San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney

An arrest, even for a minor offense, can disrupt all aspects of your personal and professional life. At Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC, our San Antonio criminal defense attorneys know that you have a lot to lose; that is why we deliver the personal attention and aggressive representation you need to help you put your legal troubles behind you.

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• Why Choose Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC For Your Criminal Case?
• How Our San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help Your Case
• How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Charge?
• When Should I Contact a Defense Attorney?
• Types of Cases We Handle in Texas
• Misdemeanor And Felony Offenses And Penalties in San Antonio
• How to Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney
• The Texas Criminal Process
• Contact Our San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Why Choose Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC For Your Criminal Case?

If you or somebody you care about is facing a criminal charge in San Antonio, you can count on the legal team at Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC to stand by your side and help get you through this.

• At Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC, our clients are our number one priority. Regardless of what type of criminal charge you are facing, you can rely on our team to provide you with aggressive and professional representation both in and out of the courtroom.
• Our law firm has extensive experience handling all types of criminal cases in and around the San Antonio area. Prosecutors know that we mean business, and they know that we are willing to take any case to trial to ensure our clients are treated fairly.
• We work to create customized legal strategies for every client’s specific situation and charges. No two cases are exactly alike, but we have the resources to create and execute a sound defense plan on your behalf.

How Our San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help Your Case

An experienced criminal defense attorney is an invaluable asset to anyone facing criminal charges in San Antonio. When you retain an attorney, like ours at Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC, you get more than an attorney; you get a fighter who will:

• Speak to law enforcement officials and prosecutors on your behalf
• Handle all court paperwork and documents
• Not allow the state or law enforcement to take advantage of you
• Obtain and analyze all evidence used by prosecutors against you in your case
• Ensure any evidence was legally obtained by law enforcement
• Speak with witnesses to gain a thorough understanding of what took place
• Communicate with prosecutors and negotiate a plea deal if warranted
• Take your case to trial if necessary
• Speak with you about any aspects of your case, be they legal or personal

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Charge?

Private criminal defense attorneys, as opposed to those criminal defense attorneys appointed by the court for indigent defendants, charge either by the hour or by a fixed or set fee. Those private criminal attorneys that charge by the hour usually charge around $150.00 per hour. Criminal defense attorneys cannot charge on a contingency fee basis, meaning based on the case’s outcome.

While some criminal defendants choose to represent themselves, this is ultimately a poor choice. Criminal defendants do not have the experience, skills, or education of a criminal defense attorney. At Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC, our criminal defense attorneys in San Antonio have intimate knowledge of local and state criminal policies, procedures, and laws and use it to provide you with the best possible defense in your criminal law matter. Contact us now to have your charges explained so that you can easily understand any corresponding plea consequences. Keep in mind that an excellent defense attorney can save you time and money in the long run.

When Should I Contact a Defense Attorney?

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in San Antonio, it is vital that you work with a skilled criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. From the moment you are arrested or know that you are under investigation for a crime, an experienced attorney will be an invaluable asset.

• Your criminal defense attorney will be the only one speaking to law enforcement officials and prosecutors about your case. This will prevent you from saying anything that can be used against you in court.
• An attorney will obtain and analyze all evidence that is being used by prosecutors against you in your case. Your attorney will ensure that any evidence the opposing side is using was obtained legally by law enforcement.
• Your attorney will speak to any witnesses involved in the case in an effort to gain a thorough understanding of what happened.
• A San Antonio criminal defense lawyer will communicate with prosecutors and negotiate any plea deals on your behalf if a plea is warranted. If your attorney believes that a fair deal has not been offered, they will have no problem taking the case to trial if necessary.

Types of Cases We Handle in Texas

At the law office of Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC, we handle a wide range of criminal cases in San Antonio and throughout south central Texas. With a majority of our practice dedicated to criminal defense, we stay abreast of the evolving laws and changes in the legal community, and we use our extensive knowledge, experience, and resources to represent our clients in the criminal justice system.

Here are some types of criminal cases we handle:

• DWI/DUI
• Drug charges, including marijuana possession and distribution
• White collar crimes
• Internet sex crimes
• Domestic violence
• Sexual assault
• Federal crimes
• Expungements
• Probation violations

Whether you or a loved one faces charges in state or federal court, our experienced criminal defense lawyers in San Antonio will stand by your side and put our skills and resources in your corner.

Misdemeanor And Felony Offenses And Penalties in San Antonio

In Texas, there are various levels of both misdemeanor charges and felony charges that you need to be aware of. These are different levels, with significant variations in penalties. Here, we want to briefly describe the possible penalties associated with each of these levels as well as an example of a charge associated with each criminal offense.

Misdemeanor Charges

In Texas, a misdemeanor offense is less serious than a felony offense. Misdemeanors in Texas are classified at three levels.

• Class C misdemeanor. Punishment upon conviction will generally not result in any jail time. However, a person could face up to a $500 fine for a conviction of a misdemeanor at this level. Theft of property valued at less than $20, assault without bodily injury, and attending a dogfight are all examples of Class C misdemeanor offenses.
• Class B misdemeanor. Punishment upon conviction could result in a person spending up to 180 days in jail as well as a fine of up to $2,000. Theft of property valued more than $20 but less than $500 is an example of a Class B misdemeanor offense.
• Class A misdemeanor. Punishment upon conviction could result in a person serving up to one year in jail as well as a fine of up to $4,000. Burglary, theft of property valued at $500 or more but less than $1,500, and stalking without bodily injury are all examples of Class A misdemeanor offenses.

