Thornton Criminal Defense - San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney

Board Certified

Less than .008% of Texas Attorneys have qualified for and based the Board Certification process by Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Former Chief Prosecutor

As a former Chief Prosecutor, I know how the State wants to handle your case and how to get in their way.

Client Centered Approach

We get to know you, your case, and your goals; then, prepare the most aggressive defense to get the best possible outcome for your situation.

Highly Rated & Award Winning

We are proud to have earned a 5 star rating on Google, and a 10/10.0 rating on Justia.com as well as having been named to the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers.

San Antonio
Criminal Defense Attorney

Premier Criminal Defense in San Antonio and Beyond

Welcome to Thornton Criminal Defense, PLLC, your premier source for criminal defense in San Antonio and the surrounding Texas area. Our practice, led by the accomplished Brad Thornton, provides unwavering support and proven legal strategies across a spectrum of criminal charges, from misdemeanors like Driving While Intoxicated to serious felonies including murder. With a distinguished background as the former Chief Prosecutor, Brad Thornton brings invaluable expertise and a comprehensive understanding of both sides of the law.

Trusted Legal Expertise with a Local Focus

At Thornton Criminal Defense, we are deeply committed to the communities we serve, extending our expertise to clients in Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, Karnes, Wilson, Atascosa, and Hays counties. Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding the local communities, ensuring tailored, effective defense strategies for each client. With over a decade of experience and a reputation for excellence in the courtroom, our firm stands as a beacon of trust and reliability in Texas legal circles.

A Record of Excellence and Innovation

Thornton Criminal Defense is not just known for defending clients—we’re known for advancing the field of criminal law. Our founder, Brad Thornton, is not only board certified in Criminal Law but has also contributed to the profession with numerous published articles and innovative trial strategies that have been adopted by peers statewide. Our firm’s commitment to excellence is reflected in our consistent 5-star Google reviews, where clients praise our dedication, innovative tactics, and compassionate approach.

Strategic Defense Tailored to Your Needs

At Thornton Criminal Defense, we offer a dynamic blend of aggressive courtroom strategy and skilled negotiation to tailor our approach specifically to the needs of each client. Our firm’s extensive trial experience, with over 100 jury trials to our credit, equips us to fight zealously in court when necessary. However, we also excel in finding opportunities to negotiate or mitigate charges to secure the best possible outcome for your situation. Whether through trial or strategic negotiations, our commitment is to provide the strongest defense and achieve the most favorable results for you.

San Antonio — Thornton Criminal Defense handles cases all throughout south Texas. We primarily provide criminal defense in Bexar County, Atascosa County, Wilson County, Frio County, Karnes County, Guadalupe County, Medina County, and Comal County.

Client Testimonials

“...genuinely cares for his clients...”

Brad is an amazing attorney, and I highly recommend him! He has a way with people, and truly has his focus on client care and supporting them, during a time that’s usually stressful for clients. You have a choice when deciding who’s going to represent you, and to have an attorney that genuinely cares for his clients should be an expectation anyone should set. Brad will meet that expectation 110%!

E. Brothers | Google Review

“...always willing to go above and beyond for his clients.”

I have had the opportunity to know Brad both personally and professionally for a while now. As a fellow attorney, I am consistently impressed by his passion and innovative approach to legal issues. He is exceptionally intelligent and is always willing to go above and beyond for his clients. When I refer clients to Brad, I have full confidence that they will receive top-quality representation.

Brian F. | Client Review

“He knows what he’s doing!”

My case was complicated and extremely difficult to navigate on our own. From the start, Brad was on top of things, easily accessible, very professional, and quickly came to a more-than-satisfactory deal to resolve our issue. He seemed authentic, like he truly cared about me. I highly recommend Brad if you need legal representation. He knows what he’s doing!

D. Ivey | Google Review

“Brad was great from the moment he looked at my case.”

Brad was great from the moment he looked at my case. Despite his busy schedule, he made himself easily available, walked us through every detail with care and professionalism, and worked out a great deal with the prosecutor that was much better than any outcome we could have imagined. I don’t plan on needing his assistance again, but if I’m ever unfortunate enough to find myself in another legal bind, Brad will be my first call.

David I. | Client Review

“...walks with you every step of the way...”

From Day 1, Mr. Thornton took my case and ran with it. He is compassionate, understanding and a go getter. Mr. Thornton takes the time to explain every detail of your case and walks with you every step of the way. He has a way of speaking to his clients to be able to put you at ease and sticks to his word. He works hard for his clients and I am so glad I had him represent me.

J. Salinas | Google Review

“...he is the best at what he does.”

