Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI-DWI, White Collar Crimes
Licensed in Texas since: 1997
Education: Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2024 
Virtual Appointments Dean Watts, Attorney at Law
120 E Pilar StNacogdoches, TX 75961 Phone: 936-559-9288 Email: Dean Watts Visit website
Details
Mr. Watts has practiced criminal law in Nacogdoches, Texas, for over 26 years. He is Board Certified in Criminal Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is currently a committee member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, an organization he has been a member of for over 25 years. Dean has written numerous legal articles on criminal defense for The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Mr. Watts is a graduate of George Washington University in Washington, DC, Southern Methodist University School of Law in Dallas, Texas, and the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, Georgia.
First Admitted: 1997, Texas
Professional Webpage: https://deanwattslaw.com/
Educational Background:
- Graduate of the National Criminal Defense College- Macon Georgia, 1999
- Juris Doctor degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law, 1996
- Bachelor of Arts from The George Washington University in Washington, DC., 1992
White Papers:
- Brief in the 12th Court of Appeals of Texas, Tyler Division which clarified the deference to the trial court’s resolution of mixed questions of law and fact that rely on the credibility of the witnesses., The State of Texas vs. Lee Christopher Barrs, Criminal Law, 2017
Other Outstanding Achievements:
- Authored TCDLA Rural Practitioner Covid-19 Suggested Court Guidelines https://connect.tcdla.com/communities/community-home/digestviewer/viewthread?GroupId=151&MessageKey=a87cb56a-fe5a-4b45-9ac9-267cb7426f86&CommunityKey=6e025609-3ba5-4c4a-9f31-6b1fc94f7613&tab=digestviewer&ReturnUrl=%2fcommunities%2fcommunity-home%2fdigestviewer%3ftab%3ddigestviewer%26CommunityKey%3d6e025609-3ba5-4c4a-9f31-6b1fc94f7613, 2019
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- Re-certified from Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law., 2019
- Re-Certified in Criminal Law- Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2014
- Re-Certified in Criminal Law- Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2009
- Board Certified in Criminal Law- Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2004
Honors/Awards:
- Awarded TCDLA's President Award for outstanding service., President's Award, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Assocation, 2023
- Received Kudos for obtaining a dismissal for felony evading arrest with a vehicle based on the insanity defense. , October Voice for the Defense Kudos, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2022
- Received recognition for obtaining a dismissal on an assault on a public servant charge due to the Defendant's insanity., Voice for the Defense December Shout Out, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2022
- Recieved Kudos for winning appeal affirming trial court's granting of motion to suppress in Texas 12th District Court of Appeals., Voice for the Defense Kudos, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association publication, 2019
- Earned Perfect 10.00 Rating, Superb Attorney Rating, Avvo, 2020
- "Kudos to Dean Watts of Nacogdoches, who recently had an Assault Family Violence case dismissed by the state halfway through trial. D was forced to trial in the Class C case because a plea would lead to immigration problems. The prosecutor would not change or reduce the charge despite the fact that an affidavit of non-prosecution had been signed by D and the victim asked several times that the charges be dropped. As Dean notes: “At trial, the victim did not show up. Undeterred, the prosecutor tried to use only the police officer to convict the defendant. After I objected to the State trying to offer inadmissible hearsay statements and a videotape without the proper predicate being laid, the State finally dismissed the case mid trial.” Congrats, Dean, for a righteous win.", Voice for the Defense Kudos, http://www.voiceforthedefenseonline.com/story/shout-outs-30, 2019
- Received Kudos for winning an appeal overturning 40 year imprisonment conviction of Defendant for the offense of Retaliation in Texas 12th District Court of Appeals., Voice for the Defense Kudos, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association publication Voice for the Defense, 2018
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Lufkin High School Tennis Booster Club Member/Supporter., 2023
- Lufkin High School Tennis Booster Club Member/Supporter, 2022
- Nacogdoches High School Tennis Boosters Tennis League Coordinator, 2021
- Nacogdoches Community Free Tennis Program Stephen F. Austin University Volunteer, 2020
- Co-Founder, Nacogdoches Community Free Tennis Program at Stephen F. Austin State University, 2019
- Lufkin High School Tennis Booster Club Member/Supporter, 2018
- Lufkin High School Tennis Booster Club Member/Supporter, 2017
- Lufkin High School Tennis Booster Club Member/Supporter, 2016
- Lufkin High School Tennis Booster Club Member/Supporter, 2015
- Lufkin High School Tennis Booster Club Member/Supporter, 2014
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
- Dismissal- Misdemeanor Criminal Mischief, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2024
- Dismissal- Felony Theft, Shelby County, Texas, 2023
- Dismissal- Misdemeanor DWI, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2023
- Dismissal- Possession of Marijuana Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2023
- Dismissal- Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2023
- Dismissal- Misdemeanor DWI, Sabine County, Texas, 2023
- Dismissal-Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Insufficient Evidence)- Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2023
- Dismissal-Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, Panola County, Texas, 2023
- Dismissal-Misdemeanor A Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2023
