Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Antonio, Bexar County, TX

Lawyer Legion connects people with attorneys who are best-suited to solve their legal problems. We have curated a list of over 900 criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Bexar County, Texas. We scored each lawyer based on purely objective criteria such as: specialty certifications, distinguished fellowships, professional involvement, community leadership, speaking engagements, and other merit-based criteria.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime, consider using Lawyer Legion to discover and connect with criminal defense lawyers in San Antonio, TX who are ready to help.

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Bexar County, TX

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in San Antonio
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Criminal Defense Lawyers by Cities in Bexar County, TX
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Bexar County, TX Legal Resources
Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Bexar County Government and Court Resources

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in San Antonio

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2026

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2026 for the best criminal defense attorneys in San Antonio, Texas. To rank the top criminal defense attorneys, DWl defense attorneys, and other lawyers in Bexar County, we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certification.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
No online directory can accurately determine a countywide list of attorneys who are actually “the best" at practicing criminal law (but our list comes close).

Showing attorneys 1–12 out of 250

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Criminal Defense Lawyers by Cities in Bexar County, TX

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Bexar County, TX Criminal Defense Legal Resources

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Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Bexar County Government and Court Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (SACDLA) - The SACDLA is a professional association for criminal defense attorneys practicing in Bexar County, Texas and throughout the greater San Antonio area. The organization provides networking opportunities, resources and continuing legal education (CLE) for criminal law practitioners. The San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association advocates for the Constitutional rights of the accused and criminal justice policy reforms that protect and preserve the rights of defendants in criminal cases.

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) - Since formed in 1971, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) has supported the practice of criminal defense in the state of Texas. Members include private attorneys, public defenders and other legal professionals from across the state of Texas. The TCDLA provides training, networking opportunities, and a platform to enhance the criminal defense experience for lawyers. The TCDLA is an affiliate organization of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).

State Bar of Texas Criminal Justice Section - The State Bar of Texas Criminal Justice Section is focused on supporting legal professionals involved in criminal law across Texas. It aims to enhance the practice of criminal law by promoting high standards of professionalism, ethics, and competence among attorneys, judges, and related professionals. The section offers educational programs, resources, and networking opportunities to help its members stay updated on criminal law developments and best practices. It also plays an active role in advocating for sound criminal justice policies and legislative reforms. Through these efforts, the section works to improve the administration of justice and the quality of legal representation in the criminal justice system.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) - Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Criminal Law - In Texas, the specialty area of criminal law was created in 1975. The Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) certifies attorneys who have met the required standards. For instance, an attorney applying to become board certified in criminal law must demonstrate that at least 25% of the attorney's time is spent practicing criminal law in Texas during each of the three (3) years immediately preceding application.

Criminal Appellate Law - An attorney who applies to become board certified in criminal appellate law is expected to understand the entire process of appeals of state and federal criminal cases, as well as applications for extraordinary relief and post-conviction writ proceedings in state and federal court. In addition to meeting the requirements, board-certified criminal appellate law specialist must pass an exam that demonstrates their substantial knowledge of significant legal concepts and corresponding skills in criminal appellate law.

Juvenile Law - Since 2001, the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) has been certifying attorneys as a specialist in juvenile law. For purposes of the board certification program, the term "juvenile law" is defined to include judicial and administrative proceedings for individuals under 17 years of age that are arrested or have been detained in a criminal matter.

Criminal Trial Law - The specialty area of Criminal Trial Law is offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) to lawyers. To earn NBTA board certification, the criminal defense attorney must show substantial involvement in at least 45 days of trial, must have served as lead counsel in jury cases through verdict; conducted direct examinations and cross-examinations, and conducted a specified number of voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments.

DUI Defense Law - The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) is an organization that grants specialty or board certification for DUI Defense Law. The ABA has recognized the NCDD as an organization that is accredited to award certification in this specialty area of the law. The purpose of granting board certification in DUI Defense Law is to recognize DUI and DWI lawyers who focus their practice on representing men and women accused of drunk and impaired driving offenses. In order to qualify for board certification in "DUI Defense Law," the attorney must meet specific qualifications and apply for board certification with NCDD.

Bexar County Government and Court Resources

Bexar County Public Defender's Office
Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office
Bexar County District Court
Bexar County Offices and Departments
Federal Courts in Bexar County, TX

Bexar County Public Defender's Office

Bexar County Public Defender's Office - The Bexar County Public Defender's Office in San Antonio, Texas, offers legal representation to indigent defendants. This office includes divisions for criminal defense, juvenile cases, and mental health advocacy. It strives to ensure fair trials and uphold the legal rights of the accused. The office is staffed by dedicated attorneys and support personnel who handle a high volume of cases annually. Their mission is to provide effective legal defense and promote justice within the community.

Bexar County Public Defender's Office
101 W Nueva St Suite 370
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-335-0701

Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office

Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office - The Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office in San Antonio, Texas, prosecutes criminal cases and supports crime victims. It includes divisions for Criminal, Juvenile, and Civil matters. The office is dedicated to maintaining justice and public safety through effective prosecution and community support. With a team of experienced attorneys and support staff, it manages a large caseload each year, aiming to protect the community and uphold the law.

Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office
101 W Nueva St, 4th Floor
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-335-2311

Bexar County District Court

Bexar County District Court - The Bexar County District Court in San Antonio, Texas, provides judicial services for criminal, civil, family, and juvenile cases. The court is dedicated to ensuring fair and impartial justice, protecting legal rights, and serving the community. With a team of experienced judges and support staff, the court handles a high volume of cases annually. Its mission is to deliver effective judicial services and uphold the principles of justice.

Bexar County District Court
100 Dolorosa
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-335-2011

Bexar County Offices and Departments

Bexar County Offices and Departments - Bexar County departments manage services including public works, human resources, and law enforcement. These agencies operate under the direction of the Bexar County Commissioners Court, focusing on improving the quality of life for residents through effective policy execution. They are dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and history of the region.

Federal Courts in Bexar County, TX

U.S. District Court - Western District of Texas - The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, created in 1857, spans a large region from the Hill Country to the borderlands, with federal courthouses in San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Del Rio, Midland, and Pecos. The court oversees a broad range of federal matters including immigration, drug enforcement, white-collar crime, and constitutional law. With major cities and significant border coverage, it is one of the largest and most active federal courts in the Fifth Circuit.

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Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Bexar County, TX

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in San Antonio

Cynthia Eva Hujar Orr

Gerald Harris Goldstein

George A Scharmen II

John J. "Bud" Ritenour Jr

Kevin Lloyd Collins

Mario Del Prado

Paul J Smith

Zoe Elizabeth Russell

John T. Hunter

Blakely Ian Mohr

Patrick T Peranteau

Don Herbert Flanary III