[Brad] made the process very easy for me, handling everything within a month, with a motion to dismiss all cases against me. I only had to attend court once! The portal he uses to make sure you are aware of everything going on in your case is awesome, I didn’t even have to worry everything got downloaded to the portal with email notifications. I would never use another attorney to represent me, he is the best at what he does.

Kevin E. | Client Review

Click here to View all testimonials

Why Hire Thornton Criminal Defense?

Attorney Brad Thornton is a highly experienced and Board-Certified criminal defense lawyer. With his background as a former Chief Prosecutor, he has a unique understanding of the criminal justice system and is able to provide comprehensive and effective representation to his clients. He is also deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals receive fair treatment in court, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Brad Thornton is dedicated to helping his clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case, whether it is in San Antonio or elsewhere in South Texas. He recognizes the stress and anxiety that can come with being accused of a crime, and approaches his clients with compassion while keeping them informed at every step of the process. His knowledge and experience make him a strong advocate for his clients.

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BOARD CERTIFIED IN CRIMINAL LAW

FORMER CHIEF PROSECUTOR

OVER A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE IN CRIMINAL LAW

PERSONALIZED ATTENTION TO YOUR CASE

NO HOURLY RATES, ALWAYS A FLAT FEE

CLIENT CENTERED APPROACH TO YOUR CASE

MEET ATTORNEY BRAD THORNTON

Former Chief Prosecutor

San Antonio DWI & Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton has over a decade of experience as a prosecutor, handling a wide range of cases across Texas. He has managed both felony and misdemeanor cases, and has the knowledge and expertise to navigate the legal system in any situation.

As Chief Prosecutor of Atascosa County, Texas, Brad Thornton was responsible for overseeing all cases filed in the largest county in the 81st & 218th Judicial Districts. He has extensive experience in handling criminal cases in large cities and rural communities, and is well-respected within the legal community for his knowledge and dedication to his work.

Experienced Trial Attorney

Brad Thornton has a wealth of experience in trying criminal cases, from murder to marijuana offenses. His techniques and strategies in the courtroom have earned him respect within the legal community, and have been adopted by other criminal lawyers across the state. He is a graduate of the prestigious “Advanced Trial Advocacy” program, which is only offered to the top percentage of criminal lawyers in the state. In addition, Brad has published numerous articles on criminal law and the criminal justice system, further demonstrating his expertise in the field.

Unlike many lawyers who may be hesitant to go to trial due to lack of experience, Brad Thornton is not afraid to stand up for your rights in court. He has faced juries across Texas in some of the most high-stakes cases, and is well-respected for his trial skills and dedication to his clients. If you need a battle-tested lawyer to fight for you, Brad Thornton is the right choice.

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Recent Case Results

The State of Texas vs. T.M.

Guadalupe County

Offense: Assault Causing Bodily Injury

Client was charged with assaulting a co-worker during an argument at work. From the start, we sent the client to an anger management class before her first court date and the prosector dismissed the case by showing she was working to address the issue on her own.

The State of Texas vs. K.E.

Atascosa County

Offense: Driving While Intoxicated - First

Client was involved in a head on collision with an 18 wheeler and open containers were found in his car. We showed the prosecution the mistakes made by law enforcement and the inaccuracy of the tests they conducted and secured a dismissal for our client.

The State of Texas vs. M.M.

Wilson County

Offense: Assault Family Member - Strangulation

Client was charged with choking his wife. Prosecution was set on moving forward with the most serious felony assault. We put together a case to show the inconsistencies in the complaining witness's statement and the problems with the police investigation, securing a dismissal for our client.

The State of Texas v. A.C.

Bexar County

Offense: Assault Family Member

The Clients future sister in law called the police after an argument between the client and his fiancé. Although the fiancé alleged that she was assaulted, the prosecution dismissed the case after we were able to show that there was not a threat of future violence.

The State of Texas v. E.B.

Bexar County

Offense: Possession of Controlled Substance and Interference with Public Duties

The client was involved in a crash after allegedly consuming magic mushrooms. The police alleged she was not cooperative in their investigation and arrested her for Interference with Public Duties and Possession of Mushrooms after a search of her vehicle. We challenged the prosecution and ended up securing a dismissal of the case.

The State of Texas v. S.C.

Bexar County

Offense: DWI 9th Arrest (Habitual)

The client was charged with his 9th DWI after having served time in prison for DWI twice before. After a hard fight, we were able to plea to a DWI Class B Misdemeanor, with an agreed one year probation and avoiding a minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

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What to Expect from the Texas Criminal Justice System?

