San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing criminal charges in San Antonio is one of the most stressful experiences of your life. Whether you are dealing with a first-time DWI, a serious drug charge, or a federal indictment, you need more than a lawyer — you need an advocate who knows the Bexar County courts, the San Antonio Federal Courthouse, and how to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
As a solo practitioner, I provide personalized, one-on-one attention that large firms simply cannot match. When you hire me, you work directly with me — not a paralegal, not a junior associate. My goal is simple: protect your future, keep your record clean, and fight for the best result your case allows.
Navigating the Bexar County and Federal Criminal Justice System
If a loved one has been arrested in San Antonio, the first priority is getting them released. For state charges in Bexar County court, a bond company can post bond. For federal charges, a magistrate judge must authorize release at a detention hearing — and having an experienced San Antonio criminal defense attorney present at that hearing matters enormously.
After release, you have time to meet with your attorney and plan your defense. In Bexar County state court, there are often multiple paths to resolving a case and avoiding jail time. In federal court, the options are narrower and the stakes are higher — but you always have the right to plead not guilty, assert your constitutional rights, and fight.
San Antonio DWI Defense — Protecting Your Rights After an Arrest
A first-time DWI is one of the most common charges in San Antonio, and one of the most defensible. To convict, the State must prove that you lost the normal use of your mental or physical faculties, or that your blood alcohol concentration was .08 or higher at the time of driving. That is not always an easy case for the prosecution to make.
In cases where the driver performed well on field sobriety tests or had a BAC just over the limit, taking the case to a jury is often the best path. In other situations — where the video is unfavorable or the BAC is high — a negotiated resolution may better protect your family, your job, and your future. DWI Attorney Genaro Cortez will walk you through both options honestly, and fight for the outcome that serves your goals.
Charged with DWI in Bexar County?
Attorney Genaro R. Cortez has defended hundreds of DWI cases in San Antonio. Bilingual service available. Free consultation.
Free Consultation (210) 733-7575San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense
San Antonio sits at the center of one of the busiest federal law enforcement corridors in the country. Because the city connects to border towns like Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Laredo, federal agents from the FBI, Homeland Security, and ICE regularly arrest individuals for drug trafficking, alien smuggling, and firearms offenses while passing through the region.
Federal cases are fundamentally different from state cases. The penalties are more severe, mandatory minimums limit a judge’s flexibility, and the government’s resources are vastly greater than what any state prosecutor brings to court. Attorney Genaro R. Cortez served as a CJA Panel Attorney in San Antonio and Del Rio federal court for 15 years, representing hundreds of clients on federal charges. He knows how these cases are built — and how to take them apart.
Wills, Estate Planning, and Probate Attorney in San Antonio
Planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for your family. At the Law Office of Genaro R. Cortez, PLLC, I now offer estate planning and probate legal services to families throughout San Antonio and Bexar County.
A properly drafted will ensures your assets go to the people you choose — not to whomever Texas intestacy law designates. Without a will, the state decides how your estate is distributed, and the results often surprise surviving families. A will also lets you name a guardian for minor children and designate an executor to manage your estate efficiently.
If a loved one has already passed, I can guide your family through the Bexar County Probate Court process — from filing the petition and notifying creditors to transferring title and closing the estate. Texas law generally requires probate to be initiated within four years of the date of death, so it is important to act promptly.
Whether you need a simple will, a durable power of attorney, a medical power of attorney, or help navigating the probate process, I provide the same personalized attention my criminal defense clients have relied on for over 20 years.
Protect Your Family’s Future — San Antonio Wills & Estate Planning
Attorney Cortez prepares wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives for San Antonio families. Bilingual service available. Free consultation.
Learn More (210) 733-7575Personal Injury and Car Accident Attorney in San Antonio
When a car accident or someone else’s negligence leaves you injured, the bills come fast and the insurance companies move faster — in their own interest, not yours. At the Law Office of Genaro R. Cortez, PLLC, I represent injury victims in San Antonio and Bexar County, including those pursuing uninsured and underinsured motorist (UIM) claims when the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage.
Texas is a fault state, which means the driver responsible for causing the accident can be held liable for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Insurance adjusters know that unrepresented claimants typically accept far less than their case is worth. Having an attorney in your corner changes that dynamic from the first call.
If you were injured in a car accident in the San Antonio area and are unsure whether you have a viable claim — or whether your own insurance company is treating you fairly on a UIM claim — call for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover for you.
Injured in a San Antonio Car Accident?
Don’t let the insurance company lowball your claim. Attorney Cortez represents injury victims and UIM claimants throughout Bexar County. No fee unless we win.
Learn More (210) 733-7575Bexar County Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Personal Injury Attorney — Call 210-733-7575
Whether you are facing criminal charges, need a will drafted, or were injured by a negligent driver, the Law Office of Genaro R. Cortez, PLLC is here to help. All consultations are free and confidential. Bilingual service in English and Spanish is available.
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. I 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.
Why do I need a Will or Estate Plan in San Antonio?
A personalized estate plan ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and helps your family avoid the lengthy and expensive Bexar County probate process. At the Law Office of Genaro R. Cortez, PLLC, we help you protect your legacy with Wills, Trusts, and Power of Attorney documents.
Do I need a will if I live in San Antonio, Texas?
Yes. Without a valid will, Texas law decides how your assets are distributed — and that may not reflect your wishes. A will lets you name who inherits your property, who raises your minor children, and who manages your estate. At the Law Office of Genaro R. Cortez, PLLC, I can draft a legally sound will that protects your family and gives you peace of mind.
What is the probate process in Bexar County, Texas?
Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a deceased person’s will and distributing their estate. In Bexar County, probate cases are filed in the Bexar County Probate Court. The process typically involves appointing an executor, notifying creditors, paying debts, and transferring property to heirs. Texas law generally requires probate to be filed within four years of the date of death.
How long does probate take in San Antonio, Texas?
A straightforward, uncontested probate case in Bexar County can take anywhere from a few months to about a year, depending on the size of the estate and whether any disputes arise. Having an experienced San Antonio probate attorney guide the process helps avoid unnecessary delays and keeps the case moving forward efficiently.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Texas?
If a person dies without a will — known as dying “intestate” — Texas intestacy laws determine who inherits the estate. This can lead to outcomes the deceased never intended, including assets going to estranged relatives or a surviving spouse receiving less than expected. A San Antonio wills attorney can help you avoid this outcome by getting a proper will in place now.
San Antonio criminal defense, estate planning, and personal injury attorney serving Bexar County and South Texas. Attorney Genaro R. Cortez defends DWI, drug, and federal charges, drafts wills and estate planning documents, and represents injury victims. Over 20 years of experience. Free consultations: (210) 733-7575.