Felony Charges

More serious offenses in San Antonio will be charged as felonies. In Texas, there are five main levels of felony offenses, beginning with state jail felonies all the way through capital felonies, which are the most serious offenses that can be committed in the state.

• State jail felony. Punishment upon conviction ranges from 180 days to two years as well as a fine of up to $10,000. There are various charges that result in state jail felony offenses, including convictions for the theft of a firearm and property worth between $2,500 and $30,000.
• Third-degree felony. Punishment upon conviction ranges from two to 10 years as well as a fine of up to $10,000. Promoting prostitution is an example of a third-degree felony in Texas.
• Second-degree felony. Punishment upon conviction ranges from two to 20 years as well as a fine of up to $10,000. Selling between five and 50 pounds of marijuana is a second-degree felony in Texas.
• First-degree felony. Punishment upon conviction ranges from five to 99 years or life in prison. This can include a fine of up to $10,000. Sexual assault against the child is an example of a first-degree felony in Texas.
• Capital felony. This level of a felony is applied to murder charges. Upon conviction, a person may be punished with life in prison without parole, or they could receive the death penalty.

Additional Consequences of a San Antonio Criminal Conviction

In addition to jail or prison time and fines associated with various misdemeanor and felony offenses, a person could face various other serious consequences upon conviction. First, a criminal conviction leads to a permanent mark on a person’s criminal record. This can lead to a person having significant trouble finding gainful employment after their sentence has been served. In addition, misdemeanor and felony charges could inhibit a person’s ability to find housing or attend college.

Depending on the type of offense the person has been convicted of, there could be other severe consequences. This can include a suspension or permanent revocation of driving privileges for felony DWI charges. Any person convicted of a sex crime will likely be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of their life. Registered sex offenders face increased scrutiny from the public, as all of their information becomes public record, easily available online. This includes their photograph, home and work addresses, description of the vehicles they drive, description of the charges they were found guilty of, and more. In addition, registered sex offenders will have to check in with county authorities regularly and notify law enforcement officials if they relocate.

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney

When looking for a criminal defense attorney in Bexar County, it is best to start by finding an attorney specializing in criminal defense in the city or county in which one is facing charges. Local attorneys are familiar with judges and prosecutors in their area, as well as any local courtroom rules and procedures.

Additionally, choose a criminal defense lawyer by doing the following:

• Looking for an attorney that responds quickly to your calls and can schedule a meeting with you within a twenty-four-hour timeframe
• Checking with reputable sources like the Texas State Bar to find out if an attorney has any formal disciplinary actions on their record
• Asking for referrals from friends, relatives, and other attorneys
• Finding an attorney with a transparent fee structure and uncomplicated billing methods
• Asking about their legal experience
• Gauging their enthusiasm and confidence about your case and criminal law

The Texas Criminal Process

Choosing the right defense attorney is one who is reputable and is confident with criminal defense and criminal law. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can explain the Texas criminal court process in full to his or her client. The attorney can provide greater detail of each of the following steps and their applicability to the client’s specific case in detail:

Arrest or Notice to Appear

If there is an arrest, the alleged offender usually appears before the judge within forty-eight hours and has the opportunity to post bond. If there is a notice to appear and the alleged offender does not appear of their own volition, a warrant will issue for their arrest;

First Court Appearance

The alleged offender appears before the judge, and the judge advises the individual of their constitutional rights. The judge grants or denies bail;

Preliminary Hearing

The prosecution must prove there is enough evidence to show a crime, and the defendant was likely guilty of that crime. Otherwise, the judge can dismiss the case;

Pretrial Negotiations or Plea Bargaining

The opposing sides agree on a plea in exchange for a guilty or no contest plea rather than move forward with trial;

Pretrial Motions and Hearings

The defense presents any motions to dismiss or suppress evidence. Any final bargaining takes place. There is a plea, or the case moves forward to trial;

Trial

The defendant may choose trial by judge or jury. Any jury decision needs to be unanimous. If the verdict is guilty, there is a sentencing hearing;

Appeals

After a guilty verdict and sentence, the defense attorney may file appeals to overturn the conviction, reduce the penalties, or have a re-trial.

Contact Our San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

The consequences of a criminal conviction can have a major impact on your life for years to come: scrutiny from educational institutions, potential employers and even neighbors, and long-term repercussions on your ability to obtain a driver’s license or seek a job in certain fields. If you anticipate criminal charges will be filed against you, are the subject of a criminal investigation, or have been requested to conduct a voluntary interview with a law enforcement agency, reach out to our experienced criminal attorneys in Bexar County for legal advice immediately. Our law firm can help.

Schedule a free consultation at our San Antonio law office by calling (210) 222-9132 or by completing our online contact form. Our lawyers will explain your rights and options while stepping in to ensure you are treated with decency and respect.