FORNEY, TX — When someone in Kaufman County is arrested, the first call many families make is to Robert Guest at Guest and Gray Law Firm. With more than two decades of experience defending criminal cases right in Kaufman County, Guest has earned a reputation as the lawyer who knows how to get the best result in the most challenging cases. Guest and Gray is the largest law firm in Kaufman County, with nine lawyers and multiple practice areas.
IN KAUFMAN COUNTY LOCAL EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Robert Guest has been a part of the Kaufman County legal community for over 20 years. Mr. Guest began as the Chief Misdemeanor Prosecutor at the Kaufman County District Attorney’s Office before going into private practice. Robert served twice as President of the Kaufman County Bar Association. He’s represented hundreds of people across the county—from Forney to Terrell, from Crandall to Kaufman. And received the industry's top honors from legal organizations like Avvo (a perfect 10.0 rating), Martindale-Hubbell (AV Rated), and multiple Super Lawyer awards.
InForney sat down with Robert to talk about his career, what it’s like defending cases in a tough-on-crime county, and how he works side-by-side with clients to get the best possible outcome—no matter the charge.
Q: Robert, you’ve defended hundreds of criminal cases here in Kaufman County. What keeps you focused on this kind of work?
Forney is my home. I’ve worked in Kaufman County for over 20 years, and I care deeply about the people here. When someone’s charged with a crime, it can feel like their whole world is collapsing. I’m here to help them find a way forward. I want them to move past the fear and embarrassment from being arrested, and towards working together to achieve their goals. Every case is different, but my mission is always the same: protect my client’s future and find a way to get the best result.
Q: What’s it like defending criminal cases in a county like Kaufman, where the courts and prosecutors are known for being tough on crime?
Kaufman County is definitely a conservative place, and the system here doesn’t go easy on anyone. I tell people that they must hire a local attorney for a Kaufman County case. This isn't Dallas, where the game is on easy mode. Everything is more difficult for defendant when you cross that county line. I’ve been fighting cases in Kaufman County over 20 years. I know this system and what works and what doesn’t. I have experience with our local judges, juries, and prosecutors. That experience help me build strong, realistic strategies that give my clients the best chance for a great result—whether we’re going to trial or negotiating a dismissal or reduction.
Q: What do you tell someone who’s just been arrested and doesn’t know where to start?
First, I tell them to not panic and to plan. People can get arrested and just freeze from embarrassment, or the overwhelming pressure of facing a serious felony case.
An arrest is not a conviction. An arrest is the very beginning of a case, and a long way from the final result. The first step is a consultation where we can build your initial litigation strategy. I walk clients through exactly what to expect, and what our options are. Then we work together—me and the client, as a team. That’s key. I need my client’s help and input to get the best result. In most cases the client knows their case better than anyone, since they were there. They may have relationships with the witnesses and I will need their help to understand that dynamic. I also want to learn about the client’s background—job, family, and history. Clients are more than just the person who got arrested. That’s just one day in their life, and it doesn’t define who they are.
Q: You’ve served as President of the Kaufman County Bar Association and even as a Director for the State Bar of Texas. How has that shaped your work here at home?
It’s given me a broader view of the legal system and helped me stay sharp. I’m proud to be a criminal defense attorney, and the chance to lead and improve the profession has always been important to me. I am still active with the State Bar. I have taught CLE (Continuing Legal Education) courses for other lawyers across Texas, so I’m always thinking about how to stay ahead of the curve. But what matters most to me is using that knowledge to help real people here in Kaufman County—people who are scared, overwhelmed, and need someone they can trust.
Q: With all the recognition you’ve received, what are you most proud of?
Honestly? It’s the thanks I get from clients. Clients who placed their trust and future in my hands and gotten a great result. The people who leave a 5-star review after their case is over—those tells me I’m doing my job, which is to fight for my clients and understand their goals and needs. It means they felt heard, respected, and protected. That’s the highest honor there is in this work.
Robert Guest is the a Partner at Guest and Gray Law Firm in Forney, Texas. To learn more about his work or schedule a consultation, visit guestandgray.com.
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