- Dismissal - State Jail Felony Theft Due to Insufficient Evidence -Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2022
- Dismissal: Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance- Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2022
- Dismissal- Misdemeanor Resisting Arrest-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2022
- Dismissal- Misdemeanor Assault-Nacogdoches County, Texas , 2022
- Nolle Prosequi- Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana-San Augustine County, Texas, 2022
- Dismissal- Evading Arrest Due to legal finding of insanity- Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2022
- No Bill- Felony DWI- Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2022
- Dismissal- Second Degree Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance-Nacogdoches County, 2022
- Dismissal- Misdemeanor B Possession of Marijuana- Houston County, 2022
- No-Billed by the Grand Jury- Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2021
- Dismissal-Felony Harassment of a Public Servant due to Insufficient Evidence- Shelby County, Texas, 2021
- Dismissal-Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2021
- Dismissal-Felony DWI Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2021
- Dismissal-Failure to Register-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2021
- Dismissal-Felony Criminal Mischief-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2021
- Dismissal - Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance- Angelina County, Texas, 2021
- Dismissal in the Interest of Justice- Misdemeanor Assault-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2021
- Nolle Prosequi Dismissal- Possession of a Controlled Substance (Insufficient Evidence)- Nacogdoches County, Texas., 2021
- Dismissal- Felony Motion to Revoke Probation, 2021
- Nolle Prosequi for theft and engaging in organized criminal activity based on insufficient evidence., 2021
- Felony Dismissal for Possession of a Controlled Substance-Angelina County, Texas, 2021
- Dismissal-Possession of a Controlled Substance , 2021
- Authored brief for Appellee in which 12th Court of Appeals upheld the suppression of evidence, leading to the dismissal of driving while intoxicated case., 2019
- Dismissal of Felony Motion to Revoke Probation., 2020
- Dismissal of Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance., 2020
- Dismissal- State Jail Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance. The Dismissal saved the Defendant from Deportation to Yemen. , 2020
- Authored successful appellate brief in response to State's appeal of trial court granting motion to suppress in 12th Court of Appeals. http://www.search.txcourts.gov/SearchMedia.aspx?MediaVersionID=dba9104f-b7ba-4fb3-a053-43b3a91e55e2&coa=coa12&DT=Opinion&MediaID=76069464-e392-4f5f-82ce-d13f8befee15, 2019
- Jury Trial- Habitual Felony Offense Facing 25-99 years, Charge Reduced, Jury Returned Verdict of 13 years: Cause No.F1823421: 145th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2019
- Jury Trial- Case Dismissed Mid-Trial Due to Insufficient Evidence: Assault Family Violence; Lufkin Municipal Court Cause No. M00448-19-06, 2019
- Dismissal Before Indictment (Nolle Prosequi)- Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon: Cause Number F18988, JP#2 Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2019
- Authorized successful appellate brief overturning 40 year sentence for offense of Retaliation in 12th District Court of Appeals. http://www.search.txcourts.gov/Case.aspx?cn=12-16-00266-CR&coa=coa12 , 2018
- Lead counsel for the Appellant. The 12th Court of Appeals in Texas reversed 40 year sentence. , 2018
- Dismissal- Theft: Cause No. F1622590, 145th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2018
- Dismissal- Continuous Family Violence and Injury to a Child: F1722959; 420th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2018
- Dismissal-Theft; Cause No. F1521517: 145th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2018
- Dismissal- Aggravated Assault: Cause No. F0916790 145th District Court Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2018
- Dismissal- Possession of a Controlled Substance: Cause No. 1723218: 420th District Court Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2018
- Dismissal: Application to Revoke Probation: Cause No. 1622570 420th District Court Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2018
- Dismissal- Felony Theft: Cause No. F1521462, 145th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2017
- Dismissal-Criminal Mischief: Cause No. F14211371; 420th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2016
- Dismissal-Burglary of a Buliding: F1420682; 420th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2016
- Dismissal- Burglary of a Habitation: Cause No. 1017998, 145th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2016
- Dismissal-Burglary of a Habitation (x2): Cause No. F1522025, 420th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2016
- Dismissal- Hindering Apprehension: Cause No. 1521877 420th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas , 2016
- Dismissal- Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle: Cause No. 1521813, 145th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2016
- Dismissal- Felony Assault Family Violence: Cause No. F1421205; 420th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2015
- Dismissal-Assault Family Violence by Impeding Breath/Circulation; F1118772; 420th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2015
- Dismissal-Forgery: Cause No. F0816272; 420th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2015
- Dismissal- Felony Assault-FV: Cause No. F1421174, 14th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2014
- Dismissal- DWI with Child Passenger: F1421063; 145th District Court, Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2014
Bar/Professional Activity:
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Rural Practice Committee Member, 2024
- Moderator- August 2023 Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Rural Practice Roundtable, 2023
