Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving San Antonio

Last updated on March 13, 2025

Facing the consequences of a criminal charge is never easy. It can wreak havoc on all areas of your life, from your relationships to your future. This is why having an aggressive attorney at your side is imperative. Our lawyers at Ramos & Del Cueto have worked tirelessly to defend clients facing charges throughout Texas. Trust a firm that won’t back down from a challenge.

Fighting For The Best Possible Result In All Areas Of The Law

Our attorneys have handled cases of all shapes and sizes. Our team has decades of combined experience. Due to this, we understand what does and doesn’t work in the courtroom. We will always listen to your case with an open mind and then provide you with an honest assessment. We have worked with clients facing a variety of charges, including:

• Aggravated assault — Causing serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon during the commission of an assault
• Domestic violence — Family violence, including spousal and child abuse
• Drug charges — Possession of drugs like cocaine, heroin, marijuana, THC vaping oil, mushrooms or other illegal substances
• DWI/DUI charges — Driving while under the influence of alcohol or other impairing substances, and other impaired driving offenses
• Intoxication manslaughter/intoxication assault — When driving while intoxicated causes the death of another person or serious bodily injury
• Murder — Homicide charges, both first and second degree
• Motion to revoke probation and other violations — Motions to take away probation, failing to carry out court-ordered service, traveling without permission and other violations
• Sex crimes — Sexual assault, rape, indecency with a child, child pornography and other sex-related crimes
• White collar crimes — Forgery, embezzlement, fraud, money laundering and other nonviolent crimes committed for financial gain

It’s easy to feel like giving up. Our attorneys are here to shoulder that burden and fight for the best possible result. When you work with us, you can expect honesty and communication through every step of the process. With a judge and a former prosecutor on our staff, we know how the other side of the court operates and can come up with tailored solutions to your unique situation.

No Case Too Big Or Too Small

At Ramos & Del Cueto, we also provide experienced defense for smaller criminal matters. We handle a wide variety of general misdemeanor cases which are often a client’s first experience with the criminal justice system. These lower-level offenses can still have a profound impact on your freedom and future. Regardless of the severity of the crime you are charged with, you can count on our attorneys to strategically advocate for your rights and best interests.

What Should You Do Immediately After Being Placed Under Arrest?

Invoke your right to remain silent and do not speak with anybody about your case until you have legal guidance. Our attorneys can help you navigate the next few hours and days, including advocating for bond when necessary.

Is There A Value To Hiring A Private Criminal Defense Attorney Instead Of A Public Defender?

Public defenders perform an important function, and they do the best possible job for every defendant they represent. However:

• Public defenders are usually burdened with impossibly heavy caseloads. That means they have limited amounts of time to dedicate to each client. In comparison, private attorneys can limit their caseloads so that they can devote the right amount of attention to each client.
• Public defender offices are usually run on tight budgets, with less staffing than they need. That makes it difficult for a public defender to rely on their support staff, such as paralegals and junior associates, for additional assistance and research.
• Public defenders are assigned to you, not chosen. If you do not feel that your public defender understands your position and is supportive, that can impair your capacity to establish the kind of trusting relationship that is so critical when building a defense.

A highly experienced attorney like those at Ramos & Del Cueto, which includes a former felony prosecutor, a part-time magistrate judge and a former member of the district attorney’s office, can bring unique insights to every claim. Their trial experience alone can be an advantage in cases where a plea agreement is not wanted, unreasonable or unavailable.

What Are The Long-Term Consequences Of A Criminal Conviction?

Even without considering the potential for large fines and confinement in jail or prison, the consequences of a conviction can be disastrous for your entire future. Long-term issues can include:

• Limited career and job opportunities
• The unavailability of professional licenses
• Limited housing options
• Difficulty securing credit or loans
• Lost civil rights, including voting and firearms restrictions
• Deportation for immigrants

Finally, the social stigma of having a criminal record can also impact your current and future relationships.

