Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
PRO
Stephen C. Barrera
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Stephen
Biography
Born and raised in Wilson County, Texas, Steven Barrera is a trusted local advocate with deep roots in the community and a reputation as one of the most skilled criminal trial lawyers in Central and South Texas. With degrees from UTSA (Philosophy) and St. Mary’s Law School—where he made the Dean’s List, served as a law review writer, and won first place in the 1L Moot Court Competition—Steven’s academic and courtroom excellence has always stood out.
Steven began his legal career in the national trial section of Bracewell & Giuliani LLP, gaining big-firm experience before returning home to launch his own practice in 2008. Since then, he has built a powerhouse reputation, recognized as a Top San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney by SA Scene and holding a perfect 10.0 AVVO rating.
His experience is unmatched: from serious felony trials to record-clearing work, Steven has fought and won in courtrooms across the region. As a former part-time judge in Wilson County, he brings rare insight from both sides of the bench—an asset that gives his clients a powerful advantage.
Clients turn to Steven when the stakes are high and results matter. He’s not just a lawyer; he’s a fighter, a strategist, and a pillar of the local legal community.
A Serious Allegation Requires a Serious and Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney. Call For A Free Consultation!
San Antonio Criminal Defense Focused on Protecting Your Future. Call For A Free Consultation!
San Antonio DUI Defense Focused on Protecting Your Future! Call For A Free Consultation!
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
20%
DUI and DWI
20%
Drug Crime
20%
Sex Crime
20%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2026
Licenses
Licensed in Texas for 21 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
Barrera Defense, PLLC
(830) 264-8539
Mobile
1433 3rd Street, Floresville, TX, 78114
barreradefense.com/stephen-c-barreraGallery
Stephen C. Barrera's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
14 Client Reviews
Client Insights
Avvo uses AI to summarize reviews left for lawyers, providing a helpful overview of overall sentiment. Each summary is based on up to 500 of the most recent reviews and is refreshed upon submission of each new review. The number of reviews used may be displayed.
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (14)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Showing 6 - 10 of 14 reviews
Posted by anonymous | May 14, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Best outcome and trustworthy
He is the best! They went go above and beyond for the best outcome of my case! A weight has been lifted and I may on with my life,
Posted by Mariah | May 14, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Efficiency
Great workers made everything go by so smoothly, awesome Lawyer! Definitely recommend, 10/10
Posted by anonymous | May 14, 2026 | Hired Attorney
BEST IN TOWN
Amazing! He was so communicative and very detail-oriented. Very understanding!
Posted by anonymous | May 14, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
Great communicator returned all calls within 24 hours, upfront about cost and clear about expectations. I highly recommend Mr. Stephen Barrera
Posted by Tony | May 14, 2026
He takes action for you
Facing a DWI charge is one of the most stressful experiences, and Stephen Barrera made an overwhelming situation feel manageable. From the very first consultation, it was clear he takes his clients’ cases personally. He was thorough, detail-oriented, and left nothing on the table. What impressed me ...
Stephen C. Barrera's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have had the privilege of facing off against Stephen Barrera in several legal matters, and I can attest to his exceptional abilities as a defense attorney. Stephen's vast knowledge of the law, combined with his unique ability to connect with both the judge and jury, make him a formidable opponent in the courtroom. What sets Stephen apart from other attorneys is his exceptional interpersonal skills. He has a natural talent for connecting with people, which allows him to build strong relationships with his clients and to effectively communicate their stories to the jury. This, combined with his sharp legal mind, results in a level of representation that is truly unparalleled. In every matter I have tried against Stephen, I have been thoroughly impressed by his professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his clients. He is a true advocate for justice, and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch legal representation."
"Amazing attorney. Knows the law and is a zealous advocate for his clients. Anyone would be lucky to have him as his or her attorney."
"Mr. Barrera has distinguished himself as the go to lawyer in his field. Time and again I call upon him for his unique insight and keen focus on trial issues. Over the past decade, Mr. Barrera and I have shared many a strategy session for an upcoming jury trial on contested hearing. He has never let me or my clients down. It is without reservation that I endorse Mr. Barrera for any criminal matter."
"I have known Stephen for several years now. When he goes to trial, the prosecutors know to bring their A Game. He is prepared like no other attorney and he has a rare talent for relating to jurors. Any client would be fortunate to have Stephen for their attorney."
"I endorse attorney Stephen Barrera. I have known Stephen for several years. He works hard for his clients and is always prepared to fights and defend his clients. He uses his knowledge of the legal system to achieve results in each case."
Bradlee Thornton
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Cavazos
Criminal defense lawyer
Carlos Garcia
Criminal defense lawyer
John Fox
DUI and DWI lawyer
Brian Powers
Criminal defense lawyer
Jesse Hernandez
Criminal defense lawyer
Mario Barrera
Employment and labor lawyer
Experience
Honors
2021
Elite Lawyer Award, Elite Lawyer
2020
Elite Lawyer Award, Elite Lawyer
2020
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2019
Elite Lawyer Award, Elite Lawyer
2018
Top Lawyer, Scene in SA Magazine
2017
Top Lawyer, Scene in SA Magazine
2016
Top Lawyer, Scene in SA Magazine
2015
Top Lawyer, Scene in SA Magazine
2014
Top Lawyer, Scene in SA Magazine
2013
Top Lawyer, Scene in SA Magazine
2012
Top Lawyer, Scene in SA Magazine
Work Experience
2026 - Present
Owner, Barrera Defense
2018 - 2026
Founder, BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys
2012 - 2021
Municipal Court Judge, City of La Vernia
2007 - 2019
Owner, The Law Office of Stephen C. Barrera
2005 - 2007
Associate, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP
Associations
2008 - Present
San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2007 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
College of the State Bar of Texas
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Texas v. J.R.
Jury trial verdict of Not Guilty
State of Texas v. N.B.
Jury trial verdict of Not Guilty
State of Texas v. R.A.
Jury trial verdict of Not Guilty
State of Texas v. R.G.
Jury trial verdict of Not Guilty
State og Texas v. K.H.
Jury trial verdict of Not Guilty
State of Texas v. J.J.
Jury trial verdict of Not Guilty
Education
2005
St Mary's University of San Antonio School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
The University of Texas at San Antonio
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2023
Careers in Law
How to Start a Criminal Law Practice
Publications
2019
State Bar of Texas
Find a Lawyer
2005
Scholar: St. Mary's Law Review on Minority Issues
Member and Writer
2004
Scholar: St. Mary's Law Review on Minority Issues
Member and Writer
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Investigator leaves their card and says to call them back do I have to call him back
08 May 2026
Q&A
Can my boyfriend that’s 23 get arrested for sagotory rape for dating me, a 17 year old?
02 Apr 2019
Q&A
Can deferred adjudication be extended without a court order?
01 Apr 2018