In today’s media-driven society, many of us have watched criminal defense cases play out on television and reveled in the drama of jury trials and verdicts. However, in the real world, there are lives that hang in the balance with every case and verdict handed down by those juries.
Criminal defense lawyers are a critical component of the justice system that provides representation and protection of life and liberty for those being prosecuted. In the United States, where one is innocent unless proven guilty, the quality of one’s criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between freedom and imprisonment — or, in some cases, life or death.
Paul Saputo has tried dozens of tough cases and relentlessly pursued “Not Guilty” verdicts for clients since founding the firm in 2014. Now partnered with Nick Toufexis, the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense team advocates for clients in complex and serious cases, many of which have been high-profile and tried not only in the court of law, but also in the public eye.
A top-level legal background
Both Saputo and Toufexis have a litany of experience, accomplishments, and accolades under their belts. In uniting together under one firm, they form a formidable defense team that has seen notable results in some extremely tough (and extremely public) cases.
Saputo is a graduate of the Duke University School of Law, one of the most prestigious law schools in the US. He has experience working under a federal district court judge and as an attorney in an internationally-known law firm where he represented some of the largest companies in the world. He now brings his experience and know-how to his own firm, and has enjoyed a great deal of success brought about by his zealous pursuit of justice.
Like his partner, Toufexis — who began as an intern under Saputo, until the two decided to create Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense — is passionate about the rights of the accused. As a veteran of the US Navy, Toufexis has translated his fighting attitude into legal aptitude within the courtroom.
Both men are members of the Texas Bar College, a professional society of legal scholars. They have leveraged their participation in the prestigious group to further their legal education.
The highest-quality defense lawyers in Texas
Effective criminal defense requires a high level of tenacity and experience-informed skill. Often, there may be many cards stacked against you or your client, and the media — not to mention the court of public opinion — can add another level of complication to the case.
Both Saputo and Toufexis pride themselves on the relentless doggedness they put forth for their clients. They have secured hundreds of favorable results for their clients over the years, facing tough cases with even tougher defense. The firm has worked on some incredibly high-profile cases, including the Dallas Police Shooting case, where Mr. Saputo was able to garner his client’s release within hours, and the Twin Peaks Waco Biker case, which resulted in all charges being dismissed.
“Our job is to protect everyone’s constitutional rights and make sure that the government meets its burden,” Toufexis explains. “Simply being accused of a crime can change a person’s life, which is why we try to attack any accusation from every angle. We want to bring the fight to them.”
Saputo and Toufexis encourage clients who are under investigation for a crime or arrested and charged to reach out as soon as possible after finding themselves in those dire circumstances. The quicker the firm can go to work, the faster one’s rights will be protected.
Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense deeply analyzes each case they decide to take on to determine the best defense strategy. They conduct independent investigations into any and all allegations, examine all the physical and forensic evidence, and are their clients’ strongest advocates — from initial contact all the way to verdict or appeal.
The firm’s client reviews have been consistently stellar over their decade of service to the state of Texas, handling everything from DUI cases to serious sex crimes. “Facing a felony conviction with extradition, Paul was informative throughout. [He] even went and posted bond and he got my conviction dismissed,” one anonymous client review stated.
The pair has also been lauded by industry peers and associations, stacking up praise such as both being named to Best Lawyers in America’s “One to Watch” list in February of 2023. Paul Saputo has also been named in “Best Lawyers in Dallas” by D Magazine several years in a row, in addition to many other honors, including the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ of “AV” “Preeminent.”
Though the great reviews and industry awards are welcomed, the “Not Guilty” verdicts that come after hard work and perseverance for their clients are recognition enough for both Nick Toufexis and Paul Saputo. Their track record stands as a testament to their experience, know-how, professional ethics, and legal abilities.
“We’re not just criminal defense lawyers,” the firm’s website declares. “We’re warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity, courage, and legal ingenuity.”