Defendant indicted in one of the most publicized Texas organized crime cases. The defendant patiently waited over two years for this dismissal. We prepared and filed over 60 motions and successfully obtained a dismissal on all charges. The defendant was charged with first Degree offense and was facing a prison sentence of 5years up to 99 years or life in prison. Over 150 of these cases have not been resolved.
Defendant was accused of possession of a controlled substance at Fiesta Texas. Security personnel searched defendant’s property and confiscated what they believed to be cocaine. We challenged the qualifications of the personnel and the chain of custody of the substance that was eventually placed in a paper towel. Case was dismissed before trial.
Defendant accused of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance of more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in the course of a drug crime. We prepared several witnesses and argued for release. The government opposed the release of our client alleging a flight risk and danger to the community. The Federal Judge considered all arguments and agreed to release the defendant.
Defendant accused of possession of a Controlled substance with intent to distribute more than 1 Kilogram of methamphetamine. We prepared several witnesses and argued for release. The government opposed the release of our client alleging a flight risk and danger to the community. The Federal Judge considered all arguments and agreed to release the defendant.
Our office received a dismissal on a Murder case on January 23, 2017. In this case, our client was accused of committing murder in San Antonio, Texas. We aggressively prepared this case for trial for almost two years and filed several motions. We consulted several experts and interviewed multiple witnesses. While the jury sat outside the courtroom, on the day of trial, attorney Guillermo Lara Jr. secured a dismissal for his client.
My client was accused of a large federal conspiracy and the Government was opposed to our release. We prepared for over 40 hours and presented several witnesses. We successfully convinced the magistrate judge to allow for our release. This was even though our client was accused of being the leader of a conspiracy. After the hearing, we were complimented on our preparation and presentation. Guillermo Lara was quoted in several new outlets on this matter.
Our client was accused of conspiring to commit bank fraud and embezzling over 1 million dollars. We fought hard for our client in San Antonio and secured a minimum sentence of 1 year when the range was up to 30 years. Guillermo Lara Jr. was quoted by several news outlets for his commitment to defending his clients.
Our office received a dismissal on this case the morning of trial. We prepared this case for over a year, hired an expert, and analyzed all of the state's data. We felt confident that the information presented was wrong and that we could show the jury our side of the incident. On the day of trial, attorney Guillermo Lara Jr. secured a dismissal.
My client was accused of conspiracy to distribute multiple Kilos of methamphetamine. We were retained on the case because the client was not satisfied with his previous attorney. Client informed us that he was being told to take a plea agreement. We worked the case and spotted several issues. We prepped for the suppression and uncovered critical issues in the government's case. We hired an expert in our case that verified our position. We won our case and my client was allowed to move on with his life! One of the greatest feelings was the appreciation he expressed for all the hard work.
My client was accused of an Aggravated Kidnapping in San Antonio, Texas. I worked this case for two years and went to trial in October of 2016. Client was accused of taking part in a back page scam that had one person kidnapped. It was a heated case, but we were able to successfully defend our client in the face of an alleged identification. The jury returned with a NOT GUILTY within two hours.
Client was accused of Federal Conspiracy. Client was unhappy with his previous attorney and was referred to my office. I took the case two weeks before his trial date and dedicated hours to reviewing discovery. I prepared the case for trial. I was successful at keeping out evidence and cross-examined several Federal Agents. A co-defendnat testified for the government and I was successful at pointing out his interests and motives for fabricating. The jury took 45 minutes to decide he was NOT GUILTY.
Client was accused of aggravated robbery with a firearm.
Felony 1
We prepared the case for trial and our client received Deferred Adjudication.
Defendant faced three life sentences for conspiracy to distribute several Kilos of cocaine.
We prepared the case for trial and received 3 years of supervised release.
Client was accused of DWI. The state announced ready for trial and we began our trial. After we began the trial, the state realized they would have a problem proving their case. We filed several motions that prevented the state from mentioning prejudicial facts. We also suppressed blood results. Case dismissed.
Assault Public Servant Felony 3
Client accused of kicking Security officer. We argued that essential elements of the offense would be difficult to prove. Primarily, the bodily injury element. The state agreed and dismissed the case.
Possession of A Controlled Substance
Client was accused of possessing a controlled substance. We argued that the officer violated our client's 5th Amendment right.
