San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you were arrested in San Antonio or anywhere in Bexar County, do not discuss the case with police, jail staff or other inmates. Calls from the jail are recorded. Talk to a defense lawyer first. West Texas Trial Lawyers’ San Antonio office defends clients in Bexar County courts and in the San Antonio Division of federal court, on charges from DWI and assault to drug and weapons offenses. Attorney Adam Setra handles each case personally and prepares it for trial. Call (210) 401-1000 for a free consultation.

How Bexar County criminal cases work

After arrest, defendants are booked at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, 200 N. Comal St., and see a magistrate at the county’s Central Magistrate Office in the same complex, who sets bond. Felony cases are prosecuted by the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office and heard in the criminal district courts. Misdemeanors are heard in the Bexar County Courts at Law. Most criminal courtrooms are at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center, 300 Dolorosa St. Federal charges are prosecuted in the San Antonio Division of the Western District of Texas.

San Antonio charges we defend

• DWI. Bexar County recorded 1,621 alcohol-related crashes in 2025, with 46 people killed, according to TxDOT crash records processed as of April 7, 2026. Arrests on I-35, I-10, Loop 410 and Loop 1604 are routine, and the 15-day ALR deadline to protect your license applies to every arrest.
  Source: TxDOT, “DUI (Alcohol) Crashes and Injuries by County 2025.”
• Assault and family violence, including emergency protective orders issued at magistration
• Drug possession and delivery, including cases from traffic stops on the I-35 corridor
• Weapons charges, including unlawful carry and felon-in-possession cases

Areas we serve around San Antonio

San Antonio and Bexar County, including Alamo Heights, Leon Valley, Converse, Live Oak, Universal City, Helotes and Schertz.

San Antonio criminal defense FAQ

How do I get someone out of the Bexar County jail?

After booking, a magistrate at the Central Magistrate Office sets bond and any conditions. Bond can be posted in cash or through a bail bond company, and some defendants may qualify for a personal recognizance (PR) bond through Bexar County Pretrial Services. Eligibility depends on the charge and the person’s history. A lawyer can ask the court to lower bond or change conditions.

Do I need a San Antonio lawyer if your main office is in El Paso?

You need a lawyer who appears in Bexar County courts. Our San Antonio office handles cases there directly, and attorney Adam Setra handles each case personally.