Katheryn Heather Haywood

PRO

Katheryn Heather Haywood

also known as Law Office of Katheryn H Haywood, PLLC.

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 30 years

Sex crime Lawyer at Plano, TX
Practice Areas: Sex Crime, Criminal Defense, Juvenile

9720 Coit Road., Suite. 220-255, Plano, TX

Virtual Consultation Available

About Katheryn

Biography

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

Sex Crime 50%

I handle many sex crimes, both adult and child. This is an area where an attorney with specialized knowledge and experience is crucial. Sadly you are guilty until proven innocent in this area.

26 years | 1,000 cases

50%
Criminal Defense 25%

Home based in Collin County where I am known for defending adult and juvenile sex crimes against children. Will handle cases in Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant for sex accusations only. Handle all criminal matters in Collin Countu.

31 years | 1,000 cases

25%
Juvenile Law 25%

Juvenile cases in Collin County. Specializing in child sexual assaults, adult and juvenile sexual cases, family violence and mental health clients.

26 years | 1,000 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2023 2022
...
+ 11
Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 30 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1995

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Katheryn H. Haywood (UPS STORE LOCATION FOR MAIL ONLY)

9720 Coit Road., Suite. 220-255, Plano, TX, 75025

dfwcrimes.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Katheryn online.

Katheryn Heather Haywood's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

182 Client Reviews

Showing 146 - 150 of 182 reviews

Posted by Wayne | March 06, 2014 | Criminal Defense

A True Advocate for her Clients

Ms. Haywood stepped in after our retention, and subsequent firing, of an attorney who obviously was in the case only for the money. This was not the case with Ms. Haywood, she truly cares about her clients, and in this case she got a great result where the prior attorney had told my daughter she nee...ded to take the deal being offered by the prosecutor. Had she taken that deal my daughter would have ended up with a felony conviction, instead Ms. Haywood was able to obtain a misdemeanor conviction. While I'm sure she can't do this on all her cases I can promise you she had her hands full on our case and the end result was nothing short of phenomenal. I highly recommend Ms. Haywood.

Posted by C.J. | January 24, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Unexpected blessing

Katheryn is the best attorney I could have asked for and I was blessed enough to have the court appoint her. I was scared and stressed going through the situation I was in but when I met Katheryn and saw the type of person she was, it gave me a lot of relief. She kept me informed and was always tryi...ng to do everything in her power to give me the most fair trial possible. She treated me as if I was her only client and as if it was her child's life on the line. I thank God that he blessed me with someone like Kathryn Haywood to represent me and I will forever be grateful to her for saving my life. I couldn't recommend a better attorney.

Posted by Charles | January 08, 2014 | Criminal Defense

An Amazing Attorney and Incredible Lady!

I'm sorry that this review limits the number of characters I can enter, because Katheryn is worthy of so much more. We interviewed many high-priced attorneys when looking for someone to represent my son. He was wrongfully accused of a crime and we wanted the best lawyer we could afford for him, even ...though we had limited resources. Ultimately, we had to go with a court-appointed lawyer, which turned out to be Katheryn Haywood. Right away we were impressed by her compassion and diligence. She was as good or better than any of the high-priced attorneys that wanted to charge a retainer of upwards of $25,000. Though she was probably only paid a fraction of her true fees, she never once treated my son like a court-appointed client. She worked so hard, and cared so much about my son and his predicament. She took all the calls, responded to all the messages, answered every question (from day one until the end of the trial) without any appearance of frustration. One thing I am confident about is that my son might not be free today, but for the brilliant effort put forth by Katheryn. She was masterful during the jury selection, clearly identifying biased jurors and getting them to confess their biases, thereby saving her allotted challenges. She was very professional with the judge and prosecutors and treated all the witnesses with courtesy and very professionally. During her opening statement, she was very articulate and clearly outlined our case, and did well to lay the ground work for destroying the prosecution case. As far as I saw, she never missed a chance to ask the right question or missed a small detail on follow up. It was clear to us that the alleged victim in the case was not being truthful, but when Katheryn did her cross examination, she was not abusive or overly tough. She was strong and direct, but not so much that the jury would sympathize. She elicited many good points during this cross and I think that played a large part in my son's acquittal. Closing argument is tough, because the prosecutor gets to have the last word and he did a strong job, however, Katheryn was able to mitigate any harm by her strong closing. She was able to refute their "key evidence" and make our case very plain. The jury was literally left with only the choice of Not Guilty! I cannot make it any simpler. If you or a loved one is ever accused of a crime, you would do well to have Katheryn in your corner. I will be forever indebted to her and the work she did to get justice for my son. People often see lawyers as heartless, manipulative and sleazy. Katheryn Haywood is as virtuous and compassionate a person as I have ever met. It is easy for me to write these words now because of our outcome, but I believe I would write the same even if the verdict had not gone in our favor. She worked that hard and was that diligent and cared so much. She involved our whole family in all important decisions in the trial. She never talked down to us or made us feel like the moment was too big for us to comprehend. In short, Katheryn Haywood saved my son's life and put him back on the path for his future. You not do better than Katheryn. I will sing her praises on the mountaintop as long as I live!