What Should I So If A Cop Arrests Me?

If a police officer arrests you, remain calm and behave respectfully. The most important thing is that you should never give information to the police. Even if you have no involvement with the alleged crime, the police still have ways to get information out of you that can seem incriminating. Instead of giving an interview, tell them that you will not speak to them without an attorney.

What Are Some Common Defense Tactics?

Your lawyer can use several strategies when defending you. Some common tactics include:

• Questioning the validity of police tactics
• Questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer results
• Stating that the police violated your rights
• Hiring expert witnesses to testify in your defense
• Presenting an alibi
• Claiming self-defense

The strategy that works best for you depends on the particular circumstances of your charges.

What Is The Difference Between A Felony And A Misdemeanor?

Misdemeanors are charges that have sentences of up to one year in jail. Some common examples include theft, DUI and possession of controlled substances. Conversely, felonies are charges that have sentences of more than one year in jail. These can include domestic abuse, sexual offenses and drug trafficking. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, but they can still leave a mark on your criminal record.

What Is A Plea Bargain?

A plea bargain, also called a plea deal, is an agreement in which a defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser criminal charge instead of not guilty to a greater criminal charge. For example, the court may charge someone with aggravated assault but offer a deal for the suspect to plead guilty to simple assault.

Do I Need to Hire A Lawyer?

Many people choose to work with a public defender. Although public defenders are hardworking and skilled attorneys, they often have a heavy caseload. This means that they cannot always give your case the attention that it deserves. When you hire a private attorney, they can devote their full energy to your defense.

What Should You Do If You Are Under Investigation In Texas?

Facing a criminal investigation in Texas can be a stressful and uncertain experience. Here are some key do’s and don’ts to follow:

Should Do:

• Remain calm and polite: Staying composed can prevent unnecessary complications even if you feel wrongfully targeted.
• Exercise your right to remain silent: You are not required to answer law enforcement’s questions without legal counsel.
• Consult a lawyer immediately: An experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer can guide you through the process and protect your rights.
• Gather relevant information: Keeping a record of interactions with law enforcement or potential evidence may be useful for your defense.

Should Not Do:

• Do not speak to law enforcement without legal representation: Anything you say can be used against you, even if you believe it is harmless.
• Do not destroy or hide evidence: This can lead to obstruction charges and further legal trouble.
• Do not contact potential witnesses on your own: Doing so could be misinterpreted as witness tampering.

How you conduct yourself during this time can impact your case.

Should You Talk To The Police If You Are Innocent?

Many people believe that if they are innocent, speaking to the police will help clear things up. However, this approach can be risky.

Key reasons to remain silent until you have legal representation:

• Misinterpretation of your words: Even an offhand remark can be taken out of context and used as evidence.
• Accidental self-incrimination: You may innocently and unintentionally provide information that complicates the defense.
• Building a stronger defense: A lawyer can help ensure any communication with law enforcement is strategic and in your best interest.

If the police want to question you, politely decline and state that you will not speak without a lawyer. This is your constitutional right.

What Should You Look For When Hiring A San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Key factors to consider include:

• Experience in Texas criminal law: A strong background in handling similar cases can make a difference in your defense.
• Communication and accessibility: Clear and honest communication is essential.
• Trial and negotiation skills: Some cases go to trial, while others are resolved through negotiation. Look for a firm with a proven ability in both areas.
• Integrity and client-centered representation: A reputable attorney should prioritize your best interests, providing honest legal feedback and a strong defense.

At Ramos & Del Cueto, you can find legal representation that aligns with your needs.

Speak To An Attorney Now

It is important to talk to a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible. When your future is on the line, trust a firm that will fearlessly advocate for your rights from beginning to end.

Call our office in San Antonio to schedule a consultation at 210-761-6004 today. You can also fill out our online contact form. Hablamos español. We are available 24/7 to discuss your concerns.