Douglas E. Huff is a Texas criminal defense attorney and Partner and Chief of the Criminal Division at Deandra Grant Law (DGL), where he oversees the firm’s criminal defense practice statewide. Licensed in Texas and Oklahoma, he holds a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, an MBA from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a B.B.A. from St. Edward’s University, and has earned the American Chemical Society’s ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation. A U.S. Army veteran and former Dallas County public defender who has tried cases from misdemeanor offenses to capital murder, he has completed the NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and Drug Recognition Expert courses and is a published author in The Voice for the Defense and Attorney at Law Magazine. Huff served as President of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association in 2023, is founding President of the Dallas Criminal Defense Bar, and sits on the Board of Directors of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA).

Meet Douglas

The Catcher in the Rye

There’s a passage in a book I read a long time ago that changed my life. Holden Caulfield is talking about standing at the edge of a cliff, watching thousands of kids running through a field of rye. They’re not paying attention. They don’t see the edge. And all he wants to do is catch them before they go over.

That image has stayed with me for decades. It’s why I became a criminal defense attorney.

Because here’s what I know after more than a decade of trying cases across Texas, from misdemeanor thefts to capital murder: most of the people who walk into my office aren’t bad people. They’re people who were running through the field and didn’t see the edge. A DWI arrest. A drug charge. An accusation that came out of nowhere. And now they’re falling—and they need someone to catch them.

That’s what I do. Every single day.

 

Steel Country

I was born in Warren, Ohio, and raised in the Appalachian hill country of southwestern Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. My family has lived in that area for generations—farmers, coal miners, steel workers. Hard people who did hard work and didn’t complain about it.

I was a proud Mount Pleasant Viking, attending Mount Pleasant Area Junior–Senior High School. If you know anything about small-town western Pennsylvania, you know it’s the kind of place where you learn to work with your hands, look people in the eye, and keep your word. Those aren’t things I read in a self-help book. They’re in my blood.

After high school, I didn’t go straight to college. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do yet—but I knew I wanted to serve. So I enlisted in the United States Army.

 

A Soldier First

I served four years in the U.S. Army. During that time, I was awarded the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. My last duty station brought me to Texas—Fort Hood, now known as Fort Cavazos—and I received an honorable discharge after completing my full term of service.

The military taught me things that no law school ever could. Discipline. Preparation. The understanding that when it’s time to execute, you don’t get a second chance to be ready. That’s how I approach every case I take: prepare like your life depends on it, because for my client, it does.

After the Army, I relocated to Austin. I wasn’t done building my career—I was just getting started.

 

The Road That Made Me Different

My path to the courtroom wasn’t a straight line. And honestly, that’s one of the best things about me as your attorney.

After the Army, I spent years working in business sales for major technology companies—Dell Computers, XO Communications, Time Warner—while earning my undergraduate degree at St. Edward’s University in Austin. Go Hilltoppers.

Then I went to law school at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. I also completed my MBA through the Florida Institute of Technology, because I wanted to understand not just how law works, but how the business of justice works.

Here’s why that matters for you: I’ve lived in the real world. I’ve had jobs. I’ve worked for companies. I’ve managed budgets and sold products and dealt with people from every walk of life. When you sit across from me and tell me you’re worried about how a DWI is going to affect your career, your security clearance, your ability to provide for your family—I don’t just understand the legal implications. I understand the human ones. Because I’ve been out there.

My first DWI case came during law school, in the criminal defense clinic at the University of Texas School of Law. From that very first case, I knew this was what I was meant to do.

 

From Public Defender to Partner

After law school, I worked at Barbri—the organization that helps law students prepare for and pass state bar exams. During that time, I didn’t just pass the Texas Bar. I sat and passed the Oklahoma Bar, too.

Then I opened my own practice: The Law Office of Douglas E. Huff in Dallas. I represented clients charged with everything from misdemeanors to felonies. I learned how to run a case, manage a docket, and fight for people who had nowhere else to turn.

In 2013, I made a decision that surprised a lot of people. I closed my private practice and accepted a position with the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office. Why would a practicing attorney take a pay cut to go work as a public defender? Because I wanted to be in the courtroom. Every day. Trying cases. I served as lead attorney in dozens of DWI trials and other misdemeanor cases. I ran evidentiary hearings, handled felony trials, and fought for clients who couldn’t afford to hire anyone.

That experience sharpened me into the trial attorney I am today.

In 2016, I joined Deandra Grant Law. In 2021, I became a partner. Today, I serve as Partner and Chief of the Criminal Division, overseeing the firm’s criminal defense practice across the state of Texas. I’ve tried cases from misdemeanor thefts to murder—and I bring the same preparation and intensity to every single one.

 

I Don’t Just Fight the Evidence. I Understand It.

