Human trafficking is one of the most misunderstood crimes in the Texas justice system. In this episode of So You Got Arrested, hosts and BRCK Defense attorneys Jacob Lindberg and Steve Barrera sit down with Kirsten Melton, a leading authority on human trafficking, to dismantle the dangerous myths surrounding this pervasive issue.

From the quiet suburbs of San Antonio to rural Frio County, trafficking is happening in plain sight—often without a single border being crossed. Kirsten shares the chilling reality of how traffickers exploit core vulnerabilities like poverty, addiction, and lack of legal status to exert control through force, fraud, and coercion.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Definition: Why trafficking is about exploitation for profit, not necessarily travel or movement.
• Labor vs. Sex Trafficking: Real-world examples of labor exploitation in industries you wouldn’t expect, including education and food processing.
• The "Vulnerability" Model: How traffickers use "faux families" and emotional coercion to trap victims.
• Texas Law & Penalties: The shift toward "prison-only" offenses and the severity of continuous trafficking charges.
• How to Help: Identifying "red flags" and the critical role of the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Whether you are seeking to understand your rights or want to know how to spot the signs in your own community, this conversation provides a raw, expert look at the front lines of the fight against exploitation.

What happens when one of Texas' most formidable prosecutors decides to run for District Attorney? In this episode of So You Got Arrested, hosts Steve Barrera and Jacob Lindberg sit down with Kirsta Melton, a 25-year veteran prosecutor who has spent her career tackling the heaviest cases in the system—from child abuse to statewide human trafficking syndicates.

Kirsta shares her journey from a Cornell undergrad who nearly became a marine biologist to leading the Human Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime section at the Texas Attorney General’s Office. We dive deep into:

• The " prosecutor's burden": How she manages the emotional weight of handling capital murder and human trafficking cases.
• A "Law Student's Luck": The story of her first trial as a student at UT Law, where she actually defended an assault case—and won.
• Founding the Fight: Her family's role in founding Truckers Against Trafficking and how she built specialized units in Bexar County and the AG's office.
• The Backpage Takedown: A look behind the scenes of one of the largest multi-state investigations in history.
• The Run for DA: Why Kirsta is running as an independent candidate for Hays County District Attorney on a platform of transparency, data-driven justice, and integrity.

Whether you are a legal professional or just someone trying to navigate the "black box" of the Texas justice system, this episode offers a rare look at the law from someone who has seen it from every angle.

Learn more about Kirsta Melton’s campaign: kirstamelton.com

Need legal defense? Visit BRCK Criminal Defense: brckdefense.com

The phrase "keep my record clean" is the #1 goal for almost everyone entering the justice system, but what does that actually mean in Texas? In this episode of So You Got Arrested, Jacob Lindberg and Steve Barrera of BRCK Criminal Defense pull back the curtain on the confusing world of criminal records, arrests, and the long-term consequences of "deals" that sound better than they are.

Key Topics Covered:

• The "Permanent" Nature of an Arrest: Discover why a dismissed case doesn't automatically disappear. Jacob explains how an arrest creates a "global" record shared with the FBI and Texas DPS the moment you are booked—and why it stays there forever unless you take legal action.
• The Truth About Deferred Adjudication: Many people believe deferred adjudication is a "total dismissal." The team breaks down why this is often a misconception, how it can still show up on background checks, and why it's a permanent bar for certain career paths and government base access.
• Sealing vs. Clearing (Non-Disclosure vs. Expunction):
  • Non-Disclosure: Learn about "sealing" a record from the public, why it has a five-year waiting period for felonies, and why government agencies (like nursing boards or the bar) can still see right through it.
  • Expunction: The "Gold Standard" of record clearing. Find out who is truly eligible, the "black and white" rules of the process, and how an acquittal at trial can lead to a free expunction.
• The "Trap" of Family Violence Findings: Why accepting a plea for family violence—even with deferred adjudication—can permanently strip you of your gun rights and prevent you from ever sealing your record.
• Common Myths: Steve and Jacob debunk the "10-year rule" (records do not just fall off over time) and discuss the potential future of marijuana record reform in Texas.

Need to Clear Your Name?

