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Robert Carroll Pate Jr.
also known as RC Pate
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About Robert
Biography
RC Pate is a San Antonio criminal defense attorney and Senior Trial Attorney at Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys. A former Bexar County prosecutor with more than two decades of courtroom experience, he represents individuals facing DWI charges, felony offenses, assault charges, domestic violence allegations, drug possession offenses, weapons charges, and other serious criminal matters throughout Bexar County and South Texas.
Mr. Pate began his legal career at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, where he rose to become first-chair prosecutor in County Court at Law No. 1. His experience prosecuting criminal cases provided firsthand insight into how law enforcement investigations are conducted, how prosecutors evaluate evidence, and how criminal cases are built and litigated.
After leaving the District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Pate founded and operated the Law Office of RC Pate, a criminal defense practice dedicated exclusively to defending individuals accused of criminal offenses. For more than 15 years, he represented clients in misdemeanor and felony cases throughout Texas, building a reputation for meticulous preparation, trial advocacy, and client-focused representation.
During his tenure at Michael & Associates, where he leads the San Antonio criminal defense team, Mr. Pate has handled more than 400 criminal cases, representing clients accused of offenses ranging from DWI and drug crimes to weapons charges, probation violations, and serious felony offenses. More than 140 of those matters have involved DWI allegations, making intoxication-related offenses one of the primary focuses of his criminal defense practice.
Mr. Pate has a longstanding interest in forensic science and impaired-driving defense. In 2015, he was designated a Lawyer-Scientist by the American Chemical Society, recognizing advanced training in the scientific principles frequently involved in DWI and drug-related prosecutions. He has completed the NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Course twice and regularly studies the scientific and procedural issues that arise in intoxication-related cases. This extensive criminal defense practice has given him deep familiarity with the legal, scientific, and strategic issues that frequently arise in DWI and other criminal prosecutions.
A highly respected member of the criminal-defense community, Mr. Pate has served on the editorial board of the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association magazine and is a Founding Member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association. He is also a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Texas DWI Lawyers Association.
Throughout his career, Mr. Pate has tried criminal cases across Texas and represented clients in courts from Midland to Laredo and throughout South Texas. His extensive trial experience, prosecutorial background, and scientific training allow him to provide strategic, trial-ready representation for clients facing life-changing criminal allegations.
The firstborn son of a Texas District Court Judge, Mr. Pate was destined to end up working in law. But before pursuing a legal career, Mr. Pate held a variety of jobs ranging from youth ministry and retail work to private security and even performing as a rock guitarist, experiences that helped shape the practical, client-focused approach he brings to criminal defense today.
A native Texan, Mr. Pate brings a lifetime of courtroom advocacy, legal knowledge, and practical experience to every case. He is committed to providing honest guidance, direct communication, and aggressive defense for individuals whose freedom, reputation, and future are at stake.
Have you or someone you love been arrested? RC can help!
I represent people accused of crimes. From traffic tickets to murder, I'm here to help you.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
16 years | 1,000 cases
DUI and DWI
50%
18 years | 1,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Texas for 18 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys
(855) 774-2898
Mobile
321 S Flores St, Suite A, San Antonio, TX, 78204
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Robert Carroll Pate Jr.'s Reviews
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Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews
Posted by Shane | September 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney
A brilliant caring attorney
My name is Shane, I’ve had the privilege of being represented by one of only 2 scientist lawyers in the state, R.C. Pate! 4 years ago I was referred to RC from another attorney, who said she thought he could help. Help is an understatement, not only did I receive an extremely responsive team who s...
Posted by anonymous | November 28, 2017
Very Helpful!
Mr. Pate was very helpful and friendly. He knew how to answer all my questions and made sure I knew all my options. I did not feel rushed. I recommend Mr. Pate!
Posted by South Texas | June 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney
RESPONSIVE
Was very well pleased with RC. Very responsive in returning your calls and keeping you informed with your case. Can't recommend a better lawyer who will do all he can to defend his client.
Posted by Bobby | February 11, 2016 | Hired Attorney
You will not find a better lawyer than RC Pate
What RC did for my stepson is beyond phenomenal and we can never thank him enough, If you are looking for a lawyer who will work for you, RC is the best at what he does, Thank You RC for Everything you have done for us we are blessed to have had you on our side.
