(PRUnderground) January 2nd, 2026
A comprehensive new statistical analysis of nearly five years of Texas court data reveals significant disparities in conviction rates, case processing times, sentencing patterns, and resource allocation across the state’s five largest counties—raising important questions about consistency in the administration of justice.
The analysis, conducted by Texas criminal defense firm Varghese Summersett, examined court activity from January 2021 through November 2025 in Harris (Houston), Dallas, Tarrant (Fort Worth), Bexar (San Antonio), and Collin (Plano/McKinney) counties. The findings underscore a reality that experienced defense attorneys have long recognized: justice in Texas is highly localized.
Key Findings
Conviction Rates Vary Dramatically by County
Felony conviction rates across Texas’s largest counties range from approximately 55% to 79%—a 24-percentage-point gap that represents a substantial difference in outcomes for defendants facing similar charges. Tarrant County consistently posts the highest felony conviction rate at nearly 79%, significantly above other similarly sized Texas counties. Misdemeanor conviction rates show even wider variation, ranging from 31% to 65% depending on jurisdiction.
“These numbers underscore why hiring the best criminal defense attorney you can is so critical, especially in jurisdictions where prosecutors are convicting at rates far exceeding other large counties,” said Benson Varghese, founder and managing partner of Varghese Summersett.
The Resource Gap
The analysis also revealed dramatic disparities in indigent defense funding. Harris County spends over $1,100 per felony case on court-appointed defense, while Dallas County spends approximately $378—less than one-third as much. This three-fold difference in resources available to defendants who cannot afford private counsel raises fundamental questions about equal access to justice.
Speed of Justice Varies Widely
Case processing times differ dramatically across jurisdictions. Tarrant and Collin counties dispose of approximately 60% of criminal cases within six months, while Harris County resolves only 40% in that timeframe—with nearly one-third of dispositions involving cases pending for more than a year.
Sentencing Philosophy Differs by Jurisdiction
Collin and Dallas counties have the highest incarceration rates, with 60% and 57% of sentences resulting in prison or state jail time, respectively—well above the statewide average of 47%. In contrast, Harris County relies more heavily on community supervision, with 60% of sentences involving probation or deferred adjudication.
Growing Backlogs and Emerging Concerns
All five counties reduced felony case backlogs since the pandemic, with reductions ranging from 11% to nearly 59%. However, challenges remain. Dallas County’s misdemeanor caseload grew by 32% during the study period, and pending Family Violence and Sexual Assault cases in Dallas increased by over 160%—even as overall felony numbers declined.
Implications for Defendants
“This data confirms what we see in courtrooms every day,” Varghese said. “The specific county, the local prosecutorial approach, and the resources available to both sides all significantly impact outcomes. For anyone facing criminal charges, working with defense counsel who understand the specific courts handling your case isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.”
The analysis emphasizes that while county-wide statistics provide useful context, every case is unique. Outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and circumstances that aggregate data cannot capture.
About the Analysis
The study draws on publicly available data from the Texas Office of Court Administration and the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, covering court activity from 2021-2025 and indigent defense expenditures from 2019-2023. Population data uses 2023 estimates from the Texas Demographic Center.
The complete analysis, including detailed tables and offense-specific breakdowns, is available at versustexas.com/blog/statistical-analysis-of-criminal-cases/.
The post New Analysis Reveals Stark Disparities in Texas Criminal Justice Outcomes: Where You’re Charged May Matter as Much as What You’re Charged With – Varghese Summersett first appeared on
Original Press Release.
