Award-Winning Criminal Defense Attorney in San Antonio, TX

Looking for a criminal defense lawyer in San Antonio, TX? From DWI to murder, Michael & Associates will fight to get our clients the best possible outcome.

What we’ll cover here


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Ben Michael

Founding Attorney

aka "Mr. Dismissal"

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Arrested in San Antonio? Your Future is at Stake

Our criminal defense team is backed by over 400 years of combined legal experience. Our attorneys are dedicated to criminal defense, but many also have experience working as former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement.

If you’re facing a criminal charge, your future is in jeopardy. You deserve the best possible legal representation. Michael & Associates is committed to providing customized, client-forward criminal defense services in San Antonio. We know this is a challenging time for you, so we’re committed to returning all texts and phone calls on the same business day.

While we could use this space to boast about our attorneys’ awards and accolades (and they have plenty), we believe that experience matters most when it comes to your case. Our San Antonio team, which includes three former local prosecutors and a DWI scientist, has over 75 years of combined legal experience. Together, they’ve handled more than 800 cases ranging from misdemeanor DWI to murder.

We know what it takes to get you the best possible case outcome, and we have the track record to prove it, with a 96.7% success rate.

Our No. 1 goal is a dismissal. Let us work to protect your rights and freedom.

Testimonials

Very helpful and informative, really know their stuff

Victoria A.

San Antonio, Texas

Tommy and his team were absolutely amazing and far exceeded my expectations!

Billy D.

San Antonio, Texas

Tommy and Bernard as well as all of Michael and Associates were exceptional and really made me feel safe with them handling my case, all while explaining every step of the process clearly, ensuring I understood all the legal implications and potential risks. I definitely recommend to anyone in need of an attorney!

Sammy L.

San Antonio, Texas

This law firm is reliable, honest & operates with integrity. I have never felt so at ease with a company—their communication & customer service is top tier. Highly recommend!!

McKinna S.

San Antonio, Texas

Thank you so much Kaytlyn Knowles. Great service

Maro Y.

San Antonio, Texas

Super nice and knowledgeable staff- I felt very taken care of! They definitely know their stuff!

Dorsa N.

San Antonio, Texas

RC Pate has helped me in the past and I can speak to his professionalism, knowledge, and expertise in the legal industry. He responds to inquiries promptly and definitively and has always been able to address and answer any questions I have had. Highly recommended!

April P.

San Antonio, Texas

Michael & Associates are the best, I don’t know what I would have done without them,

Geneva M.

San Antonio, Texas

If you need a defense lawyer, Michael and Associates are where it’s at!

Michelle v. O.

San Antonio, Texas

I would like to thank everybody at Michael & Associates for the amazing work and professionalism that they provided me with. Meghan, Reese, Leah, and Senior Trial Attorney Tommy Stolhandske were a great team and definitely fulfilled my expectations. From the beginning they were very communicative and helpful with all information. The results came quick and I couldn’t be any happier. Highly recommend for legal needs!

Fabian G.

San Antonio, Texas

I really appreciate the help this law firm provides, I felt that all my needs were heard and taken care of very much recommend.

Savae C.

San Antonio, Texas

Great transparency and communication! Very helpful.

Sara H.

San Antonio, Texas

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Very helpful and informative, really know their stuff
close
Tommy and his team were absolutely amazing and far exceeded my expectations!
close
Tommy and Bernard as well as all of Michael and Associates were exceptional and really made me feel safe with them handling my case, all while explaining every step of the process clearly, ensuring I understood all the legal implications and potential risks. I definitely recommend to anyone in need of an attorney!
close
This law firm is reliable, honest & operates with integrity. I have never felt so at ease with a company—their communication & customer service is top tier. Highly recommend!!
close
Thank you so much Kaytlyn Knowles. Great service
close
Super nice and knowledgeable staff- I felt very taken care of! They definitely know their stuff!
close
RC Pate has helped me in the past and I can speak to his professionalism, knowledge, and expertise in the legal industry. He responds to inquiries promptly and definitively and has always been able to address and answer any questions I have had. Highly recommended!
close
Michael & Associates are the best, I don’t know what I would have done without them,
close
If you need a defense lawyer, Michael and Associates are where it’s at!
close
I would like to thank everybody at Michael & Associates for the amazing work and professionalism that they provided me with. Meghan, Reese, Leah, and Senior Trial Attorney Tommy Stolhandske were a great team and definitely fulfilled my expectations. From the beginning they were very communicative and helpful with all information. The results came quick and I couldn’t be any happier. Highly recommend for legal needs!
close
I really appreciate the help this law firm provides, I felt that all my needs were heard and taken care of very much recommend.
close
Great transparency and communication! Very helpful.

