San Marcos Criminal Defense Lawyer / San Marcos Criminal Defense

San Marcos Criminal Defense Lawyer

Direct, Strategic Defense for Criminal Charges in San Marcos, TX

Facing criminal charges is one of the most stressful and uncertain experiences a person can go through. A single accusation — whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony — can put your job, your freedom, your reputation, and your family’s well-being at risk. When the stakes are this high, you can’t afford guesswork or inaction. You need a criminal defense attorney who will meet the situation head-on, explain your options clearly, and fight for you with focus and determination.

At The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway, we provide aggressive, results-driven defense to individuals charged with crimes in San Marcos and throughout Hays County. We’re not here to pass judgment. We’re here to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and help you move forward with your life. Call our San Marcos criminal defense lawyers to get the advice and representation you need to be in the best position for a positive result.

Criminal Defense Rooted in Strategy and Communication

No matter what kind of charge you’re facing, you deserve to be treated with respect and honesty. From the start, we’ll walk you through the charges, the potential penalties, and what to expect from the legal process. We’ll never promise outcomes we can’t deliver — but we will build the strongest defense we can based on the facts, the law, and your priorities.

What sets our firm apart:

Direct and clear communication from day one — no evasiveness, no radio silence, and no surprises.
Custom defense strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of your case.
A reputation for results earned through diligent casework and relentless advocacy.

We know the local system well. We’ve appeared in San Marcos courts hundreds of times and know how prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement agencies approach criminal cases in Hays County. That local insight gives us an edge — and gives you a real shot at a better outcome.

We Defend All Criminal Charges in San Marcos

At The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway, we represent clients accused of a full range of criminal offenses, from misdemeanors to serious felony crimes. Some of the most common charges we handle include:

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated)

A DWI arrest can lead to jail time, heavy fines, a license suspension, and long-term damage to your record. We examine the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood testing procedures, and every detail of the arrest to find errors and legal weaknesses. If you’re facing your first DWI or dealing with repeat charges, we can help you fight back and minimize the consequences.

Drug Crimes

From marijuana possession to felony charges involving cocaine, fentanyl, or prescription drugs, Texas law takes drug offenses seriously. Depending on the circumstances, you could be facing mandatory prison time or alternative resolutions like drug court or treatment programs. We’ll explore every legal option — including suppression of illegally obtained evidence — to defend your case.

Property Crimes

Allegations of theft, burglary, criminal mischief, and shoplifting can carry stiff penalties, even for first-time offenders. These charges often hinge on surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, or circumstantial evidence. We work to challenge weak evidence and negotiate for reduced or dismissed charges where appropriate.

Violent Crimes

If you’ve been accused of assault, family violence, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, or other violent offenses, you need a serious defense strategy. These cases are often emotionally charged and factually complex. We build your defense by examining all sides of the incident — including self-defense arguments, credibility of witnesses, and forensic evidence.

Sex Crimes

Allegations of sexual assault, indecent exposure, or statutory rape are among the most damaging criminal charges a person can face. A conviction can mean years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration. Even simply being accused can damage careers and relationships. We handle these cases with care, discretion, and relentless commitment to defending your rights and your name.

Human Smuggling

San Marcos’s proximity to major highways and Texas border routes has led to increased prosecutions for human smuggling and related offenses. These are serious federal and state-level charges that can carry long prison sentences. We approach these cases with a deep understanding of how law enforcement builds smuggling prosecutions — and how to dismantle them.

What to Expect When You Hire Our Firm

We understand that hiring a criminal defense attorney is a big decision. You may be wondering what working with us looks like. Here’s what you can expect:

A candid case evaluation. We’ll assess the charges, go over the facts, and give you a realistic picture of your options.
Ongoing communication. We’ll keep you informed and prepared every step of the way, from arraignment to trial or resolution.
Relentless defense. We don’t shy away from complex or serious cases. Whether we’re negotiating with prosecutors or fighting in court, we’re fully invested in your defense.

We also know how important discretion is — especially for high-profile clients, students, or professionals who are concerned about reputation and privacy. Every case is handled with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.

Defending College Students in San Marcos

As home to Texas State University, San Marcos sees a high number of student arrests related to DWI, drug possession, assault, or even fake ID charges. A criminal conviction or even an arrest can have major academic and career consequences. We represent students and their families with a focus on minimizing the long-term impact and avoiding disciplinary actions where possible.

Don’t Face the Criminal Justice System Alone

Whether this is your first time dealing with the law or you’ve been through the system before, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to go through it alone — and you don’t have to accept the worst-case scenario. With the right defense strategy, it’s possible to beat the charges, get them reduced, or keep them off your record altogether.

At The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway, we’re committed to helping good people through bad situations. We fight smart, we stay in close contact, and we never back down from a challenge.

Call Today for Immediate Help From a San Marcos Criminal Attorney

If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation in San Marcos, call or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation. The sooner you reach out, the more our San Marcos criminal defense lawyers can do to help.