Posted by vicki | December 30, 2013

Wonderful attorney

she told me what to expect. was very up front and honest with me. was kind and compassionate. she found what was best for me and achieved it. she gave me my life back. she treats you as a human not as a number. she is wonderful. I trust and respect her.

Posted by Mrs. Rodriguez | November 15, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Great Attorney=Katheryn Haywood

Katheryn Haywood represented my son. He made bad decisions that put him in serious trouble with serious time. From the start Katheryn was on the case. She was upfront, took the case as if it was her only case. The communication she had with me as a mother put my mind at ease that he was in the best p...ossible capable hands. His case was processed expediently and the result was more than what we hoped for. He does have to answer for what he was involved with but she was able to make sure he has a second chance to continue his life as a free young man after is debt to the law is paid. If you ever find yourself, or a family member what seems like a hopeless situation-This is the attorney you need.

See All Client Reviews

Katheryn Heather Haywood's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Katheryn
Shellie Stephens headshot
Shellie Stephens

Unknown lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Joshua Frank Andor headshot
Joshua Andor

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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!"

Peter J. Ganyard headshot
Peter Ganyard

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Peter Michael Barrett headshot
Peter Barrett

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

""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.""

Kyle Kevin Shaw headshot
Kyle Shaw

Sex crime lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Danni J. Harris headshot
Danni Harris

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Everett Ward Newton headshot
Everett Newton

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Katheryn is an excellent attorney, whom I've known for many years since her days as a Dallas city prosecutor. I endorse this lawyer."

Sherry R. Armstrong headshot
Sherry R. Armstrong

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Derk Allan Wadas headshot
Derk Wadas

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Jon Michael O'Toole headshot
Jon O'Toole

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Matthew Maddox headshot
Matthew Maddox

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Deandra Michelle Grant headshot
Deandra Grant

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

John M. Gioffredi headshot
John Gioffredi

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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!"

Terri Gayle Daniel headshot
Terri Daniel

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Christopher K. Woodward headshot
Christopher Woodward

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

David Charles Indorf headshot
David Indorf

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

View All Endorsements
Sallye Ann Wilton headshot
Sallye Wilton

DUI and DWI lawyer

Peter J. Ganyard headshot
Peter Ganyard

Criminal defense lawyer

Patrick Short headshot
Patrick Short

Criminal defense lawyer

Wesley D. Spencer headshot
Wesley Spencer

Criminal defense lawyer

Danni J. Harris headshot
Danni Harris

Criminal defense lawyer

J. Randell Stevens headshot
J. Stevens

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher K. Woodward headshot
Christopher Woodward

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 2024

Nominted

2016 - Present

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Criminal Justice Section Board Member

2010 - Present

Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2003 - Present

Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2002 - Present

Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

member

2000 - Present

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2000 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

HUNG JURY

Hung Jury

AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD REDUCED

Reduced to assault

Rape case dismissed by Judge

RAPE CHARGE DISMISSED

Sexual Assault (adult) Dismissed

Case dismissed

Sexual Assault Child

DISMISSED

Family Violence NOT GUILTY JURY TRIAL

Not Guilty!

Mentally ill client

NOT GUILTY!

Juvenile sex crime

Refused by detective

Juvenile certified as adult

Dismissed.

High profile teacher student sex accusations

Both cases dismissed day prior to trial.