One of the things that sets Deandra Grant Law apart—and one of the things that sets me apart—is our commitment to understanding the science behind DWI cases, not just the law.

I earned the Lawyer-Scientist designation from the American Chemical Society after completing intensive coursework at Axion Labs in Chicago in Forensic Chromatography, Forensic Drug Analysis, and Forensic Driving Under the Influence of Drugs. This is the same training that certifies competence in the forensic science used to convict people of DWI.

I’ve also completed the NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) student course—the same program police officers complete to learn how to evaluate drivers during traffic stops. And I’ve completed the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) course—the advanced program that trains officers to identify drug impairment.

Why does this matter? Because when I review the evidence in your case, I’m not guessing. I’m reading the same chromatograms the lab analyst read. I know what the officer was supposed to do during your field sobriety test—and I know when they didn’t do it. I know what a properly collected blood sample looks like—and I know when something went wrong.

“Most defense attorneys argue the law. I argue the science. And when the science is wrong, I can prove it.”

 

Writing the Playbook

I don’t just practice criminal defense. I write about it and teach it.

My articles have been published in Voice for the Defense—the journal of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association—and in Attorney at Law Magazine. My published works include:

“Intoxication Case Law Update” — State Bar of Texas Advanced Criminal Law Course (2023, co-authored with Kevin Sheneberger)

“The Do’s and Don’ts of DWI Deferred” — Voice for the Defense, TCDLA (2023)

“Texas DWI Superfines” — Attorney at Law Magazine (2022)

“Transportation Code 709.001 DWI Superfines” — Voice for the Defense, TCDLA (2021)

“Operation in Texas DWI Cases” — co-authored with Kevin Sheneberger

I also lecture nationally and throughout Texas on criminal defense strategy and trial tactics. At the firm’s annual Dog Days of Summer Advanced Criminal Law Seminar, I’ve presented on topics including punishment ranges, sentence enhancements, and the critical first client meeting.

When I walk into a courtroom, I’m not just a defense attorney. I’m someone the legal community recognizes as a scholar and educator in this field.

 

Leading the Defense Bar

In 2023, I was elected President of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association—one of the most respected criminal defense organizations in the state. That’s not a title you campaign for. It’s a recognition from your peers that you’ve earned their trust and respect.

In 2026 I helped launch the Dallas Criminal Defense Bar where I now serve as President. I’m still an active member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA), the DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA), and the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. These aren’t lines on a resume. They’re communities where I learn, teach, and push to make the criminal justice system work the way it’s supposed to.

I tell you this for one reason: when I stand up in a Dallas County courtroom on your behalf, the prosecutors and judges in that building know exactly who I am.

 

Outside the Courtroom

I’m married to my wife, Monique, who is herself a lawyer and a judge. When people ask how we talk about work at the dinner table, the answer is: carefully.

We have a rescue dog named Athena—she’s an Australian Cattle Dog mix, weighs about 60 pounds, and is absolutely convinced she’s a lap dog. She’s eight years old and runs this household.

When I’m not preparing for trial, I love to travel. I’ve been to countries across Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. One of my favorite experiences was walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain—hundreds of miles on foot, one step at a time. There’s a lesson in that about how you get through hard things. It was of such significance to me that I went back and walked it again – this time from Portugal.

I’m an avid poker player—you’ll find me in tournaments around the country—and I love live music. My first concert was Mötley Crüe, and I haven’t stopped going since. I seek out the most unusual events I can find, from circuses to wrestling matches, because life is too short to be ordinary.

And I’m always reading. Usually three books at a time. My favorite is still The Catcher in the Rye. It’s where this all started.

 

If You Need Someone in Your Corner

I didn’t take the easy road to get here. I served my country. I worked in the real world. I went to law school as a nontraditional student. I was a public defender. I opened my own practice. I joined one of the most respected criminal defense firms in Texas and earned my way to partner.

Every step of that journey taught me something that makes me a better advocate for you today.

If you’re reading this because you’ve been charged with a crime—whether it’s a DWI, a drug offense, an assault charge, or something far more serious—I want you to know something: you are not defined by this moment.

I’ve spent my career standing at the edge of that cliff, catching people before they go over. Let me do the same for you.

