Michael Lai Howard
Dedicated legal representation centered around your needs.
I grew up in Dallas and have lived in Texas all my life. Most people say they go to law school to "make a difference," but I actually walked the walk. After graduating from SMU Dedman School of Law, I began my career at Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas fighting for Dallas's homeless population, standing up against slumlords, and businesses that take advantage of Dallas's most vulnerable citizens. From there I went to the Public Defender's Office where I represented people who couldn't afford an attorney who were facing criminal charges. During my time as an assistant public defender I rose through the ranks and handled all sorts of criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to the highest level felonies (including capital murder where the state seeks the death penalty). I left the PD's Office when I realized that the staggeringly large caseloads made it so that I didn't have the time to represent people the way I knew they deserved. I left the PD's Office and opened my own law firm so I could represent people my way. Recently, I've added a personal injury practice to my firm.
Above all, I strive to help my clients through difficult times with compassion and integrity. I believe in standing up for people and helping them navigate all that comes with being thrown into the legal system. I focus on my clients as individuals. Taking the time to understand not just the facts of their case, but who they are and what they need is important to me. I know the legal system can be intimidating. Therefore, I explain the process, their legal rights, and their options. Client communication is extremely important to me. My team and I do everything possible to quickly answer questions and return messages. Most importantly, I am willing to fight a case in court. My history of getting great results for clients is something I’m very proud of. When your lawyer has a reputation as someone willing to fight a case in court, it can make all the difference in the world.
- SMU Dedman School of Law
- J.D. (2004) | Law
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- Honors: Cum Laude
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- Texas Tech University - Texas Tech University
- B.A. (2001) | Humanities, History, Philosophy
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- Honors: Magne Cum Laude
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- National Crimianl Defense Lawyers Association
- Member
- - Current
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- Tarrant County Crimianl Defense Lawyers Association
- Member
- - Current
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- Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Member
- - Current
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- Texas
- State Bar of Texas
- ID Number: 24047384
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- Criminal Law
- Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
- Personal Injury
- Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
- English
What to Expect From the Process of Hiring a Criminal Lawyer
Here I talk about what you should be thinking about when you're looking to hire the right criminal defense lawyer.
What to Expect Out of the Criminal Justice Process in Texas
Here I walk you through what to expect out of the criminal justice process in state court in Dallas, Texas.
What Happens At Your First Court Setting
Often times people don't know what to expect at their first court setting. Here I talk about what you can expect at that first court setting and how you can prepare.
3 Important Rights You Have When Stopped By the Police
I discuss three important rights you should know when you're stopped by the police in Texas.
What to Expect When You're Facing a Criminal Charge
Here I discuss what to expect when you're facing a criminal charge.
How to Find the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer
Finding the right criminal defense lawyer can be difficult. What should you be looking for exactly? Here I walk you through some important things to think about and look for in a criminal defense lawyer.