Current Role & Responsibilities
Roberto "Rob" Cañas serves as the Trial Group Chief at the Dallas County Public Defender's Office, where he oversees more than 100 attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff across the district and county criminal courts. In addition to supervising felony and misdemeanor litigation, he leads attorney training initiatives, oversees the office's internship program, coordinates continuing legal education opportunities, and helps guide office-wide policies and procedures to ensure high-quality representation for clients throughout Dallas County.
Education & Background
Rob earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music, cum laude, from the University of Texas at Austin in 1993 before earning his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1997. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas that same year and is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Over the course of nearly three decades, Rob has served in every corner of the criminal justice system. He began his legal career in private practice before joining the Dallas County District Attorney's Office as a felony prosecutor, where he tried numerous serious criminal cases and supervised fellow prosecutors. In 2007, he was elected Judge of Dallas County Criminal Court No. 10, presiding over one of the nation's leading domestic violence courts for more than eleven years. During his tenure, he launched Dallas County's first gun surrender program for domestic violence offenders, secured more than $1 million in federal grants to enhance court operations, and earned national recognition for implementing innovative judicial practices. In 2022, Rob joined the Dallas County Public Defender's Office as Trial Group Chief, bringing a unique perspective shaped by his experience as both a prosecutor and judge.
Values & Motivation
Rob has dedicated his career to public service. Whether serving as a prosecutor, judge, or public defender, his goal has always been the same: to serve his community and the people who live in it. He finds great personal and professional satisfaction in representing individuals who otherwise could not afford experienced legal representation.
Drawing on nearly twenty years of judicial and prosecutorial experience, Rob brings a depth of knowledge that allows him to navigate complex criminal cases and advocate effectively for his clients. He embraces the challenges of criminal defense work and is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes while ensuring every client receives skilled, compassionate representation.