Capital Murder case. Client alleged to be associated with drug cartel. We argued that the state did not have any definitive proof and indicted the case without doing the necessary investigation. Prior to trial setting, District Attorney dismissed the case. We worked this case for over two years and consulted several experts.
Client was accused of Possession of Controlled Substance Felony 2. Law Enforcement alleged violation of transportation code. We argued that client was detained beyond the reasonable time to issue citation and violated clients Fourth Amendment Rights. Judge agreed and Suppressed the evidence. State dismissed the charges.
Client was on Felony Deferred for 10 years. This was his second Motion to Revoke.The state alleged a new Felony offense and four other violations. The state requested our client be sentenced to six years. We argued to the judge that he should be continued on Deferred and given one more opportunity. The judge agreed and denied the state's motion to revoke. We were successful at keeping this young man on deferred and without a conviction.
We had a First Degree Felony Intent to Distribute case set for trial last week. District Attorney contacts me the day of trial and dismissed the case. We argued that the San Antonio Narcotics Task Force did not have probable cause to detain our client. The state could not establish probable cause for an arrest and case was dismissed.
DWI case was set for trial. Client was accused of Driving While Intoxicated and could not accept a DWI conviction. We weren't able to get the case dismissed but obtained the reduction he needed.
DWI Dismissed. Client was stopped for defective tint and the officer alleged he smelled odor of alcohol. Breath test revealed .154 concentration. We argued lack of probable cause in a motion to suppress and the test results were not allowed. Case was dismissed.
Possession of Controlled Substance case dismissed. Client was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
Burglary of a building dismissed. Client accused of entering habitation of his ex girlfriend.
DWI MTR. Client faced revocation for failing to submit breath test results and allegedly failing to comply with conditions. Warrant issued for their arrest. We called the court and arranged for a special docket appearance to take care of the matter. We also took care of all underlying allegations before visiting the judge.
Felony Theft charges dismissed. Client was allegedly found in a stolen vehicle. We prepared the case for trial and the state dismissed on the day of trial.
Client was allegedly charged with using a stolen debit card and taking funds from a local hotel. Case was prepped for trial and dismissed.
Set for trial on MARCH 31, 2014. We prepared our cases and were ready to proceed to trial. The state alleged camera footage, photographs and witness statements would be used at trial. We were strong in our position and all theft charges were dismissed.
San Antonio DWI C/A second offense was dismissed this morning. Client was stopped for excessive acceleration on a public roadway. Officer alleged that client was spinning tires, and revving his engine. After researching the case law on the issue, Attorney Alfonso Cabanas and I argued that this transportation code provision only applies to “competitions” or when racing other vehicles. Officer did not have probable cause or reasonable suspicion for the stop. DWI Case Dismissed.
DWI C/A second offense was dismissed this morning. Client was stopped for excessive acceleration on a public roadway. Officer alleged that client was spinning tires, and revving his engine. After researching the case law on the issue, I argued that this transportation code provision only applies to "competitions" or when racing other vehicles. Officer did not have probable cause or reasonable suspicion for the stop. DWI Case Dismissed.
Client in South Texas was charged with Possession of A Controlled Substance F/2. This case should not have been indicted, but we are happy that the case was dismissed after our first setting. Now she can move on with her life. Next step is getting an expunction to clear her record.
Client on a F/3 D.W.I. Motion To Revoke faced a 10 year sentence. I'm glad his probation was terminated and set free. One of the most satisfying experiences as an attorney. My client called me a few days later thanking me for caring so much. One of the many reasons I enjoying practicing.
Client charged with D.W.I. and offering a gift to a public servant. Charges were dismissed after successfully arguing a Motion to Suppress evidence where officers were not justified in stopping client. Breath test was well over legal limit.
We were faced with a DWI C/A. After fully investigating the circumstances surrounding the stop, we were successful at having the charge reduced to an Obstruction of a Highway C/B. Although we were willing to take the case to trial, we are all happy with this outcome.
Our client was stopped for an alleged traffic violation. Officer found what appeared to be Marijuana and Cocaine. We investigated and analyzed the case prior to our first setting. Case dismissed. Charges were dismissed.
We were faced with a DWI C/A. After fully investigating the circumstances surrounding the stop, we were successful at having the charge reduced to an Obstruction of a Highway C/B. Although we were willing to take the case to trial, we are all happy with this outcome.
Our client was stopped for an alleged traffic violation. Officer found what appeared to be Marijuana and Cocaine. We investigated and analyzed the case prior to our first setting. Case dismissed. Charges were dismissed.
