Our Practice
Both Texas and federal law contain a wide range of criminal offenses. If accused of any criminal offense, a person has a right to be represented by an attorney. The lawyers at Goldstein & Orr have a broad range of experience representing clients on offenses ranging from DWI to homicide in Texas state courts and in federal courts throughout the country.
An attorney may employ a range of tactics in defense of his or her client, from motions to suppress evidence to vigorous cross-examination of opposing witnesses. The San Antonio criminal defense attorneys at Goldstein & Orr will explore all options for the defense of every client, no matter how big or small the charges might be.
Federal vs. State Defense
All violations of federal law are found in the U.S. Code. They are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in the appropriate federal court. Offenses alleged in Bexar County, for instance, are prosecuted in the Court for the Western District of Texas.
State criminal laws, most of which are found in the Texas Penal Code, are passed by the State Legislature. Violations of these laws are prosecuted by the appropriate authority for the jurisdiction in which they are alleged. For instance, offenses alleged in San Antonio are prosecuted by the Bexar County District Attorney.
Types of Offenses
Goldstein & Orr represents clients on any type of criminal allegation, including accusations involving:
- The illegal possession, sale, or transportation of controlled substances;
- Possessing, delivering or cultivating marijuana;
- Any type of financial crime involving fraud or deception;
- Homicide, or the criminal causing of another person’s death;
- Sexually-motivated crimes, including sexual assault and online solicitation of a minor;
- Driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs;
- Crimes that cross international borders;
- A criminal offense allegedly committed by a minor;
- Crimes that utilize the internet;
- Drag racing; and
- Engaging in organized criminal activity.
Protecting the Rights of the Accused
When a person becomes aware that he or she is a suspect of a criminal investigation, he or she should immediately retain legal counsel. Every decision he or she makes during this process is critical to the outcome of the case, and an attorney can advise him or her on how best to act.
Some of the issues affecting the rights of their clients that Goldstein & Orr frequently face include:
- Grand Jury Proceedings: Under both state and federal law, a grand jury issues federal indictments. An attorney can advise a person on how to handle a grand jury investigation.
- Illegal Search and Seizure: The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures. If any evidence against a person is the product of an illegal search, the lawyer may move to suppress that evidence.
- Asset Forfeiture: The government may seize property used in commission of a crime. Legal counsel can assist in the accused keeping property from being wrongfully forfeited.
- Criminal Appeals: Any unfavorable decision made by a judge in a criminal case may be appealed as made in error.
