Biography
Our firm provides boutique services for an array of criminal accusations. Our focus is customer-based and we treat every one of our clients with respect and dignity. I was fortunate to start my career at the District Attorney's Office. I was able to try to verdict several misdemeanor and felony allegations. My experience as an advocate ranges from a simple Class C misdemeanor case all the way up to aggravated felony allegations, like Sexual Assault and Murder.
I learned the value in "doing the right thing" while a prosecutor; and this same principle has followed my path as a criminal defense attorney. When the government files a case against you this is serious business, whether is a Driving While Intoxicated case or an Aggravated Assault case. Our goal is to have every case dismissed; or to get a result that benefits our clients. We specialize in jury trial work; and have been able to prevail on several contested pretrial hearings. Coming from a humble background has allowed me to develop a unique bond and sense of trust with my clients. Our justice system would be a failure without defense attorneys willing to work toward holding the prosecution to its burden.
In addition to specializing in criminal defense, our firm also handles select Personal Injury matters. Our focus with these cases is to get our clients the help they need, while pursuing justice on their behalf. Our law firm has been able to obtain several positive settlements for those with injury cases.
Education
- St. Mary's University School of Law, San Antonio, Texas
- J.D. - 2012
- St. Mary's University School of Law, Austin, Texas
- B.A. - 2008
- Major: Government
Bar Admission
- Texas, 2012
Past Positions
- Bexar County District Attorney's Office, Prosecutor, 2012 to 2016
- Paesanos Restaruant Group, Server, 2009 to 2012
Published Works
- Texas, 2012
Professional Associations
- Mexican-American Bar Association, Member, 2019 to Present
- San Antonio Young Lawyers, Member, 2015 to 2019
- Rotary Club of San Antonio, U40 Member, 2015 to 2020
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of North America, Big Brother, 2014 to 2018
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Member, 2018 to Present
Representative Clients
- State of Texas v. Anton Harris
- State of Texas v. Joshua Gonzales
- State of Texas v. Carlos Smith (tried as an Assistant District Attorney)
- State of Texas v. Virginia McKinley (tried as an Assistant District Attorney)
Representative Cases
- State of Texas v. Hector Ybarra, No. 2016-CR-8680 - Not Guilty verdict.
- State of Texas v. Richard Gonzales, No. 543199 - Not Guilty verdict.
Classes & Seminars
- Opening a Law Practice, St. Mary's University School of Law, 2016 to 2016
Honors
- Best Lawyers in San Antonio - Scene in SA Magazine
- Best DUI/DWI Lawyers - Scene in SA Magazine
- Texas Super Lawyers - Rising Star
Pro-Bono Activities
- DWI Case Representation on behalf of a colleague's client, 2020 to 2021
- Wills Clinic - St. Mary's University School of Law, 2010 to 2010
Ancillary Businesses
- Clothing Company - J. Wats Clothing (to be launched in early 2024)
- Mountaineering - General (multiple climbs in the Cascade Mountain Range in the Pacific Northwest)
References
- Allan Smith, Esq.
- Dr. Vernon Williams
- The Honorable Ron Rangel
- George Salinas, Esq.
Litigation
- 75%
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Current Employment Position
- Lead Trial Attorney