Our client was accused of over 12 counts. We filed 16 Motions in Limine and at Jury Selection DA dismissed 7 counts of Sexual Assault F/2, 2 counts of Indecency with a child F/2, and 2 counts of Assault C/A. Client plead to a F/3 and Assault C/A.
Our client entered into a contract to have their roofing fixed. Luckily for them the “contractor” warranted the work for five years. Within a year, the roof was leaking and damaged. We are happy that our client recovered the full cost of their contract price and can now pay to have their roof fixed. Remember to get everything in writing, and keep your receipts. Client recovered over $6,000 for breach of contract.
Client charged with Burglary of Habitation and Interference with with an Emergency Phone Call. Complaining party refused to proceed and case was dismissed.
Client charged with Burglary of a Building dismissed. Affidavit of non-prosecution is obtained. Case dismissed at Jury Selection.
Client was accused of attempted Murder. Case investigated for 3 months and hired an Eyewitness Expert. Indictment was dismissed before trial.
Client accused of sexually assaulting a child. We argued that the investigation was sloppy and incomplete. Not Guilty.
Client charged with possession of a controlled substance. Case set for trial and dismissed before Jury Selection.
Client accused of Harassment C/B. Defense was that he never intended to alarm, threaten or annoy anyone. The state argued that a police officer listened to a recorded phone call and our client admitted to leaving a voice message. However, we argued to the jury that words can be misinterpreted and do not always have the same meaning. Not Guilty. As a result of this trial, the state dismissed a pending harassment case.
On August 31, 2012 a jury trial resulted in a Hung Jury after a relentless defense by the Public Defender’s office.
Client charged with D.W.I. and offering a gift to a public servant. Charges were dismissed after successfully arguing a Motion to Suppress evidence where officers were not justified in stopping client. Breath test was well over legal limit.
Client was accused of Aggravated Assault with A Deadly Weapon. Witnesses were not located and case was dismissed.
More than 20 years after he was condemned and in 2002 very nearly executed for shooting Dimmit County Sheriff Ben Murray , Jose Garcia Briseno today was sentenced to an effective life without parole term in prison for Capital Murder.
The sentencing occurred as part of a plea bargain and ends years of litigation concerning Mr. Briseno’s retardation and his right to a sentencing trial that allowed full consideration of mitigating evidence.
Mr. Briseno’s defense team includes: longtime appointed counsel Dick Burr, who won the stay that prevented Mr. Briseno from being executed; San Antonio attorney Mark Stevens; Texas Defender Service mitigation specialist and senior staff attorney Naomi Terr; TDS mitigation specialist Randi Wall-Chavez; mitigation specialist Nicole Van Toorn; fact investigator Jim McKay; and classification expert Frank AuBuchon. Also working tirelessly on the case have been: Elisabeth Semel and her students from the Berkeley Death Penalty Clinic; attorney Hilary Sheard; and Hugo Martinez and Guillermo Lara, both of the Laredo Public Defender’s Office.
Ever since Mr. Briseno’s execution was stayed in 2002, volunteer interns have provided invaluable assistance in investigating factual and legal topics. This group has included law students, social work students, undergraduates, British law interns, and students from the Cornell Death Penalty Clinic.
University of Texas Law Prof. Jordan Steiker and Robert Owen, now of Northwestern University School of Law, were on the CCA briefs that won the resentencing trial for Mr. Briseno. Many, many others worked on Mr. Briseno’s case before he was granted a retrial, including: attorney Mandy Welch; Alma Lagarda, a TDS staff attorney who worked on the case when she was an intern; and private investigator Richard Reyna.
More than 20 years after he was condemned and in 2002 very nearly executed for shooting Dimmit County Sheriff Ben Murray , Jose Garcia Briseno today was sentenced to an effective life without parole term in prison for Capital Murder.
The sentencing occurred as part of a plea bargain and ends years of litigation concerning Mr. Briseno’s retardation and his right to a sentencing trial that allowed full consideration of mitigating evidence.
Mr. Briseno’s defense team includes: longtime appointed counsel Dick Burr, who won the stay that prevented Mr. Briseno from being executed; San Antonio attorney Mark Stevens; Texas Defender Service mitigation specialist and senior staff attorney Naomi Terr; TDS mitigation specialist Randi Wall-Chavez; mitigation specialist Nicole Van Toorn; fact investigator Jim McKay; and classification expert Frank AuBuchon. Also working tirelessly on the case have been: Elisabeth Semel and her students from the Berkeley Death Penalty Clinic; attorney Hilary Sheard; and Hugo Martinez and Guillermo Lara, both of the Laredo Public Defender’s Office.
