Michael Lai Howard

Michael Lai Howard

also known as Mike Howard

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 21 years

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

3010 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1200, Dallas, TX

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

We represent people facing criminal charges in both state and federal courts in Dallas, Texas with compassion and integrity. We strive to understand our clients and treat them with the respect they deserve.

22 years | 3,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 21 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2004

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Mike Howard

3010 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1200, Dallas, TX, 75234

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Michael Lai Howard's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

28 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (28) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 28 reviews

Posted by John | May 04, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Prayers answered through Mike and his team

Absolutely incredible experience. My attorney went above and beyond in every way and got me a result better than I ever imagined possible. They were always available, explained everything clearly, and genuinely cared about my case. I’m beyond grateful and would recommend them to anyone without hesita...tion.

Posted by Johnny | April 27, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Mike Howard is Excellent!

I had a great experience working with Mr. Howard. He and his staff are incredibly respectful and made me feel supported throughout the entire process. They really went the extra mile, taking the time to explain everything clearly so I never felt lost. Communication was easy and stress-free. If you’re... looking for legal help, I’d highly recommend Mr. Howard and his team.

Posted by Brendan | April 23, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Highly Recommend

I’ve had the great pleasure to work with Mike and his team recently in securing a successful outcome. From the moment they were hired, I felt as if they explained the process, set proper expectations, and kept me informed along the way. They did a great job in communication and helped instill confid...ence that they were working in my best interest. I’d highly recommend Mike Howard and his team. I’d give them more stars if I could.

Posted by Quinn | April 04, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Felony Case Dismissed: The Best Defense in Dallas

I cannot recommend the Law Office of Mike Howard highly enough. A year ago, I was facing a serious felony charge. During our initial free consultation, Mr. Howard spent nearly two hours on the phone with my wife, listening intently and outlining a clear, objective strategy with both best- and worst-c...ase scenarios. Today, my case has been dismissed, and we have already begun the expungement process—the exact 'best-case outcome' he predicted a year ago. Working with Mike and his team was life-changing. He is a true expert who answers every legal question with 100% accuracy and depth. His communication is unmatched; his team made me feel genuinely cared for, and Mike even responded to urgent texts in the middle of the night during critical stages. He is incredibly well-connected and respected; every prosecutor I encountered told me, 'You have a very good lawyer.' It wasn't just luck that saved my future—it was Mike’s skill, hard work and dedication. If you are lucky enough to have him represent you, know that he will fight tirelessly for the best possible result. He truly changed my life.

Posted by anonymous | March 16, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Mike Howard is an Exceptional Attorney

Mike is a breath of fresh air in the very crowded space of criminal attorneys. I found Mike through an internet search when I was looking to have a couple of criminal cases non-disclosed. I liked what I saw on his website so I gave him a shot. Unlike other law firms I've dealt with, I spoke to M...ike, not an associate. He gave me his undivided attention, and then took time to explain how the process would work. I decided to hire Mike to represent me in this matter. The process unfolded exactly as Mike described. One of the cases met with initial prosecutor objection and Mike worked through it drawing on his considerable experience and relationships in Dallas County. Ultimately, both cases were non-disclosed, resulting in a 100% positive outcome for me. Why is Mike a breath of fresh air? He's accessible, and while I'm sure he's as busy as the next person, never made me feel like he was in a hurry, he's personable, genuine, clearly cares about a positive outcome for his clients, and has a tremendous amount of very valuable experience and relationships. I believe prosecutors respect Mike for these reasons and are willing to work with him, perhaps, more than others, to resolve cases. If you need a criminal defense attorney I think Mike should be your first call. I have no doubt you will get expert legal advice from a competent and caring attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Michael Lai Howard's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
John B. Elbert headshot
John Elbert

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is an excellent and dedicated attorney. He works tirelessly for his clients and has great results. I have no hesitation in endorsing him."

Ray L. Vela headshot
Ray Vela

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Mike Hoard for many years. Mike is a bright, hard working, honest lawyer. If you or a family member are in the need of a criminal defense lawyer, Mike is a great choice. I endorse this lawyer."

Melinda Joan Lehmann headshot
Melinda Lehmann

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike Howard has earned a reputation as an aggressive, prepared, and smart trial lawyer. Due to his reputation, courts trust him to defend individuals facing the most serious charges. Mike is truly a rising star at the courthouse."

Sarah Duncan headshot
Sarah Duncan

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is one of the smartest guys I know and a great lawyer. You couldn't ask for more in representation."

Saedra Ann Pinkerton headshot
Saedra Pinkerton

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Highly qualified, diligent and caring attorney."

Angela Teresa Pacheco headshot
Angela Pacheco

Criminal defense lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mike since our law school days and am continually impressed with his legal talents. He exhibits the perfect balance of intelligence, creativity, and passion for his work and clients. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney."

Ellen Daniel Williamson headshot
Ellen Williamson

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is an excellent attorney. He combines solid experience, strong legal knowledge, and genuine compassion for his clients. I've referred clients to Mike with confidence and if I ever found myself on the wrong side of the prison bars, Mike would surely be my one phone call."

Brook A. Busbee headshot
Brook Busbee

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Howard embodies all of the qualities one looks for in defense counsel, concern for his client, knowledge of the law, and respect of his opponent."

