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Partner | Trial Attorney
Brand & Resendez, P.C.
Present
Austin, TX
Texas
2004
New York
1998
The University of Michigan
Bachelors (Business Administration)
1994
Associations
Honors / Awards
Cases
Murder--State v. Name Omitted to Protect Client Privacy
Not Guilty from a Jury.
Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
My law partner and I tried a murder case to a jury last summer. The State was offering our client 50 years in prison for a murder when we were convinced the decedent had died from a suicide. After a week residing in an Air B&B preparing for trial in a county 5 hours from us, and then a trial that lasted 6 days, the jury returned a Not Guilty Verdict acquitting our client of murder. Having that happen was so rewarding. Knowing I had also received a Not Guilty Verdict from a jury in a murder case in 2016 made me feel that even in the cases at the highest levels, the State still makes big mistakes.
How did you build a successful practice?
Building a successful practice focused on building our reputation over several years. When your clients know you genuinely care about them, are there to communicate with them when they want to, and you put the work in on the legal side, people begin to take notice. Our clients trust us as do other defense attorneys, Judges, prosecutors, bailiffs and court coordinators in the courthouse. They realize we will fight so hard for our clients while being honest with them and respecting the system. This has resulted in us receiving several referrals based on that reputation.
What should clients look for in a lawyer?
Clients should look for more than just a sales pitch. Does the lawyer have a proven track record of success? Can the lawyer really try a case? Will the lawyer present the client with various options. Will the lawyer listen to the client? Most importantly, you should want a lawyer who is honest with you, whether the new is good or bad because that is the only way to make an informed decision. The lawyer is your counsel. That does not mean merely telling you what you want to hear, but rather explaining everything so you can make tough choices.
How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Local knowledge is important to the success of the case but does not make or break the representation. Knowing what programs are available locally as alternatives to jail or a conviction are important as is knowledge of who the prosecutors and judges are and maintaining those relationships. However, if called to fight outside the local area, while it definitely is more of an "away game," the Rules of Evidence and law remains the same and success can still be had out of county.
What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
We can often determine the range of possible punishment for the crime alleged and sometimes get the probable cause affidavit detailing the exact allegations against the client. Much of what we can provide in the first consultation is determined on a case-by-case basis.
What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
Prospective client's telephone number, email, date of birth, the charge alleged, arresting agency if known, prior arrests/convictions, when incident supposedly occurred and where.
What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
We pride ourselves on having the skills to communicate with the clients and then that we can back that up with our legal work and having an attitude of never wanting to lose or give up. We love the words relentless and tenacious.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Getting the best possible results for the clients. People often see them as criminals and we see them as people. We have never been afraid of a client and have never judged one. We believe as Richard Gere said in primal fear ""I believe in that notion because I choose to believe in the basic goodness of people. I choose to believe that not all crimes are committed by bad people. And I try to understand that some very, very good people do some very bad things.""
What are your other interests in addition to law?
Steve Brand plays quite a bit of tennis and loves comedy but actually enjoys studying trial advocacy as a hobby. Elizabeth Resendez likes comedy as well and loves binge watching Netflix's newest releases. She also loves great food.
Are you involved in your community?
When something comes up, like the hurricane in Houston a couple of years ago, Steve went down and help strip out a woman's flooded home to prevent mold. We are both active members of the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers' Board of Directors. Elizabeth loves animals and will always try to help when there is a lost dog. Steve likes mentoring aspiring lawyers and will volunteer his time helping law students with trial advocacy.
Criminal
