We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Payma. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.

Alright, David thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Early in your career, how did you think through the decision of whether to start your own firm or join an established firm?

During those early years, I spent a lot of time in court across North Texas, and that’s where I began to see how much local experience matters. Practicing criminal defense in places like Collin County is very different from reading about it in a textbook. The expectations of judges, the approach of prosecutors, and even the rhythm of the docket all shape outcomes. Being in those courtrooms regularly was eye-opening.

Over time, I realized that I wanted to build a practice that reflected how I believed criminal defense should be done. I wanted it to be more hands-on, more accessible to clients, and more focused on preparation and local knowledge. That’s what eventually led me to help build Texas Defenders and focus heavily on being a Collin County criminal defense attorney who understands how these cases actually work here.

Looking back, I absolutely think it was the right choice. Those first few years were demanding. I was learning constantly, juggling heavy caseloads, and seeing firsthand how stressful the process can be for people facing criminal charges in Collin County for the first time. That experience shaped how I practice today.

It taught me what systems work, what doesn’t, and how important it is to build a defense practice that puts clients first. The early challenges helped form the foundation of Texas Defenders and reinforced why local, experienced criminal defense representation in Collin County makes such a difference.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m David Payma, a criminal defense attorney and partner at Texas Defenders. I got into criminal defense because I saw early on how intimidating and confusing the legal system can be for people, especially people who have never been arrested or charged before. One moment you’re living your normal life, and the next you’re facing court dates, conditions of bond, and decisions that could affect your future, your family, and your career.

As I started practicing, I realized that criminal defense isn’t just about knowing the law, but it’s about understanding how the system actually works in real courtrooms. That understanding came from being in court constantly, particularly in Collin County, where a large portion of my practice is focused today. Criminal cases in Collin County have their own pace, expectations, and culture, and learning those details firsthand shaped how I approach defense work.

Through Texas Defenders, we provide criminal defense services for people facing DWI charges, drug offenses, assault cases, theft, probation violations, and other serious criminal matters. A significant part of what we do is helping clients make sense of a process that often feels overwhelming. We explain what’s happening, what the realistic options are, and what each decision could mean long term.

The problems we solve aren’t just legal, but personal. Our clients are often dealing with fear, uncertainty, and the stress of not knowing what comes next. As a Collin County criminal defense attorney, my role is to step in, take control of the legal side of things, and give clients clarity and direction when they need it most.

What sets Texas Defenders apart is our local focus and preparation. We’re not a volume practice, and we don’t treat cases as interchangeable. Every case is evaluated based on the facts, the evidence, and the specific court it’s in. While we also represent clients in Dallas County, Tarrant County, and Denton County, Collin County is a major emphasis of our work because local experience truly matters there.

What I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built. Texas Defenders is known for being prepared, accessible, and honest with clients. We return calls. We explain things in plain language. We don’t overpromise, and we don’t disappear once a case gets difficult.

What I want potential clients to know is that if you’re facing criminal charges in Collin County, you’re not just hiring a lawyer, you’re hiring someone who understands the local courts, respects the seriousness of what you’re facing, and is willing to stand between you and the full weight of the criminal justice system. That responsibility isn’t something we take lightly, and it’s the foundation of everything we do at Texas Defenders.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One moment that really stands out in my journey came early in my career, when I was still learning what it meant to carry responsibility for someone else’s future. I had a case in Collin County involving a client who had never been in trouble before and was facing very serious consequences. The pressure was intense, not just from the case itself, but from knowing how much that outcome would affect their family and their life going forward.

At the time, I didn’t have the benefit of years of experience or a large team behind me. What I did have was preparation and persistence. I spent countless hours reviewing the evidence, learning the courtroom, and figuring out how that specific judge and prosecutor approached similar cases. There were setbacks along the way such as motions that didn’t go the way we hoped, delays that tested everyone’s patience, but walking away wasn’t an option.

Ultimately, the case didn’t resolve the way it looked like it would at the beginning. The outcome was far better than expected, and more importantly, the client was able to move forward with their life. That experience reinforced something I carry with me today as a Collin County criminal defense attorney: resilience in this profession isn’t about never losing, but it’s about staying committed to your client even when the road gets difficult.

That case shaped how I practice now. It taught me that preparation, local knowledge, and persistence can change outcomes, and that resilience isn’t just personal, but it’s something your clients rely on when they don’t have anyone else standing beside them.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

We keep in touch with clients by being intentional about communication from the very beginning. One of the biggest frustrations people have when they’re facing criminal charges is feeling left in the dark. As a Collin County criminal defense attorney, I see how much stress that causes, so we make it a priority to explain the process clearly and stay accessible throughout the case.

That means returning calls, following up after court settings, and making sure clients understand not just what is happening, but why it’s happening. Even when there isn’t a major update, we let clients know where things stand. That consistency builds trust.

After a case concludes, we don’t disappear. Many of our clients reach out years later with questions, referrals, or concerns about clearing their record, probation issues, or future legal matters. We stay connected because we see the relationship as ongoing, not transactional.

Brand loyalty, for us, comes from how people feel they were treated during one of the most stressful periods of their lives. If someone felt heard, respected, and protected while navigating the Collin County court system, they remember that.
The trust our clients place in us and the fact that so much of our work comes from referrals is something we take seriously. It’s also what we’re most proud of as a firm.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.texasdefenders.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/txdefenders/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasCriminalDefenseLawyers
• Twitter: https://x.com/texasdefenders
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasDefenders