Derk Allan Wadas

Derk Allan Wadas

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 28 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Allen, TX
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

700 Central Expy. S, Suite 550, Allen, TX

About Derk

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

28 years | 1,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 3 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2023

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Texas for 22 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2004

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 28 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 1997

Retired

No misconduct found

Location

The Collin County Law Group

700 Central Expy. S, Suite 550, Allen, TX, 75013

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Derk Allan Wadas's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (10) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 10 reviews

Posted by Ashley | May 17, 2011

He is great :)

Derk Wadas is one of the most professional attorney's that I have got the pleasure of interacting with. He really knows what he is talking about and wants his clients to get what is deserved. I was very pleased with how he handled my case. I basically just sat there and let him do all of the work and... he was successful. He is understanding and cares about what you have to say as well as your well-being and future. Although he does have a busy schedule he always found time to meet with me when asked. He was fun to work with and kept a positive attitude the whole time. It was a great pleasure finding this attorney and getting the honor to work with him. Thank you very much Derk, you are greatly appreciated.

Posted by EK | January 25, 2011 | Criminal Defense

A great professional Attorney

There was a criminal charge filed against me in August of 2010. The case was of a serious concern to me as it had a bearing on weather I will practice in my profession. As I was searching for a dependable attorney to represent me, a friend of a friend recommended Mr. Wadas. After I reviewed his pr...ofile on his website, I decided that his experience both as a former DA and private practice would be what I needed and therefore I picked him to represent me. In all of my dealings, I found him to be a good listener and very professional. He explained what I was up against in a manner I could understand. Answered all of my questions each time I met him in his office or by phone or via email. Most of all, on the court day, he came well-prepared and he was fighting like a Pit bull at every argument. Not surprisingly, I was found NOT guilty by the jury. I think that is where experience came in handy. I am a very satisfied customer and I would recommend him to anyone with a criminal case. EK

Posted by Janet | August 20, 2010

Real Estate Agent

I have been a Realtor in the Collin County area since 1993. Prior to real estate, I was a legal assistant for several large law firms in the Dallas area. Having knowledge in working with attorneys, I found that Derk Wadas is one of the most professional, knowledgeable and honest attorneys. He not... only does a great job, but truly shows concern in each clients needs. It is not just about the money, but about doing what is best for his client. A true Professional does not just work with a client on one transaction and not care, but a true Professional work with their client and do their best. If you do your best for your client, it will send you future client referrals. Buiilding client relationships is what Derk Wadas is all about in his practice.

Posted by anonymous | October 22, 2009 | Criminal Defense

Outstanding Attorney. Look no further

Mr. Wadas was great! He sat down with me one on one and told me what I was looking at and how it could be fixed. I walked out knowing more than I knew when I walked in. He communicates very well by phone and e-mail. This kept me informed almost anytime. If I was not near the phone I got an e-mail. ... Mr.Wadas was able to get my case thrown out at the grand jury. Only 3% of cases are thrown out at the Grand Jury. Excellent work.

Posted by anonymous | April 08, 2009

Very Good and Reliable

He was very good at making sure to get me the results that I not only wanted, but needed. He was also very respectful of my situation and I was proud to recommend him to my friend before I even filled out this review.

See All Client Reviews

Derk Allan Wadas's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Derk
Justin Barrett Wilson headshot
Justin Wilson

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Derk is a fantastic attorney. HIs knowledge of the ins and outs of both federal and state criminal matters is second to none."

Gene Tsukasa Sera headshot
Gene Sera

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Derk for a number of years. I have seen him work in the Courtroom as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. Derk's professionalism is quite evident when you see him conversing with clients, prosecutors and other defense attorneys."

Edward Scott Cawlfield headshot
Edward Cawlfield

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Derk is a sensational lawyer. As a Board Certified Criminal Defense lawyer, his knowledge of the law is an incredible advantage to his clients. He is able to see all variables within a case and knows exactly how to react to each and every variable."

Ryan Michael Kreck headshot
Ryan Kreck

Unknown lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Co-worker

"Derk provides zealously represents his clients and does not back down on any tough case."

W. Coleman Sylvan headshot
W. Sylvan

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Derk. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Troy Perry Burleson headshot
Troy Burleson

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyers work. Great attorney!"

John Hunter Smith headshot
John Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have watched Derk in court and he is one of the best in North Texas. I endorse this lawyer."

Joshua Frank Andor headshot
Joshua Andor

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Derk is an excellent attorney. I've had the pleasure to watch him be a zealous advocate for this clients. He takes the time to learn about the case from his clients, then he fights like Hell. Great Attorney!"

Maria Tsao Tu headshot
Maria Tu

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Paul Dennis Key headshot
Paul Key

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I defended cases that Derk prosecuted, and I've had the pleasure of working with him as a defense attorney. I'm glad he's on our side, now, and you should be, too. Fantastic attorney, and a great guy."

Edward Andrew Kalabus Jr. headshot
Edward Kalabus

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Derk is a hard hitting criminal defense lawyer that get results for his clients."

