Criminal Defense and Title IX
Attorneys Austin, TX

About Attorney David L. Botsford

Certified criminal defense and appeals legal specialist; U.S. Supreme Court advocate

David Botsford

Curriculum Vitae

David L. Botsford, a partner at Botsford & Roark, is regarded as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the State of Texas.

Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, attorney Botsford is among an elite group of lawyers authorized to present oral arguments and submit written briefs in cases involving the highest court in the nation.

“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

While attorney Botsford has the credentials and skill to argue in front of the Justices, most of his efforts are focused on representing clients across Texas in criminal defense and administrative matters.

In addition, 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
  • 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 Best Lawyers, 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

Selected publications

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