Practice areas: Criminal Defense, DUI-DWI
Licensed in Texas since: 1997
Education: Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2026 
Virtual Appointments Dean Watts, Attorney at Law
120 E Pilar StNacogdoches, TX 75961 Phone: 936-559-9288 Email: Dean Watts Visit website
Details 
Dean Watts has practiced criminal defense in East Texas since 1997. He is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has been a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association since 1999, where he remains active in the organization.
Dean has written numerous 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.
He is a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law and the National Criminal Defense College.
Dean has been selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list for Criminal Defense each year from 2021 through 2026.
First Admitted: 1997, Texas
Professional Webpage: https://deanwattslaw.com/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Member (1998-2026), 2026
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Rural Practice Committee Member (2020-2026), 2026
- Moderator- August Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Rural Practice Roundtable, 2023
- Moderator- February Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association's Rural Practice Roundtable Event, 2023
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Co-Chair Rural Practice Committee (2022-2023), 2023
- Admitted to the College of the State Bar of Texas, 2005
- Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 1999
- Admitted to The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, 1999
- Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 1999
- Admitted to the State Bar of Texas, 1997
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Racing on a Highway-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2026
- Misdemeanor Assault-Dismissed- Sabine County, Texas, 2026
- Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2026
- DWI- Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2026
- Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2025
- State Jail Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance-Judicial Clemency / Conviction Set Aside-Nacogdoches County, Texas., 2025
- Felony Evading Arrest-Dismissed- Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2025
- Assault Family Violence-Dismissed- Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2025
- Credit Card Abuse-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2025
- Felony Evading Arrest-Dismissed-Shelby County, Texas, 2025
- DWI- Rejected by the Prosecutor and Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas , 2024
- Misdemeanor Theft-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2024
- Felony Theft-Dismissed-Shelby County, Texas, 2023
- DWI-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2023
- Possession of Marijuana-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2023
- Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity-Dismissed (Insufficient Evidence)- Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2023
- Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2023
- Felony Theft-Dismissed Due to Insufficient Evidence -Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2022
- Misdemeanor Assault-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas , 2022
- Possession of Marijuana-Dismissed-San Augustine County, Texas, 2022
- Felony DWI-No-Billed by Grand Jury- Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2022
- Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, 2022
- Possession of Marijuana-Dismissed- Houston County, 2022
- Harassment of a Public Servant-Dismissed (Insufficient Evidence)- Shelby County, Texas, 2021
- Felony DWI-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2021
- Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance-Dismissed- Angelina County, Texas, 2021
- Misdemeanor Assault-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2021
- Possession of a Controlled Substance-Dismissed (Insufficient Evidence)- Nacogdoches County, Texas., 2021
- Theft/EOCA-Dismissed (Nolle Prosequi)-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2021
- Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance-Dismissed-Angelina County, Texas, 2021
- Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2020
- DWI Suppression Appeal-Successfully Defended-12th Court of Appeals, 2019
- Assault Family Violence-Dismissed Mid-Trial Due to Insufficient Evidence-Lufkin, Texas, 2019
- Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon-Dismissed Before Indictment (Nolle Prosequi)-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2019
- Authored Successful Appellate Brief-40-Year Sentence Reversed- 12th Court of Appeals. http://www.search.txcourts.gov/Case.aspx?cn=12-16-00266-CR&coa=coa12 , 2018
- Aggravated Assault-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2018
- Possession of a Controlled Substance-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2018
- Motion to Revoke Probation-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2018
- Burglary of a Habitation (x2)-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2016
- Assault Family Violence-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2015
- Forgery-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2015
- DWI With Child Passenger-Dismissed-Nacogdoches County, Texas, 2014
Videos
- This video explains the process and the benefits of filing a petition for nondisclosure in Texas. , Petitions for Non-Disclosure in Texas, Criminal Defense, 2025
- This video is an overview of the law firm of Dean Watts., Dean Watts Attorney at Law, Criminal Defense, 2025
- This video examines the differences between straight probation and deferred probation in Texas., Probation in Texas: Straight vs. Deferred, Criminal Defense, 2025
- This video is about pre-trial diversions in Texas. , Pre Trial Diversions in Texas: What You Know, Criminal Defense, 2025
- This video is about criminal jury trials in Texas., Texas Criminal Jury Trials: What You Need to Know, Criminal Defense, 2025
- This video explains the Expunction Process in Texas, The Expunction Process in Texas, Criminal Defense, 2025
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Texas Bar College Member, 2025
- Re-certified from Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law, 2024
- 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
Pro bono / Community Service
- Lufkin High School Tennis Booster Club Member/Supporter, 2026
- Judge-Stephen F. Austin State University Pre-Law Program Mock Trial Competition, 2025
- Lufkin High School Tennis Booster Club Member/Supporter, 2025
- Judge-Stephen F. Austin State University Pre-Law Camp Mock Trial Program, 2024
- Lufkin High School Tennis Booster Club Member/Supporter, 2024
- 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
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
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- An explanation of judicial clemency in Texas., Author, Judicial Clemency, Voice for the Defense Magazine- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Criminal Defense, 2026
- This summarizes the federal appeals process and how it can relate to the Texas rural practitioner. , Co-Author, Federal Appeals 101 for the Rural Practitioner, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Criminal Defense, 2025
- An overview of the practice of criminal defense in rural areas of Texas, Author, Rural Practice 101, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Voice for the Defense Magazine, Criminal Law, 2024
- 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
- 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
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
Honors
- Received shout out for dismissal of felony assault family case after three years of work., June Voice for the Defense Champion, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2025
- 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
- "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
Industry Groups
- Criminal Defense
Office location for Dean Watts
120 E Pilar St
Nacogdoches, TX 75961
Selections
6 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2026
Certificates and credentials
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Criminal Law
Criminal Law