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

27 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (27) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 21 - 25 of 27 reviews

Posted by Wade | October 25, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

There with me every step of the way!!

Mike Howard and his incredible law firm was just that... “there for me every step of the way” They were professional, punctual, and very well respected all over North Texas. With his help I was just released nearly 2 yrs early from both Dallas and Collin Co probation. On top of that he was also able ...to get a felony dropped to a misdemeanor in Denton Co. I can not thank them enough. I highly recommend them in any situation. Mike brought clarity and fairness to a very serious and often misunderstood system. So call the law office of Mike Howard I personally promise you will not regret it! Thanks for everything!

Michael Howard

Replied last February 04, 2026

Thank you. We definitely strive to be there every step of the way for our clients. It definitely makes everything much easier for them.

Posted by Mr Morado | August 03, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

FELONY! 1ST DEGREE DROPPED TO A CLASS A MIS AND 7 CS CHARGES ENDED UP WITH A YR PROBATION

Mike is a lawyer like no other he was court appointed to me and I have never in my life seen or heard of a court appointed lawyer work or care about someone’s case like he cared about mine. Mike got my 1st degree felony dropped to a class a misdemeanor this man was sent from god because at the time I... did not have the funds to afford a attorney nor a attorney of mikes caliber he cared when nobody else did they wanted to give me TDC I got a yr probation. Mike i can never thank you enough you saved my life and if I ever get rich I will donate to your charity or have you go back and add the fees up of what you would have charged for my case and pay you double of whatever that is. If you are really innocent or being charged with the wrong charges mike won’t stop until the right Justice is served... AGG ASSULT W DEADLY WEAPON DROPPED TO A THREAT WITH DEFFERED PROBATION MIKE I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW I COMPLETED PROBATION WAS LET OF EARLY FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR AND THANK YOU BROTHER NOT TO MANY LAWYERS LIKE YOU IN THIS WORLD AND YOU DID THIS FOR ME AS A COURT APPOINTED I NEVER PLAN ON GETTING IN TROUBLE AGAIN BUT FOR ANYBODY WHO IS IN SOME DEEP STUFF MIKE HOWARD IS WORTH EVERY THOUSAND YOU HAVE TO SPEND THANK YOU MIKE HOWARD YOU GAVE ME A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE AND IM PROUD TO SAY IVE DID A COMPLETE 180 SOMETIMES IN LIFE IT TAKES A MAN LIKE MIKE FOR YOU TO APPRECIATE LIFE AND GOD BECAUSE GOD KNEW I NEEDED MIKE AND HE APPOINTED HIM TO ME NOT THE COURTS ~MR. MORADO~

Michael Howard

Replied last February 04, 2026

Wow, thank you so much for such incredibly high praise. It was an honor to help you get such a wonderful outcome and a second chance.

Posted by Patrick | December 29, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Got my Felony reduced to a misdemeanor!!!!!

This man saved my life!! I don't even want to think about what my future would have been like with a felony on my record and thanks to Mr. Howard I don't have too. This man is brilliant and if your looking for a top notch defense attorney I would recommend Mike Howard. I hope I never need an attorne...y again but if I do I have Mr. Howard on speed dial. Real talk!! Best decision you will ever make I guarantee you that!!

Michael Howard

Replied last February 04, 2026

Thank you! We fight to get our clients the best result possible in their situation. We understand that avoiding a felony record is so incredibly important.

Posted by Luz | December 22, 2011

Hire him NOW!!!

I have to say that Mike is one of the best attorneys I have come in contact with. He spent over two hours explaining the legal process regarding my husbands case. Although I could not afford to hire him, I felt that if I had the resources I would hire him in a heart beat. He is kind, very knowledgeab...le and his secretary follows up as promised. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't had that FREE initial consultation with me. His advice sure helped me get some peace of mind and much needed sleep. He is awesome, and I felt the need to make it known. It is the least I can do after he spent so much of his time helping me. I am a real person and no one paid me to say this, if you have any further questions feel free to e-mail me @ [email protected].

Michael Howard

Replied last February 04, 2026

Thank you so much. I strive to treat everyone the way I would want to be treated if I were in their shoes. A complete and thorough understanding of the case and options is so important.

Posted by anonymous | June 02, 2011 | Criminal Defense

Mike Howard has always treated me right

I had 1 felony and 2 misdemeanors. I was referred to Mike Howard by a friend who knew a lawyer that knew him. If I were to list off everything he did right I would have to write a book. This man is young, respectable, treated my right while walking that thin line between his client and the law. Speci...fically he got my felony dropped and 1 of the misdemeanors, and a plea for 9 months probation. If I ever need legal help again there is no question who I am calling.

Michael Howard

Replied last February 04, 2026

I'm not so young anymore! Thank you for such high praise.

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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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