Robert Pate
Replied last February 11, 2016Bobby, It was a pleasure representing your stepson. I am happy we were able to get the outcome we wanted. Thank you for your review and five star rating.
Posted by anonymous | February 19, 2015
Firm winner!
Pate was an excellent attorney on my case. He was confident and explained to me what would work best. I'm glad I had Pate as my attorney.
Robert Carroll Pate Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"RC is an incredibly knowledgeable DWI Lawyer, I fully endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. RC Pate has always been a vigorous advocate for his clients and he truly cares for their well-being. As an Assistant District Attorney I got to try a few cases on the other side of the table with RC. He knows how to connect with a jury. RC has separated himself from the pack with his extensive knowledge of the law regarding Intoxication and Drug Possession charges. He is highly recommended."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Well respected in legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"RC painstakingly studies the nuances involved with DWI breath and blood evidence, when numbers count, he's your man."
"RC is a wonderful lawyer. His prior experience as a prosecutor keeps him one step ahead when defending citizens accused of crimes. He has a laser-like approach to practicing law and will fight for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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"I endorse this lawyer. I tried a case against RC when he was a prosecutor and his courtroom demeanor, arguments, and trial presentation were stellar. Since he became a criminal defense attorney years ago, I have seen him win cases when the odds were against him and his client. I have referred family friends to him when my office was unable to take their cases due to conflicts of interest. He is an excellent attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Pate is an excellent attorney. My experiences with him are top notch."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Associate editor Defender Magazine, SACDLA
2016
Speaker on Ethics, TDLA
2016
Associate Editor, SACDLA Defender Magazine
2015
Gas Chromotography for lawyers, Axion Labs
2015
solid drug analysis, axion labs
2015
associate editor of the defender magazine, SACDLA
2015
Associate Board Member, Texas DWI Defense Lawyers Association
2015
member, American Chemical Society
2015
speaker on ethical issues for DWI lawyers, TDDLA
2015
2015 client satisfaction award, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2014
Rising Star, SA Scene magazine
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Lawyer, Law office of RC Pate
2012 - 2014
Of Counsel, Law Office of George Scharmen
2007 - 2010
Assistant District Attorney, Bexar County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2015 - Present
National College of DUI Defensemember
2015 - Present
American Chemical SocietyMember
2015 - Present
Texas DWI Defense Lawyers AssociationBoard Member
2014 - Present
DUIDefense Lawyer AssociationFounding Member
2014 - Present
US Soccer AssociationLevel E Coach
2014 - Present
Crocketteers Youth Soccer TeamCoach
2013 - Present
San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
San Antonio Young Lawyers Associationmember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v CP
5 years deferred
State v AB
two not guilty vericts
State v CB
Dismissed!
State v MB
fought the blood draw, got it suppressed and the state offered a misdemeanor instead of a felony. Client's exposure went from 10 years in prison to 180 days in jail.
State v JG
Dismissed
State of Texas v R.G.
CASE DISMISSED!
State of texas v JV
continued on Deferred Adjudication
State of Texas v A.B.
case dismissed
Education
2015
Axion Labs Chicago
Gas Chromatography for Lawyers
2007
University of Houston
JD
2002
Trinity University (San Antonio, Texas)
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
TDLA tapitio seminar
Ethical Issues in DWI Law
2015
February monthly CLE
Jury Selection
2014
Trinity University
Criminal Consequences to college behavior
2013
Trinity university
Criminal Consequences to College Behavior
2012
Trinity University
Criminal Consequences to College Behavior
2011
Trinity University
Criminal consequences to college behavior
2010
Trinity University
Criminal Consequences to college behavior
2009
Trinity University
Criminal consequences to college behavior
Publications
2016
Defender Magazine
Attacking out of court statements in Family Violence Cases
2015
SACDLA monthly CLE
The Four Questions that changed my Voir Dire
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Why can I not know the reason a grand jury comes back with a no bill for the murder of my son? also can I sue those responsible?
22 Feb 2018
Q&A
What happens to pasenger in a stolen vehicle
13 Jul 2014
Q&A
What Do I Plea for an underage possession of alcohol citation ?
10 Jul 2014