Dallas Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorneys
817 - 727 - 4850
500 W. 7th St.Â
Fort Worth, TX 76102
817-727-4850
Free Consultation
Michael P. Heiskell
Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney
   Mr. Heiskell is a highly respected criminal trial attorney with decades of experience in both state and federal courts. Before entering private practice, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Galveston County and as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, where he handled complex criminal cases and developed a reputation for excellence in the courtroom.
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Notable Clients:Â
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The Boeing Company
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Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
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Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
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Daystar Ministries
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   Throughout his career, Mr. Heiskell has been recognized by his peers as a leader in criminal law. Heiskell was elected and is now a past president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). He is also a past president of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA). He is a Fellow of both the prestigious and exclusive American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. Heiskell was a 2015 Inductee to the TCDLA Hall of Fame and is a past recipient of the Blackstone Award from the Tarrant County Bar Association in 2020 for his exemplary abilities, integrity and courage in the courtroom.
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   A sought-after author and lecturer, Mr. Heiskell has taught and spoken extensively on criminal law and trial advocacy for attorneys, judges, and legal organizations throughout Texas and across the country.
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   A dedicated trial lawyer, Mr. Heiskell believes that every client deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. He understands the stress and uncertainty that accompany criminal accusations and is committed to providing both exceptional legal representation and personal attention to every individual he serves.
Professional Experience
Michael P. Heiskell is a trial attorney who has built a stellar reputation for excellence in and out of the courtroom representing individuals and entities in government investigations, internal investigations, and criminal prosecution. Mr. Heiskell is an experienced and highly effective trial lawyer having conducted numerous trials in federal court as well as a number of state criminal cases. He is also skilled at steering clients through complex and difficult situations without any charges being filed.
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Heiskell's experience as a federal and state prosecutor provides the skills necessary to navigate high-stakes investigations and prosecutions. His expertise and eloquence has been recognized nationwide leading to his Presidency of America's largest Criminal Defense organization, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is also a past president of Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and was selected to be in its prestigious Hall of Fame in 2015. His prowess and success in winning cases resulted in his selection as a Fellow of the exclusive American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Criminal Lawyers.
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Heiskell is a 2020 recipient of the Blackstone Award conferred by the Tarrant County Bar Association in recognition of a legal career that exemplifies professional aptitude, integrity, and courage. It is the Bar's highest honor. See https://fwtx.com/news/michael-heiskell/.  He was also a recipient of the 2022 Baylor Law School's LAWYER OF THE YEAR for his dedication to maintaining the highest ideas of the legal profession.
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Heiskell is the Owner of the firm JOHNSON, VAUGHN & HEISKELL and is the senior attorney in the law firm HEISKELL COLSTON ROUSSEAU.
Education
Baylor University School of Law
Juris Doctor, 1974
Honors: National Order of Barristers; Editorial Board
Baylor University
Bachelor of Arts, 1972
Awards & Publications
Blackstone Award Recipient
The highest honor bestowed by the TCDLA, recognizing a lifetime of significant contributions to the criminal justice system.
National Fellow Election
Elected Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, reserved for specialists with exceptional skill in major felony trials.
2022 Baylor Lawyer of the Year Award recipient
Honors an outstanding alumnus or alumna who has brought distinction to Baylor Law School and the legal profession.Â
Client Reviews
“Thank you also for your expertise through this.  You were obviously the right choice to represent this case.  If I was asked to give candid feedback based on your role in this matter, you would get the highest rating.  At all times professional and courteous."
T.A.
"I just wanted to take a moment to say thanks for your hard work and dedication to my daughter as a client/person. You all were professional and patient during this dark and uncertain time. I am grateful as a mother that she had you all as her representatives/light, guiding her through the dark tunnel.
D.L.
"You came to mine and my wife's rescue. God delivered you to us and we will forever be thankful. I am so appreciative as you held ,my hand, supported me and guided me through the entire process! This day would not be possible had it not been for you and your team."
D.R.
“I am struggling to express the profound gratitude and love that I have for you. Your willingness to take my case after meeting with Yessi and my Mom changed the course of my family' life. God himself directed us to you and orchestrated the miracle for my acquittal. That courtroom was holy ground last night and we witnessed love and compassion prevail. Thank you for taking on the government and preserving my life."
Z. S.