San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer
Defending Against Criminal Charges in Bexar County
As your dedicated criminal defense attorney in San Antonio, we understand that people make mistakes and that sometimes, you get punished for the mistakes of others. If you are facing criminal charges in San Antonio, Texas, not only can your future be affected, but the well-being of your family can also be impacted.
Our firm in downtown San Antonio, Texas, will listen to you and provide the support you need, working tirelessly to protect your future. Whatever your circumstances, you can find powerful advocacy with our skilled criminal lawyer, Attorney Lara, who is here to prepare you to assert your rights and guard your freedom.
Criminal Cases We Handle
As a dedicated criminal defense lawyer in San Antonio, Attorney Lara is equipped with a background in science, advanced trial technology, and a determination to thoroughly investigate every detail of your crime case. You can rely on this San Antonio criminal defense attorney for meticulous support. Attorney Lara selects his cases with care: if he takes your case, this is his guarantee that you will get his full attention.
Not only will he personally investigate your crimes, visiting the scene of the arrest and tracking down witnesses, but he is also committed to providing responsive service. He understands that this is your future at stake, and you deserve to know how your case is progressing.
Attorney Lara can offer a tough defense against criminal charges, including:
- Domestic violence
- Driving while intoxicated
- Federal offenses
- Federal weapons crimes
- Federal drug crimes
- Probation violation
- Sexual assault
- Stalking/restraining orders
- White-collar crimes
Why Hire the Law Office of Guillermo Lara Jr.
When your future is on the line, you need nothing less than a tireless advocate who will stop at nothing to obtain your best possible outcome. Our commitment extends beyond the courtroom. We offer dedicated support and counsel in navigating the complex legal landscape, providing strategies aimed at lessening penalties and clearing your name.
- Handled more than 100 criminal cases successfully, with solid results to prove it.
- Devotion to aggressive legal representation, as backed by countless client testimonials.
- Free initial criminal case consultation to all prospective clients in Bexar County.
- We provide flexible, reasonable payment plans tailored to your financial situation because we believe legal representation should be accessible to everyone.
Penalties for Criminal Convictions in Texas
Texas law imposes serious penalties for criminal convictions, ranging from minor fines to lengthy prison sentences. Penalties often depend on the severity of the offense (misdemeanor vs. felony), the prior criminal history of the defendant, whether a weapon was involved or if there was presence of aggravating factors (such as injury to a child or elderly person).
Common penalty categories include:
- Class C misdemeanor: Fine up to $500
- Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine
- State jail felony: 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility
- Third-degree felony: 2 to 10 years in prison
- Second-degree felony: 2 to 20 years in prison
- First-degree felony: 5 to 99 years or life in prison
Beyond fines, jail, or prison time, criminal convictions often carry additional consequences that can impact every aspect of a person’s life, including difficulty securing employment, loss of professional licenses, immigration consequences for non-citizens, restrictions on firearm ownership, child custody and family law complications, and damage to personal and professional reputation.
Protecting against these collateral consequences is just as important as fighting the immediate criminal charges. A vigilant San Antonio criminal defense attorney addresses all aspects of a client’s defense to minimize the long-term impact.
Protecting Your Rights During an Investigation
Individuals often make critical mistakes when interacting with law enforcement during an investigation. Protecting your rights means:
- Remaining silent: You have the right to remain silent; use it.
- Requesting an attorney: Do not answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Avoiding consent to searches: Without a warrant, you have no obligation to consent to searches of your home, vehicle, or property.
- Being cautious about social media: Prosecutors often monitor online activity for incriminating evidence.
What Sets Us Apart From The Rest
When you have been accused of any crimes mentioned above throughout Bexar County, Texas, it is no joke. The amount of power and resources that go into prosecuting people for alleged crimes means that you need a criminal attorney who is prepared to take on law enforcement, other attorneys, crime labs, experts, and more.
As his firm has handled hundreds of cases, Attorney Lara thoroughly understands what it takes to secure a dismissal or other optimal result. More importantly, he is dedicated to his practice and the future of the clients he serves. He has the passion and legal skill to tenaciously defend your rights at every stage of your criminal case.