Clark Eugene Birdsall headshot
Clark Birdsall

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"Mike is the kind of lawyer I would have represent a family member: he is smart and has a big heart! And if that's not enough reason to hire him, he is also the kind of lawyer who gets good deals for his clients from the government and judges because he is well-liked and respected!"

Christian T. Souza headshot
Christian Souza

Criminal defense lawyer | May 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is one of the smartest and most focused lawyers I know. He also brings authenticity and creativity to his work. I recommended his services with confidence."

Bradley K. Lollar headshot
Bradley Lollar

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Mike for several years, and know him to be an enterprising and conscientious defender of his client's rights."

Alison Johnston Grinter headshot
Alison Grinter

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is one of the rare few criminal lawyers who is simultaneously a great aggressive courtroom lawyer, and a thoughtful and thorough researcher and writer. His work ethic and sincere dedication to his clients have earned him my respect time and time again. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to endorse Mike Howard."

Chad Austin West headshot
Chad West

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I cannot endorse my good friend and fellow criminal defense attorney, Mike Howard enough. Mike has been my mentor in the criminal defense arena for some time now, and he is an endless source of knowledge and a man of integrity. Mike works for each client, whether retained by that individual or appointed by the court, like the client is a relative. I have referred several clients to Mike, and they have all come back raving about the personal service and expert advocacy that he provides."

View All Endorsements
James Ralph Aulbaugh III headshot
James Aulbaugh

Criminal defense lawyer

Preston Lee Jones headshot
Preston Jones

Criminal defense lawyer

Amanda Kay Branan headshot
Amanda Branan

Criminal defense lawyer

Saedra Ann Pinkerton headshot
Saedra Pinkerton

Family lawyer

Melinda Joan Lehmann headshot
Melinda Lehmann

Criminal defense lawyer

Kenneth W. Braxton Jr. headshot
Kenneth Braxton

Health care lawyer

Angela Teresa Pacheco headshot
Angela Pacheco

Litigation lawyer

Anne Langdon Hamilton headshot
Anne Hamilton

Litigation lawyer

Christopher Scott Hamilton headshot
Christopher Hamilton

Litigation lawyer

Richard E. Anderson headshot
Richard Anderson

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Brook A. Busbee headshot
Brook Busbee

Criminal defense lawyer

Christian T. Souza headshot
Christian Souza

Appeals lawyer

Bradley K. Lollar headshot
Bradley Lollar

Criminal defense lawyer

Marianne Howland headshot
Marianne Howland

Family lawyer

Clark Eugene Birdsall headshot
Clark Birdsall

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven Vincent Walkowiak headshot
Steven Walkowiak

Litigation lawyer

Jason Dodd Cassady headshot
Jason Cassady

Business lawyer

Ada Elene Brown headshot
Ada Brown

Business lawyer

Chad Austin West headshot
Chad West

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Texas Super Lawyers 20219 - 2025, SuperLawyers

2025

Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Dallas (2016 - 2025), D Magazine

2015

Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2015

Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Client Satisfaction - 10 Best Under 40, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2014

Superb Rating, Top Attorney Criminal Defense, Avvo

Work Experience

2009 - Present

Attorney, The Law Office of Mike Howard

2008 - 2009

Attorney, Howard & Woodruff, LLC

2005 - 2008

Assistant Public Defender, Dallas County Public Defender's Office

2004 - 2005

Staff Attorney, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas

Associations

2010 - Present

Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

member

2006 - Present

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2006 - Present

Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

member

2005 - 2009

American Civil Liberties Union of Texas

Dallas Chapter President

Sample of Legal Cases

State of Texas vs. Deyon Davis

No-Bill (finding of no probable cause) by the grand jury

State of Texas vs. Mossie Bonds

Dismissed

State of Texas vs. Lenward Goree, Jr.

Not Guilty

State of Texas vs. Jonas Littrell

Not Guilty

State of Texas vs. Prentice McKinney

Not Guilty

State of Texas vs. Newland Peoples

Dismissed after motion to suppress granted

See More Legal Cases

Education

2004

Southern Methodist University

Speaking Engagements

2026

SMU Dedman School of Law - Adjunct Law Professor

Jury Selection

2025

Stand Your Ground Self-Defense Law in Texas

2025

Know Your Rights: Criminal and Immigration Law

Your Constitutional Rights

2025

Entrepreneurial Community Lawyering

Building a Law Practice

2025

Criminal Defense Trial Skills Jury Selection

2024

What Rights Does My Client Have During/After An Arrest?

Criminal Law for the Civil Attorney

2024

A Client-Centered Approach to Representation

A Client-Centered Approach to Representation

2023

Lonestar Ethics CLE 2023

Ethical Concerns Representing Clients in High Stakes Cases

2023

20th Annual Criminal Defense Trial Skills & Trial Law Program Jury Selection

2019

Mastering Reasonable Doubt in Trial: Jury Selection, Opening, Direct, Cross, Closing

Advanced Criminal Defense Trial Skills

2018

Jolly Roger

Reasonable Doubt

2014

First Thursday CLE

Utilizing Technology in Your Practice

2007

ACLU (Dallas Chapter) Know Your Rights Presentation

Know Your Rights

Publications

2025

Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association) Reclaiming the Power of Reasonable Doubt

Languages

English

Spanish

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
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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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