$ 500-500 per hour
Joseph Francis Hoelscher II
also known as Joe Hoelscher
About Joseph
Biography
Joe Hoelscher is a full-service Criminal Defense, DWI Defense, CPS Defense, and family lawyer located in San Antonio, Texas. Unlike many attorneys, Hoelscher runs a trial-oriented practice. He believes that preparing a case for trial is the best way to test evidence and that by repeatedly proving his willingness to put cases before a jury, he can obtain the best possible outcomes for his clients. He is currently the Managing Partner of Hoelscher Gebbia PLLC, a law firm dedicated to high conflict legal cases.
Joe handles all types of criminal cases, from posession of marijuana to first degree felonies. His favorite criminal cases, however, are DWIs (Driving While Intoxicated) and other intoxication offenses, such as Intoxication Manslaughter cases. Additionally, Joe understands that the causes of crime are complex and he has diversified his practice from exclusively criminal law into child welfare and family law to support Texans and their families to be as successful as possible, particularly if they need a second chance. By bringing together experience in child welfare law, child custody law, and criminal law, Joe Hoelscher has established himself as a powerful advocate for families in crisis.
Joe has over 15 years experience in competitive oral argument and public speaking, including award-winning experience teaching at both the high school and university level. He has competed internationally, appearing on the BBC, and his students have ranked in the top 10 in the United States, both in high school and college, in various debate events. He is a former national debate champion and a Texas State Champion Coach. Joe uses his many years of speaking experience to give his clients a voice in court so that their stories will be told in as effective a manner as possible.
Joe, as a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, regularly exceeds the required number of Continuing Legal Education hours each year, averaging 3 times as many hours as the state requirement. Additionally, Hoelscher is a published legal scholar, including a textbook on DWI law, presenter at Continuing Legal Education courses, and frequent media commentator.
Outside the practice of law, Joe, as a native San Antonian, is active in many community organizations. He is a member of the Texas State Bar's Pro Bono College and a public advocate for First Amendment issues and children's welfare.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 18 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda PLLC
909 NE Loop 410, Suite 500, San Antonio, TX, 78209
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Joseph Francis Hoelscher II's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 24 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | August 20, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
extremely knowledgeable
Mr. Hoelscher is VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE. I felt very confident with him on my side advocating for me. He made me feel like I was talking to a friend and was very genuine. He worked hard to resolve the issue in a timely manner while taking the time to answer my questions, big or small. Even months lat...
Posted by anonymous | April 8, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Awesome guy
Joe was upbeat and positive. He helped me stay calm and kept me from being overwhelmed. He was great throughout and did a great job for me.
Posted by Frank | April 2, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Joe Hoelscher is a badass lawyer
Hoelscher is just the best lawyer in San Antonio for CPS cases. I was falsely accused by my ex who put her daughter up to making some accusations. Hoelscher got the CPS out of my family and got the criminal charges dropped. Great lawyer!
Posted by James | February 6, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Stop Looking for Anyone Else
I have been represented by Joe for the past 3 years. He has confidently, honestly, and staunchly defended me at every step of the way. In the end he gave me a new lease on life. I owe my future to him. He believed what I had to say and went to work. He predicted, prepared, fought hard, and won. He ke...
Posted by Ashley | July 1, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Super Lawyer
Mr. Hoelscher is an amazing, supportive, kind, responsive, well educated, and driven attorney. He really puts his whole heart into your case. Having him by my side made me feel much stronger than I could've imagined He did a wonderful job investigating and fighting my case. Highly recommended.
Joseph Francis Hoelscher II's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Joe for several years. He is a diligent attorney that advocates vigorously for his clients. I have recommended him in the past to friends and clients. I also know colleagues that have used his services and were well satisfied."
"I have known Joe for many years. Unlike many attorneys, Joe is curious, interested and explores all avenues when mounting a defense for his client. I have recommended Joe to everyone I work with and will continue to refer criminal matters to him. I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer because I have known him for almost ten years, and I know that he is insightful, ethical, wise, and highly skilled."
"I've know Joseph to be a tough advocate for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I'm proud to endorse Joseph as a lawyer who is serious about DWI defense. As a member of The National College for DUI Defense, Joseph is committed to DWI defense, and will work hard to help you through this stressful situation. If you've been charged with a San Antonio DWI, call Joseph and ask for help."
"Mr. Hoelscher is an excellent advocate for his clients and brings nothing but professionalism with him. I recommend him as an excellent choice to handle your family matters."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joseph's grasp of the criminal justice system is excellent! Additionally, Joseph has set himself apart in the field of DWI. Joseph is not afraid to back down and will hold the State to its burden. He is highly recommended."