Education

  • MBA - Master of Business Administration — Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL, 2013
  • JD - Juris Doctor — St. Marys University School of Law San Antonio, TX, 2010
  • BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration — St. Edward's University Austin, TX, 2006
  • Criminal Defense Clinic — University of Texas School of Law Austin, TX

Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of Texas 2011

Honors & Recognition

Rising Star, Dallas' Best Criminal Defense Lawyers2017
Top 15 Defense Attorney for Misdemeanor, Dallas' Best Criminal Defense Lawyers2017

Professional Organizations & Memberships

National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember (2021 - Present)
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember (2016 - Present)
Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationBoard Member, Officer (2012 - 2024) · President (2023 - 2024)
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationBoard Member (2016 - Present)
Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember (2016 - Present)
Dallas County Bar AssociationMember
State Bar of TexasMember
Texas State Bar CollegeMember
Dallas Criminal Defense BarFounding Member, President

Publications

Published Articles

Operation in Texas DWI Cases (with Kevin Sheneberger)The Voice for the Defense, TCDLA, 2024
“The Do’s and Don’ts of DWI Deferred”, The Voice for the Defense, TCDLA (2023)
Texas DWI SuperfinesAttorney at Law Magazine, 2022

Presentations

  • UNT Dallas College of Law Criminal Law Association, “Practical Opening Statements”, March 2025, Dallas, TX
  • DGL’s Dog Days of Summer Advanced Criminal Law Seminar, “Punishment Ranges & Enhancements” & “Initial Client Meetings”, June 2024, Pottsboro, TX
  • 49th Annual Advanced Criminal Law, “Intoxication Case Law Update”, 2023
  • 2022 Austin Fall Seminar, “Dis is Da Bidness of Law: Ethical Client Intake”, 2022
  • 2022 Austin Fall Seminar, “Aggressive Negotiations”, 2022
  • 2020 Best in the Midwest DUI Defense Seminar, “DWI Marijuana Cases”, 2020
  • West Texas DWI Symposium, “Defending Challenging DWI Fact Patterns”, 2019
  • 6th Annual Lonestar DWI, “DWI: Marijuana Cases”, 2019

Practice Areas

Douglas's primary areas of defense.

DWI

DWI

Deandra Grant Law provides science-driven defense for every Texas DWI charge, from a first offense to felony DWI.

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Client Reviews

What clients say about working with Douglas.

★★★★★

The Dream Team is one of many ways to describe this great group of attorneys, paralegals, and office staff. Doug Huff & Jada Fairley - simply amazing attorneys! Truly the best of the best! They have worked wonders for my husband Harlan G. Cheryl Currie- she’s everything! prompt responses, very knowledgeable and really goes above and beyond. Ms.Elena- such a pleasant person, kind and very responsive as well. I couldn’t have chosen a better law group to help us. You guys Rock and are truly heaven sent. God bless you all -

Ashley DixonDenton County
★★★★★

My son was facing possible prison prison time, I was afraid. But by the Grace of God I found Deandra Law Firm where Doug and Jada both worked awesome deals for my son in both counties he was facing..no prison. Thank you for being team Vick for us

Karen VickAvoided Prison • Collin County
★★★★★

Douglas Huff is The Only Call You Need to Make. When our family was faced with a complex and daunting DWI case, we were completely overwhelmed. We made one call, and thankfully, it was the right one. Douglas Huff was our first and last call, and he stood by us with unwavering dedication for two incredibly difficult years. To say he is the "best lawyer ever" feels like an understatement. Mr. Huff's in-depth knowledge of DWI law is encyclopedic. He demonstrated exceptional investigative and research abilities, uncovering details and nuances we never would have found on our own. What truly sets Douglas Huff apart is his quick and strategic thinking; he was always several steps ahead, anticipating the prosecution's moves and preparing brilliant counter-strategies. Throughout the lengthy process, Mr. Huff's professionalism was impeccable. He is a master of his craft, possessing strong negotiation skills that were evident from the start and a commanding courtroom presence that inspires confidence. He managed our complicated case with a level of skill and precision that was truly remarkable. Beyond his legal expertise, Douglas Huff showed genuine compassion and a true commitment to us as clients. He was always objective and honest, setting realistic expectations while simultaneously fighting for the best possible outcome. His communication was excellent; he kept us informed, explained complex legal jargon in a way we could understand, and was always available to answer our questions. Most importantly, Mr. Huff showed a profound dedication to minimizing the long-term impacts of this case on our family's future. His efforts went beyond just the legal proceedings; he cared about the outcome on a human level. If you are in a difficult situation and need a DWI attorney, look no further than Douglas Huff. He is, without a doubt, the absolute best.

Sam JonesCollin County
★★★★★

Doug and Cheryl are hands down amazing! We’re by my side for everything!

Kimberly CollinsDenton County
★★★★★

Kevin Sheneberger, Doug Huff, Cheryl Currie and the entire staff at Deandra Grant Law are the absolute best! I do not know what I would have done without your compassionate, respectful and expert service. I will be Ever-Grateful !! William D.

William DickersonCollin County
★★★★★

Sorsha and Douglas Huff are fantastic duo. I can the thankful enough to you both in how you helped our families.

Neelofer KhanDenton County

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Online Solicitation of a Minor and Sex Offender Registration

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Use of Your Internet Search History in a Sex Crime Prosecution

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Office Locations

Deandra Grant Law locations where Douglas meets with and represents clients.

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