Meet your San Antonio Defense Team

Ben Michael

Ben Michael

Ben “Mr. Dismissal” Michael is founder and Managing Partner of Michael & Associates, and has nearly a decade of experience in criminal defense here in Austin, TX, successfully defending hundreds of clients facing charges ranging from DWI to assault.
Kaytlyn Knowles

Kaytlyn Knowles

Kaytlyn has known since law school that the courtroom was where she belonged. An internship turned into a 12-year career as a prosecutor. That time behind enemy lines taught her what it takes to successfully defend her clients in all facets of criminal law, from drug possession to murder.
RC Pate

RC Pate

After holding jobs ranging from gift-wrapper to rock guitarist, RC attended law school. Since then, he’s tried countless cases, earned the designation of American Chemical Society Lawyer Scientist, and completed the NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Practitioner’s course twice.
Tommy Stolhandske

Tommy Stolhandske

A three-time All-American for the Texas Lutheran University men’s basketball team, Tommy’s competitive nature shines through. As a trial court judge in Bexar County, Tommy presided over more than 100 jury trials, giving him unique insight into DWI and family violence cases.

Reasons You Need a San Antonio Defense Attorney

The court system in the San Antonio area is intimidating, and even the county you’re in when you’re arrested makes a big difference. Each Texas county has a different set of priorities and quirks. Where your case is heard can make a big difference. Penalties can be stiff.

When facing misdemeanor or felony charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in San Antonio to advocate for your legal rights. There is more at stake than you may realize.

A criminal conviction could mean life-altering consequences, including:

  • Jail time
  • Expensive fines
  • Probation
  • Loss of gun rights

We don’t just handle cases in the San Antonio area. We also help clients in Bandera, Comal, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson counties.

Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

Pleading guilty or no contest might seem like a simple way to avoid jail. However, any criminal conviction will damage you in ways you might not initially consider. A conviction could:

  • Jeopardize your child custody or visitation rights
  • Damage your reputation within the community (for example, if you’re required to register as a sex offender)
  • Cost you your job or professional license
  • Prevent you from renting an apartment or getting a loan to buy a house

When developing a customized strategy for your case, we will review every possible consequence of a conviction. Our San Antonio team has three former prosecutors and an ex-judge. However, when you hire us, you’ll get the full force of our entire Texas team with a wide range of legal experience. These diverse skill sets give us insider knowledge of how our opposition will approach your case. We leverage this expertise to get you the best possible case outcome.

What To Expect When You Hire Our Firm

As soon as you contact us, our team starts working immediately.

When you initially call us, you’ll speak to one of our intake specialists. That specialist will note the details of your case and track down any available information and records from the incident.

Next, one of our highly experienced criminal lawyers will contact you. We will ask detailed questions about you, your situation, the incident, and your arrest to help us explore legal options.

Once you’ve chosen to retain our firm, our team will start building your case. This can mean working to secure a bond, securing jail release (even late at night and on weekends), and negotiating with prosecutors for favorable pretrial release conditions.

After that, we will start crafting a custom defense to protect you and your rights.

The stakes are always high in every criminal case. Our lawyers know that your future is at stake, so we’re committed to getting you the best possible outcome. We want to ensure that your side of the story is told.

We have a 96.7% success rate on cases in San Antonio.

Our San Antonio team combines decades of experience with an unparalleled commitment to justice. Our goal is to achieve an exceptional outcome in every case.

You Are Innocent Unless Proven Guilty

In the immediate aftermath of an arrest, it’s critical to remember that you have rights. One is that you’re innocent until proven guilty. Another is that you have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions from the police. You also have the right to an attorney.

The criminal justice system in San Antonio isn’t perfect. DWI field testing is subjective, and the police may not have followed the proper procedures during your arrest. We have seen many instances in which police reports were inaccurate or clients’ rights were violated.

We will carefully review all the evidence, searching for any mistake, even ones that might seem tiny or insignificant.

Additionally, we believe in straight talk. While our ultimate goal is to get your case dismissed, that isn’t always possible. We will review all viable alternatives with you. This could include diversionary programs that, when completed, may leave you with a clean criminal record.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle in San Antonio

Michael & Associates handles virtually every type of criminal charge. This includes:

Assault Charges: In Texas, assault covers a wide variety of charges. They can range in severity from simple assault to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Many of these charges can have long-term consequences if you’re convicted.

Domestic Violence: Texas law calls this “family violence,” but the meaning is the same. If you have an altercation with a family member or someone who lives in your household, and police are called, someone will almost certainly be arrested. The potential for social stigma is particularly high. We will carefully examine your case. If we believe the charges against you stem from a misunderstanding, we will work to secure an affidavit of non-prosecution.

