Board-Certified Criminal Defense attorney · San Antonio, TX

Former Prosecutor. Former Judge. Now Fighting for You.

30+ years in San Antonio's courtrooms — on every side of the law. When your future is at stake, hire the attorney who knows exactly how the other side thinks.

A headshot of San Antonio criminal defense attorney Jim Wheat, specializing in juvenile defense
30+
Years experience
10,000+
successful cases
3
national tv programs
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Board Certified in Criminal Law · TBLS
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State Bar of Texas · Licensed 1992
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SATX Criminal Defense Lawyers assoc.
As Featured On
Gangland · Nat Geo
America's Most Wanted · Fox
Snapped · Oxygen

Your Child Made a Mistake. That Doesn't Have to Define Their Life.

When your child is arrested in San Antonio, the next 48 hours matter more than most families realize. The decisions made at that first hearing, before most parents even understand what's happening, can follow a child for decades.

Jim Wheat is one of San Antonio's only board-certified criminal attorneys with a dedicated juvenile defense practice. He has stood in Bexar County juvenile courtrooms for over 30 years.

Talk to Jim About Your Child's Case
01

Juvenile Records Can Be Sealed

Most Texas juvenile cases are eligible for sealing or expunction. A properly handled case means your child can move forward without a permanent record following them to college, jobs, or the military.

02

The first 48 hours are critical

Anything your child says to police before an attorney is present can be used against them. Do not allow any interviews or statements until Jim has been consulted. Call immediately after an arrest.

03

Board certification matters here

Less than 1% of Texas attorneys are board certified in criminal law. Jim is one of them — with juvenile listed as a primary specialty.

04

Jim knows the system from every side

Former prosecutor. Former judge. He knows how Bexar County courts think — and uses that to build defenses that work.

What Jim Handles

Practice Areas

From juvenile defense to federal criminal charges, Jim Wheat brings 30+ years of San Antonio courtroom experience to every case.

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State Criminal Defense

Felonies, misdemeanors, and everything in between. Jim handles the full spectrum of Texas criminal charges in Bexar County courts.

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Federal Criminal Defense

Licensed in the Western District of Texas. Federal charges require a different strategy — Jim has the credentials and the experience.

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DWI / Intoxication

DWI, DUI, and intoxication assault defense. Protecting your license, your record, and your future in Bexar County.

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Violent Crimes

Assault, aggravated assault, domestic violence, robbery, and homicide defense. High-stakes cases demand board-certified experience.

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Expungement & Record Sealing

Clear your record. Whether adult or juvenile, Jim guides clients through the expunction and sealing process to restore opportunities.

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Not sure which practice area covers your situation?
Call Jim for a free, no-obligation consultation.
CALL (210) 224-9300
A headshot of San Antonio criminal defense attorney Jim Wheat, specializing in juvenile defense
Licensed in Texas Since 1992
Meet Jim Wheat

He's Been the Prosecutor. He's Been the Judge.
Now He's Your Defense Attorney.

Prosecutor

Jim Wheat began his legal career in the Bexar County District Attorney's Office, learning exactly how prosecutors build their cases — and where those cases are vulnerable. That insider knowledge now works for you.

Judge

Serving as Associate Judge of the 289th District Court gave Jim a perspective few defense attorneys ever have: what judges actually weigh when making decisions. He brings that judicial insight to every argument, every motion, every trial.

Board-Certified Defense Attorney

Board certification in criminal law is earned by fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys. It requires demonstrated competence, peer review, and rigorous examination. Jim has maintained this certification while building 30+ years of San Antonio courtroom experience.

"My top priority is to earn your trust and keep it."

- Jim wheat, criminal defense attorney
As Seen On National Television

Nationally Recognized.
Locally Trusted.

Jim Wheat's expertise has been sought by national television networks covering true crime and criminal justice. His insights have appeared on three major network series — bringing the same depth of knowledge he applies to every client's case.

Gangland
National Geographic
Snapped
Oxygen Network
America's Most Wanted
Fox
Client Testimonials

What San Antonio Clients Say

Real clients. Real outcomes. Jim's commitment to trust and results speaks for itself.

★★★★★

J"im took my case when I had no idea what to expect. He walked me through every step, kept me informed, and got the charges dropped. I can't say enough about how he handled everything."

— Marcus T., San Antonio
★★★★★

"A friend recommended Jim because he used to be a judge. I was super stressed about my court date, but having him stand next to me made a huge difference. The prosecutor actually respected him. He got my case dismissed way faster than I expected."

— Robert D., San Antonio
★★★★★

"When my son was arrested I was terrified. Jim was calm, direct, and knew exactly what to do. The charges were reduced significantly. He gave our family our lives back."

— Sandra M., San Antonio
★★★★★

"Great caring professional. Doesn't sugar coat things or promise you things that aren't reasonable. Tells you straight and does an outstanding job defending you and getting you the best possible outcome."

—Patrick W., San Antonio
Read All Reviews on Google

Board-Certified Criminal Defense

Your future is worth fighting for.

FAQs

Common Questions When Navigating the Legal System

Answers to what most people want to know before calling. If you don't see your question here, call — consultations are free.

(210) 224-9300Jim Wheat - Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney, San Antonio

What should I do if my child was just arrested in San Antonio?

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What does board-certified mean, and why does it matter?

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Will Jim Wheat personally handle my case?

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How quickly can I speak with someone?

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What's the difference between state and federal criminal charges?

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What areas does Jim Wheat serve?

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