Joseph Adrian Esparza

Joseph Adrian Esparza

also known as www.txmilitarylaw.com

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at San Antonio, TX
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Military Law, Appeals

1524 N Alamo St, San Antonio, TX

About Joseph

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 60%

State and Federal Criminal Defense of all criminal charges up to and including death penalty capital murder.

60%
Military Law 25%

All levels of courts-martial criminal defense (GCM, SPCM, SCM), discharge boards, adverse actions, and other admin investigations and hearings.

25%
Appeals 15%

State, Federal and military appeals.

15%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 31 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1994

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Gross & Esparza, P.L.L.C.

1524 N Alamo St, San Antonio, TX, 78215

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Joseph Adrian Esparza's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

32 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (32) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 12 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by anonymous | May 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Professional and caring attorney

A young, adult family member recently incurred several misdemeanors and a felony. We felt totally out of our area of knowledge in dealing with the situation so we contacted Joseph Esparza to assist us. He readily accepted the case and was very professional dealing with the police, ADA and with us.... He helped us build an arguement that our family member had midigating circumstances anad deserved a second chance. He was able to secure a plea agreement where the felony was reduced to a misdemeanor and he obtained deferred adjudication after several meetings with the ADA. On the day we were to sign the plea agreement the ADA tried to change the agreement but Joseph worked with him to get it back to the original agreement. He never gave up and kept fighting for us. This process lasted for approximately nine months and during that entire period he was readily available to us to answer questions and help us deal with the legal and personal asspects of the circumstances. He went to each court appearance with us and represented us in a sterling manner. Without his assistance and guidance we would have been lost in the legal system and our family member would certainly have a felony conviction on their record to deal with the rest of their life. We cannot thank him enough!

Posted by anonymous | August 21, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent representation

I am an active duty officer and I also work in law enforcement. I live in a large city and I frequently walk or take public transportation any time I go for drinks with friends. A few months ago, I was visiting a small rural community, and it was nice weather so I walked to a local restaurant and I... visited with a few local people as we had a few drinks. Upon my walk back home, the city police saw me walking along the street and an officer stopped me and roughly hand cuffed me (left bruises for several days). He placed me in the back of a police car and I had to spent the night in jail. The following morning, I was "processed" with fingerprints, mug shots, and I had to go before the Magistrate Judge and I was ticketed for public intoxication. They kept telling me that this is the lowest of offenses, the equivalent to a traffic ticket. Due to the nature of my job, and the fact that I am in a public trust position and my job requires me to go into jails on a regular basis, a clean security clearance is required. I chose Mr. Esparza, due to his understanding of the military system, and he understands the relevance of having accusations that could be considered unbecoming of an officer. He diligently worked for several months, and eventually was afforded the opportunity to meet with the city prosecutor. Between the two of them, they unearthed several inconsistencies in my case and the prosecutor was, "alarmed" at some of the things that Mr. Esparza found in my complaint that was incorrect. At the end of their meeting, the prosecutor met with the Judge and made the recommendation to totally discharge my case. I read some of these other reviews, and my experience with Mr. Esparza was the same. He was available anytime I called. His office staff was also very friendly and helpful. I am very appreciative of Mr. Esparza's persistence and expertise.

Posted by Jenkins | April 28, 2015 | Military Law

The Best Military Lawyer in San Antonio

When my husband was charged with an Article 15 and a separation board after having an outstanding 6 years with the Navy, my husband got in trouble for using work out supplements that contained amphetamines. I was terrified that my husband would lose his career and I immediately found Esparza through ...amazing reviews and they couldn't be any more right. As soon as we met with him he was very knowledgeable and responsive to all of our needs. He always informed us of everything that was happening before the separation board. Mr. Esparza worked really hard to put the best defense case for my husband that resulted in him saving his career and benefits that he earned serving almost 7 years. The separation board voted no misconduct and Mr. Esparza was able to retain him in the Navy. He has by far exceeded our expectations. I will recommend him to all my colleagues and friends. Thank You a million times Mr. Esparza.

Posted by Harold | January 13, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Knowledge, Experience & Professionalism

Having found myself in a "precarious" criminal situation I sought out and hired what I would consider the best in the area, Mr. Joseph Esparza. Not only did he exude the traits of a professional with his impeccable knowledge and experience, but his overall command of the legal craft along with a stal...wart preceding reputation were an assurance. Mr. Esparza always allowed for common rapport at anytime. Any and all inquiries concerning my case were handled forthright. Check his reputation, credentials and record, one cannot do better. Top of the list recommendation here.

Posted by Richard | December 11, 2013 | Criminal Defense

You get what you pay for!