NOT guilty

Not Guilty

Bad divorce leads to accusation of child molestation

NO BILLED

HIGH PUBLICITY GYM COACH ACCUSED OF MOLESTATION

NO BILLED

Agg sexual assault child under 14

Dismissed

Continuous aggravated sexual assault child

Probation on lesser charge

Injury to a Child

NO BILLED

Sexual Assault Child Dropped

Case Dropped

Organized Crime Case NO BILLED

All cases dropped

Organized Crime Case NO BILLED

All cases dropped

CHILD SEX CASE NO BILLED

NO BILLED

Sex Assault Child Under 17

Not guilty.

Not Guilty continuous sex assault child times w

Not guilty.

Double shooting on video

Probation

Sexual Assault no billed!

No billed

CONTINOUS SEXAUL ASSAULT CHILD

NOT GUILTY

BATTERED WOMAN DEFENSE TO SEXUAL ASSAULT CHILD

LOW PUNISHMENT

Hung Jury on Aggravated Sexual Assault Child and Indecency

Hung Jury

MURDER TRIAL

Sudden Passion 7 TDC

FAMILY VIOLENCE FELONY TRIAL

NOT GUILTY

Assault Family Violence Felony

NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY

Aggravated Assault Reduced to Misdemeanor

Reduced

Aggravated Assault Reduced to Misdemeanor

Reduced

Aggravated Sexual Assault child

No billed

Not Guilty by Reason on Insanity

NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY

Sexual Assault Child Under 17

Minimum sentence imposed by jury

Assault Family Violence

NOT GUILTY

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT DEADLY WEAPON

NO Billed

Sexual Assault Child Under 17

NOT GUILTY

SEXUAL ASSAULT

NOT GUILTY

DWI RETRIAL

Hung Jury

MURDER

NO BILLED

Aggravated Sexual Assault child

NO BILLED

Assault

Not Guilty

Trial for Injury to a child

Not Guilty

Teen On Child Sex Charge

No Billed!

DISMISSAL OF TRIAL CASE

DISMISSED

DISMISSAL OF TRIAL CASE

DISMISSED

NOT GUILTY DUE TO MENTAL ISSUES

Not Guilty

NOT GUILTY DUE TO MENTAL ISSUES

NOT GUILTY

Not guilty Injury to Child times 2

Not guilty on both defendants

NOT GUILTY Child sex crime

Not guilty

SEX Assault Child Dismissed

DISMISSED

Double shooting on video results in probation

Probation

Sex Assault Child Dismissed

DISMISSAL

Termination of Probation

Probation terminated by judge after hearing.

Rape Trial Not Guilty

NOT GUILTY

NO billed Rape case Dallas County

No Billed

TWO DEFENDANTS - TWO NOT GUILTY VERDICTS

NOT GUILTY

Continuous Sex Assault Child (Aggravated) plead to a Misdemeanor

REDUCED

Teen Sex Party

NO Billed!

NO Bill Felony Family Violence (Violation of Protective Order)

No Billed

Juvenile Sexual Assault Case Dismissed week of trial

Dismissed.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

Baylor University School of Law

1991

Texas A&M University

University Honors Degree

Speaking Engagements

2022

State Bar of Texas Summer School

Mental Health: Pitfalls in the Criminal Justice System

2020

SMU Dedman School of Law

Picking a Child Sex Jury

2020

Fiesta 2020 Advanced Criminal Defense

Picking Winning Family Violence Jury

2020

Family Violence, Telling a Story

Picking a Winning Family Violence Jury

2019

Advanced Criminal Law

Voir Dire in Child Abuse Cases in Dallas Courtrooms

2018

Tarrant County Court Coordinators Annual CLE

Mental Health and the Criminal Courts

2017

State Bar of Texas Advanced Criminal Law 2017

Cross Examination Techniques

2017

CLE: ANATOMY OF A CASE

VOIR DIRE IN CRIMINAL CASES (JURY SELECTION)

2016

Program on Child Injury and Assault Cross Examination of a Child Witness

2016

Defending Those Accused of Sexual Offenses Cross Examination of a Child Witness

2015

Sexual Assault of a Child

Cross Examination of Child Victim

2015

Radio Interview

Radio Interview - Criminal Questions

2014

Collin County Defense Bar Association Cross Examination

2013

Texas Bar Summer School

DWI Community Caretaking

Languages

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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