Criminal Defense in San Antonio: Know Your Rights & What to Expect
After an arrest in San Antonio, the first step is being booked into the Bexar County Jail. From there, most people will go before a magistrate judge who sets bond and outlines conditions of release. Once released, the Bexar County Criminal Court Process begins — including court dates, evidence review, plea negotiations, and possibly trial. The court handling your case depends on the charge: misdemeanors go to county courts, felonies to district courts. Every step moves fast, and your decisions early on can have lasting consequences.
This article breaks down the local court process in San Antonio, the charges that require urgent legal help, and what kind of punishment you could be facing under Texas law.
In this article:
Charges That Require Immediate Action
Certain charges move fast in the San Antonio legal system. If you’re facing any of the following, don’t wait:
DWI – Triggers a separate license suspension process with DPS. Hiring the best DWI lawyers in San Antonio can make a difference in your case.
Assault or Family Violence – Can result in emergency protective orders. Domestic violence charges can never be sealed or expunged unless they’re totally dropped or you win an acquittal.
Drug Possession – Penalties depend on the substance and amount, but enhancements come fast. Vape pens legally purchased in other states can still result in being a convicted felon forever.
Theft – Even small theft charges can cause long-term damage to employment. Theft is a crime of moral turpitude and will almost always fail a background check for work.
Unlawful Carry of a Weapon – Often stacked with other offenses, raising the stakes. You can’t carry a gun if you’re otherwise breaking the law. An experienced San Antonio criminal attorney can help protect your rights — and your record.
Bexar County Criminal District Courts
Felony charges — including murder, aggravated assault, repeat DWI, and possession of controlled substances — are handled in the Bexar County Criminal District Courts, located in:
Misdemeanor charges — including first-time DWI, marijuana possession, and assault causing bodily injury — are handled in the Bexar County Criminal County Courts, located at:
Criminal charges in Texas are classified under the Texas Penal Code, which outlines the punishment ranges for both misdemeanors and felonies. These penalties are enforced locally by the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, which prosecutes all state-level offenses in San Antonio. Even a first-time charge can lead to jail, probation, or a permanent record — depending on the level of the offense. Below is a breakdown of standard sentencing ranges used in the Bexar County Criminal Court Process.
Offense Level
Jail or Prison Time
Class C Misdemeanor
None – fine only
Class B Misdemeanor
Up to 180 days in county jail
Class A Misdemeanor
Up to 1 year in county jail
State Jail Felony
180 days – 2 years in state jail
3rd Degree Felony
2 – 10 years in prison
2nd Degree Felony
2 – 20 years in prison
1st Degree Felony
5 – 99 years or life in prison
Even a misdemeanor can result in jail time, a criminal record, and life-long consequences for housing, employment, and licensing.
Protect Your Rights
Being arrested in San Antonio is serious — and what happens next can define your future. The most important thing you can do is start building your defense immediately. Acting early helps protect your constitutional rights, secure evidence, and avoid mistakes that can hurt your case later.
