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AUSTIN TRIAL LAWYERS Your Life Changed.
let's Change The Outcome.

Thousands of Cases handled. Millions Recovered for texans.

We serve Travis, Hays, Williamson, and surrounding counties. If you’ve been hurt or arrested anywhere around Austin, TX, we will fight for you.

Experienced Austin Criminal Defense & Personal Injury Attorneys

Defending the Accused and Representing the Injured Throughout Travis County & Central Texas.

When accused of a crime, you need an Austin criminal defense lawyer to protect your interests. You have constitutional rights and the criminal justice system offers numerous protections, but you will not experience these to the fullest extent unless you have a skilled criminal defense attorney in Austin in your corner.

However, if you have been hurt because of someone else's negligence, you need an Austin personal injury lawyer who will fight just as hard for your recovery. Texas law allows you to pursue compensation when another person's carelessness causes your injuries, but insurance companies rarely make that easy, which is why having an experienced personal injury attorney in Austin in your corner makes a real difference.

Smith & Vinson Law Firm stands prepared to deliver the aggressive defense counsel you need in the face of an arrest or criminal charges, including drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, and violent crimes. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, our firm handles a wide variety of personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death claims.

To speak with an Austin criminal defense or personal injury attorney, contact us online or call (512) 359-3743 today. We offer 100% free consultations.

  • $300,000 Personal Injury

    Our client was knocked to the ground during a sustained, violent attack and sustained a fractured right shoulder, bone bruising to both knees, a hip injury, and nerve involvement requiring nearly a year of treatment including physical therapy. Smith & Vinson pushed back aggressively, demanded full policy limits, and refused to back down. The insurer ultimately tendered the full $300,000 without the need for litigation.

  • $2.5M Personal Injury

    Williamson County Live PD Raid: Our firm represented a family in a civil rights and personal injury case after Williamson County deputies staged a raid on their home for the reality show Live PD. The raid caused serious psychological and emotional injuries, leaving the family traumatized by an event that never should have happened.

  • $1.2M Premises Liability

    Our client, a 58-year-old IT professional, was visiting a commercial office building in Austin for a business appointment when he fell on a defective stairway. The stairway was missing a code-required handrail and had inadequate lighting. He suffered a severe ankle injury requiring surgery with permanent hardware.

  • $810k Wrongful Death

    Our client experienced every parent’s worst nightmare when an intruder entered the family’s home and attacked their young child. Hearing the struggle in the bedroom, the parent rushed in to fight off the attacker, but the child had already suffered catastrophic injuries. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the child later passed away.

  • Not Guilty Sexual Abuse

    One Count of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Minor; Three Counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Minor; Two Counts of Indecency of a Minor by Contact/Exposure

  • Case Dismissed Assault Family Violence

    Our client was charged with Assault Family Violence after an altercation with his girlfriend, who sustained a concussion and bite marks on her nose. Our investigation revealed that the girlfriend initiated the fight by pushing and biting our client.

Protect Your Future, Defend Your Rights Get the Strong Legal Defense You Deserve
If you're facing criminal charges—whether for a DUI, drug offense, or serious felony—you don’t have to face it alone. Our firm fights to protect your record, your rights, and your freedom.

