E.R. Báez | San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer

• Member | Texas Trial Lawyers Association
• Member | College of the State Bar of Texas
• Member | Christian Trial Lawyers Association
• Member | Federal Bar Association
• Member | American Trial Lawyers Association
• Member | American Bar Association
• Member | State Bar of Texas

• Supreme Court Attorney | U.S. Supreme Court
• Pro Bono Award | Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas
• Qualify Admission to Practice | Southern District of Texas
• Appeals Attorney | Fifth Circuit
• Admitted to Practice | Western District of Texas
• Meritorious Service Medal | US Army
• Army Commendation Medal | US Army
• Army Achievement Medal | US Army

I was hired to handle an intoxication manslaughter case where another attorney was recommending the client to take a plea. The family was not happy with that and hired me. Since they hired me, and an expert was secured, the investigation revealed that the client was not the driver, and the case was taken to a jury. I hired a blood spatter expert to prove that the injuries sustained by the client were more consistent with the client being the passenger and not the driver. This was a huge case where the state had lost evidence, misplaced evidence, and was not willing to dismiss the case, even though the evidence pointed towards the innocent of my client.

From a previous experience owning a huge general practice law firm with multiple attorneys, I decided to be more specific with the needs of my clients as I decided to only do criminal law. As I became a pastor, I saw the need of my clients to have, not only legal counseling but a spiritual one. Since then, I have represented many wrongfully accused individuals throughout Texas.

A lawyer must have the client's interest first rather than their own. At times this means that the lawyer needs to be forthcoming with the clients, telling them exactly what could happen rather than what the clients want to hear that will happen. In other words, if a lawyer can help a client then tell them, but if a lawyer cannot, then do not take their money even though the lawyer may need the money for the practice.

I would say that knowledge of the law is more important than local knowledge for I do not handle a case based on my knowledge of the prosecutor or the judge but rather based on the facts of the case. Many investigations that I have conducted had shown me that it is better to have the law on your side than the other side.

I can provide an initial free consultation indicating to the potential client whether I can help, the scope of the representation, and the expected fees, which for me, are always flat fees. In other words, they pay me one time for my services. In many instances when I cannot help the client for whatever reason, I am always upfront with them.

The charge of the case if any. The SID number if any. The DOB of the client. The facts of the case as the client sees them. Any alibis that they may have. The time lime of events. The arrest date if any. The bond amount. Whether any priors are in play for the determination of enhancement. Any other pertinent information that the client can provide.

I am not only a criminal defense lawyer with experience but I am also a pastor. This helps my clients since I always argue for the zero recidivism that my clients enjoy. This is because I mentor and disciple my clients into becoming productive citizens of society as part of the representation. I do this free of charge, and my clients have enjoyed it.

To see when my clients are found NOT-GUILTY or when their cases get dismissed prior to trial. When this happens, you know that you have done your job as the clients get to enjoy the freedom which you, as the lawyer have obtained for them.

Theology, music, worship, discipleship, non-profit, the homeless, and the widows. Spreading the good news of Jesus everywhere that I go.

I am a pastor for a non-profit called ImPerfect, I am also an associate pastor at Mighty Fortress Church in San Antonio where I conduct weekly life groups and bible studies with a group. I also preach from time to time at other churches where the pastors are unavailable or non-existent.