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


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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

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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 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Compassion

Posted by anonymous | February 22, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

You’ve Found THE BEST!! - Look No Further!

Joseph Esparza saved my 18-year military career, but more importantly the dream of reuniting with my children! I am an officer in the USAF and hired Mr. Esparza as my Lead Defense Attorney when charged with serious crimes resulting from false accusations from my former spouse during a highly conte...ntious divorce. I went to a General Courts Martial. Overall result: Full Acquittal!! If you are reading this, you too may be living this nightmare….there is light at the end of this tunnel, and Joseph Esparza will lead you there. I chose the word “lead” deliberately, versus “guide”, “get”, “show” etc. From the moment Mr. Esparza took my case, he took the role as if the Captain of a ship. He was empathetic to all my concerns, yet had the leadership to direct me when choices got tough. Perpetually confident from his decades of experience , he could “read the waves” and knew precisely which direction to go before anything became an issue. He also led the military counterpart to my defense team (who was exceptional). When I first met with Mr. Esparza, I said “I think you are the right guy for the job”, and his response was, “Oh, absolutely I am the right guy”. Not in a conceited way, but a humbly confident way. Joseph answers emails, texts, and phone calls promptly. He never gave me the impression he was too busy to hear my concerns. Even with my family, who were not technically his “clients” he promptly answered. Joseph was by my side through an investigation, preferral of charges, an Article 32 Hearing, referral of charges, and a General Courts Martial. Overall time, about 9 months. Steadfast the entire time. If you are seeking the absolute best legal counsel, whether military or civilian, LOOK NO FURTHER! Mr. Esparza is worth every dime….a drop in the bucket vs. what you stand to lose. I am willing to speak with you personally if Mr. Esparza desires to give you my contact information. I’d take any opportunity to brag about his expertise more.

Posted by Keith | September 12, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Outstanding Lawyer

I hired Joseph Esparza in 2020 to represent me in a General Court Martial. My maximum sentence was life plus 28. I was falsely accused of some of the most heinous acts a human being can do to another. Joe helped give me my life back. For over two years he worked with a defense team to clear my na...me. At all times he was professional, kind, respectful and unlike most attorneys, responsive in a timely manner. Joe helped walk me through some of the most difficult times in my life and I will forever be grateful. I was found innocent of all charges. Joe, you’re an amazing attorney and an even more amazing man. Thank you.

Posted by William, retired lieutenant colonel | December 11, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Compassionate, Competent and Personable

Mr. Joseph Esparza helped me against a crooked chain of command, that attempted to have me separated from the military for filing a complaint against a coworker. Because of his hard work and dedication to my case, I was able to retire with an Honorable Discharge and at my highest rank. He is truly ...a professional, but even more important to me was the fact that he genuinely cared about helping me win against the powers that be. He empathized with my plight and was just as frustrated by my “leadership’s” mishandling of my case, as I was. He did not; however, allow my emotions or his own empathy get in the way of his methodical, deliberate and logical plan of attack against my detractors. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone facing UCMJ, non-judicial punishment or any “administrative actions” by the chain of command. He will get you the results you wanted!

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.

Posted by anonymous | July 26, 2012 | Criminal Defense

Joseph Esparza

I hired Mr. Esparza back in 2010. He was very knowledgable and understanding. During the whole process, he never made me feel less than human as some other attorneys I met with did. I felt very comfortable with him and his associate from day one. He had a professional working relationship with th...e districti attorney's office and was able to make a plea bargain that resulted in no jail/prison time. I am very thankful that I was referred to his firm by a friend. I would definitely recommend him again.

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

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