Put Your Trust In Us

    The level of professionalism, expertise, and care I received was spectacular.
    “From our very first consultation, Charlie took the time to truly understand my situation, explain my options clearly, and guide me every step of the way. I highly recommend him and his staff.”
    - Didi C.
    Highly Recommend
    “I am incredibly grateful for the care and support I have received from this law firm. After my car accident, they have treated me with respect and kindness and have exhibited genuine compassion during a very traumatic time. Jarrod took the time to explain processes clearly and was patient when answering all of my questions. Between him and his paralegal, Paloma, I have felt comfortable and informed every step of the way. I cannot thank this team enough for all they have done and continue to do during this difficult time. If you are searching for a team that will stand by you and put in the effort to reach the best possible outcome, I cannot recommend Smith & Vinson enough.”
    - Mariah S.
    Great defense lawyers.
    “Very professional and efficient throughout my entire case. They took my situation seriously, explained every step, and made sure I felt supported. You can tell they’ve handled serious cases in Travis County before.”
    - Destiny E.
    Smith and Vinson were incredibly helpful when I needed legal advice.
    “They didn’t waste time, explained everything clearly, and were super prepared. If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Austin, this is a firm you can trust!”
    - Keira C.
    If you’re in Travis County and facing charges, I’d absolutely recommend giving this firm a call.
    “Brad really takes the time to get to know your situation. He was sharp, respectful, and didn’t sugarcoat anything.”
    - Kayla S.
    It’s clear they care about the people they work with, not just the legal outcome.
    “I’ve worked with a few law offices over the years, but Smith and Vinson made the biggest impression. From the first time I heard and met with them, they were professional, kind, and genuinely attentive.”
    - Thomas A.
    My experience with this law firm was fantastic
    “From the first call to the last, they stayed in communication with me and let me know every step of the way. The attorneys at this office and the support staff got my case dismissed with no problems. If you find yourself in a situation, I highly recommend calling this firm.!”
    - Lyndsey O.
    They exceeded all my expectations with their professionalism, compassion, and dedication.
    “The entire staff was incredibly helpful, responsive, and made me feel supported every step of the way. I’m truly grateful for their expertise and care, they made a stressful situation so much easier to navigate.”
    - Cielo J. R.
    Highly Recommend - Professional, Compassionate, and Responsive Team!
    “I had a very positive experience working with Smith and Vinson Law Firm. Jarrod and his paralegal, Paloma, were very organized, professional, responsive, and kept me informed throughout the process. Jarrod is very knowledgeable and experienced, and I especially appreciate his thoughtful consideration and genuine compassion during a very traumatic personal injury time.

    Jarrod was always accessible and prompt whenever I had questions or when matters needed attention, which made a meaningful difference throughout the process.

    Everything was handled with care and attention to detail, and I would highly recommend Jarrod and his team.

    - Ravi K.

Winning Your Case Matters

The outcome of a criminal charge or a serious injury can shape the rest of your life, so our Austin criminal defense and personal injury attorneys are committed to fighting relentlessly for you. We always seek a favorable outcome, whether that means minimizing the effects of a conviction or securing full compensation for your medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering. When you choose Smith & Vinson Law Firm, you retain advocates who are not afraid to take a case to trial when a fair result is not on the table. No strangers to the courtroom, our fearlessness during trial gives us leverage at the negotiating table and has helped us obtain ideal results even in the most difficult and complex cases.

We handle cases and claims throughout Central Texas, including Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties. Find your local practice area page below:

Serving Central Texas

Find Your Local Practice Area

Criminal defense and personal injury representation across Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties.

Location Criminal Defense Personal Injury
Austin Criminal Defense Personal Injury
Georgetown Criminal Defense Personal Injury
San Marcos Criminal Defense Personal Injury
Round Rock Criminal Defense Personal Injury
Cedar Park Criminal Defense Personal Injury
Leander Criminal Defense Personal Injury
Hutto Coming Soon Personal Injury
Temple Criminal Defense Coming Soon
Williamson County Criminal Defense Coming Soon
Hays County Criminal Defense Coming Soon
Navy = Criminal Defense Gold = Personal Injury Dashed pill = page coming soon

Tell us your story. Request your free, confidential consultation by calling (512) 359-3743 or contacting us online.

Advantages of Hiring Smith & Vinson Law Firm

Why Choose Smith & Vinson Law Firm

Advantages of Hiring Our Attorneys

The same commitment, whether you are defending your rights or pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Backed by Legal Experience

Criminal Defense

We have a deep understanding of local, state, and federal laws and the criminal justice system. We possess the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to felonies.

Personal Injury

We have a deep understanding of Texas personal injury law and how insurance companies evaluate claims. We possess the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of injury cases, from minor collisions to catastrophic, life-altering injuries.

Your Own Advocate

Criminal Defense

Our team will work diligently to safeguard your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. We fight to ensure you are treated fairly, that proper procedures are followed, and that any evidence against you is lawfully obtained.

Personal Injury

Our team will work diligently to protect you from insurance tactics designed to minimize your claim. We fight to make sure you get proper medical documentation and that no one pressures you into a lowball settlement.

Thorough Case Evaluation & Strategy Development

Criminal Defense

We can evaluate your case, examining the evidence, witness statements, and legal precedents to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution's case against you, aiming to minimize the potential consequences or even get the charges dismissed.

Personal Injury

We can evaluate your case, examining the evidence, medical records, and financial impact to identify the full value of your claim, then develop a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances aiming to secure the maximum compensation available.

Powerful Negotiation Skills

Criminal Defense

Our Austin criminal law firm can engage with the prosecution to negotiate plea bargains or reduced charges if it is appropriate and in your best interest.