Drug Crimes: Drug crimes in Texas can vary in severity from possession of small amounts to drug trafficking. Laws are sometimes contradictory and inconsistently enforced. No matter how serious the charge may be, we will fight it.

DWI and DUI Charges: Driving While Intoxicated involves operating a motor vehicle or watercraft in a public place while impaired, typically due to alcohol. It is one of our most common cases, and we have a very high rate of DWI dismissals. We have several Certified DWI Scientists on our team who know more about breath and blood testing than any prosecutor. We handle all types, including first DWI offenses, second offenses, third (or more) DWI offenses, intoxication manslaughter, and DUI.

Felonies: In San Antonio, there are more than a thousand ways to commit a felony. Many of these can potentially result in massive fines or lengthy prison sentences. If you’re facing any felony charge, we will do everything possible to get it dismissed or reduced.

Homicides: Homicide charges require meticulous preparation and care. Charges can range from criminally negligent homicide to capital murder. Any manslaughter or murder charge requires a detailed investigation and a carefully planned strategy. If you’re facing any homicide charge in the San Antonio area, don’t leave your fate in the hands of an overworked public defender. We will devote the necessary time and care to your case.

Misdemeanors: Though misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, potential penalties can still involve jail time. We handle Class A, Class B, and many Class C misdemeanors.

Probation Violations: If you’re already on probation, the threat of having that revoked can be terrifying. You may have to serve your entire original sentence. We have a strong track record of beating these.

Theft: This covers a range of offenses, including shoplifting, larceny, embezzlement, writing bad checks (which may also constitute fraud), theft of services, or knowingly purchasing stolen property. We will thoroughly investigate your arrest and look for any weak evidence.

Other Charges: We handle virtually all types of criminal charges.

This includes:

  • Burglary
  • Evading arrest
  • Harassment
  • Terroristic threat
  • Trespassing
  • Traffic tickets
  • Weapons charges

Contact us today for a free consultation, and we will carefully review your case.

Possible Downsides to Using a Public Defender

If you decide that you can’t afford an attorney, a public defender will be appointed to represent you. However, these attorneys may have less experience than a private criminal defense attorney. They may miss key nuances in your case and be less effective in the courtroom.

Additionally, most public defenders in San Antonio are overworked, and the high caseload prevents them from becoming personally invested in your case.

Often, a public defender can be less experienced than a private criminal defense lawyer in defending against criminal charges. Because of their inexperience, they may be more ineffective in court and not fully understand the nuances of your specific case. They may not want to devote the time necessary to take your case to trial.

On the other hand, a Michael & Associates attorney has access to more resources and will provide the personalized attention you deserve. Though many cases in San Antonio can be resolved without a trial, we’re always willing to go to trial when necessary to get you the best possible outcome. Don’t settle for anything less than a zealous advocate when your future is at stake.

Get Your Life Back on Track

Now is not the time to try to save money by relying on a public defender. Your future is at stake.

You need an attorney who is always willing to go above and beyond for you. Our clients are not just a name on a file. We take the time to get to know you personally, and will always respond to questions.

Our team in San Antonio will work with you to develop a customized case strategy that protects your rights, achieves the best possible outcome, and helps you walk away with minimal repercussions.

Call us today for a free consultation.

Client Case Results

Dismissed

Charge Terroristic threat

Location San Antonio, Texas

Circumstances The ndividual was arrested for leaving a threatening voicemail to a bus company after a road incident and was charged with making a terroristic threat.

Result Case Dismissed

Dismissed

Charge reckless driving

Location San Antonio, Texas

Circumstances The client was arrested for evading arrest with a vehicle after failing to stop for police due to outstanding tickets. The individual was charged with reckless driving for speeding in a 35 mph zone. The client was also cited for speeding and expired registration.

Result Case Dismissed

Dismissed

Charge Open Container of Alcohol

Location San Antonio, Texas

Circumstances The client was arrested for DWI with an open container after a traffic stop for making a wide turn. The client, who had no prior record, admitted to consuming alcohol but refused a breath test.

Result Case Dismissed

Dismissed

Charge Deadly Conduct Felony

Location San Antonio, Texas

Circumstances The individual was arrested after experiencing a mental health crisis, during which voices urged the use of a firearm. Family members were concerned about mental health and firearm restrictions.

Result Case Dismissed

Dismissed

Charge Evading arrest in a vehicle

Location San Antonio, Texas

Circumstances The individual was arrested for evading arrest with a vehicle after failing to stop for police due to outstanding tickets. Reckless driving charges followed for speeding. Additional citations were issued for speeding and driving with an expired registration.

Result Case Dismissed

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