David MedinaThe wrong criminal defense can turn a bad situation into a nightmare. We’ve heard everything from public defenders who barely knew their clients’ names to attorneys missing a key court date.
After seeing how quickly things can go south with the wrong legal help, we decided to help. We dug through forums, talked to some locals, and verified credentials and records to find the best criminal defense lawyers in El Paso
If you ever find yourself in need of legal help, here are the criminal defense lawyers that stood out during our search.
How much do criminal defense lawyers charge in El Paso?
Expect to spend at least $2,500 on a criminal defense lawyer in El Paso. This is just an estimate. The actual price is dependent on the lawyer’s pricing model and fees.
1. Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, PLLC
Address: 1141 E Rio Grande Ave
Contact Details: +19155451616
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Ruben Ortiz keeps his rates within reach. Plus, the free consultations are a real relief for those who are already stressed about money on top of a tough legal case.
One of his clients we spoke to was staring down a felony DWI. Ortiz managed to get the charge reduced and even set up a payment plan, which took much of the pressure off.
We like that he takes a hands-on approach and leaves his clients feeling heard. He combines decades of experience with a relentless drive to get charges dismissed, whether it’s a DWI or a serious federal case.
He also has an impressive track record of handling a wide range of cases, from bulldozer accidents to chemical exposure and dog bite cases.
One family we talked to had a son facing a complicated drug charge. Ortiz walked them through every step, making sure they understood their options and never felt left in the dark.
The only catch? Ortiz is in demand, so snagging a last-minute appointment with him isn’t easy.
He is the best lawyer in El Paso by far
“Mr. Ortiz was a blessing for me. He was on top of everything and was always available when I needed questions answered. Because of Mr. Ortiz’s good work, I avoided jail time and also got my charges dropped. He is the best lawyer in El Paso by far…….If you need a good and honest lawyer stop by his office because im sure he will take the best care of you.”
– Javier Quintana, Google Reviews
Mr. Ortiz will find a way to help you and win
“Great service, fast and reliable. Even when all odds are agains you Mr. Ortiz will find a way to help you and win when no one else wants to take your case. If you dont want to waste your time he is the way to go”
– J V, Google Reviews
2. Dunham & Jones
Address: 221 N Kansas St Suite 1505
Contact Details:+19157777777
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Dunham & Jones takes a team approach and really puts effort into clearing records, not just winning cases. They focus on getting charges dropped or cases dismissed so their clients can actually move forward.
One person we spoke to had a domestic violence charge, and Dunham & Jones not only got the case thrown out but also helped them wipe the arrest from public records.
We like that their team includes former prosecutors and board-certified attorneys who know the system inside out.
Another client of theirs shared that their lawyer at Dunham & Jones handled a tough drug possession case and explained every step. Even better, the lawyers always picked up the phone when the client had questions.
We also like that Dunham & Jones make it easy for people to get help. One guy admitted that Dunham& Jones’ free consult and flexible payment plans made it less stressful to choose a defense lawyer for his DUI case.
The only thing a few people mentioned is that Dunham & Jones handles a lot of cases, so when things get busy, it can feel impersonal. One person told us they wished their lawyer had shown more personal interest in them, not just in getting the case dismissed.
Highly recommend this law firm
“I highly recommend this law firm for your untimely situations that can happen in life. From the moment of the initial meeting, handling of case work and quick responses by phone and email I am very happy with my results of handling by this firm. Speaking recently with William Clark and returning my call and not even being my attorney that represented me with case knowledge and quick answers and returning my call within an hour I would definitely say there is care for their clients. If you can’t call Saul I would definitely call Will.”
– Joseph Smith, Google Reviews
Emailed and texted me to inform me
“Nick Jackson handle my case, im very happy and satisfied with the results, nick took his time to call, emailed and texted me to inform me about any little specifications or changes and updates on my case , very open and understandable person, down to earth and nice man, i appreciate his time and the wonderful job he did for me on my case. Thanks !”
– Fitote Palacios, Google Reviews
Address: 1012 N Campbell St #1
Contact Details:+19159757180
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
At Nava Law, people get Alyssa Nava herself on their case. She’s a former prosecutor, so she knows exactly how the other side thinks. She’s handled everything from juvenile cases to expungements.
What stood out to us is that Alyssa isn’t just a fighter in court—she’s meticulous from the very first call.
