Business Details
36 Years
experience
Emergency
services
San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney
Tylden Shaeffer Attorney At Law PC has defended clients' futures for over 30 years, combining board-certified criminal law expertise with personalized strategies. Founded by former prosecutor Tylden Shaeffer, the firm prioritizes direct access to attorneys, strategic courtroom insight, and unwavering advocacy. With 150+ jury trials handled and a 98% client satisfaction rate, the practice emphasizes integrity, transparency, and ethical representation.Services span DWI defense, sex crimes, violent crimes, federal offenses, and drug-related charges, serving San Antonio and surrounding areas. The team personally manages every case, avoiding delegation to junior associates, and focuses on minimizing penalties, challenging evidence, and protecting clients' reputations through tailored defense approaches.
Services
DWI Defense
Sex Crimes Defense
Violent Crimes Defense
Federal Crimes Defense
Drug Crimes Defense
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- Direct access to board-certified attorney with 30+ years of experience
- Former prosecutor insight informs strategic defense approaches
- 98% client satisfaction rate across 5,000+ handled cases
- Personalized representation with no delegation to junior associates
- Proven success in 150+ jury trials and complex criminal matters
Associations and certifications
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating
What people say
Amazing representation
Professional staff
Best possible outcome
Thorough legal advice
Peace of mind
Services
DWI Defense
Defending against DWI charges in Texas requires challenging evidence and understanding complex legal standards. Our firm contests breath test accuracy, challenges traffic stop legality, and develops tailored defense strategies. With Texas's strict penalties including license suspension and mandatory jail time, we focus on minimizing consequences through case dismissal or reduced charges. Our board-certified attorney leverages prosecutorial experience to identify weaknesses in the state's case, particularly in blood alcohol testing and field sobriety evaluations.
Sex Crimes Defense
Sex crime allegations carry lifelong consequences including registry requirements. We defend against charges ranging from indecency with a minor to aggravated sexual assault, challenging evidence reliability and protecting clients' rights. Our approach addresses the emotional sensitivity of these cases while aggressively contesting prosecution claims. Special focus areas include Title IX investigations and defending against digitally distributed evidence that could damage reputations permanently.
Federal Crimes Defense
Federal criminal cases involve complex procedures and severe penalties. We defend against charges including drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, and child pornography offenses. Our experience with federal agencies like the DEA and FBI informs strategic defense planning. The firm challenges evidence admissibility, prosecutorial overreach, and jurisdictional issues while preparing for trial in cases where federal sentencing guidelines create significant risks for defendants.
Violent Crimes Defense
Handling violent crime charges from assault to manslaughter, we challenge witness credibility and forensic evidence while protecting clients' constitutional rights. Our defense strategies address self-defense claims, mistaken identity, and proportionality of force. With experience in both prosecution and defense, we anticipate prosecutorial tactics in cases involving domestic violence, gang allegations, and weapon-related offenses.
Drug Crimes Defense
We challenge drug-related charges from possession to trafficking by examining search and seizure legality. Our defense focuses on disproving constructive possession claims and challenging laboratory analysis reliability. The firm negotiates for reduced charges or alternative sentencing while preparing for trial in cases involving controlled substances, paraphernalia, and distribution allegations across Texas jurisdictions.
People
Tylden Shaeffer
Attorney at Law
Board-certified criminal defense attorney with 30+ years of experience, including 9 years as a prosecutor. Handles 150+ jury trials and 5,000+ cases, focusing on DWI, sex crimes, and federal offenses. Former federal law clerk and special prosecutor with Martindale-Hubbell AV rating.
Danika Elizarraraz
Legal Secretary
Supports the firm's operations with administrative and client communication responsibilities, ensuring smooth case management processes.
Adrian Ayala
Paralegal
Assists in case preparation, legal research, and documentation management for criminal defense cases.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a DWI arrest in Texas?
Contact Tylden Shaeffer immediately. You have 15 days to challenge license suspension and begin building your defense strategy.
Can sex crime charges be dismissed?
Yes, through evidence challenges, procedural violations, or demonstrating lack of intent. Our firm has secured dismissals in multiple high-profile cases.
How does federal criminal defense differ from state cases?
Federal cases involve different procedures, harsher sentencing guidelines, and specialized investigative resources requiring experienced defense strategies.
What are the penalties for a third DWI offense in Texas?
Felony charges with 2-10 years imprisonment, $4,000 fines, and mandatory ignition interlock devices for 2 years post-release.
Do you handle juvenile criminal cases?
Yes, including expungement and defense against charges that could impact adult records and future opportunities.
Can violent crime charges be reduced?
Through plea negotiations, evidence suppression, or demonstrating mitigating circumstances that reduce offense severity.