To Learn More, Watch the Video Below

Click Through the Step by Step Process

Step 1

Initial Arrest

An arrest is often the first direct encounter with the criminal justice system. When law enforcement officers make an arrest, it usually follows their determination that there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. After being taken into custody, the individual is booked, which involves recording personal details, taking fingerprints, and noting the charges. The arrested person will then remain in custody until they appear before a judge, who will determine the conditions of release, including setting bond. Early legal advice is critical at this stage, as initial decisions made here can shape the rest of the case. In fact, when an investigation leads to a warrant, we can often work to get a bond set ahead of time to allow you to book in and book out, avoiding the embarrassment or any prolonged jail time.

Step 2

Setting Bond

After an arrest, a judge typically sets bond at a hearing to determine if the accused can be released while awaiting trial. There are three main types of bonds: surety, cash, and personal recognizance (PR). A surety bond involves working with a bail bondsman who posts the bond for a fee. A cash bond requires the full amount to be paid directly to the court, which is refunded if all court appearances are met. A PR bond, the most favorable, allows the defendant to be released without any payment, based on their promise to appear in court. The judge considers factors like the severity of the charges, criminal history, and community ties when deciding the bond type and amount. Legal representation is crucial at this stage to advocate for a reasonable bond and ensure your rights are protected.

Step 3

Hiring Thornton Criminal Defense

Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is crucial to protecting your rights and freedom. At Thornton Criminal Defense, we bring extensive experience and knowledge to your case. From the moment you hire us, we begin evaluating the evidence, identifying potential legal defenses, and building a strategy tailored to your situation. We’re committed to guiding you through every step of the process and aggressively defending your rights in and out of court.

Step 4

Preparing Defense

Preparing your defense involves a comprehensive review of the facts, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assessing the strength of the prosecution’s case. We’ll discuss your side of the story, explore possible defenses, and identify any violations of your rights. This phase is crucial as it sets the foundation for negotiations, potential plea deals, or courtroom strategies. Our goal is to ensure you fully understand your options and are prepared for what lies ahead.

Step 5

Court Hearings

Throughout the criminal justice process, several court hearings may occur, including arraignments, pre-trial conferences, and motion hearings. These hearings may address procedural issues, exchange evidence, and determine how your case will proceed. Many court dates are simply designed for the prosecutor and defense to discuss the case, and nothing may happen at all. At each stage, we will be by your side, advocating on your behalf and ensuring your rights are protected. We’ll keep you informed and ready for what to expect at every hearing.

Step 6

Case Resolution

Case resolution can happen in several ways: through dismissals, plea bargains, or jury trials. A dismissal may occur if the prosecution's evidence is weak, key legal issues are identified, or successful motions are filed. In some cases, a plea bargain may be negotiated, allowing the defendant to accept a lesser charge or reduced sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. If a resolution cannot be reached, the case may proceed to a jury trial, where a group of jurors decides the outcome. At Thornton Criminal Defense, we strategically assess all options, whether seeking dismissal, negotiating a favorable plea, or fighting for an acquittal at trial.

San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer
Experienced. Respected. Tested.

Board Certified in Criminal Law

The decision of which lawyer to hire is crucial when you have been charged with a crime. Your future, freedom, and even your life could be at risk. Many lawyers make claims about their experience and various organizations sell badges to be displayed on websites such as “top” or “super.” To become Board-Certified, applicants must be approved by a minimum of ten judges and other lawyers, have a certain number of years in practice, a certain number of trials and appeals in criminal law, and pass a comprehensive day-long test. Board Certification is the only credential recognized by the State Bar Association that ensures the lawyer is an expert in their field and the best choice for your trust.

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San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton

If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative to understand the seriousness of the situation and the potential impact on your future. Hiring an experienced attorney can greatly increase your chances of a favorable outcome. With the right legal strategy, it may be possible to get your charges reduced, dismissed, or rejected. Attorney Brad Thornton has over a decade of experience in criminal law and is skilled at fighting for his clients to achieve the best possible results. Do not take any chances with your future – work with a lawyer who knows how to protect your rights and interests.

Remember, you have the right to remain silent. Use it!

It is not uncommon for police officers or detectives to contact you and request a statement as part of an ongoing investigation. Even after an arrest, law enforcement may still try to speak with you in an effort to gather more information and build a case against you. Police may try to make you feel like they are on your side and seem to agree with your version of events, but it is important not to be deceived. Always remember your right to remain silent and seek the advice of a lawyer immediately. Attorney Brad Thornton can help you protect your rights and start building your defense.

You have a lot at stake. Take this seriously.

If you are arrested and convicted of a crime in Texas, you may be facing jail time, fines, or other consequences. The severity of these consequences can vary depending on the offense, with jail time ranging from one day to life in prison and fines reaching up to $10,000. However, there are also what are known as “collateral consequences,” or other consequences that can be just as damaging to your life and future. When you have been arrested in San Antonio, it is crucial to have a lawyer who understands the full range of challenges you are facing and can help you avoid disaster.