Ever since Mr. Briseno’s execution was stayed in 2002, volunteer interns have provided invaluable assistance in investigating factual and legal topics. This group has included law students, social work students, undergraduates, British law interns, and students from the Cornell Death Penalty Clinic.
University of Texas Law Prof. Jordan Steiker and Robert Owen, now of Northwestern University School of Law, were on the CCA briefs that won the resentencing trial for Mr. Briseno. Many, many others worked on Mr. Briseno’s case before he was granted a retrial, including: attorney Mandy Welch; Alma Lagarda, a TDS staff attorney who worked on the case when she was an intern; and private investigator Richard Reyna.
Defendant was indicted on three counts of conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. This case started off with a mandatory minimum of 5 years to 40 years. We prepared the case for trial and argued a motion to dismiss for lack of speedy trial. We objected to the government’s request for continuance and on the day of trial the Government reduced the offense to a lessor charge.
Client was accused of trafficking firearms without a license. We argued for probation and it was granted.
Client was a young man accused of falsifying documents for the purchase of firearms. We argued for probation and it was granted.
DWI trial case with a blood test result of three times the legal limit. We prepared for trial and picked a jury. After the jury was selected, the District Attorneys' office dismissed the case.
Client was accused of bribing a public official on over 170 occasions. We argued in favor of release and the magistrate judge agreed. The Government challenged the Magistrate decision and another hearing was set before the United States District Judge. We prepared a memorandum and argued that the magistrate decision was correct. The District Federal judge agreed with our law office and ordered the release of the Client.
Client was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute in a Federal Criminal Case. We argued for release at detention hearing and the Defendant was released. We argued entrapment based on the manner in which the Defendant was approached and arrested. The Judge granted probation on the case after submitting sentencing memorandum and argument.
Client was a habitual offender looking at a minimum of 25 years to life. Client was represented by two attorneys before our office that asked him to take a 15 year deal. We researched the complaining witness and subpoenaed medical records. We discovered that the complaining witness had a history of making up allegations.
Client was accused of assaulting a police officer at a horse track. He was accused of punching the officer several times on the side of the head and spitting on the officer. The officer claimed that the client was connected to the cartels. We suppressed oral statements made by the client and the judge did not let those statements in front of the jury. The jury came back with a Not Guilty in 45 minutes.
Client was accused of possession with intent to distribute and charged as a repeater. She was looking at 15 years to life. We prepared the case for trial and discovered that SAPD failed to interview a key witness. We obtained an affidavit from two witnesses that proved that our client was not aware that the drugs in the vehicle did not belong to her and that she did not know about the drugs. The State Prosecutor dismissed the case before trial.
Our office received a dismissal on a Murder case on January 23, 2017. In this case, our client was accused of committing murder in San Antonio, Texas. We aggressively prepared this case for trial for almost two years and filed several motions. We consulted several experts and interviewed multiple witnesses. While the jury sat outside the courtroom, on the day of trial, attorney Guillermo Lara Jr. secured a dismissal for his client.
My client was accused of a large federal conspiracy and the Government was opposed to our release. We prepared for over 40 hours and presented several witnesses. We successfully convinced the magistrate judge to allow for our release. This was even though our client was accused of being the leader of a conspiracy. After the hearing, we were complimented on our preparation and presentation. Guillermo Lara was quoted in several new outlets on this matter.
Our client was accused of conspiring to commit bank fraud and embezzling over 1 million dollars. We fought hard for our client in San Antonio and secured a minimum sentence of 1 year when the range was up to 30 years. Guillermo Lara Jr. was quoted by several news outlets for his commitment to defending his clients.
Our office received a dismissal on this case the morning of trial. We prepared this case for over a year, hired an expert, and analyzed all of the state's data. We felt confident that the information presented was wrong and that we could show the jury our side of the incident. On the day of trial, attorney Guillermo Lara Jr. secured a dismissal.
Government was opposed to releasing client and we argued in favor of an electronic monitor. We convinced the magistrate judge for release. This was even though the client was not a Texas resident and on probation out of state.
Client was accused of Aggravated Robbery with Firearm
Felony 1
We prepared the case for trial and our client received Deferred Adjudication.