Personal Injury

Our Austin personal injury law firm can engage directly with insurance adjusters and opposing counsel to negotiate a fair settlement rather than accepting an early, undervalued offer.

Competent Courtroom Representation

Criminal Defense

If your case goes to trial, having a competent defense lawyer is crucial. Our team will advocate for you in the courtroom, presenting your defense, cross-examining witnesses, and challenging the prosecution's case.

Personal Injury

If your case goes to trial, having a competent injury lawyer is crucial. Our team will advocate for you in the courtroom, presenting your evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and challenging the insurance company's case.

Working Toward Your Best Outcome

Criminal Defense

Mitigation of Consequences

In the event of a conviction, our firm can work to mitigate the potential consequences, arguing for reduced sentencing, alternative sentencing, or rehabilitation programs that serve your long-term interests.

Personal Injury

Maximizing Your Recovery

Our firm works to account for both your current losses and your future needs, including ongoing medical care and lost earning capacity, aiming for a resolution that serves your long-term financial security.

Compassionate Support

Criminal Defense

Being accused of a crime can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. Our Austin defense lawyers provide the emotional support you need, offering guidance, reassurance, and a compassionate ear.

Personal Injury

Being seriously injured can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. Our Austin injury lawyers provide the support you need, helping you navigate the legal and insurance process with confidence and peace of mind.

Whether you are facing criminal charges or recovering from a serious injury, put our experience to work for you.

Contact Us

How Our Austin Personal Injury Representation Works

In addition to criminal defense, we represent people who have been injured by another person’s careless or wrongful conduct. When you suffer a serious injury, the choices you make in the first days and weeks can affect your recovery and your ability to pursue financial compensation. Our team approaches every injury case with the same careful preparation we apply to criminal matters, taking time to understand how the incident happened and how it has changed your life in Austin and the surrounding communities.

We begin by gathering records from medical providers, speaking with witnesses, and evaluating insurance coverage so you have a clear picture of the resources that may be available. If needed, we consult with professionals such as medical providers or accident reconstruction specialists to better understand the full impact of your injuries and future needs. Throughout the process, we keep you informed about negotiations, court deadlines in Travis County or neighboring counties, and the pros and cons of any settlement offers so you can decide what is right for you.

Because injury cases often involve mounting medical bills and time away from work, we also look at practical issues like coordinating benefits and documenting lost income. We know that many people have never dealt with a liability claim before, so we explain each step in plain language and answer your questions promptly. By combining personalized attention with a strategic, results-focused approach, we work to position your claim for the strongest possible outcome while you focus on healing.

Protect Your Case

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The steps you take in the days after an arrest or an accident can shape the outcome of your case. Here is what to watch for.

Take It Seriously From Day One

Criminal Defense

Not Taking the Charges Seriously

Underestimating the severity of your charges can lead to insufficient preparation and a weaker defense.

Personal Injury

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Delaying care can worsen your injuries and gives the insurance company a reason to argue they were not serious or not caused by the accident.

Don't Talk Without Your Attorney

Criminal Defense

Speaking Without a Defense Attorney Present

Anything you say can be used against you in court. Always consult an attorney before speaking to law enforcement or prosecutors.

Personal Injury

Giving a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice

Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to minimize your claim. Always consult an attorney before giving a recorded statement.

Protect Your Own Evidence

Criminal Defense

Consenting to Searches Without a Warrant

Without a warrant or your consent, law enforcement typically cannot search your property. Giving consent can hand them evidence against you.

Personal Injury

Posting About Your Accident on Social Media

Insurance companies monitor social media for posts, photos, or comments that can be used to undermine your claim.

Set Your Case Up to Succeed

Criminal Defense

Choosing the Wrong Lawyer

Not every lawyer is equipped to handle every type of criminal case. Choose an attorney with real experience in cases like yours.

Personal Injury

Not Documenting the Accident and Your Injuries

Photos, witness contact information, and complete medical records are critical evidence that can be hard to recover if not gathered early.

Don't Undermine Your Own Case

Criminal Defense

Ignoring Court Orders or Bail Conditions

Failing to comply with court orders or bail conditions can lead to additional charges or penalties and hurt your standing with the court.

Personal Injury

Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Early settlement offers are often far less than what your case is actually worth, especially before the full extent of your injuries is known.

Don't Wait to Get Legal Help

Criminal Defense

Delaying Legal Representation

Waiting too long to hire a defense attorney can cost you evidence and witness testimony that might otherwise have helped your case.