If you have an old arrest holding you back or are currently facing charges in San Antonio or the surrounding areas, don't leave your future to chance.

In this episode of So You Got Arrested, host Steve Barrera of BRCK Defense sits down with Veronica Legarreta, candidate for Bexar County District Attorney. Veronica shares her unique path to the legal field—from her secret life as an acting major and improv comic to her roles as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and city magistrate.

They explore the "human aspect" of criminal law and discuss how her diverse experiences have shaped her platform. Key discussion points include:

• The "Pivoting" Skill: How improv prepared her for the unpredictable nature of jury trials.
• Smart Justice: A proposal for a six-hour mental health hold to prevent unnecessary criminal records for those in crisis.
• Prosecutorial Reform: Addressing the attorney shortage through flexible part-time programs and improved training with law enforcement.
• System Integrity: Why she believes justice in Bexar County requires a balanced approach between the DA’s office and the defense.

For those navigating the Texas justice system or following the local San Antonio primary, this episode provides an in-depth look at a candidate who has seen the law from every side of the bench.

Learn more at: voteveronica.com

Meli Carrión Powers, a career prosecutor with nearly 25 years of experience. As the current Chief of the Family Violence Division—the largest division in the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office—Meli provides an unfiltered look at the high-stakes world of prosecuting violent crimes, child abuse, and human trafficking. The conversation dives deep into the operational challenges of the justice system, from eliminating massive case backlogs to navigating the "Great Resignation" within the legal field. Meli also discusses her vision for the future as she runs for Bexar County District Attorney, emphasizing the need for data-driven efficiency, better victim communication, and expanding mental health diversions to address root causes of crime. 

Meli Carrión Powers,  a candidate for Bexar County District Attorney, to discuss her journey from a small-town "Sandcrab" in Port Lavaca to the front lines of the criminal trial division.

Whether you're facing charges or simply want to understand your rights, this episode offers a rare, behind-the-curtain look at how the District Attorney's office actually functions. Meli shares her transition from a law student intern under Susan Reed to a seasoned prosecutor specializing in the complex world of family violence.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• The Evolution of Evidence: From the "olden times" of VHS tapes and rotary dials to the modern era of body cams, dash cams, and mandatory blood warrants.
• The Prosecutor’s Hierarchy: Breaking down the roles of "third chair," "second chair," and "first chair" attorneys in the courtroom.
• The Intake Process: How cases are vetted, filed, and presented to a grand jury after an arrest.
• The Complexity of Family Violence: A deep dive into why these cases are unique, involving intact family units, reluctant witnesses, and the high stakes of "affirmative findings."
• Rehabilitation vs. Incarceration: Why addressing root causes like mental health and substance abuse is often more effective for community safety than short-term jail sentences.
• The Crawford Rule: Understanding your constitutional right to confront your accuser and how it impacts the admissibility of evidence when a victim won't testify.

Join us for part one of this insightful conversation as we explore the "smart moves" that can change everything in the Texas justice system.

In this episode of So You Got Arrested, hosts Steve Barrera and Jacob Lindbergh sit down with Jane Davis, a veteran prosecutor and candidate for Bexar County District Attorney. With a career spanning over four decades in San Antonio and experience serving under seven different District Attorneys, Davis brings a unique, "boots-on-the-ground" perspective to the race.

From her early days as a public school teacher and collegiate track coach to her current role as Section Chief of the Juvenile Division, Jane discusses why she believes the DA’s office needs a return to professional camaraderie and structured mentorship.

Key topics discussed include:

• The "24-Hour Rule": Jane’s proposal for immediate contact with family violence victims.
• The Backlog Strike Force: Strategies to increase efficiency between law enforcement and the DA’s office.
• Juvenile Justice & Rehabilitation: How data-driven research is changing the way we approach recidivism in young offenders.
• Specialty Courts & Mental Health: The importance of addressing the "criminogenic factors" that lead to arrest.
• Ending Inefficiency: Tackling the "magistration dispute" between the city and county to streamline the justice process.

Whether you are a legal professional or a Bexar County resident looking to stay informed for the upcoming primary, this episode offers a deep dive into the policies and temperament required to lead one of Texas's largest criminal justice hubs.

