Overview & Experience
James (Jim) Horton has over 44 years of legal experience and focuses his practice on helping clients throughout Denton, Tarrant, Dallas, Wise, Collin, and Cooke counties. He specifically handles criminal defense and family law matters, as well as estate planning and probate.
Jim is a specialist in criminal law, as certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and has handled thousands of cases in court, including more than 500 jury trials and over 400 bench trials. His experience has earned him a reputation throughout North Texas as a highly effective trial attorney. Mr. Horton was also featured in the New York Times as a Top Criminal Defense Attorney in the US.
Jim earned his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University and is admitted to practice in Texas. He has formerly served over two decades as an associate municipal Judge in Denton, Lake Dallas, Hickory Creek, and Lewisville. Additionally, Jim was a Valley View city attorney for two years.
He also maintains an active membership in several professional organizations, including the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Denton County Criminal Bar Association (past president, vice president, and secretary/treasurer), Denton County Bar Association (past secretary/treasurer and board member) and College of the State Bar of Texas.
Outside of his practice, Jim enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and participating in church activities. His Christian foundations are reflected in his law practice by his steadfast commitment to communicating honestly with his clients throughout their representation.
James H. Horton Law Firm, P.C. is here to help you in your time of need. Contact us at
(940) 382-1561 now!
Certified Legal Specialties
- Criminal Law, State Bar of Texas, 1998
Bar Admissions
- Texas, 1978
Law School
- Texas Tech University School of Law, Lubbock, Texas
- J.D. – 1978
- Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
- B.A. English – 1975
- Honors: Dean’s List
Published Works
- Cross-exam Police Officials, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Duty, Denton County Bar
Classes/Seminars
- Denton County CLE – Criminal Law
- Liberty Christian Section – Business Law
Honors and Awards
- Super Lawyers, A Thomson Reuters Service, since 2009
- Lawyers of Distinction Criminal Defense, since 2018
- Nationally Ranked Top 10 Attorneys since 2017
- Power Lawyers since 2018
- Top 100 Criminal Defense National Trial Lawyers since 2019
- Top Attorneys Texas sine 2019
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers since 2014
- Best Law Firm Lifetime Member
- Best Attorney Lifetime Member
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Denton Co. Criminal Lawyers Association, Past President, 1986 – Present
- Denton Co. Bar Association, Past Secretary, 1978 – Present
- Texas Criminal Lawyers, 1982 – Present
- State Bar Family Law Section, 1978 – Present
Past Employment Positions
- Minor & Jester, 1978 – 1980
Fraternities/Sororities
- Delta Tau Delta
- Phi Delta Theta
Jim Horton is the attorney you want on your side.“I can’t thank Jim enough for the years of service and friendship he and his associates have given to my family and me.”
He goes above and beyond to met his clients needs.“His staff and legal assistant all make you feel like family. I highly recommend this firm for your legal needs.”
Jim Horton is not only great lawyer but, a great person.
“I owe him a great deal of gratitude for everything he did to help me!”
I’ll always be indebted to him for the fantastic job he did for me.
“There’s not many people you can say in life have your back, Jim certainly had mine!”
You will LOVE the final outcome.
“I put my full trust in him and if needed you should do the same, trust me!”
Let’s work together