Darlina C. Crowder

Darlina C. Crowder is a seasoned State and Federal Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer with decades of courtroom focus. Since 2000, she has defended individuals facing serious criminal allegations, guiding clients through complex investigations, trials, and appeals while protecting constitutional rights and pursuing outcomes that safeguard liberty and future opportunities.

Darlina earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in General Science, from Texas Woman’s University in 1995. She later received her J.D. in 1998 from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, where classmates selected her to speak during their Hooding Ceremony as an academic honor.

Darlina is admitted to the Texas bar and to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Licensed in the U.S. District Court’s Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas since 1999, she also served as an Associate Judge in Collin County Probate Court, presiding over mental health hearings.

Darlina has secured over 300 acquittals during her career, reflecting disciplined trial preparation and strategic advocacy. In a nationally followed case, she co-represented Lisa Diaz, who was charged with capital murder, and achieved a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity after intensive courtroom litigation efforts.

Darlina has earned recognition, including the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association’s Presidential Award, Texas Monthly’s Super Lawyers Rising Stars, and Texas Super Lawyers. She was also named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Criminal Defense by The National Trial Lawyers and received honors such as Client Champion and National Association of Distinguished Counsel selections.

Darlina regularly contributes to legal education as faculty and speaker for programs hosted by The Center for American and International Law, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association, and judicial conferences. Her work has been featured in Texas Lawyer, Dallas Observer, and Houston Press, along with national television and radio appearances.

Darlina C. Crowder focuses her practice on criminal defense matters involving state and federal charges, including crimes against children, sex crimes, DWI, violent crimes, white collar offenses, and weapons charges. She is known for clear guidance, trial readiness, and steady advocacy that helps clients face the justice system with confidence.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, The Crowder Law Firm, P.C.
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
• Member, Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Trial Lawyers College
• Member, Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Vice President, Collin County Criminal Bench Bar Foundation

Licensed State

• Texas

Education

• Texas Wesleyan University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Texas Woman’s University
  BS in Psychology

Awards & Badges