Clayton C. Smith

PRO

Clayton C. Smith

also known as Clay Smith

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Dallas, TX
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence, Violent Crime

3300 Oak Lawn Ave.,, Suite 600, Dallas, TX

Virtual Consultation Available

About Clayton

Biography

Clayton Smith. Experienced & Highly Rated Criminal Defense Attorney. Former Prosecutor. 214-317-4532

Clayton Smith. Criminal Defense Attorney. Former Prosecutor. Call 214-317-4532

DWI or legal issues, contact Clayton Smith. Former Prosecutor. 214-317-4532

Clayton Smith. "Best Criminal Assault Attorney in Dallas.” - former client. Call 214-317-4532

Clayton Smith. Criminal Defense Attorney. Former Prosecutor. Call 214-317-4532

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

16 years

50%
DUI and DWI 25%

16 years

25%
Domestic Violence 20%

20%
Violent Crime 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2024 2023 2022
...
+ 8
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2021 2020 2019
...
+ 4

Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 17 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2008

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Clayton Smith

3300 Oak Lawn Ave.,, Suite 600, Dallas, TX, 75219

www.claytonsmithlaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Clayton online.

Clayton C. Smith's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

134 Client Reviews

5 star (133) 4 star (1)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | December 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Attorney

We did not hire Mr. Smith, but rather he was my son’s court appointed attorney. Mr. Smith was very hospitable in answering my questions and conveying our concerns to the judge. I am very grateful and thankful to him for all his help. If I were paying for an attorney, I would definitely seek his couns...el again and highly recommend his services.

Clayton Smith

Replied last December 8, 2025

Thanks! So glad we could successfully handle his case and get him the help he needs.

Posted by Shakur | September 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The best lawyer in the world

He the best lawyer in the world very nice very helpful patience and a stand up guy the best man ever god bless this man he always will have a great review from our family windup lawyer

Clayton Smith

Replied last December 8, 2025

Thanks!

Posted by Juwan | February 20, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Great lawyer

Clayton is an amazing lawyer great with communication n will fight hard for his client. Got two felony dismissed for me would highly recommend seeking counsel from him if your ever in a jam

Clayton Smith

Replied last February 24, 2025

Thanks Juwan! I am so glad we could get your 2 felony domestic violence cases dismissed!

Posted by Katrina H | December 17, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Best attorney ever!

Mr. Clayton communication skills are by far impeccable. He went the extra mile to get my case dismissed. He was patient and upfront with me. I couldn’t ask for a better lawyer

Clayton Smith

Replied last December 18, 2024

Thanks Katrina, so glad we could get your felony dismissed!

Posted by anonymous | August 5, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best lawyer in Dallas Texas

Absolutely amazing job sir I would like to recommend Clayton Smith for any and all legal issues he got not one, not TWO, BUT ALL THREE!!! CASES DISMISSED.!!!!! (one felony and two misdemeanors)

Clayton Smith

Replied last August 6, 2024

So glad we could take care of this entire situation. First getting felony thrown out, then setting misdemeanors for jury trial and State dismissing weeks before trial!

See All Client Reviews

Clayton C. Smith's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Clayton
George Cave Johnson Jr. headshot
George Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Clay has quickly gained the reputation as one of the best criminal lawyers in DFW. His experience as a prosecutor gives him an upper hand in crafting the best possible defense. I strongly endorse him."

Terrance Breard Downs headshot
Terrance Downs

Unknown lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have know Clay for 6 years. Cool, calm, and collected, and an overall good dude!"

Roberto Cañas headshot
Roberto Cañas

Criminal defense lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Clayton is stand up guy who really knows his way around the courthouse. His experience really serves his client's well. The fact that he is well-respected at the courthouse helps him get things done for his clients."

Craig William Stango headshot
Craig Stango

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Thomas Duncan Ashworth headshot
Thomas Ashworth

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Clayton Smith is an excellent criminal defense lawyer practicing in Dallas and the surrounding areas. I have known Mr. Smith both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney for over ten years. He has a sharp mind, is a hard worker, and is an excellent trial attorney. Anyone facing serious charges would be well served to hire Mr. Smith."

Ryan Joseph King headshot
Ryan King

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Clay Smith does great work. He knows the courthouse inside and out and does wonders for his clients. I endorse him wholeheartedly."

