San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney

Proven Criminal Defense Representation in San Antonio

There are many criminal defense lawyers in San Antonio, but not all of them are capable of getting results in even the most challenging cases. When you have been arrested for a crime, you cannot afford to take chances with the outcome of the situation, and you owe it to yourself to find a San Antonio criminal defense attorney who is ready to fight for you. Come to the Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski. I have more than a decade of experience working in the criminal courts of Bexar County and the surrounding communities.

My background includes serving as a prosecutor for the Bexar County District Attorney's Office, and I have handled hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases. As a result of my dedication to achieving successful results for my clients, my peers in the legal profession have honored me with inclusion in the Texas Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ Editions for the past five years. If you want proven legal representation to help you avoid a conviction on the charges, you have come to the right place.

San Antonio Criminal Charges

Federal Offenses
The list of federal crimes is enormous, and it continues to expand with every passing year. Federal crimes include offenses that would normally be charged by the state but for the fact that they occurred on federal property, as well as crimes that involve activity that involved interstate commerce. I am admitted to practice in federal court all the way up to the Supreme Court of the United States.

State Offenses
The majority of crimes that are charged in San Antonio are charged under the statutes of the Texas Penal Code. Maximum penalties for state offenses range from a fine of $500 for low-grade misdemeanors, up to life in prison without parole, or even the death penalty.

Appeals
Even if you are convicted on the charges you face, it may still be possible to turn the situation around by filing an appeal. Appellate law is a specialized area of practice, and you need an attorney who has experience with preparing briefs and making effective arguments to shine the spotlight on faults in the case. I have a track record that includes appeals of cases involving the death penalty.

Drug Offenses
Whether you have been arrested for a misdemeanor drug possession offense or if you are under investigation for participation in a widespread drug trafficking organization, you must take action now to avoid a conviction and the serious drug crime penalties you face. With success, you may be able to participate in a drug diversion program, or perhaps even have the entire case dismissed.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) / Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Defense
The courts in San Antonio take a tough stance against drunk driving given that Texas has one of the highest rates of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the nation. Whether you were arrested for first-time DWI / DUI or are charged with intoxication manslaughter, you need to know what your rights are and understand how to fight the charges.

White Collar Crime
Don't let a conviction for a white collar crime ruin your career! The penalties for a white collar crime such as fraud or embezzlement are every bit as harsh as for other types of crimes, with fines, imprisonment and the long-term consequences of having a conviction on your criminal record.

Bank Fraud
If you are under investigation for bank fraud, you need an attorney who can represent you in federal court and seek to resolve the situation in your favor. A conviction for bank fraud carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison and $1 million in fines, but with my help you may be able to secure an acquittal or might even avoid an arrest in the first place.

Computer Crimes & Internet Fraud
Effective defense for cases involving computer crimes and crimes occurring on the internet requires an extensive understanding of digital forensics. For example, charges are often based on the fact that criminal activity was traced back to the IP address of the defendant's computer, whereas another person might have committed the crime using the same computer.

Sex Crimes
Despite the fact that you are legally presumed innocent until proven guilty, you may find that sex crime allegations tend to lead others to assume that you are guilty before you have even appeared in court. If the case proceeds to a conviction for an aggravated sex crime such as rape, you will most likely be ordered to register as sex offender.

Expunction of Records
Texas state law offers relief to people who have been convicted of crimes. If you can meet the strict eligibility requirements, you may be able to clear your criminal record. As a result, you would no longer have to live with the harsh consequences of being convicted, such as being denied employment on the basis of your past misfortunes.

Sealing of Records - Non-Disclosure
An alternative to expunction of your criminal record is to petition the court for an order of non-disclosure, which prohibits the criminal justice system from revealing information about your record to employers and others. Juvenile offenders may seek to have their records sealed so that they do not have to start their adult lives with the burden of a conviction.

Violent Crimes
Whether you have been arrested for a misdemeanor assault, domestic violence, or have been named as the suspect in a murder investigation, you can come to me for help. With my experience as a former prosecutor, I can often find weaknesses in a case, such as a lack of evidence that you actually committed the crime. Alternatively, I may be able to argue that you were acting in self-defense.

Probation Revocation
The terms of probation in San Antonio are frequently exceedingly strict, and it can often be difficult even for law-abiding citizens to avoid being accused of a violation. If your probation officer is threatening to revoke your probation, you need an attorney who can help you resolve the situation and avoid being ordered to serve the full term of your probation

Bail Bonds
Before your loved one can be released from jail after being arrested and charged with a crime, it may be necessary to post bail. I can appear at the arraignment to argue in favor of a lower amount for bail, as well as serving as your bail bondsman to supply you with the funds you need to secure your loved one's early release.

Fighting Criminal Charges

Many people who face prosecution on criminal charges are all too eager to accept a plea bargain, because they are anxious to avoid time in jail or prison and think that it is all but certain that they will be convicted. The fact is that it is almost always possible to achieve a better outcome by taking action to fight criminal charges, and in many cases it is possible to win. You are legally presumed innocent until proven guilty, and as your criminal defense attorney, I will work to place the burden of proof firmly on the shoulders of the prosecutor.

For example, I can seek to have you acquitted by demonstrating that there simply is not enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you did in fact commit the crime. Alternatively, I may be able to have the case dismissed by highlighting law enforcement mistakes that constitute violations of your constitutional rights. There are many ways to approach the situation, but the first step is to retain legal representation. Contact me now for a free, confidential case evaluation to learn about the strategies that I can use for you!