Personal Injury

Waiting Too Long to Contact an Attorney

Evidence disappears quickly, and Texas has a strict statute of limitations that can bar your claim entirely if you wait too long.

Don't Go It Alone

Criminal Defense

Attempting to Represent Yourself

Defense attorneys understand legal procedures, rules of evidence, and courtroom strategy far better than the average person facing charges alone.

Personal Injury

Trying to Handle the Claim Without a Lawyer

Insurance companies have adjusters and lawyers working to minimize what they pay. Going without your own representation puts you at a real disadvantage.

Avoid these mistakes and put decades of combined experience to work for you, whether you are facing charges or recovering from an injury.

Contact Us

What to Expect When You Work With Our Firm

It is natural to feel anxious when you do not know what comes next, whether you are dealing with a pending charge or recovering from an unexpected injury. When you contact our office, we start by listening to your concerns and asking targeted questions so we can quickly identify the most urgent issues. During an initial consultation, we explain the general process for cases in Travis County courts or in the local civil system, including important deadlines, typical timelines, and what information we will need from you.

After you decide to move forward, we put a plan in place for the first several weeks of the case. That may include requesting discovery in a criminal matter, preserving surveillance footage, or notifying insurance carriers in an injury claim. We schedule regular check-ins so you do not feel left in the dark and encourage you to reach out whenever there is a development in your life that might affect your case. Our goal is for you to understand each major decision point and feel confident about the path we recommend.

Throughout representation, we handle communication with prosecutors, opposing counsel, and insurance adjusters to reduce the day-to-day stress on you and your family. We also prepare you for important events like hearings, mediations, or trial by explaining what will happen, how you should prepare, and what outcomes are possible. By combining clear communication with a disciplined, step-by-step process, we work to make a complicated system more manageable while protecting your rights and pursuing the best available resolution.

  • Fearless Defense
    When your freedom is at stake, hesitation is not an option. Our attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial, giving you the strongest position whether in the courtroom or at the negotiating table. We don't back down when prosecutors push — we push back harder.
  • Straightforward Support
    You deserve to know exactly where your case stands. We provide straightforward communication and honest assessments of your situation. No sugar-coating, no false promises — just clear direction on what you're facing and how we plan to fight it.
  • Personalized Advocacy
    Your case is unique, and your defense strategy should be too. We develop our approach based on your specific circumstances, the details of your case, and your personal goals. Cookie-cutter defenses don't win cases, but tailored strategies often do.
  • Fearless Defense
  • Straightforward Support
  • Personalized Advocacy

Austin Criminal Defense & Personal Injury Attorneys Committed to Fighting for You

Our attorneys fight for people facing serious legal challenges and serious injuries throughout Travis County and Central Texas. When we take on a new client, our legal team conducts an independent investigation, questions witnesses thoroughly, and builds the most compelling case possible, whether that means a defense strategy or a claim for compensation. Our commitment extends beyond the courtroom or the negotiating table. We guide you through every step so you feel informed and empowered about your rights and options, drawing on the same trial-tested approach that has produced results like a $2.5 million injury recovery and hard-won dismissals for clients facing serious charges. You do not have to face criminal charges or a serious injury alone, and wherever you are in Travis, Williamson, or Hays County, our team is ready to start working on your behalf.

To speak to an experienced Austin criminal defense or personal injury attorney, call (512) 359-3743 or contact us online!

  • In Texas, it may be possible to have your assault charge expunged, but this depends on various factors, including the specifics of your case and the outcome of your trial. If you were acquitted or the case was dismissed, you might qualify for expungement. However, if you were convicted, your options may be limited, and it’s best to consult with an attorney for guidance on your eligibility.

  • In Texas, simple assault is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in penalties including up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000. If the assault involves threats or minor bodily injury, it could also be charged as a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500.

  • In the Texas Penal Code, assault and battery offenses are often combined under the term "assault," with varying degrees of severity based on factors such as the extent of harm inflicted and the presence of weapons. It's important to note that legal definitions and consequences may evolve, so it is advisable to consult an experienced Austin assault lawyer.

  • AVVO Brad
  • AVVO Jarrod
  • The College of the State Bar of Texas
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • AVVO Brad
  • AVVO Jarrod
  • The College of the State Bar of Texas
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association

Life Changed, Your Outcome Can Too

Injury Or Charge, Take Control Now
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