The court system in the San Antonio area is intimidating, and even the county you’re in when you’re arrested makes a big difference. Each Texas county has a different set of priorities and quirks. Where your case is heard can make a big difference. Penalties can be stiff.
When facing misdemeanor or felony charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the area to advocate for your legal rights. There is more at stake than you may realize.
A criminal conviction could mean life-altering consequences, including:
- Jail time
- Expensive fines
- Probation
Pleading guilty or no contest might seem like a simple way to avoid jail or a high legal bill. However, any criminal conviction has longer-term collateral consequences that will damage you in ways you might not initially consider. A conviction could:
- Jeopardize your child custody or visitation rights
- Cost you your gun rights
- Damage your reputation within the community (for example, if you’re required to register as a sex offender)
- Cost you your job or professional license
- Prevent you from renting an apartment or getting a loan to buy a house
We don’t just handle cases in the San Antonio area. In addition to Bexar County, we can assist you in fighting criminal charges in Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson counties.
Our Process: What Happens When You Call Us
Our San Antonio team combines decades of experience with an unparalleled commitment to justice. Our goal is to achieve an exceptional outcome in every case. We know that even the thought of making a phone call can be intimidating. We’ve optimized our processes to make our consultation calls as simple as possible.
- Free consultation: Speak with an intake specialist who gathers the facts and sets the process in motion. There’s no commitment.
- You'll talk to one of our senior attorneys ASAP: One of our experienced San Antonio-area senior trial attorneys will contact you to discuss your case and legal options.
- We start working immediately: From day one, we can help you post bond, arrange for someone's release from jail (even at night), and begin pretrial negotiations.
- Your defense strategy begins: We build a customized plan that exposes weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- High success rate: We have a 96.7% success rate on cases in San Antonio, based on client satisfaction surveys.
The stakes are always high in every criminal case. Our lawyers understand that your future is at stake, so we’re committed to securing the best possible outcome for you. We want to ensure that your side of the story is told.
We Fight to Protect Your Rights and Freedom
In the immediate aftermath of an arrest, it’s critical to remember that you have rights. One is that you’re innocent unless proven guilty. Another is that you have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions from the police. You also have the right to an attorney.
The criminal justice system in San Antonio isn’t perfect. DWI field testing is subjective, and the police may not have followed the proper procedures during your arrest. We have seen many instances in which police reports were inaccurate or clients’ rights were violated.
We will carefully review all the evidence, searching for any mistakes, even ones that might seem tiny or insignificant.
Additionally, we believe in straight talk. While our ultimate goal is to get your case dismissed, that isn’t always possible. We will review all viable alternatives with you. This could include diversionary programs that, upon completion, may result in a clean criminal record.
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle in San Antonio
Michael & Associates handles virtually every type of criminal charge. This includes:
Assault Charges: In Texas, assault encompasses a broad range of charges. They can range in severity from simple assault to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Many of these charges can have lengthy jail terms and other long-term consequences if you’re convicted.
Domestic Violence: Texas law calls this “family violence,” but the meaning is the same. If you have an altercation with a family member or someone who lives in your household, and police are called, someone will almost certainly be arrested. The potential for social stigma is particularly high. We will carefully examine your case. If we believe the charges against you stem from a misunderstanding, we will work to secure an affidavit of non-prosecution.
Drug Crimes: Drug crimes in Texas can vary in severity from possession of small amounts to drug trafficking. Laws are sometimes contradictory and inconsistently enforced. No matter how serious the charge may be, we will fight it.
DWI and DUI Charges: Driving While Intoxicated involves operating a motor vehicle or watercraft in a public place while impaired, typically due to alcohol. It is one of our most common cases, and we have a very high rate of DWI dismissals. We have several Certified DWI Scientists on our team who know more about breath and blood testing than any prosecutor. We handle all types, including first DWI offenses, second offenses, third (or more) DWI offenses, intoxication manslaughter, and DUI.
Felonies: In San Antonio, there are more than a thousand ways to commit a felony. Many of these can potentially result in massive fines or lengthy prison sentences. If you’re facing any felony charge, we will do everything possible to get it dismissed or reduced.
Homicides: Homicide charges require meticulous preparation and care. Charges can range from criminally negligent homicide to capital murder, which could mean your life is at stake. Any manslaughter or murder charge requires a detailed investigation and a carefully planned strategy. If you’re facing any homicide charge in the San Antonio area, don’t leave your fate in the hands of an overworked public defender. We will devote the necessary time and care to your case.
Misdemeanors: Though misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, potential penalties can still involve jail time. We handle Class A, Class B, and many Class C misdemeanors.
Probation Violations: If you’re already on probation, the threat of having that revoked can be terrifying. You may have to serve your entire original sentence. We have a strong track record of beating these.
Theft: This covers a range of offenses, including shoplifting, larceny, embezzlement, writing bad checks (which may also constitute fraud), theft of services, or knowingly purchasing stolen property. We will thoroughly investigate your arrest and look for any weak evidence.
Other Charges: We handle virtually all types of criminal charges.
This includes:
- Burglary
- Evading arrest
- Harassment
- Terroristic threat
- Trespassing
- Traffic tickets
- Weapons charges
Contact us today for a free consultation, and we will carefully review your case.
