Arrested in San Marcos? Fight Back With a Former Prosecutor and Native Spanish Speaker
Getting arrested or investigated for a crime in San Marcos is an overwhelming experience. Whether it happens near the Texas State University campus, on I-35, or anywhere else in Hays County, the consequences can be devastating. Criminal charges—even for first-time offenses—can lead to jail, probation, hefty fines, immigration issues, and a permanent criminal record.
You need a defense attorney who understands how the local system works and who will fight to protect your rights and your future. Jorge Vela is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer, former federal and state prosecutor, and a native Spanish speaker. He defends clients in San Marcos and throughout Hays County, providing honest counsel, aggressive advocacy, and bilingual service every step of the way.
Local Knowledge, Proven Results in Hays County
San Marcos cases are handled in the Hays County criminal court system, located in the Government Center off Wonder World Drive. The district attorney’s office and local law enforcement take a firm stance on both misdemeanors and felonies. Jorge Vela’s prosecutorial background gives him critical insight into how these cases are built and what it takes to dismantle them.
Whether you’re dealing with charges from the San Marcos Police Department, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, or Texas State University Police, Jorge tailors his strategy based on your unique situation and the tendencies of local courts and prosecutors. His deep familiarity with the legal terrain in Hays County gives you a strategic advantage from day one.
Fast Jail Release and Bond Representation
If your loved one is being held in the Hays County Jail after an arrest in San Marcos, time is of the essence. Jorge Vela helps clients and their families with:
- Jail release and booking procedures
- Emergency bond hearings
- Personal recognizance (PR) bond motions
- Jail consults and early case intervention
Early legal involvement often leads to faster release, more favorable bond terms, and the ability to shape the trajectory of the case before charges are even filed. Jorge works with families to communicate directly with jail staff and court clerks to ensure no time is wasted.
Full-Service Criminal Defense in San Marcos
Jorge defends clients against a wide range of criminal charges—whether local, state, or federal. He builds every defense around the facts, the law, and your personal priorities. Below are some of the most common case types he handles in San Marcos:
DWI and Drunk Driving Defense
DWI is one of the most frequently charged offenses in San Marcos, particularly near campus and on I-35. Jorge defends:
- First-time DWI arrests
- Felony DWI (child passenger, repeat offense, intoxication assault)
- License suspension hearings (ALR)
- Breath and blood test challenges
He scrutinizes traffic stop procedures, police reports, and test results to uncover errors and rights violations. Jorge’s goal is to keep you out of jail, protect your license, and avoid a permanent conviction.
Drug Possession and Distribution
Drug charges in San Marcos range from minor marijuana possession to serious felony distribution or trafficking. Jorge defends clients accused of possessing:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Xanax and prescription drugs
- Vape pens and THC concentrates
He challenges illegal searches, questionable lab results, and constitutional violations. Jorge also pursues pretrial diversion or dismissal where appropriate, especially for college students and first-time offenders.
Domestic Violence and Family Assault
Family violence cases often begin with a 911 call but can result in long-term legal consequences. Jorge represents clients accused of:
- Assault family violence
- Aggravated domestic assault
- Violating a protective order
- Interference with emergency calls
He carefully examines witness statements, body cam footage, and police conduct to find inconsistencies or false allegations. Jorge works to preserve your reputation, your rights, and your family relationships.
Sexual Assault and Sex Offenses
These cases are incredibly sensitive and often complex, involving forensic evidence and high emotional stakes. Jorge defends clients facing:
- Sexual assault
- Indecency with a child
- Child pornography charges
- Online solicitation of a minor
His defense strategy includes challenging DNA evidence, questioning interview techniques, and hiring forensic experts when necessary. Avoiding sex offender registration is often a top priority in these cases, and Jorge fights to achieve that.
Violent Crimes
San Marcos law enforcement treats violent crime cases with urgency and intensity. Jorge defends clients charged with:
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Robbery and burglary
- Kidnapping
- Attempted murder or homicide
As a former violent crime prosecutor, Jorge has firsthand knowledge of how the state builds its case—and how to undermine it. He conducts independent investigations and prepares every case for the possibility of trial.
Federal Criminal Defense
If you’re charged with a federal crime in San Marcos or Hays County, your case will be handled in the Western District of Texas. Jorge defends clients in complex federal cases involving:
- Conspiracy and drug trafficking
- Human smuggling and illegal reentry
- Firearms violations
- Wire fraud and white-collar offenses
Federal charges require a lawyer who knows the rules of federal court, the Sentencing Guidelines, and how to deal with U.S. Attorneys. Jorge is that lawyer.
Criminal Immigration Defense
A criminal conviction can put your immigration status in jeopardy—even if you’ve lived in the U.S. for years. Jorge helps:
- Non-citizens avoid convictions that lead to deportation
- Immigrants navigate plea deals with immigration consequences in mind
- Spanish-speaking clients understand their legal options clearly
He’s a native Spanish speaker and provides culturally competent representation to help you make informed decisions at every step.
Illegal Reentry Defense
Returning to the U.S. after being deported is a serious federal offense. Jorge evaluates whether your prior removal was legally valid, challenges repeat offender enhancements, and argues for reduced sentences under federal law.
Alien Smuggling Defense
These charges often stem from highway stops or large-scale investigations involving multiple defendants. Jorge uses his federal trial experience to challenge the government’s evidence, question informant credibility, and protect your rights.
Immigration Aggravated Felonies
Certain crimes—such as drug trafficking or crimes of violence—can be classified as aggravated felonies under immigration law. Jorge works to resolve these cases in a way that avoids mandatory deportation or lifetime immigration bars.
Why San Marcos Clients Trust Jorge Vela
Jorge offers something few attorneys can: deep insight into how prosecutors think and how courts operate, combined with a personal commitment to every client. When you hire Jorge, he handles your case himself—not an assistant or junior lawyer.
Clients in San Marcos choose Jorge for:
- His prosecutorial background
- Extensive trial and negotiation experience
- Bilingual Spanish-English service
- 24/7 availability for emergencies
- Honest, straightforward communication
His goal is to keep you informed, protected, and confident in your defense from day one.
Call a San Marcos Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in San Marcos or anywhere in Hays County, time is critical. The earlier you get a skilled defense attorney on your side, the better your chance of avoiding jail, protecting your record, or even getting the case dismissed.
Call (512) 537-1237 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. Jorge Vela serves clients in San Marcos, Martindale, Wimberley, Kyle, Buda, and throughout Central Texas.
- (512) 537-1237
- Open 24/7
Call now or send us a message to tell us what happened.