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Your Trusted San Antonio DWI Defense Attorney
As a seasoned DWI defense attorney with over 50 years of exclusive practice in criminal law and DWI defense, I have dedicated my career to protecting the rights of individuals facing intoxication-related charges in San Antonio and South Texas. My practice is built on a foundation of rigorous scientific understanding, extensive courtroom experience, and a commitment to personalized legal strategies. I have successfully litigated thousands of DWI cases, including complex felony and repeat offenses, and have contributed to shaping Texas DWI jurisprudence through over 120 published appellate cases.My board certifications by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and the National Board of Trial Advocacy underscore my expertise. I prioritize client education, proactive defense strategies, and leveraging my deep knowledge of forensic testing to challenge evidence. My work extends to mentoring legal professionals and advocating for fair treatment in DWI cases, ensuring clients receive both compassionate support and aggressive representation.
Services
DWI Defense
Felony DWI
Repeat DWI
Breath Test Challenges
Expunctions
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years of exclusive DWI defense experience
- Double board-certified in criminal law and trial advocacy
- Proven success in jury trials and appellate courts
- Scientific expertise challenging blood/breath test evidence
- 24/7 availability for urgent legal needs
Associations and certifications
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- National Board of Trial Advocacy
What people say
Proven track record
Scientific expertise
Aggressive representation
License protection success
Appellate impact
Services
DWI Defense
Comprehensive legal representation for first-time DWI charges, focusing on license protection, evidence suppression, and case dismissal. Utilizes scientific expertise to challenge breathalyzer and blood test accuracy. Targets favorable outcomes through ALR hearings and jury trials.
Felony DWI
Specialized defense for felony DWI cases involving prior convictions, emphasizing sentencing mitigation and constitutional violations. Leverages appellate precedents to challenge enhanced penalties and protect professional licenses for repeat offenses.
Breath Test Challenges
Scientific analysis of breathalyzer calibration and blood testing protocols to identify lab errors. Successfully suppressed evidence in landmark cases, including suppression of breath tests in Texas through technical and procedural challenges.
ALR Hearings
Urgent administrative proceedings to prevent driver's license suspension within 15 days of DWI arrest. Focuses on cross-examining arresting officers and challenging DPS forensic reports to preserve driving privileges during criminal proceedings.
Expunctions
Legal process to clear dismissed or expunged DWI charges from public records. Targets complete removal of arrest records to protect employment opportunities and professional certifications for eligible clients.
People
George A. Scharmen
DWI Defense Attorney
Board-certified criminal defense lawyer with 50+ years of DWI defense experience. Double-certified by Texas and National legal boards. Recognized in Super Lawyers since 2003 for appellate impact on Texas DWI law.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a DWI arrest?
Contact our office within 15 days to request an ALR hearing and preserve your driver's license rights while we analyze forensic evidence.
Can breath test results be challenged in court?
Yes. Our scientific expertise identifies calibration errors and procedural flaws to suppress unreliable breathalyzer evidence.
How does prior DWI history affect my case?
Repeat offenses carry enhanced penalties. We analyze prior convictions for legal challenges and focus on mitigating sentencing impacts.
What differentiates your DWI defense approach?
Combining 50+ years of trial experience with forensic science training to challenge evidence and leverage appellate precedents in your defense.
Do you handle out-of-state DWI convictions?
Yes. We assess out-of-state convictions for legal applicability in Texas and challenge improper use in sentencing or plea negotiations.