Jodi Soyars | San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
Family Law/Criminal Law Case. Client was accused of assaulting her husband, he filed for custody of the child asking for sole managing conservatorship based off her having a pending family violence charge. We successfully got the Criminal case dismissed and ensured she received primary custody of the child.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Local knowledge of the courts a client's case is pending in is a great advantage. If you can find local counsel that will do a great job it is best to use a local attorney. However, there are times that local counsel is not always better, especially if the attorney pool to select from is very low and you need an attorney who really knows the law.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
What sets us apart from other attorneys is our attention detail and think outside the box mentality.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is helping those in need when they are most unsure of the legal landscape. Most clients are unfamiliar with the legal process and we work hard to help them understand all their options so they can make the best educated decision regarding their case.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
I enjoy spending time on the Riverwalk and getting outdoors.

• Federal Bar Association | Member | 2011 - Present
  Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | Member | 2010 - Present
  San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | Member | 2007 - Present
  State Bar of Texas | Member | 2001 - Present

• Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2016
  10 Best Client Satisfaction | American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys | 2016
  10 Best Client Satisfaction | American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys | 2016
  10 Best Client Satisfaction | American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys | 2015
  10 Best Client Satisfaction | American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys | 2015
  Best of 2012 | Proactive Resources San Antonio Finest Profile Series | 2012
  Graduated with Honors | University of Houston Law School | 2001
  Associate Editor | University of Houston Law Review | 2000

• DWI with .15 Breath Test & Resisting Arrest Charge
  Outcome: Plea to misdemeanor DWI, Dismiss Resisting Arrest & Avoid Felony Prosecution Description: This was a tough case! State had potential to indict client for 3rd degree felony charge of Assault on a Public Servant. In the end I was able to help minimize my clients felony exposure and get the Resisting case dismissed in exchange for a plea on the DWI offense. But my efforts to help did not stop there . . . I was also able to convince the Judge to assess only a 12 month probation on the DWI and not order any jail time for my client even though the State was asking for 10 days jail and 24 months of probation.

• DWI 2nd Motion to Revoke (Bexar)
  Outcome: Motion to Revoke Denied. Description: We were able to help client avoid 1 year in jail. Court denied State's motion to revoke and Client was allowed to continue on probation.

• DWI with Possession of Dangerous Drug & Motion to Adjudicate (BEXAR)
  Outcome: Motion to Adjudicate Denied & Possession Case Dismissed (BEXAR) Description: Client picked up a DWI and Possession of Dangerous Drug case (Xanex) which triggered a motion to adjudicate on his possession of marijuana charge. I was able to get the motion to adjudicate denied and the possession case dismissed in exchange for a plea on the DWI offense. I was also able to get the Judge to order only 10 months of probation and no Ignition Interlock, even though State was asking for 24 months and installation of ignition interlock.

• ALR Hearing (San Antonio)
  Outcome: License Not Suspsended Description: Officer did not have reasonable suspicion to make stop. Court ruled in Defendant's favor and denied DPS right to suspend Defendant's license. Plus, we were able to get Officer's testimony on the record to use in the DWI trial (if that becomes necessary). Stay tuned for the results of the DWI case.

• DWI with .12 Breath Test (Bexar)
  Outcome: Dismissed. Motion to Suppress Granted. Description: Case dismissed after Trial Court granted our motion to suppress. Trial Court found that the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to stop the car.

• DWI Refusal (Guadalupe)
  Outcome: Dismissed. Motion to Suppress Granted. Description: After a motion to suppress hearing, the Judge agreed that the State did not have reasonable suspicion to stop and detain my client. Judge granted Motion to Suppress and the DWI charges were dismissed.

• DWI with .14 BAC (BEXAR)
  Outcome: Dismissed. Description: This case was a difficult case for the client. She is active military and her job was on the line. The State covered up the fact that the video was allegedly "corrupted" for almost 2 years. Congratulations M.G.

• DWI under 21 years old (BEXAR)
  Outcome: Dismissed. Description: This case had an issue with the initial stop, however after approximately 13 court appearances over the course of 2 years, we were able to get the case dismissed for the client without a hearing. Sometimes patience is all it takes! Congratulations A.S.

• Possession of Prohibited Weapon (Bexar)
  Outcome: Dismissed. Description: Defendant was found to be in possession of a knife on school property.

• Credit Card Abuse (HAYS)
  Outcome: Dismissed. Description: Again, sometimes all it takes is persistence. This case had a great defense for our client and the co-defendant pled out the first chance he got. With persistence and perseverance we were eventually able to convince the District Attorney that this case had no business in the judicial system.

• Environs, UC Davis School of Law | Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Perverse Food Subsidies, Social Responsibility & America's 2007 Farm Bill         | 2007

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Jodi Soyars has been a Premium Member since September 02, 2016.
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