I did my homework and decided to call Mr. Esparza to handle my son's case. Within fifteen minutes Mr. Esparza had talked with the county court and found out that my son was expected in court the next morning. Mr. Esparza also found out my son was going to be represented by a court appointed lawyer ...with no military experience and as I found out later he was just going to plead out my sons case. It was end of day and Mr. Esparza stayed late so I could go to his office and meet with him. I retained his services. He meet with my son the next morning and moved for a new court date so he could investigate my sons case. Mr. Esparza with my sons permission kept me informed and responded to my calls in a timely manner. In the end he got my sons case dismissed. My son is a young adult and has a long life in front of him I appreciate the attention he gave my son to understand the importance of getting a just trial. Finally, the one thing that impressed me was that anytime I called if Mr. Esparza was available he took my calls and if he wasn't there he always called back.

See All Client Reviews

Joseph Adrian Esparza's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joseph
Tiffany Nicole Shockley headshot
Tiffany Shockley

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Joseph is incredibly knowledgeable in all aspects of criminal and military defense. I endorse this lawyer."

Alfredo Lozano headshot
Alfredo Lozano

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"He knows his stuff...and passionate about having the best outcome for his clients. He is extremely knowledgable and experience in criminal law and military law matters. I endorse this lawyer."

Miguel Eugenio Najera headshot
Miguel Najera

Criminal defense lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Mr. Esparza is an amazing attorney with the skills and knowledge to fight for his clients."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Tiffany Lee Cox headshot
Tiffany Cox

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joseph is very skilled in his practice area, and I feel very confident referring matters to him and to his firm."

Crista Marichalar headshot
Crista Marichalar

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Joseph is one if the most ethical and hard working trial lawyers I know. He is a great advocate for his clients. He is extremely knowledgable and experience in criminal law and military law matters."

Stephanie Graham Esparza headshot
Stephanie Esparza

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Clark Gross headshot
Michael Gross

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Miguel Eugenio Najera headshot
Miguel Najera

Criminal defense lawyer

Sharon Christine Thorn headshot
Sharon Thorn

Criminal defense lawyer

Tiffany Lee Cox headshot
Tiffany Cox

Employment and labor lawyer

Mario Del Prado headshot
Mario Del Prado

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Clark Gross headshot
Michael Gross

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Best Lawyer in San Antonio (Appellate, Criminal, White Collar), Scene in SA Magazine

2019

Texas Super Lawyer, Criminal Defense, Texas Super Lawyers

2017

Top 30 DWI Lawyer in SA, Scene in SA Magazine

2016

Best Lawyer in San Antonio, Criminal Defense, Scene in SA Magazine

2016

Texas Super Lawyer, Criminal Defense, Texas Super Lawyers Magazine

2015

Texas Super Lawyer, Criminal Defense, Texas Super Lawyers Magazine

2014

Texas Super Lawyer, Criminal Defense, Texas Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

"Top 30" Criminal Defense Lawyers in SA, Scene in SA Magazine

2013

Texas Super Lawyer, Criminal Defense, Texas Super Lawyer Magazine

2012

"Top 100" Trial Lawyers in Texas, National Trial Lawyers Association

2012

"Best Of" Series - Criminal Defense, San Antonio Current

2012

Texas Super Lawyer, Criminal Defense, Texas Super Lawyers Magazine

2012

Best Lawyers in San Antonio, Criminal defense, Scene in SA Magazine

2011

Texas Super Lawyer, Criminal Defense, Texas Super Lawyers Magazine

2011

Best Lawyers in San Antonio DWI/DUI, Scene in SA Magazine

2011

Best Lawyers in San Antonio, Criminal Defense, Scene in SA Magazine

2010

Best Lawyers in San Antonio, Criminal Defense, Scene in SA Magazine

2008

Board Certified Trial Advocate, Criminal Law, National Board of Trial Advocacy

2007

Board Certified - Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Work Experience

2007 - Present

Partner, Gross & Esparza, PLLC

2002 - 2006

Judge Advocate General, United States Air Force

2000 - 2002

Attorney, Law Office of Joseph Esparza

1995 - 1999

Assistant Criminal District Attorney, Bexar County District Attorney's Office

Associations

2007 - Present

San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association

Member

2000 - Present

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2019 - 2020

San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Vice President

Sample of Legal Cases

United States v. Karanikolas

Not Guilty, all charges and specifications

State of Texas v. Taylor

Life Sentence for client.

State of Texas v. Moreno

Not Guilty, client went free.

State of Texas v. Monroe

Charges dropped against client.

State of Texas v. Allmond

Charges dropped against client.

State of Texas v. Thompson

Life sentence for client

United States v. Hornberger

Government dropped all charges on first day of trial

U.S. v. Anderson

Not Guilty, all charges and specifications

Vanessa Cameron v. State of Texas

Conviction reversed, new trial ordered.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

University of Texas School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1991

University of Texas System, San Antonio

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2012

Nuts and Bolts Course 2012

Criminal Jury Charges

2012

Gideon's Trumpet Seminar

Ethics for Criminal Lawyers

2010

SACDLA Cross Examination Seminar

Legal Ethics

2009

Advanced Pretrial/Trial Tactics in Criminal Cases

Competency Trials and Insanity

2008

HCBA Criminal Law Conference

Ethics for the Criminal Defense Practitioner

Publications

2010

Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association) The Constitutional Right to a Public Trial lives on in Presley v. Georgia
Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution