About Attorney David L. Botsford
Certified criminal defense and appeals legal specialist; U.S. Supreme Court advocate
David L. Botsford, a partner at Botsford & Roark, is regarded as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the State of Texas.
“David Botsford is a leader in the criminal defense bar, widely recognized by fellow attorneys as one of the best around. I endorse him wholeheartedly.” - EPJ
He is focused on representing clients across Texas in criminal defense and administrative matters.
Attorney Botsford is distinguished by his board certifications as a specialist in criminal defense and appeals. He is also an AV Preeminent Peer Rated Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, a rare honor reserved for only the most trusted and respected lawyers in the U.S. Attorney Botsford is focused on protecting the rights of people seeking appeals and those accused of white-collar crimes and other complex criminal cases.
Areas of practice
- Criminal law, federal and state
- Trials, appeals and post-conviction remedies
Education
- National Criminal Defense College, 1988
- Southern Methodist University School of Law, Dallas, Texas. J.D., with honors, Order of the Coif, 1977
- University of Connecticut, B.A. in economics, cum laude, 1974
Bar admissions
- Texas, 1977
- U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Tax Court
Certified legal specialties
- Criminal Law Appellate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2011
- Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1983
Awards and honors
- AV Preeminent Peer Rated Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell
- "Superb" AVVO rating (highest rating)
- Firm listed Best Law Firms for Appellate Practice, Tier 1, Austin, TX by Best Lawyers, 2023
- Firm listed Best Law Firms for General Practice, Tier 1, Austin, TX by Best Lawyers, 2023
- Firm listed Best Law Firms for Criminal Defense, White Collar, Tier 1, Austin, TX by Best Lawyers, 2023
- Firm listed Best Law Firms for Appellate, Criminal Defense: General Practice by The Best Lawyers In America, 2023
- Firm listed Best Law Firms for Appellate, Criminal Defense: White Collar by The Best Lawyers In America, 2023
- Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, 2021
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Hall of Fame, 2014
- Listed as the Go-To Lawyer in Texas Criminal Defense, by Texas Lawyer, 2007
- Listed in Super Lawyers by Texas Monthly, 2003—Present
- Top 50: Central/West Texas Super Lawyers, 2003—2005, 2013—2015
- Listed as 1 of 5 Top Notch Go-To Lawyers in Texas Criminal Defense Practice, by Texas Lawyer, 2002, 2012
- Listed in U.S. News & World Report The Best Lawyers In America, 1995—Present
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Percy Foreman Lawyer of the Year, 1993
- Outstanding Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year, Criminal Justice Section, State Bar of Texas, 1993
Professional associations and memberships
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- State Bar of Texas, Committee on Pattern Jury Charges (Criminal), member, 2009—2014, 2015—2016
- State Bar of Texas, Course Director, Advanced Criminal Law Course, 2005
- State Bar of Texas, Criminal Justice Section, council member, 1997—2000, 2001—2004, 2006—2012; chairperson, 2012—2013
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, president, 1996—1997
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, president-elect, 1995—1996
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, first vice-president, 1994—1995
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, second vice-president, 1993—1994
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, treasurer, 1992—1993
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, assistant secretary-treasurer, 1991—1992
- Texas Association of Board-Certified Specialists in Criminal Law, president, 1991—1992
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Education Institute, fellow, 1990
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Education Institute, director, 1990
- State Bar of Texas, Criminal Law Examination Commission, 1985—2005
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Amicus Curiae Committee, member, 1979—1981, 1983—1985; chairperson 1986—1990
Lectures and classes
- Speaker, Texas District & County Attorneys Association, 1993, 1998, 2001
- Speaker, Criminal Defense Lawyers Project, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute, 1982
- Speaker, Criminal Defense Lawyers Project, 1981
- Speaker, Advanced Criminal Law Course, State Bar of Texas, 1978—1979, 1986, 1990—Present
- Speaker, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers, 1978
In the media
- Judge hears case to overturn capital murder charges over 20 years after conviction - NewsWest9
- Judge orders retrial in Texas slay - My San Antonio
- Rick Perry's abuse of power case officially dismissed - My San Antonio
- Ex-border patrol agents released early from prison - CNN
- Polygamist sect official to be paroled next week – Houston Chronicle
Selected publications
- Ethics — Setting fees, avoiding conflicts, joint defense agreements, and dealing with co-defendants - Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, NAPA members trip
- Attacking confessions - Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 21st Annual Rusty Duncan Advanced Criminal Law Course
- Health care fraud - State Bar of Texas, 39th Annual Advanced Criminal Law Course