San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense Attorney: Experienced Legal Representation

Genaro R. Cortez is a San Antonio federal criminal defense attorney who brings over 20 years of proven experience defending clients at every stage of the federal criminal process.  He has helped countless clients facing federal charges at the San Antonio federal courthouse.  From the new United States Courthouse in San Antonio to the federal courts in Del Rio, Attorney Cortez provides the sophisticated defense necessary to navigate complex investigations, high-stakes trials, and the rigors of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Why you need a San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Federal criminal cases differ significantly from Bexar County state cases. The federal courts maintain more formal procedures than Texas state courts, and the penalties for first-time offenders are often considerably more severe. Federal judges also apply the sentencing guidelines to decide how much jail time to give you.

Working with a proven San Antonio federal defense attorney matters because we bring over 20 years of experience handling federal cases in San Antonio and Del Rio federal court. We will:

• Counsel you if police are investigate you for a federal crime
• Protecting your liberty
• Serve as your voice and advocate in federal court

We can help you at every step of your case. If police arrest you for a federal crime in San Antonio, then call us today to get immediate legal representation.

What does a San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

A San Antonio federal criminal defense attorney provides specialized representation for individuals facing charges in federal court, such as the Western District of Texas. Unlike state cases, federal defense requires a deep understanding of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and complex federal rules of procedure.

Furthermore, a your federal defense attorney will:

• Protect Your Constitutional Rights:  We ensure police respect your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.  We also verify that law enforcement honors your Miranda rights, which protect you.
• Negotiate Federal Bail:  We will ask a judge to let you out on bond by showing you pose neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community.
• Investigate your case:  Conduct an independent investigation and challenge the government’s evidence.
• Defend you at Trial:  Defend you in a jury trial if a plea agreement is not in your best interest.
• Handle Sentencing:  Challenge high sentencing guideline recommendations and fight for the lowest penalty in your case.  

File Appeals:  We protect your appellate rights by filing an appeal at your request and helping you find an appellate lawyer to help with your case.

Common Federal Crimes in San Antonio

The Western District of Texas is one of the busiest federal districts in the United States, particularly the San Antonio and Del Rio divisions.  Of major interest, San Antonio is a major hub for gun runners, drug traffickers, and alien smugglers.  Accordingly, San Antonio federal courts prosecute several categories of federal crimes:

1. Drug Conspiracy and Possession with Intent to Distribute:  Federal methamphetamine charges and other major drug crimes compromise a large portion of federal prosecutions in San Antonio, Texas.  These cases often involve transnational trafficking and commercial quantities of controlled substances.
2. Federal Firearms Offenses:  18 U.S.C. § 922(g) gun crimes prohibit certain people from possessing a firearm.  This includes felons, undocumented aliens, or those with domestic violence convictions.  Equally important, federal gun crimes carry stiff penalties and require experienced defense representation.
3. Human Smuggling and Immigration Crimes: Alien smuggling prosecutions occur frequently in both San Antonio and Del Rio federal court. These cases involve transporting migrants from Eagle Pass or Del Rio to San Antonio and beyond.

White-Collar Federal Crimes

We also defend clients facing the following white-collar crimes in San Antonio federal court:

• Mail Fraud
• Wire Fraud
• Bank Fraud
• Identity Theft
• Tax Evasion
• Healthcare Fraud

Other Federal Offenses

• DWI on federal installations
• Assault on federal officers
• 18 U.S.C. § 371 conspiracy charges

When should you hire a federal criminal defense attorney in San Antonio?

• Contact a federal defense attorney immediately if the FBI, DHS, ATF, DEA, or other federal agency wants to interview you about a crime. 
• You are under federal investigation.  
• Federal agents arrested you and charged you with a federal crime.
• A Grand Jury issued a subpoena for you.  
• To get out on bond after arrest
• You are considering a plea deal

How a San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Defends Your Rights

Miranda Rights Defense

Police frequently contact suspects before they charge them with a crime. At the same time, anything you tell the police can be used against you at trial and sentencing. An experienced San Antonio federal criminal defense attorney will protect your right against self-incrimination while also talking to police on your behalf.

Strategic Defense Planning

Your attorney will review your case for the following:

• Fourth Amendment violations 
• Miranda violations
• Defense and trial options
• Sentencing issues

Your attorney will also keep you up to date on the status of your case.

Negotiate with Federal Prosecutors

An experienced federal criminal defense attorney negotiates with federal prosecutors to potentially lower your charges or reduce your jail time if you decide to plead guilty.

Sentencing Defense

According to a Pew Research Poll, the majority of clients in federal criminal cases accept plea agreements. Consequently, sentencing becomes the critical phase in federal criminal cases and where an experienced San Antonio federal criminal defense attorney provides the most value.

Your attorney can do several things to help you get the lowest jail term possible. First, we review the Presentence Investigation Report (PSR or PSI) for errors that can lead to a high guideline range. If the probation department makes mistakes in your PSR, then your attorney will file objections to the report.

This review process is crucial because federal judges rely heavily on the PSR to get a rough idea of how much jail time they will impose. Your primary goal with the PSR is to get the lowest starting guideline range possible.

From that foundation, your attorney can use the 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors to fight for an even lower jail term. Additionally, if you decide to cooperate with the government, then your attorney will ensure you are eligible for either safety valve relief or 5K1.1 assistance.

The bottom line is an experienced attorney will position your case to get the lowest jail term possible.

Table: San Antonio Federal Court vs Bexar County State Court differences

Meet Genaro R. Cortez: Experienced San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Genaro R. Cortez is a dedicated San Antonio federal criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience representing clients in San Antonio federal court. His extensive background includes:

• Proven Trial Success: Secured not guilty verdicts for clients facing serious federal charges
• CJA Panel Attorney: Served on the federal court’s Criminal Justice Act Panel from 2008-2021, appointed by federal judges to represent indigent defendants in complex cases
• Hundreds of Federal Cases: Successfully defended clients charged with drug trafficking, firearms offenses, alien smuggling, and white-collar crimes throughout South Texas
• Comprehensive Federal Court Knowledge: Deep understanding of federal procedures, sentencing guidelines, and the Western District of Texas court system

Dedicated Client Service: Personally handles each case with attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.

Contact San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Genaro R. Cortez

If you’re facing federal charges or under investigation in San Antonio or anywhere in South Texas, contact the Law Office of Genaro R. Cortez for a free consultation. With over two decades of federal court experience, Attorney Cortez provides the aggressive, knowledgeable defense you need.