interview - Criminal Questions
2014
2013
DWI Community Caretaking
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers