San Marcos Criminal Defense Attorney

Getting arrested is one of the most frightening, confusing, and stressful situations in your life. A conviction is generally punishable by a lengthy jail or prison sentence, fines, and other serious penalties. Additionally, a conviction on your record can cause irreparable damage to your personal life and professional reputation. To avoid conviction or avoid serving any time behind bars, you must hire a knowledgeable and skilled criminal defense attorney in San Marcos to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.

Were you or a family member arrested for allegedly committing a criminal offense in Hays County? Cofer & Connelly represents clients in San Marcos, Buda, Dripping Springs, and everywhere in between!

Cofer & Connelly, PLLC handles serious felony and misdemeanor charges in Hays County. Our legal team can thoroughly review your case, listen to your story, and determine all your available legal options to help you obtain the most favorable result in court. Whether you are innocent or simply made a regretful mistake, we will develop a strong and personalized defense strategy on your behalf.

Our firm handles the following types of criminal cases in San Marcos, TX:

• DWI
• Driver’s license suspension
• Alcohol offenses
• Drug crimes
• Theft crimes
• Juvenile crimes
• Traffic tickets
• Weapons charges
• Felonies
• Violent crimes
• Domestic violence
• Expunctions

Call (512) 991-0576 or complete our online contact form today to schedule an initial consultation.

Misdemeanors vs. Felonies in Texas

There are two main types of crimes in Texas: misdemeanors and felonies. In general, a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony. However, a conviction can still result in a jail sentence of up to one year.

The following are the three types of misdemeanors in Texas:

• Class A misdemeanor – Carries a maximum jail sentence of one year and/or a fine of up to $4,000
• Class B misdemeanor – Punishable by a jail term of up to 180 days and/or a maximum fine of $2,000
• Class C misdemeanor – Carries a maximum fine of up to $500 and no jail time

On the other hand, the most serious crimes in the state are considered felonies. A conviction can result in serving time in state prison or state jail, rather than local or county jail. Additionally, getting convicted of a felony can lead to the loss of certain rights, such as the right to hold public office and the right to vote.

The following are the five types of felonies in TX:

• Capital felony – Punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment (with or without the possibility of parole)
• First-degree felony – Carries life imprisonment or a prison sentence between five and 99 years, as well as a maximum fine of $10,000
• Second-degree felony – Punishable by imprisonment between two and 20 years, as well as maximum fine of $10,000
• Third-degree felony – Carries a prison term between two and ten years, as well as a maximum fine of $10,000
• State jail felony – Punishable by a state jail sentence between 180 days and two years, as well as a maximum fine of $10,000

Background

Hays County is located about a hour south of downtown Austin. Over 250,000 people live in Hays County and the county is continuing to grow. The County Courthouse is located in San Marcos and serves the communities of Buda, Dripping Springs, Hays, Kyle, Mountain City, Niederwald, San Marcos, Uhland, Wimberly, Woodcreek, and Bear Creek.

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office, six of the Sheriff’s Sub-Stations, and Texas Department of Public Safety patrol the area.

Big Picture

The Hays County District Attorney and his prosecutors take crime very seriously in the community. Cofer & Connelly routinely handles serious felonies and misdemeanor charges in Hays County including the following:

• Driving While Intoxicated
• Possession of Controlled Substances
• Theft
• Theft of Firearm
• Tampering with Evidence
• Strangulation

The Courts

Hays County encompasses the 275th, 428th, 483rd, 453rd, 207th, and 22nd District Courts with Judge Gary Steel, Judge Bruce Boyer, Judge Tracie Wright-Reneau, Judge Joe Pool, and Judge Sherri K. Tibbe. These Courts handle civil and felony criminal cases in Hays County.

Hays County Court at Law handles Class A and Class B misdemeanors. Judge Jimmy Hall, Judge Chris Johnson, and Judge Elaine Brown, preside over these cases as well as juvenile matters.

The Prosecutors

The Honorable Kelly Higgins serves as the District Attorney and prosecutes Felonies and Misdemeanors. District Attorney Higgins works with local law enforcement agencies to investigate, protect, and enforce the law in Hays County. District Attorney Higgins was elected to served as the District Attorney of Hays County in 2023.

The Prosecutors in the Hays County District Attorney’s Office are divided by who oversees felony versus misdemeanor prosecutors.

Court Resources

Felony and misdemeanor cases in Hays County are held in the Hays County Government Center. Misdemeanors are set on the second floor and felonies are set on the third floor.

Hays County Government Center:
712 South Stagecoach Trail 
San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone 512.393.7625
Fax 512.393.7633

There are five Justice of the Peace Courts that oversee Class C misdemeanor cases including traffic, penal, health & safety, education, parks and wildlife, and alcohol & beverage codes.

Justice of the Peace Precinct One (San Marcos), Judge Jo Anne Prado
712 S. Stagecoach Trail Ste. 2235
San Marcos, Texas 78666
512-393-7871

Justice of the Peace Precinct One, Place Two (San Marcos), Judge Maggie H. Moreno 
712 S. Stagecoach Trail Ste. 2235
San Marcos, Texas 78666
512-393-7636

Justice of the Peace Precinct Two (Kyle), Judge Beth Smith
5458 FM 2770
Kyle, Texas 78640
512-268-3151

Justice of the Peace Precinct Three (Wimberley), Judge Andrew Cable
200 Stillwater Rd Ste. 104
Wimberley, Texas 78676
512-847-2000

Justice of the Peace Precinct Four (Dripping Springs), Judge John Burns
195 Roger Hanks Parkway, Suite 2
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
512-858-7446

Justice of the Peace Precinct Five (Buda), Judge Sandra Bryant
500 Jack C. Hays Trail
Buda, Texas 78610
512-295-2700

There are also three Municipal Courts in Bastrop County. The Municipal Courts have jurisdiction over Class C cases occurring in the city.  

Bastrop Municipal Court, Judge Caroline McClimon
104 Grady Tuck Lane
Bastrop, Texas 78602

Smithville Municipal Court, Judge Raymah Davis
317 Main Street
Smithville, Texas 78957

Elgin Municipal Court, Judge Amanda Carter
310 N Main Street
Elgin, Texas 78621

For help accessing a case, the Hays County Case Records Search:
https://public.co.hays.tx.us/default.aspx

Hays County Law Enforcement Resources

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is located right by the Hays County Government Center. The HCSO is led by Sheriff Gary Cutler. Sheriff Cutler’s duties include, but are not limited to:

• He oversees criminal investigations.
• He is responsible for providing security for county and district court operations.
• He enforces traffic laws, county ordinances, and state laws.
• He oversees service of process.
• He accepts bail for prisoners in his custody.
• He is responsible for conducting sales of seized and unclaimed properties.
• He oversees the operation of the county jail and is responsible for the inmates.

Hays County Sheriff’s Office 
810 S. Stagecoach Trail
San Marcos, Texas 78666
512.393.7800

Sheriff Gary Cutler

San Marcos Police Department 
2300 IH 35 S
San Marcos, TX 78666

The San Marcos Police Department is led by Chief Stan Standridge.

Buda Police Department
405 E. Loop Street
Building 200
Buda, TX 78610
(512) 312-1001

The Buda Police Department is led by Chief Bo Kidd.

Kyle Police Department
111 North Front St
Kyle, TX 78640
512-268-3232

The Kyle Police Department is led by Chief Jeff Barnett.

Let Our Firm Help You Today!

A misdemeanor and felony conviction can have substantially serious consequences, which is why having a legal professional on your side can increase your chances of getting the best possible outcome. Do not hesitate to let Cofer & Connelly, PLLC guide you through the complexities of the criminal justice system.

To speak with our San Marcos criminal defense lawyer, contact us today at (512) 991-0576!