What actually happens in a felony criminal court, and why does the person behind the bench matter so much to your privacy and your future?
In this episode of So You Got Arrested, hosts Steve Barrera and Jacob Lindberg sit down with Stephanie Franco, a long-time prosecutor and candidate for the 187th District Court in Bexar County. Stephanie shares her unique journey from serving as a juvenile public defender to becoming a felony prosecutor, explaining how seeing both sides of the law shaped her "servant’s heart" and her commitment to individual justice.
The conversation dives deep into:

• The Power of Perspective: How Stephanie’s background in a family of defense attorneys (the Acevedo family) influences her work as a prosecutor.
• The "YouTube Judge" Controversy: A candid discussion on the ethics of live-streaming sensitive victim testimony and how it impacts the "court of public opinion."
• District vs. County Courts: Breaking down the stakes of "big boy court" where life-altering felony charges are decided.
• Rehabilitation in the System: Lessons from Juvenile Court and the "Strive" program that Stephanie hopes to bring to the adult felony bench.

Whether you are navigating the legal system or interested in the upcoming Bexar County elections, this episode offers a rare look at the intersection of public service, legal ethics, and community safety.

Key Statistics: The Bexar County Legal Landscape

To provide context for the 187th District Court race, here is a look at the broader demographics and workload within the San Antonio/Bexar County justice system.

Category | Statistic/Data PointBexar County Population (Approx.) | 2,000,000+
Felony Cases Disposed Annually | ~18,000 – 22,000 cases across all District Courts
Racial Breakdown (Bexar Co.) | ~60% Hispanic/Latino, 26% White, 8% Black
Incarceration Rate (Texas) | ~840 per 100,000 people (one of the highest in the U.S.)
Juvenile Recidivism | Programs like "Strive" aim to reduce the ~20-25% re-offense rate in TX juveniles.

The Texas Court Hierarchy

Stephanie mentions the difference between County and District courts. These represent the primary tiers of the Texas criminal system:

• County Courts: Handle Class A and B misdemeanors (e.g., DWIs, simple assaults).
• District Courts: Handle all felony cases, ranging from drug possession to capital murder.
• Appellate Courts: Review decisions made by the lower courts for legal errors.

Connect with Stephanie Franco:

• Website: StephanieFrancoForJudge.com
• Social Media: @StephanieFrancoForJudge

Get Legal Help:

• Website: brckdefense.com

The Texas justice system can be messy, but understanding how to navigate it—especially after an arrest—is crucial. In this episode of So You Got Arrested, host Scott Simpson of BRIC Criminal Defense sits down with Sal Martinez, owner of Freedom Bail Bonds and author of NARC: Confessions of an Undercover Agent.

Sal brings a unique, 360-degree perspective to the table. Having served as a Texas State Trooper and a DEA undercover agent working against the Mexican cartels in the 1990s, he now helps people navigate the complexities of the bail bond system in Wilson, Atascosa, and Live Oak counties. We dive into the nuts and bolts of how bail works, the risks of "gimmick" bond pricing, and the reality of life under the radar as an undercover agent.

Key topics include:

• The Bail Process: What families need to know about 10% fees, payment plans, and bond revocations.
• Attorney-Writ Bonds: The ethical and practical risks of lawyers acting as bondsmen.
• Life in the 81st District: How bond conditions like GPS and breathalyzers vary across Texas counties.
• Undercover Operations: Sal’s hair-raising stories of "black bag" jobs, working with the Federales, and facing off against cartels.
• Survival Tips: Practical advice on how to handle a traffic stop safely and respectfully.

In this episode of So You Got Arrested, host Scott Simpson sits down with Democratic primary candidate Meredith Chacon to discuss her run for Bexar County District Attorney. Chacon, a former prosecutor and victim advocate with over 18 years of experience, dives deep into the systemic issues currently plaguing the DA's office—from a lack of communication between units to alarming dismissal rates in family violence cases. They explore the "Chinese wall" affecting CPS and criminal units, the importance of the "sister court" mentorship system, and Chacon’s transition from the Republican to the Democratic party as a moderate seeking justice for all of Bexar County.