Michael Joseph Hanson

Top rated Criminal Defense attorney in Houston, Texas

Varghese Summersett
Michael Joseph Hanson
Varghese Summersett

Practice areas: Criminal Defense, Military & Veterans Law; view more

Licensed in Texas since: 2015

Education: Texas Tech University School of Law

Selected to Rising Stars: 2025 - 2026

Varghese Summersett

2925 Briarpark Drive
Suite 850
Houston, TX 77042 Visit website
Details

A partner at Varghese Summersett, based in Houston, Texas, Michael Joseph Hanson represents clients in a wide range of criminal defense matters. His practice focuses on juvenile defense, veterans defense, state criminal defense, felonies, misdemeanors, violent offenses, animal cruelty cases, intoxication offenses, drug charges and property crimes. 

Dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals facing criminal allegations, Mr. Hanson provides strategic counsel and strong advocacy throughout every stage of the legal process. He is board-certified in juvenile law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in 2025, reflecting his extensive knowledge and experience in this highly specialized area of practice.

Mr. Hanson earned his Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2014 after completing his bachelor’s degree at the same institution in 2011. His legal education established a strong foundation for addressing complex criminal matters and developing effective defense strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each client.

Since being admitted to practice in Texas in 2015, Mr. Hanson has built a reputation for providing diligent and client-focused representation. He carefully evaluates every aspect of a case, from reviewing evidence and challenging procedural issues to negotiating with prosecutors and advocating in court. Whether representing juveniles, veterans or adults charged with criminal offenses, he works to safeguard his clients' rights while pursuing favorable outcomes that align with their individual goals.

Active in the legal and professional community, Mr. Hanson is a member of the Texas Bar College, the Houston Young Lawyers Association, the Houston Bar Association and Lawyers Without Borders. He also is a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. His dedication to public service and leadership has earned him several honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal in 2022, as well as the Texas House of Representatives Service Award in 2021.

Practice areas

Criminal Defense, Military/Veterans Law

Focus areas

Drug & Alcohol Violations, Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Military & Veterans Law, Misdemeanor, Murder

  • 90% Criminal Defense
  • 10% Military/Veterans Law

First Admitted: 2015, Texas

Professional Webpage: https://versustexas.com/mike-hanson/

Bar / Professional Activity

  • Vice President and Director for District 21, Texas Young Lawyers Association, 2024
  • Texas Access to Justice Commission – Veterans Committee, 2024
  • Past President, Fort Bend Young Lawyers Association
  • Texas Bar College – Member
  • Houston Young Lawyers Association – Member
  • Houston Bar Association – Member
  • Lawyers Without Borders – Member

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

  • Tried more than 60 jury trials involving adult and juvenile misdemeanor and felony cases

Special Licenses / Certifications

  • Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2025

Pro bono / Community Service

  • Supports numerous nonprofit organizations through philanthropic efforts
  • Participated in the 2023 "Clean Water Climb," summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise funds for water-well repairs in Malawi
  • Educates the public on legal rights and criminal law issues through the @TexasDadLawyer TikTok channel

Educational Background

  • Texas Tech University School of Law – Juris Doctor, 2014
  • Texas Tech University – Bachelor of Arts in English and Communication, 2011
  • Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, 2021

Other Outstanding Achievements

  • Judge Advocate, United States Army Reserves, 2024–Present
  • Judge Advocate, Texas Army National Guard, 2020–2024
  • Deployed to Kuwait in 2022 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Spartan Shield)
  • One of approximately 70 attorneys in Texas Board Certified in Juvenile Law
  • One of only two actively practicing Board Certified Juvenile Law attorneys in Fort Bend County
  • Former Assistant District Attorney, Tarrant County
  • Former Assistant District Attorney, Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office
  • Former Division I football player at Texas Tech University
  • Served as a Captain in the Texas Army National Guard JAG Corps

Honors

  • Texas Bar Foundation – Fellow
  • Merit Award, Texas Young Lawyers Association, 2025
  • Award of Merit, Texas Young Lawyers Association, 2023–2024
  • Army Commendation Medal, 2022
  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, 2022
  • Armed Forces Reserve Medal, 2022
  • Texas House of Representatives Service Award, 2021

Office location for Michael Joseph Hanson

2925 Briarpark Drive
Suite 850
Houston, TX 77042

Phone: 817-720-0626

Selections

2 Years Rising Stars
  • Rising Stars: 2025 - 2026

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