"Joe is one of the first people I go to when I have questions. He knows his way around the court room and how to handle the stickiest situations."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have watched Mr. Hoelscher work magic in trial. His trial skills are outstanding. His knowledge of his clients facts and the applicable law often give him the edge his clients need."
"Mr. Hoelscher has the knowledge and experience to fight for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Joe is both a close colleague and an outstanding lawyer. I have had the pleasure of working closely with him in the past and plan to do so in the future. Joe is a tenacious fighter for his clients in the courtroom and he will not leave his clients feeling alone in their case. He is highly skilled in the courtroom and extremely knowledgeable about existing caselaw. His clients can be rest assured that he will leave no stone unturned."
"Joey is a fantastic lawyer and a great friend. He is an exceptional advocate for his clients and one of the best trial lawyers in this town."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tough, talented and thorough litigator."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
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Daniel De La Garza
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Scott Wilbeck
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Robert Pate
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Chad Van Brunt
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James Anders
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Business lawyer
Experience
Honors
2022
Texas Super Lawyer, Texas Monthly Magazine
2021
Texas Super Lawyer, Texas Monthly Magazine
2020
DWI Trial Warrior, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2020
Best of San Antonio - Attorneys, Finalist, San Antonio Current
2020
Best (#1) Criminal Defense Lawyer in San Antonio, SA Scene Magazine
2020
Best (#1) Family Lawyer in San Antonio, SA Scene Magazine
2019
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2018
Best Lawyers of 2018, Scene in SA Magazine
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Best Lawyers of 2017, S.A. Scene
2017
Top 30 DWI Lawyers in San Antonio, S.A. Scene
2017
Top 25 Criminal Trial Lawyers - Texas, National Trial Lawyers - Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers Association
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Best Lawyers of 2016, Scene in SA Magazine
2016
Top 10 DWI Lawyer in Texas - 3 Year Award, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2016
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Antonio, SA Scene Magazine
2016
Distinguished Attorney, Expert Network
2015
Top 30 Criminal Lawyers in San Antonio, Scene in SA Magazine
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top 30 DWI Lawyer, San Antonio Scene Magazine
2015
Top 10 DWI Attorney in Texas - 2 Year Award, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2015
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Best Lawyers of 2015, S.A. Scene Magazine
2014
Top 30 Criminal Defense Lawyers, San Antonio Scene Magazine
2014
S.A. Lawyers: Best of 2014, San Antonio Scene Magazine
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top 10 DWI Attorneys in Texas, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2014
Rising Star Attorney - Criminal Defense, Scene in S.A. Magazine
2013
Best Lawyers of 2013, San Antonio Scene Magazine
2013
Top Criminal Lawyers in San Antonio, Scene in SA Magazine
2013
Rising Star, Scene in S.A. Magazine
2012
Best of the Best - Criminal Practice, Texas Lawyers' Group
2012
Best Lawyers of 2012, San Antonio Scene Magazine
2005
2nd Place Overall, National Criminal Procedure Tournament
2004
Order of Barristers, Baylor University School of Law
2001
Texas State Champion Coach, Texas Forensics Association
1998
National Debate Champion, International Public Debate Association
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Managing Partner, Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda PLLC
2007 - Present
Attorney - Owner, Hoelscher Law Office
2006 - 2007
Law Clerk for Judge George Allen, 54th District Court
2005 - 2005
Law Clerk, Goldstein, Goldstein & Hilley
1999 - 2001
Director of Forensics, Texas Military Institute
1998 - 2002
Assistant Director of Forensics, St. Mary's University of San Antonio
Associations
2020 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationBoard of Directors
2017 - Present
Texas Association of Cannabis LawyersBoard Member, Officer
2014 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2009 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2008 - Present
College of the State Bar of TexasMember
2008 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2007 - Present
San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2014 - 2017
Central Texas Transportation and Contracting Advisory BoardBoard Member
2013 - 2015
San Antonio Bar AssociationMentor, Mentorship Committee
2004 - 2005
Delta Theta Phi Law FraternityDean
1997 - 2002
Pi Kappa Delta Forensics Honor SocietyMember with Highest Distinction
Sample of Legal Cases
Forensics Lab Shut Down - 1000s of cases affected throughout Texas
Misdemeanor DWI Probation
"He's a predator" - Not Guilty
Acquittal by Jury
Bad Breath Test Machine Damages 100s of DWI Cases
Dismissed
"The Defendant looks hammered!" - DWI
Dismissed
Aggravated Assault, Deadly Weapon
Not Guilty
Heroin with Intent to Deliver
Not Guilty
"It looked like Beirut" - Not Guilty
Not Guilty, Guilty (pending appeal)
Criminal Mischief - Desecration of a Public Monument (The Alamo)
Dismissed
Possession of Marijuana 4oz-5lbs
Dismissed
America's Most Wanted Fugitive, Extradition
Dismissed
Assault - Bodily Injury, Married
Dismissed
Aggravated Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon, Enhanced
Not Guilty
Driving While Intoxicated
Hung Jury (2-4)
Education
2006
Baylor University
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
St Mary's University of San Antonio
MA - Masters
2002
St Mary's University of San Antonio
MA - Masters
1998
St Mary's University of San Antonio
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2019
We Are Champions - San Angelo
Preservation of Error for Trial Lawyers
2019
We Are Champions - MacAllen
Preservation of Error for Trial Lawyers
2018
Against All Odds CLE
Evidence and Discovery Issues in Child Abuse Cases
2017
SACDLA August CLE
Asymmetrical Discovery - Tactics for Making the State Fight Itself
2016
SACDLA December CLE
Elements of Story Telling in Criminal Trial
2016
Bad Blood?
