TRIAL LAWYER
Stephen C. Barrera
PARTNER
Education
St. Mary’s Law School, J.D.
U.T.S.A., B.A. in Philosophy
Practice Areas
Criminal Law
DWI
Gun Crimes
Sexual Assault
STEPHEN C. BARRERA
This is Stephen
Honors & Awards
• Top San Antonio Criminal Defense 2022 SA Scene
• Texas Roots: Raised in Wilson County, Texas — local, trusted, and connected to the community
• B.A. in Philosophy from University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
• J.D. from St. Mary’s Law School
• Made the Dean’s List
• Wrote for The Scholar: St. Mary’s Law Review on Race and Social Justice
• Interned for U.S. Fifth Circuit Judge Emilio Garza
• 1st Place and Best Speaker – St. Mary’s 1L Moot Court Competition
• Top San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney – SA Scene (2022)
• Perfect 10.0 AVVO Rating
• Began career at Bracewell & Giuliani in the firm’s trial section – national-caliber experience
• Founded His Own Firm in 2008:
• Built a reputation as a go-to trial lawyer in the region
• Served as a part-time Judge in Wilson County – rare insight from both sides of the courtroom
• Trial Experience Across Serious Charges
• Known as one of the best criminal trial attorneys in Central and South Texas
Fighting Serious Criminal Accusations
Born and raised in Wilson County, Texas, Stephen Barrera is a trusted local advocate with deep roots in the community and a reputation as one of the most skilled criminal trial lawyers in Central and South Texas. With degrees from UTSA (Philosophy) and St. Mary’s Law School—where he made the Dean’s List, served as a law review writer, and won first place in the 1L Moot Court Competition—Stephen’s academic and courtroom excellence has always stood out.
Stephen began his legal career in the national trial section of Bracewell & Giuliani LLP, gaining big-firm experience before returning home to launch his own practice in 2008. Since then, he has built a powerhouse reputation, recognized as a Top San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney by SA Scene and holding a perfect 10.0 AVVO rating.
His experience is unmatched: from serious felony trials to record-clearing work, Stephen has fought and won in courtrooms across the region. As a former part-time judge in Wilson County, he brings rare insight from both sides of the bench—an asset that gives his clients a powerful advantage.
Clients turn to Stephen when the stakes are high and results matter. He’s not just a lawyer; he’s a fighter, a strategist, and a pillar of the local legal community.
Barrera Defense Practice Areas
Charges We Fight
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DWI Charges
Focused DWI defense that examines traffic stops, testing procedures, evidence, and every opportunity to fight the charge.
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Drug Charges
Defense against drug charges involving possession, distribution, manufacturing, or related allegations in South Texas courts.
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Domestic Violence
Strategic defense for domestic violence accusations, with careful attention to your freedom, reputation, and future.
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![A person wearing black jeans with hands in handcuffs, holding the cuffs together.]()
Criminal Defense
Criminal defense representation for clients facing misdemeanors or felonies, focused on protecting rights, challenging evidence, and fighting for the future.
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![A person in black clothing and a ski mask attempting to break into a car using a metal tool.]()
Theft Charges
Defense for theft allegations involving shoplifting, property crimes, fraud-related accusations, and other serious criminal charges.
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Sex Offenses
Discreet, serious defense for sex offense allegations, focused on protecting your rights, reputation, and future.
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Assault Charges
Defense for assault charges focused on protecting your rights, challenging the evidence, and pursuing the best possible outcome.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Delivering experience, guidance, empathy, and results when it matters the most.