San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorneys

Enhanceable Criminal Offenses

Texas has certain offenses that are “enhanceable”. This means that if you are convicted of the offense now, then arrested for the same offense in the future, you will be charged at a higher level in the future. This means if your arrest was a Class B Misdemeanor, then you will be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor the second time. A third future charge after two convictions could be a Felony.

A common arrest where this applies in San Antonio is Driving While Intoxicated. Although some states will not use a previous DWI or DUI to enhance a charge after a period of time; in a Texas DWI arrest, a past conviction for DWI will always be used to enhance your DWI charge. This means a second offense is a Class A misdemeanor and a third offense is a Felony.

The same “enhancement” applies to other criminal charges, including San Antonio family violence and domestic violence cases. If you are arrested you want to ensure you hire the best criminal defense attorney in San Antonio. A conviction for any criminal activity can be life altering. Hire a team of San Antonio criminal defense attorneys that will fight for you.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers

The key to defending a San Antonio criminal charge is knowledge. We have multiple San Antonio criminal defense attorneys who were previously police officers- the side making arrests. Steve and David both have the knowledge gained as law enforcement officers. Additionally, both were field training officers. This means they trained others on how to conduct Texas criminal arrests.

Our team approach, combined with our police experience, helps to ensure you have the greatest chance of having your charges reduced, dismissed, or a not guilty verdict at trial. Don’t settle for any attorney; call our team of experienced San Antonio criminal defense attorneys who will fight your case!

What does a San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer do?

If you are accused of a criminal offense, a San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer will advocate for your side in your legal defense. Navigating the Bexar County criminal justice system can not only be exhausting, but it can be very intimidating, and you need knowledgeable and experienced San Antonio criminal defense lawyers to protect your rights. We strive to get the best results in your criminal charges.

Our San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers will use their legal skills to fight on your side, defending you while the prosecutors and criminal justice system try to fight against you. With our experience, we will work with you to create a personalized plan for your legal defense. With every bit of evidence available to us by the power of the law. This “discovery” of evidence the State of Texas has against you combined with our experience and knowledge we enable us to develop a personalized defense to your case.

With all of the implications and negative effects that come with a criminal charge, a defense lawyer will work tirelessly so you can keep your Constitutional Rights and livelihood. Driving, owning a firearm, child custody, and American citizenship status are just a few rights and privileges at stake when you are facing a criminal charge. Don’t allow a criminal charge to ruin your life. Work with a San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer today to fight against a criminal conviction.

DIY vs. Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you have been arrested for a Class B Misdemeanor or higher criminal offense in Texas, you should not be considering DIY lawyering. If you want to fight the charges, hiring a criminal defense lawyer is critical.

When charged with a criminal conviction, many people think they can represent themself to save money. This is NEVER a good idea; especially when you are facing jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. In fact, when you discuss your case with the prosecutor you are potentially revealing evidence, the prosecutor can use what you say against you later! Even if you are familiar with the judicial system and laws, it is still highly recommended to not represent yourself. Not only is the practice of law a skill that takes years of accredited training and hands on experience to become great at it but in self-representation you risk waiving your Constitutional right to remain silent.

Unfortunately, in the complicated judicial system, simply thinking you are innocent, and “telling the truth” is not enough of a defense to keep you from getting charged and convicted with jail time and fines. Legal language is very complicated. Working with an attorney can save you from incriminating yourself further by saying the wrong thing, or taking the wrong action that is interpreted by the prosecution as further evidence of guilt.

Knowledge

Attorneys must be familiar and very knowledgeable of the complicated legal processes, your rights, and what actions you must take to fight for your innocence. Ignorance of appropriate legal action, such as filling out the right paperwork and timely filing it, is not an excuse and could decrease your chance of successfully defending your case. When people represent themselves in a court of law, they take on a big risk and usually cost themselves far more money, time, and end up with a worse legal outcome than if they had hired an experienced San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer in the first place.

However, if you hire an experience criminal lawyer in San Antonio you will get someone to explain your rights and explain how the facts of your case impact your options. We can leverage our skills, team approach, and experience to determine what you can expect throughout your case. Working with professionals is always recommended, and the more competent your representation is, the better your outcome will be. By working with a San Antonio criminal defense lawyer, we fight for you to walk away with a dismissal or Not Guilty.

Personalized Defense

When working with our team of criminal defense attorneys, your representation will be personalized to your case. The team of San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorneys will work directly with you to understand your needs and determine an appropriate plan of action to defend you with as little negative impact to your life as possible. You will never get a copy and paste defense. At Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys we make a plan personalized to your needs, analyze the evidence for and against you, and seek for the best outcome in your case!

When you hire us, you may be in one of the most vulnerable phases of your life. A criminal charge is stressful. At a time like this, you need a team that is filled with experienced and knowledgeable San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers to stand by your side through the process. When the process and judicial system may feel like they are against you, we will be on your side. Our team of intelligent and bold Criminal Defense Attorneys will work to put your mind at ease, and execute your defense fearlessly.

Honest & Clear Legal Guidance

Navigating a criminal accusation is an extremely difficult and stressful time in your life. Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process with an understanding of what you are facing, explain what to expect during the process, and formulate a plan to guide you through every step in the legal process.

The Impact of A Criminal Charge On Your Record

There can be many negative impacts from a criminal conviction on your record. The most notable is frequently the impact it can have on your future employment. Criminal convictions can make it more difficult to find a job because many employers perform a criminal background check as part of the hiring process. Criminal convictions may lead to financial troubles for this reason.

Immigration: A criminal record can prevent immigrants from obtaining any change in their immigration status, such as obtaining a green card or becoming a naturalized citizen.

Child Custody: For those with children, the stakes can be higher. Having a criminal record can play against your child custody rights, especially if you are charged with violent offenses.

Privileges: There are other privileges you can lose as a result of a criminal charge. Driving, the right to own a firearm, and even more depending on the charge you are convicted of.

And while these consequences are bad enough, they can be combined with fines, community service, and even jail time.

If you are facing criminal charges, you are facing any and all of these possible consequences. A criminal charge will not go away. The sooner you take action, the more likely you are to obtain a better outcome for yourself.

Have You Been Arrested in San Antonio, TX?

If you have been arrested in San Antonio, there is no time to lose – your FREEDOM could be at stake. As we discuss above, a conviction can have serious negative impacts on your rights, privileges, and future. You do NOT have time to waste. You must contact an experienced San Antonio criminal defense lawyer as quickly as possible to start working on your case.

At Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys, clients always receive a free consultation. Contact our office today to schedule your Free Consultation or submit a free case evaluation and we will call and schedule a consultation. We are available 24/7 to schedule an appointment.