DWI Blood Draws
2015
SACDLA Monthly CLE
Unsinking the Ship: What to Do When Your Client Has Confessed
2015
PTSD: The Elephant in the Courtroom
Communicating With Clients With PTSD
2015
Plaintiff Litigation Insight
Cops As Witnesses: Friend or Foe
2015
Bexar RLC Monthly Meeting
Marijuana Law in Texas
2012
SARCH Monthly Meeting and Training
How Judges Affect the Residential Care Industry
2011
Bexar County Task Force on Indigent Defense
Contract Systems for Indigent Defense
2009
SACDLA Monthly CLE Luncheon 6/17/09
Changing Lanes: New Directions in Vehicle Search Law
2009
Get Up! Radio Show 7/5/09
Serving the Community
2009
Get Up! Radio Show 6/6/09
Open Forum Q & A
2009
Get Up! Radio Show 6/20/09
Child Support
2009
Get Up! Radio Show 6/14/09
Choosing a Lawyer: Solo, Small Firm, or Big Law
2009
Get Up! Radio Show 5/30/09
Criminal and Civil Liability Issues for Non-Profit Organizations
2009
Get Up! Radio Show 5/16/09
The Role of Non-Profit Organizations in Criminal Justice
2009
Community Legal Forum
Issues in Non-Profit Formation and Service
2008
Criminal Practice Course Winter 2008
Starting a Criminal Law Practice
Publications
2019
LexisNexis/Matthew Bender Publishing
Texas Drunk Driving Law Practice Guide (Book)
2018
Lexis Nexis/Mathew Bender Publishing
Texas Drunk Driving Law Practice Guide (Book)
2018
San Antonio Express-News
Consider A National Registry For Child Abuse Cases
2017
LexisNexis/Matthew Bender Publishing
Texas Drunk Driving Law Practice Guide (Book)
2017
San Antonio Express-News
Illegal blood draws can occur here.
2015
San Antonio Express News
When Do We Get The Blood Back?
2015
San Antonio Business Journal
Lawyers Adjust Amid Changes In Prosecuting DWIs
2015
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
Speedy Trial: Punishing the System for Making Us Wait
2012
The San Antonio Defender
Sealing Criminal Records
2011
Plaza De Armas Magazine
For Poor Defendants, The wheel Spins Once more
2011
Plaza De Armas magazine
DA Reed: Judge and Jury
2011
Plaza de Armas Magazine
Lawyers Challenge Reduced Fees for Children's Court
2008
Chester's Practical Guide To International Trade Law
Contributor re: Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
I have zero Tolerance for alcohol on my probation. But my machine pick up a very small read but I haven’t had a drink in 7months
24 Sep 2019
Q&A
When can I file for an expungement for Class C Misdemeanor?
27 Sep 2019
Q&A
What does POSS CS PG 1 <1G mean and what is the maximum and the minimum charge one can get? How long can one be sent to jail?
24 May 2018
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
The Bexar County "Taking Responsibility" Plea Bargain Program for DWI Cases
18 Mar 2015
Video Legal Guide
Legal Issues for Parents Whose Kids are Going to Prom
18 Mar 2015
Video Legal Guide
Avoiding Trouble for Minors in Possession
18 Mar 2015