Craig S. Collins, Waco Criminal Attorney

Craig Steven Collins is a dedicated criminal defense attorney with Dunham & Jones, bringing decades of legal experience to clients in Waco and Central Texas. Licensed in both Texas and Mississippi, he defends individuals facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to high-level felonies. Known for his strategic, client-focused approach and strong working relationships with prosecutors, Mr. Collins has secured numerous dismissals and charge reductions through skilled practice, negotiation, and careful case preparation.

Prior to joining Dunham & Jones, Mr. Collins represented clients across 10 counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex at a respected North Texas criminal defense firm. His practice there included a wide range of charges, from DWI and drug offenses to probation violations, assault, juvenile matters, and more. Over the course of his career, he has worked zealously to protect his clients’ rights and guide them toward the most favorable resolution. Since 2008, Mr. Collins has also volunteered with the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, speaking at the Dallas Juvenile Detention Center to counsel youth and their families on legal issues, probation requirements, and the challenges of navigating the justice system, while also encouraging positive life choices.

In addition to criminal defense, Mr. Collins brings a strong background in real estate law, having served for more than 15 years as Commercial Counsel and Claims Counsel with national title insurance companies including Lawyers Title and Chicago Title. In these roles, he managed complex multi-state litigation involving large commercial transactions and became the leading facilitator of Section 1031 exchanges in the Southwest. He frequently presented to bar associations, title insurance agencies, and real estate industry organizations on strategies for commercial transactions and tax-deferred structures.

Mr. Collins is also a proven entrepreneur and former multi-unit restaurateur. In 2012, he founded Nazca Kitchen, a South American-inspired restaurant that earned widespread acclaim from Dallas diners. Before that, he owned and operated the largest Red Hot & Blue franchise group in the nation, overseeing 10 locations and more than 300 employees while serving as President of the Franchise Advisory Council for 15 years.

In his spare time, Mr. Collins enjoys traveling, photography, performing stand-up comedy, and is a recurring participant in the World Series of Poker. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law, along with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Political Science.

Craig S. Collins, Attorney at Law