San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney.
Facing criminal charges in San Antonio, Texas is a nightmare no one should go through alone. Whether you are dealing with a first-time DWI, a serious drug charge, or a federal allegation, you need more than just a lawyer — you need an advocate with experience fighting cases at the Cadena Reeves Justice Center and the San Antonio Federal Courthouse. As a San Antonio criminal defense attorney, I understand the intricacies of local law and how to navigate the system effectively.
As a solo practitioner, I provide the personalized, one-on-one attention that large firms often lack. When you hire me as your San Antonio criminal defense attorney, you work directly with me, not a paralegal or a junior associate. My goal is simple: to protect your future, keep your record clean, and secure the best outcome for your case.
Navigating the Bexar County State and Federal Criminal Justice System.
If police arrest a loved one for a state or federal crime in San Antonio, Texas, then the first thing to do is get the person out of jail. If it is a misdemeanor or felony case in Bexar County state court, then you hire a bond company to post your bond. If it is a federal case, then you must ask a magistrate judge to let you out on bond. As your dedicated San Antonio criminal defense attorney, I will guide you through this process.
After that, you will have time to meet with your attorney to figure out the best plan for your case. In Bexar County state court, you have many options to work out your case and avoid jail time. In contrast, in San Antonio federal court, the options are narrower and the risk of going to jail is higher.
However, in both situations, you have a right to plead not guilty, assert your rights, and fight your case. An aggressive and dedicated attorney will help you do this. More importantly, he will advise you at each step about which option is best for your case.
What are my options after a Bexar County DWI Arrest?
A first-time DWI is one of the most common crimes in San Antonio, Texas. It can happen to anyone, but a DWI or DUI arrest does not mean you are guilty. As a solo practitioner, I will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
In fact, first-time misdemeanor DWI cases are the most common types of cases that go to trial in San Antonio, Texas. This is because the State must prove one of three things to convict you of drunk driving: (1) you lost the normal use of your mental faculties; (2) you lost the normal use of your physical faculties; or (3) your blood alcohol level (BAC) is .08 or higher at the time of driving.
Surprisingly, this is not always an easy call to make. Especially in cases where the driver performs well on Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) and has a BAC that is slightly over the limit. In these cases, a jury trial may be your best option.
On the other hand, many people do not want to fight their cases. This happens when the video is not good and their BAC test is high. Furthermore, many suspected DWI drivers in San Antonio also have families, jobs, or school courses to worry about. As a result, they do not want to risk jail time by fighting their cases.
In either event, DWI Attorney Genaro Cortez can walk you through your options. Most important of all, he will respect your wishes and do everything possible to achieve your goals.
San Antonio Federal Crimes and Defenses.
San Antonio, Texas is a major hub for federal crimes. This is because San Antonio connects to many border towns like Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Laredo. Consequently, the FBI, Homeland Security, and ICE Agents frequently arrest drivers for drug, gun, or alien-smuggling crimes while they drive through the San Antonio, Texas area. As your San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney, I can help you navigate these serious charges.
In addition, the FBI actively investigates white-collar crimes like bank fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, and insurance fraud in San Antonio and surrounding counties. These crimes carry two main penalties. First, they can lead to jail time. Second, the Government can take your property if they can prove you used money from the fraud to buy a home, car, or other item.
Attorney Genaro R. Cortez will provide you an aggressive federal criminal defense. For 15 years, he served as a CJA Panel Attorney in San Antonio and Del Rio, Texas. During that time, he helped hundreds of clients with all types of federal crimes in San Antonio and Del Rio federal court. He knows how to fight these charges. And he knows when it is a good idea to work out a deal in your case.
Bexar County, Texas State and Federal Criminal Defense.
Call San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Genaro R. Cortez to talk about your criminal case in Bexar County, Texas. All calls are confidential. I am here to help you every step of the way.
Attorney Genaro R. Cortez. 210-733-7575.
What should I do immediately after a Bexar County, Texas arrest?
First, secure release by hiring a bond company for state charges. If it is a federal charge, then consult with an experienced defense attorney to help you get a bond at a detention hearing. Once released, schedule a meeting with your San Antonio criminal defense attorney to review evidence, such as body cam footage or sobriety tests, before your first court date.
Do I have to fight a first-time DWI charge in San Antonio, Texas?
While many choose to fight first-time DWIs through a jury trial—especially if field sobriety tests were performed well—others may prefer to seek a plea to avoid jail time. An attorney can help you weigh these options based on your specific BAC results and video evidence.
How do federal charges differ from state charges in San Antonio, Texas?
Federal cases, often involving alien smuggling or drug conspiracy, are handled in the San Antonio or Del Rio Federal Courthouses. The penalties are generally more severe, and the options for avoiding jail time are narrower than in Bexar County state court, making specialized federal defense critical.
Can the government seize my property in a federal fraud case?
Yes. In cases involving mail, wire, or bank fraud, the government may attempt to seize property if they can prove it was purchased with proceeds from the alleged fraud. A defense attorney works to protect your assets and challenge the government’s evidence.