Have you been accused of a criminal offense? Call The Law Office of Guillermo Lara Jr. today at (210) 787-2842 or contact us online to schedule a consultation to learn more about our criminal defense services in San Antonio.
Criminal Defense
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Your Attorney Can Make The DifferenceThe best kind of defense strategy is one that can also go on the offense.Learn What To Expect
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Are You Facing Federal Criminal Charges?You need an attorney who understands the difference between the State and Federal system.Find Out What To Look For
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Our Staff Is Available 24/7Learn how our office can protect your rights and freedoms.Free Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in San Antonio
What Should I Do Immediately After an Arrest in San Antonio?
If you have been arrested in San Antonio, it's crucial to remain calm and courteous to law enforcement. You should exercise your right to remain silent and request a criminal defense attorney immediately. At The Law Office of Guillermo Lara Jr., we advise against making any statements without legal representation, as this could jeopardize your defense. Collect any contact information for potential witnesses and document the incident as thoroughly as possible. Reaching out to a local defense attorney in San Antonio who understands local legal requirements can significantly influence the outcome of your situation by providing you with personalized legal counsel tailored to your specific needs.
How Are DWI Charges Treated in Bexar County?
DWI charges in Bexar County are handled with strict scrutiny. In Texas, penalties for a DWI can include fines, license suspension, and even jail time. San Antonio's legal framework ensures that such offenses are closely monitored to maintain road safety. Therefore, it's critical to engage with a criminal defense lawyer in San Antonio who is well-versed in local regulations to navigate these challenging waters. Our team at The Law Office of Guillermo Lara Jr. can guide you through the procedural nuances, offering a defense strategy that considers all aspects of the allegations against you, from the legitimacy of the breathalyzer test to the conditions of your arrest.
Why Choose a Local Attorney in San Antonio for Your Defense?
Choosing a local attorney in San Antonio offers several advantages. Local attorneys have innate knowledge of the city’s legal intricacies and established relationships with the local judiciary and law enforcement. This can be pivotal in developing defense strategies that reflect the city’s unique legal culture. The Law Office of Guillermo Lara Jr. brings in-depth knowledge and experience in dealing with San Antonio's legal system, ensuring that our defense strategies are informed by local precedents and insights. Our commitment is complemented by a personalized approach that only a dedicated local lawyer can provide.
What Is the Difference Between Federal and State Charges?
Federal charges typically involve offenses that break federal laws or cross state lines, such as drug trafficking or mail fraud. State charges, on the other hand, violate state laws and are adjudicated in state courts. Navigating federal charges requires a different approach, often entailing more complex legal proceedings and potential penalties. At The Law Office of Guillermo Lara Jr., we bring experience to both arenas, crafting defense strategies that account for the distinct processes and requirements of federal and state legal systems. This ensures a comprehensive approach to defending your rights, no matter the jurisdiction.
Can I Appeal a Conviction in San Antonio?
Yes, you can appeal a conviction in San Antonio if you believe there was a legal error in your trial. An appeal can challenge mistakes that occurred during the trial, including misapplication of the law, evidentiary issues, or procedural errors that may have affected the verdict. It's crucial to consult with an attorney experienced in appellate law to understand the grounds for your appeal fully. At The Law Office of Guillermo Lara Jr., we offer comprehensive guidance through the appellate process, evaluating the specifics of your case to optimize the chances of a successful appeal.
Contact Attorney Lara For The Defense You Deserve
With your freedom at stake, you have no time to waste. Learn more about the powerful defense you can expect when you contact Attorney Lara today! You will need to take action before prosecutors begin building a case against you. Attorney Lara will look into all available records, hire a private investigator, and get to work filing motions to fight the evidence collected by the prosecutor. Call (210) 787-2842 to get started on your defense.
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Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
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Payment Plans & Flat Fees
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Free and Confidential Consultations
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Strong Science and Data Background
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Spanish-Speaking Services Offered
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Available 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week