Meredith Suzanne Behgooy headshot
Meredith Behgooy

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Clay Smith is an excellent attorney. He truly cares about his clients and their cases. I would highly recommend him as an attorney."

Willie Stephen Graves headshot
Willie Graves

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Smith is a smart lawyer who dispenses smart analysis. He is a valuable contributor to this forum. I endorse him."

Margaret Angolo Ongele headshot
Margaret Ongele

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Clay and I have worked on opposite sides several times. He's great to work with because he knows his stuff and maintains a cordial attitude, which greatly benefits his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Greggory Michael Gallian headshot
Greggory Gallian

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Bret W. Schmidt headshot
Bret Schmidt

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is very knowledgeable and provides a great service to AVVO users in answering their questions both thoroughly and with great insight."

Benton Williams II headshot
Benton Williams

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats headshot
Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats

Domestic violence lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stephen Anthony Nicholas headshot
Stephen Nicholas

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Clayton and I know each other from AVVO & from the assistance he has selflessly provided for many in need of answers. His answers are always direct, to the point, and with compassion for the questioner's predicament. He and I generally agree with each others answers and I know he puts thought, knowledge, and reason into each one, and maybe a little research, as well. He has my endorsement and I would send him any client that I had in the Dallas-Ft.Worth Area."

Mark Hendrickson headshot
Mark Hendrickson

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brandon Derrel Luce headshot
Brandon Luce

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Clay is one of the most respected lawyers in the Metroplex. He will use his skills and experience on both sides of the justice system to zealously represent his clients."

Demarcus Ward headshot
Demarcus Ward

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Co-worker

"Clayton is an excellent lawyer. I have known him for years and had the pleasure of working with him on several cases. He is attentive, honest, and results-oriented."

Timothy Patrick Sommers headshot
Timothy Sommers

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Smith and I worked together in the Dallas District Attorney's Office. He was one of the best prosecutors in the office and has a good reputation in the legal community as a hard-working and knowledgeable attorney."

Nancy Elizabeth Ohan headshot
Nancy Ohan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Taylor Scott Ferguson headshot
Taylor Ferguson

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Clayton has experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney which ensures he knows the law and is effective in the courtroom."

View All Endorsements
James Ralph Aulbaugh III headshot
James Aulbaugh

Criminal defense lawyer

Roberto Cañas headshot
Roberto Cañas

Criminal defense lawyer

Craig William Stango headshot
Craig Stango

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Duncan Ashworth headshot
Thomas Ashworth

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Poe headshot
Brian Poe

Criminal defense lawyer

Lisa Fox headshot
Lisa Fox

Criminal defense lawyer

Eric Puente headshot
Eric Puente

Immigration lawyer

Ryan Joseph King headshot
Ryan King

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Allen Lewis headshot
Daniel Lewis

Criminal defense lawyer

Martin L. LeNoir headshot
Martin LeNoir

Criminal defense lawyer

Meredith Suzanne Behgooy headshot
Meredith Behgooy

Criminal defense lawyer

Margaret Angolo Ongele headshot
Margaret Ongele

Immigration lawyer

Kelly Elaine Mcmahan headshot
Kelly Mcmahan

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Greggory Michael Gallian headshot
Greggory Gallian

Criminal defense lawyer

Bret W. Schmidt headshot
Bret Schmidt

Criminal defense lawyer

Amanda Kay Branan headshot
Amanda Branan

Criminal defense lawyer

John M. Gioffredi headshot
John Gioffredi

DUI and DWI lawyer

Stephen Anthony Nicholas headshot
Stephen Nicholas

Criminal defense lawyer

Kathryn Mary Holton headshot
Kathryn Holton

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark Hendrickson headshot
Mark Hendrickson

Juvenile law lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2021

Best Criminal Defense Lawyer, D Magazine

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Top 100, The National Trial Lawyers

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Owner, Law Office of Clayton Smith

2009 - 2014

Assistant District Attorney, Dallas County District Attorney

2008 - 2009

Assistant County Attorney, Hunt County Attorney's Office

Associations

2014 - Present

Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2014 - Present

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

Education

2008

Texas Wesleyan University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

University of Texas

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Top Contributor

Clayton earned significant contribution points in 2021.

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 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