Honestly, the moment you see blue lights in your rearview mirror on I-35 or get a call from a Bexar County detective, your stomach drops. It’s that instant, cold realization that everything you’ve worked for—your job, your family, your reputation—is suddenly on the line. Most people start frantic Google searches for the "best lawyer" or "how to get out of a DWI," and that is usually how they land on Dunham and Jones San Antonio.
But here’s the thing. Hiring a law firm isn't like buying a car. You aren't just looking for a brand name; you’re looking for someone who won't treat you like just another case number in a dusty file cabinet. Dunham & Jones has been around since 1989, and they’ve built a massive footprint across Texas. In San Antonio, they’ve positioned themselves as the high-volume, "accessible" choice for the everyday person.
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Why the Pecan Street Office is Always Busy
The firm's local office sits at 112 E Pecan St #555, right in the heart of downtown San Antonio. If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic near the River Walk, you’ve probably passed it. It's a strategic spot. Being close to the Bexar County Courthouse is basically a requirement for any criminal defense firm that actually intends to show up and fight.
They handle a wild variety of cases. We’re talking:
- DWI and DUI (The bread and butter of San Antonio defense)
- Assault and Family Violence (These get messy, fast)
- Drug Possession (From a little marijuana to serious felonies)
- Theft and Sex Crimes
- Personal Injury (Wait, really? Yeah, they branched out into accidents too)
One of the lead names you’ll hear in the San Antonio circuit for this firm is Ivan Barrera. He’s a St. Mary’s University School of Law grad—which matters around here because the San Antonio legal community is tight-knit. He’s joined by guys like Tony Pollreisz and Ian Mayfield. Having a team rather than a solo practitioner is sort of their "thing." If one lawyer is stuck in a trial in another county, someone else is usually available to handle your hearing.
The "No Money Down" Reality Check
You’ve probably seen the ads. "Easy payment plans" and "No money down in most cases." Is it a gimmick?
Sorta, but not really. Dunham and Jones San Antonio built their reputation on the idea that quality legal help shouldn't just be for the people with $10,000 sitting in a savings account. They use a flat fee model. Most criminal lawyers charge you one price to "handle" the case and then hit you with a massive "trial fee" if the case doesn't settle.
Dunham & Jones typically quotes one price that includes the trial. This is huge. It means if the prosecutor is being a jerk and you need to go to a jury, you aren't suddenly forced to scrounge up another five grand just to prove your innocence. They also do interest-free payment plans. This makes them the "people's firm," but it also means they are very, very busy.
What Most People Get Wrong About Big Law Firms
There is a common misconception that because a firm is big—Dunham & Jones has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and beyond—you won't get personal attention.
Honestly? It depends on you.
If you want a lawyer who is going to call you every Tuesday just to check on your mental health, a high-volume firm might feel a bit fast-paced for you. Their goal is efficient results: dismissals and reductions. They aren't there to hold your hand through a two-year therapy session; they are there to make sure you don't end up in a Bexar County jail cell.
The "Standard Defense" vs. "The High Profile Defense" is a real distinction. Most cases don't need a $200,000 defense team with private investigators and forensic accountants. Most people just need a lawyer who knows the local prosecutors, knows which judges are having a bad day, and knows how to spot a technical error in a police report. That is where this firm thrives.
The Strategy: Aiming for the "No-Bill" or Dismissal
When you sit down for that free consultation, the talk usually goes straight to the goal. For most clients at Dunham and Jones San Antonio, the "win" isn't a dramatic trial victory—it's getting the case dismissed before it ever gets that far.
They look for the "low-hanging fruit" first:
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- Was the traffic stop legal?
- Did the officer follow the exact protocol for the breathalyzer?
- In assault cases, is the "victim" actually wanting to press charges, or was it a misunderstanding that escalated?
If they can find a hole in the prosecution’s story early on, they can push for a dismissal. That’s the dream outcome because it keeps your record clean and lets you sleep at night again.
The Not-So-Great Stuff (Let’s Be Real)
No firm is perfect. If you look at reviews for almost any high-volume law firm, you’ll see people complaining about communication. Because they handle so many cases, sometimes you might talk to a legal assistant more often than your actual attorney.
If you’re the type of person who needs daily updates, you have to be the one to push for them. You've got to be your own advocate even when you have a lawyer. The San Antonio office is a well-oiled machine, but machines sometimes feel a bit cold. You’re trading that "boutique" feeling for a firm that has the resources of a statewide powerhouse.
Actionable Steps if You’re Facing Charges
If you are considering Dunham and Jones San Antonio, don't just walk in blind. Here is how you actually handle this:
- Get Your Paperwork Together: Don't just tell them "I got arrested." Bring the bond paperwork, the ticket, the officer’s name, and any video you might have.
- Ask About the "Trial Fee": Even though they are known for flat fees, verify it. Ask, "If we go to a jury trial, does this price change?"
- Meet the Local Team: Ensure you’re talking to the attorneys who actually work the San Antonio docket. You want someone who knows the Bexar County District Attorney’s office like the back of their hand.
- Be Honest: Your lawyer can't help you if you lie to them. If you actually had four beers instead of two, tell them. They aren't there to judge you; they are there to protect you from the state.
At the end of the day, the San Antonio legal system is a grind. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a serious felony, the clock is ticking the moment you’re processed. Finding a firm that balances affordability with actual courtroom experience is the only way to navigate the mess without losing your mind—or your freedom.
Next Steps for Your Case:
Verify the specific court date on your bond paperwork immediately. Contact a firm for a consultation before your first appearance, as your attorney may be able to waive your presence at certain early hearings, saving you from taking time off work. Ensure any "No Money Down" agreement is put in writing with a clear schedule of what your monthly payments will be before you sign the representation agreement.