- Moderator- 2023 February Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association's Rural Practice Roundtable Event, 2023
- Co-Chair, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Rural Practice Committee, 2023
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association- Co-Chair, Rural Practice Committee, 2022
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Rural Practice Committee Member, 2022
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Rural Practice Committee Member, 2021
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Member, 2021
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association: Committee Member- (Rural Practice), 2020
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Member (1998-2020), 2020
- American Bar Association Senior Lawyers Division, Solo Practitioner Division, Small Firm Division, 2020
- Admitted to the College of the State Bar of Texas, 2005
- Admitted to The United States District Court Southern District of Texas, 2000
- Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 1999
- Admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth District of Texas, 1999
- Admitted to The United States District Court Eastern District of Texas, 1999
- Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 1999
- Admitted to the American Bar Association, 1998
- Admitted to the State Bar of Texas, 1997
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- This article examines how law enforcement is able to collect fingerprints from plastic containers, but often fails to do so., Author, Fingerprint Evidence in Drug Cases: An Underused Defense, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Voice for the Defense, Criminal Defense, 2024
- A primer on managed assigned counsel programs in Texas. , Co-Author, Managed Assigned Counsel Programs: What They Are and Why You Should Care, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Voice for the Defense, Criminal Defense, 2023
- This article is about what to avoid when writing a petition for discretionary review with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals., Author, Petition for Discretionary Review Guidance for the Rural Practioner 3 Things to Avoid When Writing Your PDR, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Criminal Defense, 2023
- A summary of the three most common mistakes when writing a petition for discretionary review with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and how to avoid them., Author, How Not to Write a Petition for Discretionary Review; 3 Mistakes That Get You Poured Out, Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Journal "The Defender", Criminal Defense, 2023
- An interview with a mental health expert about depression in the legal community., Author, Perspective: Depression and the Practice of Criminal Law, National Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Criminal Defense, 2023
- This article explains the top three mistakes Houston lawyers make when practicing in East Texas. , Author, 3 Mistakes Houston Lawyers Make When Practicing in East Texas, "The Defender" by the Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Criminal Defense, 2022
- An overview of the learned treatise rule and how to effectively use it at trial. , Author, Learned Treaties: An obscure law school evidence question or a powerful weapon for the rural practitioner to use at trial?, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Voice for the Defense Magazine, Criminal Defense, 2022
- The ethical considerations when a lawyer's client commits a crime in their presence., Author, Lawyer as Witness, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Voice for the Defense, Criminal Defense, 2022
- An examination of the strategy of resolving a client's misdemeanor case while their felony is still pending., Author, Should You Ever Plead Misdemeanors Before Felonies?, Voice for the Defense Magazine, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2022
- A summary of technical applications that can be used to enhance the practice of criminal law., Author, From The Front Porch: Tech Gadgets for the Rural Practitioner, Voice for the Defense, Criminal Defense, 2021
- An article that examines the pros and cons of the court system opening up after Covid., Author, From the Front Porch: Is Opening Up the Courts Good for the Rural Practitioner?, Voice for the Defense Magazine Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Criminal Law, 2021
- The article outlines three strategies for avoiding lawyer burnout., Author, Tips for Avoiding Lawyer Burnout, Voice for the Defense, Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2021
- A primer for criminal defense lawyers on ex parte communications and how to handle them., Author, Ethics and the Law: Nuts, the Judge Wants to See You!, Voice for the Defense, Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2021
- A summary of legal developments in criminal law over the last 50 years., Author, From the Front Porch: 50 Years of Rural Practice in Criminal Law, Voice for the Defense, Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2021
- A guide to dealing with upsetting prosecutors and judges in rural practice., Author, From the Front Porch: Mending Fences, Voice for the Defense Magazine Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Criminal Law, 2021
- The article lists six common mistakes attorneys from big cities make when they come to a small town on criminal cases. , Author, Small Town Advice for the Big City Lawyer, Voice for the Defense, Criminal Law, 2019
- Authored article in Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association publication Voice for the Defense on the legal distinction between confidential information and privileged information regarding the attorney-client relationship., Author, Privelege vs. Confidentiality, Voice for the Defense, Criminal Defense, 2016
Industry Groups:
- Criminal Defense
Office location for Dean Watts
120 E Pilar St
Nacogdoches, TX 75961
Selections
4 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2024