San Antonio State Criminal Defense Attorney

Charged With a State Crime in Bexar County? You Need an Attorney Who Has Prosecuted These Cases and Defended Them.

A state criminal charge in Texas carries real consequences — potential prison time, a permanent record, and lasting effects on your career, your family, and your future. Jim Wheat is a board-certified criminal defense attorney who spent years as a Bexar County prosecutor before switching to the defense. He knows exactly how the DA builds these cases because he built them.

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(210) 224-9300
WHAT A STATE CRIMINAL CHARGE MEANS IN TEXAS

A Texas State Criminal Conviction Can Follow You for the Rest of Your Life

In Texas, state criminal offenses range from Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies, and the degree of the charge determines exactly what you are facing. A Class B misdemeanor carries up to 180 days in county jail and a $2,000 fine. A Class A misdemeanor carries up to one year in county jail and a $4,000 fine. A state jail felony carries 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and up to $10,000 in fines. A third-degree felony carries 2 to 10 years in prison. A second-degree felony carries 2 to 20 years. A first-degree felony carries 5 to 99 years, or life, with fines up to $10,000.

A felony conviction in Texas can cost you the right to vote, the right to own a firearm, your professional license, and your employment. Even a misdemeanor conviction stays on your record and surfaces on background checks for housing, jobs, and financial applications — unless it is expunged.

State criminal charges Jim handles in Bexar County include: assault and family violence, drug possession and delivery, DWI and DUI, theft and robbery, burglary and criminal trespass, sex offenses and registration requirements, weapons charges, and property crimes.

How Jim Defends State Criminal Cases

Jim Knows How the DA Builds These Cases. He Used to Build Them.

Before becoming a defense attorney, Jim Wheat served as a prosecutor in Bexar County, and later as Associate Judge of the 289th District Court. He has tried cases in the Bexar County Justice Center and the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center, and understands the evidence standards, charging decisions, and courtroom strategies the state uses in these specific courts, and where they fall short.

Challenge the Stop, Search, or Arrest

If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights at any stage, whether during the stop, the search, or the arrest, Jim moves to suppress that evidence. What the DA cannot use cannot convict you.

Attack the Evidence Before Trial

Jim files pretrial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge chain of custody, and exclude unreliable testimony. Cases are often won or resolved favorably before they ever reach a jury.

Negotiate from a Position of Strength

Because Jim understands how prosecutors evaluate cases, he negotiates with credibility. When a reduced charge or dismissal is achievable, Jim pursues it. When it is not, he prepares for trial.

Take It to Trial When Necessary

With more than 30 years in Bexar County courtrooms, Jim is a proven trial attorney. He prepares every case as if it is going to trial, which strengthens every negotiation along the way.

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The State Criminal Process in Texas

What Happens After a State Criminal Arrest in Bexar County

Most people have never been through the state criminal process. Understanding each stage helps you make informed decisions and act before your options close.

1

Arrest and Magistration

After arrest, you are taken before a magistrate who sets bail and informs you of the charges. Jim can appear at this stage to advocate for a reasonable bail amount and begin building the defense immediately.

2

Grand Jury or Information

Felony charges must be indicted by a grand jury. Misdemeanor charges are filed by information directly from the DA. Bexar County felony cases are heard in the district courts at the Bexar County Justice Center, and Jim can present exculpatory evidence to the grand jury and challenge whether charges should move forward at all.

3

Pretrial Motions and Discovery

Jim reviews all evidence the state intends to use, files motions to suppress unconstitutionally obtained evidence, and challenges the case at every point before trial. Many cases are resolved or significantly reduced at this stage.

4

Trial or Negotiated Resolution

If the case goes to trial, Jim is ready. If a negotiated resolution serves your interests, Jim pursues it from a position of documented strength. Every case is prepared for the courtroom so that every deal is made on your terms.

Why Jim Wheat

The Credentials That Change the Outcome of Your Case

Most defense attorneys only know one side of the courtroom. Jim has worked all three — as a prosecutor building cases, as a judge evaluating them, and as a defense attorney dismantling them.Read more about Jim's background as a former judge and prosecutor.

Board Certified in Criminal Law

Fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys hold this credential. It requires demonstrated experience, peer review, and a rigorous written examination by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Former Bexar County Prosecutor

Jim spent years building state criminal cases in these courtrooms before switching to the defense. He knows the charging decisions, evidence standards, and negotiating patterns of the Bexar County DA's office.

Former Associate Judge, 289th District Court

Serving as a judge gave Jim direct insight into how courts evaluate motions, weigh evidence, and make decisions in criminal cases. That perspective sharpens every argument he makes on your behalf.

Personally Handles Every Case

You will not be handed off to a junior associate or paralegal. When you hire Jim Wheat, Jim Wheat is in the courtroom, at the hearing, and on the phone when you call.

10,000+ Cases in Bexar County Courts

Across more than 30 years, Jim has handled thousands of state criminal cases in San Antonio. That depth of local experience matters in pretrial negotiations, motions practice, and trial strategy.

Trial-Ready From Day One

Jim prepares every case as if it will go to trial. That preparation signals to prosecutors that their case will be tested and produces better negotiated outcomes for clients whose cases do not reach a jury.

Free Consultation(210) 224-9300

★★★★★

I was facing a felony charge and had no idea where to turn. Jim took my case, challenged the evidence, and got the charge reduced. He knew exactly what the DA was going to do before they did it. I cannot recommend him enough.

Marcus R., San Antonio

FAQs

What People Ask Before Calling About a State Criminal Charge

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 I was just arrested for a state crime in San Antonio?

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What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Texas?

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Can my state criminal charge be reduced or dismissed?

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Will a state criminal conviction show up on a background check?

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Does Jim Wheat handle both misdemeanor and felony cases?

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How long does a state criminal case typically take in Bexar County?

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Free Consultation

Your Case Deserves an Attorney Who Has Stood on Every Side of This Courtroom.

When you contact Jim Wheat, here is exactly what happens:

1

You describe the situation

Jim listens to what happened, asks about the charges and circumstances of the arrest, and finds out where things stand with the Bexar County DA's office.

2

Jim explains your options

Jim explains what you are facing, what the timeline looks like, and which defense strategies apply to your specific charges.

3

You leave with clarity

You leave the conversation with a clear picture of your options. No obligation, no pressure, and no charge.

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(210) 224-9300