Earl Dobson grew up in Austin, Texas and graduated from Reagan High School in 1986. With the goal of a career in criminal law, Earl attended Southwest Texas State University and earned a degree in Criminal Justice. He then chose to attend Baylor University Law School because of its reputation for training trial lawyers through its renowned practice court program and received his Juris Doctorate in 1993. During law school Earl completed an internship with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office and worked as a law clerk for Joe Turner, a well known Austin criminal defense attorney. These experiences allowed him to see both sides of criminal law.
In order to gain extensive trial experience, Earl decided to seek employment in a district attorney’s office. His first job was with the 81st Judicial District Narcotics Task Force where he was recognized by fellow employees for his work in narcotics prosecution and asset seizure and forfeiture.
He then spent the next 12 years with the Denton County District Attorney’s Office as a Chief Felony Prosecutor with trial experience in all Denton County District courts. Other positions in the office include the Chief in the Intoxication Impact Court with emphasis on substance abuse related offenses such as DWI, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of a Controlled Substance, and the Vice/Obscenity Prosecutor where he dealt with sexually related offenses. He was the trial prosecutor in Carmell vs. Texas, a published opinion by the United States Supreme Court. Earl was also the lead trial prosecutor in the last death penalty case in Denton County. The case involved mental health and family violence issues and resulted in a guilty verdict and a sentence of death.
Throughout his legal career Earl has earned a number of professional achievements. He is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Denton County Bar Association, is a former President of the Greater Denton County Young Lawyers Association, and in 2001 was appointed to the Texas District and County Attorney’s Association legislative committee which included offering advice and testimony in Austin during the legislative session regarding important criminal justice issues.
In his spare time Earl was a volunteer 7-8 year old Little League football coach for the Lewisville Football Association. He is a lifelong Texas Longhorn football fan. He is also a strong supporter of 2nd Amendment rights and an avid hunter.
Earl and his wife Michelle live in Pilot Point with their two dogs Adalida and Hemi.
Practice Areas: Criminal Law; Driving While Intoxicated; Felonies; Misdemeanors; Drug Crimes; Parole and Probation; White Collar Crime.
Admitted: 1993, Texas; U.S. District Court, Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas
Law School: Baylor University Law School, J.D., 1993
College: Southwest Texas State University, B.S., Criminal Justice, 1990
Member: Denton County Bar Association (Board of Directors); Greater Denton County Young Lawyers Association (President); Texas District and County Attorney’s Association (Legislative Committee); Denton County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association; Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Biography: Attorney: Denton County District Attorney’s Office, 1994-2006; 81st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, 1993-1994; Law Office of Joseph Turner.
Practice areas
29 years, 600 cases
7 years
7 years
7 years
7 years
7 years
Languages spoken
English
Law Office of Earl Dobson
1415 N Locust St
Denton, TX, 76201-3039
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
TX | Eligible To Practice In Texas | 1993 | 02/17/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2015 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2014 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2013 |
Top Attorney's of Texas | Top Attorney's of Texas | 2013 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2012 |
Top Attorney's of Texas | Top Attorney's of Texas | 2012 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2011 |
Top Attorney's of Texas | Top Attorney's of Texas | 2011 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2007 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2005 |
Denton County | Employee of the Year | 1998 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Criminal Defense Attorney | Law Office of Earl Dobson | 2006 - Present |
Chief Felony Prosecutor | Denton County District Attorney's Office | 1994 - 2006 |
Narcotics prosecutor | 81st Judicial District Narcotics Task Force | 1993 - 1994 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Dallas County Bar Association | Board of Directors | N/A |
Greater Denton County Young Lawyers Association | President | N/A |
Texas District and County Attorney’s Association | Legislative Committee | N/A |
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | Active Member | N/A |
Denton County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | Member | N/A |
Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas | U.S. District Court | N/A |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Baylor University School of Law | Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.) | 1993 |
Texas State University-San Marcos | BS - Bachelor of Science | 1990 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Various misdemeanor, felony and federal cases |
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Paige McCormick, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 18, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Earl and I worked together at the DA's Office where he was a great prosecutor. Since leaving the DA's office, he has become an outstanding defense attorney!
Richard Hayes, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Earl Dobson had an outstanding career as a Felony Prosecutor in the District Attorney's office where he worked for many years. Since being in private practice, he has distinguished himself as one of the elite criminal defense attorneys in North Texas.
Paige McCormick, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 18, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Earl and I worked together at the DA's Office where he was a great prosecutor. Since leaving the DA's office, he has become an outstanding defense attorney!
Richard Hayes, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Earl Dobson had an outstanding career as a Felony Prosecutor in the District Attorney's office where he worked for many years. Since being in private practice, he has distinguished himself as one of the elite criminal defense attorneys in North Texas.
Hugh Coleman, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 22, 2015
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Dobson is a superior trial attorney and an expert in criminal defense. His work with the Denton DA's office was exemplary.
Michael Uhl, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 22, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Lawyers often ask, "who is the go to lawyer in [name the town]." Earl is the "go to guy" in Denton and Cooke counties (and other northern Texas counties. I've worked with him on state and federal cases and I've sent him business in Denton and Cooke counties. He's worked miracles. He can try a case and he can work a case out, if it's called for. I've also worked with him on cases in the Northern and Eastern District of Texas. He can handle any kind of case. Great lawyer.
Jeffrey Hines, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 5, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Earl is well-respected by the bench and bar. He's the lawyer I would call if I were ever in need of a criminal defense attorney. He quietly gets the job done for his client, whether it is a good plea bargain or a jury trial. I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 12, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Earl. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Kimberly Shanklin, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 25, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.