San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer

Imagine receiving charges for a crime you commit out of desperation or for actions you are innocent of and for which you should not take responsibility. Often, law enforcement officers and legal systems can dehumanize and ignore the context of situations they may deem criminal. This lack of care can feel incredibly unfair and isolating for anyone, but you should not feel forced to face the complexity of your legal matters alone. What should you know about Texas criminal offenses and building a defense case before you start taking action? If you want help, where should you start looking?

When you need assistance with criminal defense charges you receive in or near San Antonio, Sophia Martinez Law can provide vital support and information. Sophia proudly serves clients in San Antonio and around Texas and has the confidence to bring them excellent results. Sophia Martinez Law has access to valuable resources, proven strategies, helpful tools, and other information that can benefit your case.

What Are the Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in San Antonio?

Depending on the particular crime you receive charges for, you may face different penalties if you are found guilty. However, most of the expected consequences for crimes in San Antonio include the following:

Fines
Jail or prison time
Loss or restriction of privileges
Loss of certain certifications
Community service
Other court-ordered rehabilitation or correctional action

If you want to reduce the penalties you might face for your charges, work with San Antonio criminal defense attorney Sophia Martinez. She can help you manage and streamline the legal process more effectively, including speaking on your behalf, collecting evidence, and building arguments in favor of your interests.

What Kinds of San Antonio Criminal Cases Does Sophia Martinez Handle?

Criminal charges can be for several crimes and actions, so determining if your San Antonio criminal defense attorney is suited to help you is essential. Sophia Martinez Law can help you with ALL types of criminal cases, some examples are:

Indecent exposure
Prostitution charges
Family violence cases-Assault, Terrorist Threat, violation of Prot. Order/Bond
Lewd conduct
All Misdemeanors & Felonies
DWI
Drug crimes-Felony or Misd.
Theft-Felony or Misd.
White collar crimes
Evading arrest-foot or evading arrest-vehicle
Many other criminal cases not necessarily listed here
Expunctions and non-disclosures

Sophia Martinez is prepared to work with you on various case types, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. She may also take on cases not listed above, so contact the firm if you have any questions.

What Should You Do When You’re Charged With a Crime in San Antonio?

If you receive charges for a crime, whether innocent or guilty, you must make strategic steps forward. Consider the following to improve your chances of success and reduce the consequences you may face.

Collect Relevant Evidence

Whenever possible, compile any evidence related to your charges. Evidence may include:

Witness statements
Statements from expert witnesses or reconstructors
Photographs
Video Footage
Documents and information about alibis
Other physical evidence

For help collecting and assessing evidence, contact San Antonio criminal defense lawyer Sophia Martinez.

Stay Off Social Media

Whenever you face involvement in legal matters, it’s best to stay off social media platforms. Your posts, photos, comments, and other information you share can be used against you during legal matters, so staying away from these accounts will help mitigate risk. The court can also access this information if your posts feel unrelated, you use privacy settings, or your information is encrypted. Instead of using social media, you should log out and disable your accounts. Many clients follow these suggestions to avoid unnecessary temptations.

Avoid Discussing Legal Matters With Others

We suggest you refrain from discussing your legal matters with others, with the only exception being speaking with a San Antonio criminal defense lawyer. While you may feel comfortable talking with friends and family, any information you share may harm your case. However, your lawyer-client relationship gives you rights to additional privacy protections, meaning you can discuss all aspects of your case without facing significant risks to your case results.

Why Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in San Antonio?

We suggest you refrain from representing yourself during legal matters, as you may misrepresent your case and worsen the penalties you face. Your lawyer can help you avoid mistakes, represent you favorably and fairly, and reduce the consequences you want to avoid. Here are some key reasons why you need a criminal defense lawyer in San Antonio:

Expertise and Knowledge

Criminal defense lawyers understand the legal processes, procedures, and potential pitfalls associated with criminal cases. Their expertise allows them to analyze the evidence, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.

Protection of Rights

When you are facing criminal charges, it is essential to have someone who will vigorously protect your constitutional rights. A criminal defense lawyer ensures that your rights are not violated during the investigation, arrest, and trial processes.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

A crucial aspect of a criminal defense lawyer’s role is conducting an independent investigation into your case. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts if necessary. By thoroughly examining the evidence, they can identify any inconsistencies, errors, or constitutional violations that can weaken the prosecution’s case or provide a strong defense strategy.

Negotiation and Plea Bargaining

In many criminal cases, negotiation and plea bargaining with the prosecution can lead to favorable outcomes. A skilled San Antonio criminal defense lawyer has experience negotiating with prosecutors and can assess the strength of the evidence against you. They will work to secure reduced charges, minimized penalties, or alternative sentencing options, if appropriate. Their negotiation skills can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Courtroom Representation

If your case goes to trial, having a criminal defense attorney by your side is essential. They will present your defense, cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and make persuasive arguments on your behalf. Their courtroom experience and knowledge of trial tactics can make a significant difference in the outcome of your trial.

Mitigation and Sentencing Advocacy

In the event of a conviction, a criminal defense lawyer will work to mitigate the consequences and advocate for fair sentencing. They will present compelling mitigating factors to the court, such as your character, background, and any extenuating circumstances surrounding your case. Their goal is to minimize the penalties and secure the best possible outcome for you.

It’s also essential to speak with a lawyer in San Antonio as soon as possible to increase your odds of success. Promptness will help your attorney better understand your case, collect and assess evidence, and build defenses and arguments in your favor.

Charged With a Crime in San Antonio? Protect Yourself With an Attorney From Sophia Martinez Law

If you receive charges for a crime in San Antonio, Sophia Martinez Law can bring you vital assistance. Former Assistant District Attorney Sophia Martinez, former prosecutor and defense attorney with over 25 years of experience, is dedicated to acting with compassion and understanding. She also speaks Spanish, allowing clients to feel more comfortable when working work together.

Please reach out to Sophia Martinez at your earliest convenience to discuss your case details further, receive answers to any questions or concerns, and collect additional helpful information. You can reach out by completing this contact form or calling (210) 226-3000 for a free consultation.

Se habla español.