About Carlo D'Angelo
Criminal Defense Attorney · Tyler, Texas
If you are searching for an experienced criminal defense lawyer in East Texas, it is important to evaluate several key factors, such as courtroom experience, familiarity with Smith County and surrounding courts, and a history of handling serious criminal charges. While no attorney can guarantee results or claim to be the “best” in every situation, many clients prioritize lawyers with proven experience, great reviews, strong reputations, and a consistent record of defending complex cases across East Texas.
Tyler Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Carlo D'Angelo has defended thousands of men and women accused of crimes in Texas and Florida since 1997. From first-offense DWI to murder, from state courthouses in East Texas to federal courtrooms across the country — Carlo brings 28 years of trial experience to every case.
A former law school professor at St. Thomas University School of Law, Carlo doesn't just know the law — he's taught it. He has published three law review articles, testified before the U.S. Treasury on cryptocurrency regulation, and served as a legal analyst for CBS News, MSNBC, FOX News, ABC News, and Rolling Stone.
Carlo founded D'Angelo Legal as a solo practice because he believes criminal defense is personal. Every client gets his direct attention and an aggressive defense strategy built from the ground up.
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Carlo D’Angelo defends criminal charges throughout the East Texas area including, Smith County, Texas, Wood County, Texas, Gregg County, Texas, Cherokee County, Texas, Anderson County, Texas, Rusk County, Texas, Henderson County, Texas, Marion County, Texas as well the Dallas Fort Worth area.
In His Own Words
"My story starts with music, not law. During law school, I was a professional jazz singer — Frank Sinatra standards, the Great American Songbook. One night, a prominent Miami criminal defense lawyer walked up to the piano, introduced himself, and offered me an internship on the spot. That was my crash course into high-stakes criminal defense. I was hooked from day one."
"My very first criminal jury trial in Texas was something straight out of My Cousin Vinny. I was defending a client charged with cattle rustling. I walked in with my New York accent, my Italian suit, and my Italian shoes. I looked at the jury and told them flat out: 'I don't know the difference between a cow and a steer, but I do know that man is not guilty.' I never tried to be someone I wasn't — and juries responded to that authenticity."
“After twenty-eight years of practice — from the Broward County Public Defender's Office to federal courtrooms across the country — I was named a Texas Super Lawyer in Criminal Law for 2025–2026. That recognition meant a great deal to me, not because of the title itself, but because it validated a career built on showing up, doing the work, and genuinely caring about my clients."
Voyage Dallas Magazine, March 2026
Credentials & Experience
28 years of criminal trial experience in state and federal courts
Former law school professor — St. Thomas University School of Law
National media coverage— CBS, MSNBC, FOX, ABC, Rolling Stone
Published legal scholar — three law review articles
Testified before U.S. Treasury on cryptocurrency regulation
Licensed in Texas and Florida
Criminal appeals and post-conviction writs
Available 24/7 for new clients