Thomas Lane Hooton

Thomas Lane Hooton

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 53 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Rockwall, TX
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense

1008 Ridge Road, Rockwall, TX

About Thomas

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

As a Former Judge - Tom Hooton knows how they convict you and how to fight them.

55 years | 1,000 cases

50%
DUI and DWI 50%

Don't plead guilty to a dwi. Many juries disagree with cops. iI am accepting clients. I have probably won more jury trials than 95 % of the lawyers in Dallas county. I try most of my cases whereas many attorneys do not. It is hard work trying a dwi case. That's all I handle.

55 years | 1,000 cases

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 53 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1972

Eligible to Practice in Texas

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2012

Location

Hooton Law Office

1008 Ridge Road, Rockwall, TX, 75087

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Thomas Lane Hooton's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (24) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 24 reviews

Posted by anonymous | November 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Thank you!

Mr . Hooton solved my legal problem quickly and efficiently. I could not have hoped for a better result. Mr, Hooton answered all of our questions with great clarity and patience. He kept us informed every step of the way, which gave us great peace of mind.

Posted by anonymous | April 25, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Reduced to Obstruction of Highway

Mr. Hooton is a great lawyer! This was my first DWI case and even my first time going to jail so I have no experience with the system. After receiving his letter in the mail, I saw he only worked on DWI/DUI cases so I knew he would be the most knowledgeable. When I called him on the phone, he asked m...e questions about what happened the night I was arrested and gave me some peace of mind about my case. He understood I lived out of town and worked with me on that. After pushing my court date back so the DA may evaluate the evidence, the DWI is off my record!

Posted by Westin | April 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Great Job

Tom Hooton is a great lawyer, he worked long and hard on my case. Always kept me well informed on what was going on and never left me hanging. He got my DWI charge in Rockwall Country dismissed. I would highly recommend Tom Hooton.

Posted by Ricardo | May 21, 2015 | DUI & DWI

Exceptional Knowlegable Attorney in Court

I was so impressed with the abundance of knowledge that Mr. Hooton has and puts on display when needed. From the very beginning Mr. Hooton, was clear on the experience he has. Experience just comes as a bonus. His knowledge of DWI laws is remarkable. He utilized his knowledge of the law to help me go... from a DWI charge with State of Texas to a Not Guilty Dismissed verdict. I am very grateful that he was not afraid to go guns a blazing in the courtroom on my behalf.

Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2015 | DUI & DWI

Tom Hooton is an Amazing Attorney

Being charged with a DWI was the worst experience of my life. Dealing with the entire legal system and the many "crook" attorneys trying to get my "business" was probably the second worst. Judging by many different reviews of other attorneys on on this website, I'm not the only one who has maybe had ...a very bad experience with a defense attorney...but TOM HOOTON IS A GREAT ATTORNEY. Tom was responsive from day one, and never stopped being responsive. He took the time to answer my many questions, all the while being respectful, and helping me to ultimately make the best decisions for me and my family. But don't let his wonderful "bedside manner" fool you. When it came time to deal with the DA and courts, he flat got down to business. Jail time and HUGE fines are not uncommon for DWI offenses. As a citizen and father of two, Tom understood what is at stake for me and family and truly took it upon himself to go to bat for us. Not only did I get a better deal than I could have dreamed of in my situation (probation, NO JAIL time), but he got another related charge completely DISMISSED and the DWI reduced to a Class B Misdemeanor. I now even have a chance to fight for non-disclosure of my offense, and I have no doubts that his tenacity and expertise will help us find success there as well. In short, I can honestly say that he takes a personal interest in clients and will FIGHT when needed in order to ensure the best possible outcome for his client. Because of his expertise, experience, customer service, and sheer will to fight for his client, I would recommend Tom Hooton to ANYONE in need of DWI representation.

See All Client Reviews

Thomas Lane Hooton's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Thomas
William David Burrows headshot
William Burrows

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Hooton has proven himself in the courtroom as one of the very best DWI trial lawyers in the state of Texas. I have seen him win cases where the odds were tremendously against his client. His superior ability to select the best jury and to cross examine police officers gives him the edge in any trial."

Constantine G. Anagnostis headshot
Constantine Anagnostis

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brian Charles Corrigan headshot
Brian Corrigan

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gregory Clay Gray headshot
Gregory Gray

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is a well-respected attorney in the criminal defense bar and has the skins on the wall to prove it. He genuinely cares about his client and seeking justice."

A. Marie Felsen headshot
A. Felsen

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Toms's a great lawyer sure to get you great results!"