Scott Shannon Gray headshot
Scott Gray

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Derk has been able to take his experience as a former prosecutor and use it to represent his clients as good as anyone. He's a smart attorney who knows how to work the system to get the best outcome for his clients. If you hire Derk as your lawyer you are in good hands."

Kyle Timothy Therrian headshot
Kyle Therrian

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Co-worker

"Derk knows the law. He is energetic, experienced and he works hard for his clients. I endorse Derk."

Jeremy Fredrick Rosenthal headshot
Jeremy Rosenthal

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Co-worker

"Derk is a charismatic lawyer that cares for his clients. He's got a complete game in that he knows the law inside and out. He's a leader in the legal community and I'm proud to be affiliated with him."

Heather J. Barbieri headshot
Heather Barbieri

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Richard L. Armstrong headshot
Richard Armstrong

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Derk is a hard working attorney with a quick mind who will spare no effort for his clients. I have sought his advice many times in criminal matters, and never come up short."

Mitchell Ryan Nolte headshot
Mitchell Nolte

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Smart and hardworking, Derk is one dedicated lawyer and fights hard for his clients."

Hunter Biederman headshot
Hunter Biederman

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Great Criminal Defense attorney. A very hard worker and obtains great results for his clients."

Jerry Wade Tidwell Jr. headshot
Jerry Tidwell

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Aggressive representation, with a real concern for his client's outcome."

View All Endorsements
Peter J. Ganyard headshot
Peter Ganyard

Criminal defense lawyer

Kristi Dawn Tyler headshot
Kristi Tyler

Criminal defense lawyer

Vanita Budhrani Parker headshot
Vanita Parker

Criminal defense lawyer

Justin Barrett Wilson headshot
Justin Wilson

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan Michael Kreck headshot
Ryan Kreck

Divorce and separation lawyer

Edward Scott Cawlfield headshot
Edward Cawlfield

Criminal defense lawyer

W. Coleman Sylvan headshot
W. Sylvan

Unknown lawyer

Troy Perry Burleson headshot
Troy Burleson

DUI and DWI lawyer

Katheryn Heather Haywood headshot
Katheryn Haywood

Criminal defense lawyer

Joshua Frank Andor headshot
Joshua Andor

Criminal defense lawyer

John Hunter Smith headshot
John Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Kyle Timothy Therrian headshot
Kyle Therrian

Criminal defense lawyer

Edward Andrew Kalabus Jr. headshot
Edward Kalabus

Criminal defense lawyer

Scott Shannon Gray headshot
Scott Gray

Personal injury lawyer

Paul Dennis Key headshot
Paul Key

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeremy Fredrick Rosenthal headshot
Jeremy Rosenthal

Criminal defense lawyer

Heather J. Barbieri headshot
Heather Barbieri

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard L. Armstrong headshot
Richard Armstrong

Business lawyer

Mitchell Ryan Nolte headshot
Mitchell Nolte

Criminal defense lawyer

Hunter Biederman headshot
Hunter Biederman

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters

2014

Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2011

Board Certified - Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Work Experience

2020 - Present

Founding Partner, The Collin County Law Group

2010 - 2020

Partner, Rosenthal & Wadas, P.L.L.C.

2005 - 2010

Managing Partner, The Law Office of Derk A. Wadas

2004 - 2005

Assistant District Attorney, Collin County District Attorney's Office

1999 - 2004

Deputy State's Attorney, Franklin County State's Attorney's Office

Associations

2013 - Present

Association of Federal Defense Attorneys

2008 - Present

Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit

2005 - Present

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

2005 - Present

Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Vice President

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

Certified Practitioner

Sample of Legal Cases

United States of America v. S.C.

Sentence reversed and remanded

State of Texas v. N.W.

Client found Not Guilty by jury

State of Texas v. P.S.

Found Not Guilty by jury.

State of Texas v. E.K.

Found not guilty following jury trial.

United States v. JGV

Case dismissed by U.S. Attorney's Office

United States v. T.P.

Judgment of acquittal entered for client by the Judge at the close of the Government's case

State of Texas v. M.S.

Dismissed by District Attorney

State of Texas v. A.R.

Not guilty verdict following jury trial

State of Texas v. L.L.

Not Guilty verdict

State of Texas v. C.N.

Not Guilty verdict

State of Texas v. M.F.

CLient found not guilty following trial by court

State of Texas v. EXPUNGED

Not guilty verdict

State of Texas v. C.P.

DWI case dismissed on day of trial by District Att

State of Texas v. R.R.

Not guilty verdict

State of Texas v. ADB

Case dismissed by District Attorney after case set for trial

State of Vermont v. Roy Rheaume

Conviction Affirmed

State of Texas v. J.G.

Not guilty verdict in a DWI trial

State of Texas v. J.K.

Client found not guilty

State of Texas v. S.R.

Client found not guilty by Jury

See More Legal Cases

Education

1997

Vermont Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

Wilkes University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

Monthly Meeting

Navigating the Criminal Law Emergency

2012

Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association meeting

The Basics of a Federal Criminal Case

2003

Vermont State Police Academy: Adjunct Instructor

DUI: The Legal Environment

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution