
Former Prosecutor. Trial-Tested Advocate. Strategic Criminal Defense Attorney.
When people face criminal allegations, they need more than legal knowledge. They need an attorney who understands how cases are built, how prosecutors think, and how to develop a strategy that protects their future.
Messina Madson brings that perspective to every case she handles.
As the founder of Madson Law, Messina is a veteran criminal trial attorney with decades of experience in the Texas criminal justice system.
Before entering private practice, she served in leadership positions within the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, ultimately serving as First Assistant District Attorney and Acting District Attorney.
A Career Built in the Courtroom
Throughout her career, Messina has handled some of the most challenging and high-profile criminal matters in North Texas.
As a prosecutor, she supervised hundreds of attorneys and staff members while helping shape policies and programs designed to improve public safety and reduce recidivism. She was deeply involved in major criminal investigations, trial strategy, and prosecutorial decision-making.
Today, she uses that experience to defend individuals accused of crimes throughout Texas.
Having spent years evaluating cases from the prosecution’s perspective, she understands how evidence is analyzed, how charging decisions are made, and where weaknesses often exist within the government’s case.
Prepared. Strategic. Relentless.
Clients often come to Madson Law feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next.
Messina believes preparation is one of the most powerful tools in criminal defense. She approaches every case with a focus on understanding the facts, identifying opportunities, and developing a strategy tailored to the client’s goals.
Whether a case calls for negotiation, litigation, or trial, her approach remains the same: understand the details, prepare thoroughly, and advocate effectively.
She is known throughout the legal community for her professionalism, courtroom presence, and commitment to her clients.
Recognition and Leadership
Messina’s work has earned recognition from peers, legal organizations, and publications throughout her career.
- D Best Lawyers in Dallas, every year since 2018
- Super Lawyers, selected annually since 2019
- Best Lawyers, Criminal Defense: General Practice, since 2025
- Best Lawyers, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, since 2025
- Dallas/Fort Worth Tier 1 Best Law Firms, Criminal Defense: General Practice, 2026
- Dallas/Fort Worth Tier 1 Best Law Firms, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2026
- Dallas County Prosecutor of the Year, 2014
- Dallas Bar Association Trial Attorney of the Year, 2024
Leadership
- First Assistant District Attorney Dallas County
- Acting District Attorney Dallas County
- Chair Dallas Bar Association Criminal Law Section
Education
- Juris Doctor Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
- Bachelor of Arts University of Tulsa
A Different Kind of Criminal Defense
Messina founded Madson Law to provide thoughtful, strategic criminal defense for people facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
She understands that criminal cases affect more than court dates and legal filings. They affect families, careers, reputations, and futures.
Her goal is simple: provide honest guidance, exceptional preparation, and strong advocacy every step of the way.
