Joe Hoelscher is an award-winning criminal and family law trial lawyer whose dedication to vigorously defending his clients has earned him national recognition. Having been involved with the legal system since his mother's disappearance and murder in 1986, Joe knows how tough court is on clients and families in need of legal assistance. As a result, he has dedicated his law practice to helping his clients navigate the legal system so they can gain closure and find peace. Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda PLLC's holistic approach to client services frequently involves the use of experts and counselors to help clients develop their case while overcoming the problems that led them to be involved with the legal system, whether in civil, criminal, or CPS court. Hoelscher has deliberately staffed his office with successful professionals who share in the experience of having been in court as litigants, victims, and witnesses so they can better understand their clients' needs. As a result, he has successfully represented clients in high-profile civil and criminal cases, as well as precedent setting cases. Joe is a published author, frequent speaker at legal seminars, and media commentator on legal matters. He advocates a client-centered approach to legal representation and aggressive trial-oriented approach to the law. Joe is a native San Antonian, graduate of MacArthur High School, with three graduate degrees from St. Mary's University and Baylor Law School. While practicing throughout Texas, he lives in San Antonio with his wife, Melissa, and three kids, Louisa, Cecilia, and Wolfgang. He supports a variety of social causes through his pro bono legal work which focuses on children's issues, the rights of indigent accused persons, and First and Second Amendment issues.
- Baylor Law School
- J.D. (2006) | Law
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- Honors: Dean's Academic Scholarship, Order of Barristers, 2nd Place National Criminal Procedure Tournament
- Activities: Advocacy Program
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- St. Mary's University
- M.A. (2002) | Communication Studies, International Relations
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- St. Mary's University
- B.A. (1998) | Political Science
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- Managing Member
- Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda PLLC
- - Current
- Trial counsel for criminal, DWI, child welfare, and family cases.
- Managing Member
- Hoelscher Gebbia PLLC
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- Attorney/Owner
- Hoelscher Law Office
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- Owner of a small law firm focused on DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) Defense, Criminal Defense, Trial Advocacy, and Family Law.
- Law Clerk
- 54th District Court of Texas
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- Law clerk for Judge George Allen. Performed legal research related to felony trials and suppression issues, briefed issues related to various major felonies, including capital cases. Coordinated with criminal attorneys for expenses and motions. Handled DNA exoneration claims and prisoner correspondence.
- Law Clerk
- Goldstein Goldstein & Hilley
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- Legal research and writing for an internationally recognized criminal defense law firm. Cases included state and federal criminal trial preparation and significant research, writing, and exhibit preparation related to Capital writs. Performed work for both named partners and the senior appellate associate.
- Assistant Director of Forensics
- St. Mary's University
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- Instructed nationally recognized students in speech and debate, including world championship preparation. Guest lectured in Persuasion and Public speaking courses. Conducted proprietary research in the area of layperson decision making between adversarial parties. Developed educational materials for use in university-level courses.
- Director of Forensics
- Texas Military Institute
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- Lead a nationally competitive speech and debate team, placing a student in the Top 10 in the USA 2 years in a row. Awarded Texas State Champion Coach by the Texas Forensics Association. Taught classes in logic, rhetoric, and public speaking.
- Texas Drunk Driving Law
- LexisNexis/Matthew Bender
- Texas Drunk Driving Law
- LexisNexis/Matthew Bender
- Texas Drunk Driving Law
- LexisNexis
- Texas Drunk Driving Law
- Lexis Nexis/Matthew Bender
- Texas Drunk Driving Law
- LexisNexis
- Call to Action: Opening Statements and Closing Argument, Journey to Justice CLE, Corpus Christi, Texas
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association
- Expunging and Sealing Criminal Records in Texas, Criminal Records and Background Checks, Online
- MyLaw CLE
- Game Day Ready: Technology in the Courtroom, Game Day CLE, Waco
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association
- Client Interview: Information Gathering, Written Contracts, Ascertaining Goals, and Ethics, Handling a DWI in Texas, Online
- MYLaw CLE
- Keep Your Head in the Game: Mental Health Law, Game Day CLE, Laredo, Texas
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association
- Legal Aspects of Analytical Testing in Intoxication Cases in Texas
- Education Forensics, LLC
- Texas Super Lawyers - Criminal Defense
- Texas Monthly Magazine
- Texas Super Lawyers - Family Law
- Texas Monthly Magazine
- Texas Super Lawyers - Family Law
- Texas Monthly Magazine
- DWI Trial Warrior
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association
- Top 100 - Criminal Defense
- National Trial Lawyers
- Texas Association of Family Defense Attorneys
- Member
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- Activities: Legislative Committee
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- Texas Association of Cannabis Lawyers
- Founding Member
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- Pro Bono College of The State Bar of Texas
- Member
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- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association
- Board of Directors
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- Activities: Judicial Conduct Committee (2020-Present), Media Relations Committee (2020-Present), Vice-Chair Cannabis Committee (2022-Present), Board of Directors (2020-Present)
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- College of the State Bar of Texas
- Member
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- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member
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- San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association
- Member
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- Texas
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- Federal Western District of Texas
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Free Consultation
Free consultations offered for criminal and DWI cases. Consultations for CPS investigations and CPS legal cases require a $250 consultation fee. - Credit Cards Accepted
- Family Law
- Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
- DUI & DWI
- Domestic Violence
- Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights , Victims Rights
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
- Juvenile Law
- Child Protective Services cases
- English: Spoken, Written
- Spanish: Spoken, Written
- Q. Hi i wanna know if my ex wife can take my son to another country with out my permission
- A: Hi Cristian,
The answer depends on your Final Decree or child custody order, if y'all have been to court before. In Texas, many orders contain a geographic restriction, which limits where a child may be moved to. However, many orders are silent on travel that doesn't establish a new residence. So, whatever order controls your custody controls travel and residency. If y'all don't have an order at all, then you probably need to go to court to get orders and request that neither spouse may take your son outside the United States without the other spouse's permission.
- Q. my girlfriend beat her minor daughter during an argument the younger one called the police and my girlfriend faces charg
- A: The Bexar County District Attorney's Office does NOT have to drop charges just because a victim changes her story or asks them to dismiss. In fact, when the victim is a child, they are unlikely to do so. Worse, some of our prosecutors are aggressive in pursuing individuals they believe are intimidating witnesses, whether it happened or not. They will want to know why she is asking for the charges to be dismissed.
If the child is recanting because the incident didn't occur, the State will generally be more likely to dismiss. However, if they believe the child is being coerced or intimidated, they can file new charges or, more likely, seek a bond increase for the defendant. In your ... Read More
- Q. Can you get an EPO dropped off someone in jail?
- A: Inmates can be served in Texas. The policies vary by penal institution and by county for jails. An experienced process server may be able to help, but we find service through the Sheriff's Office to be the best way in our county. The court clerks can explain how to get citation and request service by your Sheriff's Office. The fees are usually reasonable, although a lawyer can definitely help.
Exclusive: Candid conversation on police patrol
By EMILY BAUCUM News 4 San Antonio Facebook: Emily Baucum TV Twitter: @EmilyBaucum SAN ANTONIO - A candid conversation between two San Antonio police officers when they didnt know their...
Minors and Drugs
What should teens do when stopped by a police officer, especially if there's a possibility of having alcohol or marijuana in their car. Attorney Joe Hoelscher shares with Susan...