San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer

You Have Options! Don’t Make a Guilty Plea Without Speaking to an Attorney First!

Deciding to plead guilty in a criminal case can have long-lasting and severe consequences, significantly impacting your personal and professional life. Understanding that a guilty plea often results in penalties, including hefty fines, imprisonment, or a permanent criminal record, navigating the complexities of the legal system without an attorney is unwise. 

At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, our legal team provides each client with the guidance to navigate complex legal situations confidently. Attorney Ruben Ortiz offers legal services for a broad range of criminal charges, leveraging his extensive experience to provide strategic defenses tailored to your circumstances. If you are entangled in legal troubles and unsure of the path forward, seeking legal support and a thorough, detailed case evaluation is a great place to start. 

Fighting for Texas Justice Since 1998

A message from Attorney Ruben Ortiz: 

When you face criminal charges, you need an attorney who will fight for you every step of the way. My name is Ruben Ortiz, and since May 1998, I have dedicated my career to defending my clients’ rights with unwavering determination. My philosophy is simple: find a way to win every case for every client.

From my very first criminal defense case—where I secured a dismissal for my client—I’ve believed that every case has a weakness, a technicality, or an opportunity for success. My job is to uncover it. I approach every client as innocent because, under the United States Constitution, anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. To me, that means every person who walks into my office deserves the same fierce advocacy and respect for their rights.

With over 26 years of experience in criminal defense, I understand the stress and fear of facing criminal charges. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, I am here to stand by your side, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Call (915) 308-8850 or contact our firm online to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable and experienced San Antonio criminal defense lawyer.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Solutions in San Antonio

Working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer is the right place to begin if you’re facing criminal charges in Texas. We believe the earlier you can secure legal representation, the more our legal team can do to bolster your case and fight for your freedom. Our team will work tirelessly to have your charges reduced or your case dismissed, utilizing our extensive knowledge of defense strategies. You won’t find a legal team ready to work as hard as ours to get you the best possible outcomes in court and during negotiations. Whether you are facing charges for a DWI, assault, or serious federal crimes, our legal team is well-equipped to manage a range of criminal cases with a comprehensive understanding of Texas laws.

We provide robust defenses in the following areas:

• Assault and violent crimes: These crimes encompass offenses that result in harm or the threat of harm, including family violence, aggravated assault, or armed robbery. Our approach may involve examining potential self-defense claims, mistaken identity, or lack of intent defenses as per Texas penal codes.
• Drug crimes: Texas law applied strict penalties to drug crimes, including possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances. Our firm will help you fight unlawful searches, challenge the validity of evidence, and work to secure access to diversion programs or other avenues to minimize penalties.
• DWI/DUI crimes: In dealing with alcohol-related driving offenses, our team will examine the legality of your traffic stops and the accuracy of breathalyzer tests. We will also investigate and examine the case for procedural errors under Texas law.
• Expunctions: Texas permits the clearing or sealing of certain criminal records. Our team assists clients through the qualification criteria and court process to effectively expunge eligible records.
• Federal crimes: Federal offenses can result in severe penalties and mandatory minimum sentences. We apply our in-depth knowledge of federal law to counter prosecutorial strategies and construct robust defenses.
• Immigration crimes: Navigating both criminal and immigration law, we protect clients from deportation and other consequences impacting immigration status under state and federal regulations.
• Sex crimes and Cybersex Crimes: Handling cases of sexual misconduct, our firm challenges evidence credibility and safeguards clients' rights throughout highly scrutinized legal proceedings. 
• Theft offenses: Ranging from shoplifting to burglary, we evaluate the reliability of evidence and investigate possibilities for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
• White-collar crimes: For complex charges like fraud or embezzlement, we meticulously examine financial records and develop nuanced defenses to challenge the prosecution's case.

At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we will defend your rights and tailor legal support to meet your needs. You can trust our team with your freedom and fight for fair treatment under the law. 

Understanding the Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Texas

In Texas, a criminal conviction encompasses a wide range of consequences that vary significantly based on the severity of the offense. Classifying these offenses, whether misdemeanors or felonies, profoundly influences the legal repercussions. Misdemeanors deemed less severe are categorized into Class A, B, and C, with penalties that can include fines and jail terms of up to one year. Felonies are more serious, ranging from state jail felonies to capital felonies, with potential penalties spanning from significant imprisonment to the death penalty for the gravest offenses.

The consequences of a criminal conviction extend beyond statutory penalties, potentially affecting various aspects of an individual's life, like:

• Employment prospects: A conviction can create obstacles in securing or retaining a job due to employer restrictions or job eligibility requirements.
• Housing opportunities: Criminal records may hinder one's ability to obtain housing, as landlords can deny applications based on criminal history.
• Educational access: Educational opportunities might be limited, with certain convictions affecting eligibility for loans or acceptance into educational institutions.
• Civil rights: Some convictions result in losing civil rights, such as voting or possessing firearms. 

Understanding these potential outcomes is essential, and seeking experienced legal counsel can help you navigate the complexities of the Texas criminal justice system. Our San Antonio criminal defense lawyer will work tirelessly to mitigate the impacts of a conviction and fight for the most favorable resolution to your case. 

Why You Need an Attorney if You're Facing Criminal Charges in San Antonio

Dealing with criminal charges can be intimidating, and the legal environment in San Antonio is full of challenges. Attempting to navigate the complexities of the legal system without the support of an experienced attorney could jeopardize your freedom. Working with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney offers your case its best chance for a positive outcome. An attorney plays a crucial role in defending your rights, examining evidence, crafting strategic defenses, and evaluating every legal possibility. In San Antonio, where state and local laws can considerably influence case results, it's essential to have a criminal defense team familiar with the intricacies of Texas law. Additionally, a seasoned attorney excels at negotiating with prosecutors to seek reductions in charges or even dismissals when feasible. By placing your case in the hands of someone dedicated to justice and well-versed in local legal practices, you strengthen your defense and improve the likelihood of a successful resolution.

Contact the San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney at Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz Today

At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we provide exceptional legal representation for individuals facing criminal charges. Our legal team knows the criminal statutes and procedures needed to safeguard our clients' rights and freedoms. Dedicated to optimal outcomes, we assess effective strategies for each case and provide each client with personalized solutions and a legal defense focused on their liberties.

Call (915) 308-8850 ​​or message our San Antonio criminal defense lawyer online to schedule your consultation.