One client facing a white-collar crime charge shared with us how Alyssa went through every detail and identified weak spots in the prosecution’s evidence. She laid out all their options in plain English, so it was easy for the client to understand.
We like how she makes sure her clients don’t feel left in the dark when things get stressful. We heard from a family whose teenager was facing a drug charge, and they said Alyssa was always there for late-night calls when they needed her.
The only catch is that, since Alyssa handles everything herself, it can take a while to reach her. Someone mentioned they had to call three times before she picked up.
Professional, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed
“Alyssa is an outstanding attorney! She fought hard for me and got my case dismissed. She was professional, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed throughout the entire process. I truly appreciate her dedication and highly recommend her to anyone who needs a strong and reliable lawyer.”
– Pedro Bedoy, Google Reviews
Fast, efficient, and got the job done
“She’s an excellent lawyer — fast, efficient, and got the job done in no time. I really appreciate how smooth and stress-free she made the whole process. Highly recommend! Definitely keeping her info for any future issues.”
– Tiffany Ponce, Google Reviews
4. Valenzuela Law Firm
Address: 701 Magoffin Ave
Contact Details:+19152923173
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Valenzuela Law Firm is the place other lawyers call when a case gets too technical or messy. Their caseload runs the gamut from homicide to health care fraud.
They’re especially known for taking on the kind of federal cases that come loaded with digital evidence—think GPS logs or a mountain of social media posts.
Their lawyers have a deep understanding of technology, so they can easily interpret and contest digital evidence.
One client we spoke to had their assets seized by the government, and Felix Valenzuela’s team caught a mistake in how the government handled the data. This led to the client’s property being returned.
We like that Felix himself doesn’t just stay behind the scenes. He’ll sit down with his clients and walk them through the technical stuff, so nothing gets misunderstood.
The only catch? Because they focus on big, high-profile cases, smaller state charges might not get as much attention.
For those with a case on the lower end of the criminal defense spectrum, it’s worth asking about their availability before choosing them.
Great lawyer did his due diligenc
“I was charged with murder. Felix Valenzuela got my case dismissed before it ever saw trial. The state declined prosecution because a great lawyer did his due diligence. I’d call this man again 100x over. Other law firms in the area can not compare. A man of his word who works with a very knowledgeable staff. This was not my experience at other law firms. Felix Valenzuela does not waste time. This man relies on an ivy league education and an in depth knowledge of the law to get the job done. Pick up the phone and call their office immediately if you have any legal trouble.”
– Darian Hunter, Google Reviews
Would recommend him for any criminal case
“This attorney is very kind and helpful. He listens to my needs and helped my with great council. I would recommend him for any criminal case that may present it’s self for you or your family. Also his staff is very courteous and respectful. They respons very quickly to your calls and are attentive.”
– Jess Najera, Google Reviews
5. Benjamin Law Firm
Address: 1013 E San Antonio Ave
Contact Details:+19153206730
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 5 PM
Benjamin Law Firm landed on our list for its military-style discipline and a track record that’s hard to ignore. Their win rate sits above 90 percent.
What stood out to us is how Brock Morgan Benjamin, their main defense lawyer, leans on his Army Ranger background.
He’s known for keeping his cool under high-stress circumstances. One of his clients, facing multiple felony charges, shared that he patiently explained things and mapped out a step-by-step defense plan for them.
His team has tackled everything from civil forfeiture abuse to violent crimes and white collar cases.
In one white-collar case, they defended a business owner accused of fraud. The team dug through the paperwork until they found the detail that turned the case around for their client.
The catch? Benjamin’s rates are higher than those of some other El Paso firms. So, those who are watching their budget might want to weigh the price against the results and expertise they’re getting here.
He is worth every penny
“Mr. Benjamin is an amazing attorney! He’s the real deal! I would highly recommend him and he is worth every penny. He is very respectable and very intelligent. On top of that, he treats you like family. I had a very long and difficult case and he never gave up and stayed determined until the last day. He used all of his resources to help me. Thank you to Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Bryan, Denise, and everyone in the office for everything you did! 5 out of 5 stars!”
– Jesus Santana, Google Reviews
Was very professional
“Brock Benjamin was very professional. Quick to respond to any questions and got the job done. He is very knowledgeable and his staff works hard for his clients.”
– Maxine Begay, Google Reviews
