Today we’d like to introduce you to David Payma.
Hi David, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started out wanting to be a really good criminal defense lawyer. Early in my career, I saw how overwhelming the system can be for people who’ve never been in trouble before. One moment you’re living your life, and the next you’re facing court dates, bond conditions, and decisions that can affect your future.
As I gained experience, especially practicing regularly in Collin County, I realized how much local knowledge matters. The same charge can play out very differently depending on the county, the courtroom, and the people involved. Being in these courts week after week taught me that preparation and familiarity with the system aren’t just helpful, but critical.
Texas Defenders grew out of that realization.
The idea was to build a firm that combined strong legal strategy with real accessibility for clients. We wanted to be the firm that actually answers the phone, explains what’s happening, and shows up prepared.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road. And honestly, I don’t think it should be. One of the biggest challenges early on was learning how to balance being a good lawyer. When you care deeply about your clients, it’s easy to take everything on yourself. Over time, I had to learn how to build systems, trust the people around me, and grow in a way that didn’t sacrifice the quality of representation.
There’s also the reality of representing people during very stressful moments in their lives. Criminal defense is demanding. You’re dealing with fear, uncertainty, and high stakes on a daily basis. Learning how to carry that responsibility without burning out has been a big part of the journey. But those challenges shaped the firm. They’re the reason Texas Defenders is intentional about preparation, communication, and local experience. The road wasn’t always easy, but it made us better and it made us more grounded in why we do this work.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Texas Defenders is a criminal defense firm focused on representing people when the stakes are high and the process feels overwhelming. We handle a wide range of criminal cases — including DWI, drug offenses, assault cases, gun charges, theft, and probation-related matters.
What really defines us is our focus and our preparation. We’re in court every week, which means we understand how cases actually move — not just in theory, but in practice. While we also represent clients in Collin County, Dallas County, Tarrant County, Denton County, Ellis County, Rockwall County, and Kaufman County, the emphasis of our practice is based on the type of knowledge and experience that makes a meaningful difference in outcomes.
We’re known for being prepared, accessible, and strategic. Clients don’t feel like they’re in the dark because we explain the process, we return calls, and we take the time to build a defense plan that fits the individual case. From challenging evidence to negotiating intelligently or litigating when necessary, we’re very intentional about every step we take.
What sets Texas Defenders apart is that we don’t treat cases as interchangeable. Every charge has long-term consequences, and we approach each case with that in mind. Our strategies are built around the facts, the law, and the specific courtroom where the case is pending.
We’ve built Texas Defenders on consistency, showing up prepared, treating clients with respect, and being honest about expectations. I want readers to know that our firm is serious about defense work, serious about local experience, and serious about standing between our clients and the full weight of the criminal justice system.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are a few different ways people can work with or collaborate with us.
First and foremost, we represent individuals and families who need criminal defense. If someone is facing charges or has questions early in the process, reaching out sooner rather than later allows us to step in, explain options, and start protecting their rights right away.
Beyond casework, we support and engage with the community by helping people better understand the legal system. A lot of fear comes from not knowing what to expect, and we see education as part of our role.
For anyone looking to work with Texas Defenders, the common thread is trust, communication, and a shared respect for the process. Whether someone is a client, a referral partner, or a collaborator, we approach every relationship with the same level of care and professionalism.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.texasdefenders.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/txdefenders/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasCriminalDefenseLawyers
- Twitter: https://x.com/texasdefenders
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasDefenders
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/texas-defenders-dallas?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
- Other: https://www.texasdefenders.com/historic-home-of-texas-defenders
