let's Change The Outcome.
Thousands of Cases handled. Millions Recovered for texans.
Experienced Austin Criminal Defense Attorneys
Let Us Fight for Your Rights! Defending the Accused in Travis County & Throughout 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.
Smith & Vinson Law Firm stands prepared to deliver the aggressive defense counsel you need in the face of an arrest or criminal charges, whether you are accused of a misdemeanor or felony. Our firm handles a wide variety of criminal defense cases, including but not limited to drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, theft crimes, violent crimes, and more.
To speak to a criminal defense attorney in Austin, contact us online or call (512) 359-3743 today. We offer 100% free consultations.
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$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.
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$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.
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$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.
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$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.
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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
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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.
Put Your Trust In Us
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“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.- Ravi K.
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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“Brad really takes the time to get to know your situation. He was sharp, respectful, and didn’t sugarcoat anything.”- Kayla S.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
Winning Your Case Matters
When it comes to criminal law, the outcome of your situation profoundly impacts the rest of your life. For that reason, our Austin criminal defense attorneys are committed to fighting relentlessly for you. We always seek a favorable outcome to minimize the effects of a conviction. We approach all criminal matters with determination, considering that the outcome could completely change your life. Thorough preparation and a well-crafted defense strategy are crucial in pursuing justice effectively.
When you choose Smith & Vinson Law Firm, you retain relentless advocates willing to do everything it takes to protect your freedom and constitutional rights. No strangers to the courtroom, our fearlessness during trial has helped us obtain ideal results even in the most difficult and complex cases.
We handle cases in Travis County, Williamson County, and Hays County, including Austin, Georgetown, San Marcos, Round Rock, Temple, Cedar Park, and beyond. Our defense lawyers in Austin provide access to quality, insightful legal defense throughout Central Texas.
Tell your side of the story to our defense lawyers in Austin. Request your free, confidential consultation by calling (512) 359-3743 or contacting us online.
Advantages of Hiring Our Austin Criminal Attorneys
- Backed by Legal Experience: 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.
- Your Own Advocate: 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.
- Thorough Case Evaluation & Strategy Development: 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. Based on this evaluation, we can develop an effective defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances, aiming to minimize the potential consequences or even get the criminal charges dismissed.
- Powerful Negotiation Skills: Our Austin criminal law firm can engage with the prosecution to negotiate plea bargains or reduced charges if appropriate and in your best interest.
- Competent Courtroom Representation: 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.
- Mitigation of Consequences: In the event of a conviction, our firm can work to mitigate the potential consequences. We may argue for reduced sentencing, alternative sentencing options, or rehabilitation programs to help you get your life back on track. Our focus is on finding strategies that serve your long-term interests.
- Emotional Support: Being accused of a crime can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. Our Austin defense lawyers provide the emotional support you need during this challenging time. We can offer guidance, reassurance, and a compassionate ear, helping you navigate the legal process with confidence and peace of mind.
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Fearless DefenseWhen 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.
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Straightforward SupportYou 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.
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Personalized AdvocacyYour 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
Defense Attorneys in Austin Committed to Fighting for You
Our defense attorneys in Austin fight for those facing serious legal challenges in Travis County and throughout the state of Texas. When we take on a new client, our legal team conducts our own investigations, questions witnesses thoroughly, and strives to create the most compelling defense for our client's case. Our commitment extends beyond the courtroom as we guide you through each step of the legal process, ensuring you are informed and empowered about your rights and options. Our Austin criminal attorneys fight to ensure your fair treatment under applicable laws through a deep understanding of Texas laws and the legal rights it affords defendants. You don't have to feel overwhelmed by criminal charges in Texas. Contact our criminal attorneys in Austin today to start building your defense!
To speak to an experienced Austin criminal defense attorney, call (512) 359-3743 or contact us online!
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Refusing a breath test in Texas during a DWI stop can have serious implications (the same is true of other chemical tests, such as a blood test). When you drive in Texas, you consent to submit to chemical tests under the state's implied consent laws. Refusal can lead to an automatic license suspension, typically lasting 180 days for a first refusal and potentially longer for subsequent refusals or if there are previous convictions.
However, refusing a breath test does limit the state’s immediate access to primary evidence of intoxication. It’s important to consult with a DWI attorney in Austin to navigate the complexities of possible repercussions and develop informed defense strategies if you face DUI or DWI charges following a refusal.
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You may have come across DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and DUI (Driving Under the Influence). In Texas, the difference between DWI and DUI is subtle but important. Recognizing these distinctions is key to understanding their varied legal implications and defense tactics.
- DWI: This charge typically applies to drivers over the age of 21. If you are pulled over and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above 0.08%, you will likely be charged with DWI. Texas law also allows for DWI charges even if your BAC is below 0.08% if you exhibit signs of impairment, due to the state’s zero-tolerance policy for alcohol impairment on the road.
- DUI: This charge is generally applied to drivers under the age of 21. In Texas, any measurable amount of alcohol in your system can lead to a DUI charge, regardless of your BAC. This is true even if you do not appear impaired. However, as mentioned above, underage drivers can still be charged with DWI if the circumstances warrant.
The major difference between a DWI charge and a DUI charge is the severity of the penalties. While both DUI and DWI charges will lead to a suspension of your driver’s license, the suspension periods are much shorter for DUI than they are for DWI. For DUI, your license will be suspended for 60 days after the first offense, 90 days after the second offense, and 180 days after the third offense. These periods can be increased if you are charged with any other alcohol-related offenses, such as an open container in the vehicle. The penalties for DWI are much higher. If you were charged, contact our DWI lawyers in Austin.
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The length of a DWI case can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the court's schedule, and the defendant's willingness to accept a plea deal or go to trial. Generally speaking, a first-time DWI offense in Texas may take several months to resolve.
The case usually starts with an arrest, followed by a bond hearing, arraignment, pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, and eventually, trial. If the case goes to trial, the process can take longer, and it may take several months or even over a year to reach a verdict. However, many cases are resolved through plea negotiations, which can expedite the process. It's important to note that every case is unique, and the length of a DWI case can vary depending on the specific circumstances. It's best to consult with qualified DWI lawyers in Austin for more information on the timeline of a DWI case and what to expect throughout the process.