J. Gary Trichter headshot
J. Trichter

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is a lawyer's lawyer! He exudes confidence no matter what the circumstance he is facing. Tom is a very respected advocate who has earned both the respect and admiration of the prosecutors and judges he practices with. He has done so through his natural skill and hard learned past lessons that continually demonstrate tenacity, courage, caring, and most of all, his passion to protect the rights of every single client he represents. In sum, Tom Hooten is the model lawyer other attorneys want to become."

Peter Michael Barrett headshot
Peter Barrett

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is one of the few DWI specialists. He never backs down from even the most challenging trials. Anyone charged with a DWI in Texas should have Tom on their side."

Aaron Christopher Harper headshot
Aaron Harper

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He would be part of my DWI dream team of lawyers any day. He has expertise and familiarity with all the courts throughout the DFW metroplex."

Christopher N. Hoover headshot
Christopher Hoover

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse Tom Hooton if you have a DWI. I have known Tom for 25 years. Tom is a fighter and the DA's know that and many times work out solutions for difficult cases. He is one of the few Dallas lawyers that actually go to trial in DWI cases. Tom is not much for pleading his clients guilty. He will fight ALL cases with good or bad facts. You can't go wrong if Tom is your lawyer."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."

Michael Mowla headshot
Michael Mowla

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a well-known DWI attorney in the Dallas-Fort Worth area."

Mark Travis Lassiter headshot
Mark Lassiter

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Constantine G. Anagnostis headshot
Constantine Anagnostis

DUI and DWI lawyer

Brian Charles Corrigan headshot
Brian Corrigan

Criminal defense lawyer

Gregory Clay Gray headshot
Gregory Gray

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter Michael Barrett headshot
Peter Barrett

Criminal defense lawyer

Aaron Christopher Harper headshot
Aaron Harper

DUI and DWI lawyer

Christopher N. Hoover headshot
Christopher Hoover

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2012.

Public Reprimand issued in TX, 2012

updated on 01/26/2015

Public reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Thomas’s comment:

“This was issued solely based on a technicality, not my abilities as a lawyer. In fact the higher court affirmed me. This should not be on my record, but after 44 years I guess it's expected when you count the number of cases i've handled. This was not filed by a client, but by the bar.”

Public Reprimand issued in TX, 1991

updated on 03/15/2019

Public reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Honors

2016

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Superior Trial Achievement Award, Texas DWI Lawyers Association

2015

Superior Trial Achievement Award, Texas DWI Lawyers Association

2014

Client's Choice, Avvo

2014

Top Contributor, Avvo

2013

Client's Choice, Avvo

2000

Superior Trial Achievement Award, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

1990

Former President, White Rock Rotary Club

Work Experience

1972 - Present

Attorney teacher candidate, Asst. District Attorney , State Senate candidate, Dallas County Commissioner candidate

1981 - 2015

Dallas County Commisioner, Candidate for

1978 - 1981

Judge, Municipal Court of Seagoville

1973 - 1976

Judge, Dallas County Municipal Courts

1972 - 1973

Assistant District Attorney, District Attorney Offices

1967 - 1968

Teacher, Liberty Junior High

Associations

2014 - Present

Texas DWI Lawyers Association

Board Member

2014 - Present

American Chemical Society

Advocate

2000 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

1975 - Present

Texas Trial Lawyers Association

Member

1974 - Present

Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

1972 - Present

State Bar of Texas

Member

1980 - 1980

Texas State Senate, candidate

State of Texas

1972 - 1984

Dallas Bar Association,former member

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

dwi

NOT GUILTY

dwi

NOT GUILTY

dwi

Dismissed

dwi

Dismissed

dwi

Dismissed

dwi

NOT GUILTY

dwi

NOT GUILTY

dwi

NOT GUILTY

dwi

NOT GUILTY

dwi

NOT GUILTY

dwi

NOT GUILTY

dwi

NOT GUILTY

dwi

NOT GUILTY

dwi

NOT GUILTY

dwi

NOT GUILTY

dwi

NOT GUILTY

dwi

not guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

1972

South Texas College Of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1967

Texas A&M University

BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration

Speaking Engagements

2014

Burrows Dwi Conference

Driving While Intoxicated. I was a conference Director

2010

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

How to Win a Blood Test Case

2008

strategies in defending dwi and dui cases

dwi

1999

Winning a dwi case

DWI

Publications

1991

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Dwi Trial and Practices

1974

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Texas Traffic Laws

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2012
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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