Scott Peterson | Waco Criminal Defense Lawyer

My client was indicted for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, which is a life-altering charge. Through repeated efforts at gaining minute details about the case, and preparing a presentation for the prosecutors, we were able to show that the mom had made up the charges and that my client was innocent. The indictment was dismissed.

I believe that honesty with clients is the most important thing. Some lawyers tell clients what the want to hear. I tell them what they need to hear. After making an objective analysis of the case, investigating the law and facts, and meeting with witnesses and the client, I make a complete, straight-forward recommendation. I do not sugar coat it. If my client follows my recommendation, they always come out better. On those occasions where my client rejects my recommendations, there is no judgment. I do my sworn duty to defend them on the path they choose, whether they want to pled guilty to something I recommend fighting or whether they want to fight a charge in which the evidence if very strong. By doing this my clients always know, no matter the outcome, that I gave proper advise, did not judge them, and gave it my all in their defense.

Honest answers to honest questions, not hearing what you want to hear.

Having spent 36 years in Waco, McLennan County, Texas courtrooms, and having practiced in about 30 counties in Texas, I can say that local knowledge is important for many cases but it depends on the charge and the type of proceeding. For revocation cases, I would definitely stay local. For big cases, such as murder or robbery charge that is going to trial, it more a matter of convenience to the lawyer and, if distance is a factor, there will be some additional travel expenses for the client. If someone is looking at life in prison this cost would not be of much importance.

The potential punishment range for a charge, a person's rights, the steps one must go through in the process, including how long it usually takes, and a general idea of what it would cost.

Pending Charge(s), County of the Charge, Prior Criminal History, if any, of the client, and some contact and basic background information about the client .

25 years ago, I was one of three lawyers in this county to convert my law practice from a general practice to a criminal law only practice . I have much more practice and experience in criminal law, especially in my county, than the average criminal defense lawyer.

Once I can gain the trust of my client, which is always a process, I feel good about our open and honest discussions that lead to the best course of action and the best outcome. I smile at night when I think about how my efforts changed someone's path for the better.

I own a small ranch and constantly work with my hands. This keeps me out of trouble on the weekends. I have always been involved in organizations that help the community, like Lion's Club, Civic Theater, Youth Sports. My wife and I like to take one or two trips a year to see new things. During a normal work week, we often read or play card games in the evenings. On weekends, as a break from the ranch duties, we often take the dog for walk or visit a local park, activities that keeps our minds, bodies and souls healthy.

Yes, I have been active in organizations and in politics.

• Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | President | 1999 - 2002

• Scott Peterson met the requirements and passed the test to become a criminal law specialist in 1991. He has been recertified as a specialist every 5 years since.

• Scott Peterson has participated in numerous jury trials – from DWIs to all types of felonies – and has handled over 5,000 criminal cases in his career.

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