So You Got Arrested

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. 

In this episode of So You Got Arrested, hosts Steve Barrera and Scott Simpson sit down with retired San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officer Greg Andrade. With 29 years on the force, Greg shares an inside look at the transition from rookie patrol officer to Uniform Evidence Detective.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of life on the "West Patrol," the complexities of policing your own neighborhood, and the evolution of law enforcement technology—from Polaroid cameras and handwritten statements to modern dash cams and rugged laptops. Greg also provides a law enforcement perspective on:

• What goes through an officer's mind during a high-speed chase or a felony stop.
• The legal requirements for identifying yourself during a traffic stop.
• How an officer decides between a warning and a citation.
• The "behind-the-scenes" process of collecting evidence at crime scenes.

Whether you're curious about police procedure or want to understand your rights during an encounter, this episode offers a balanced look at the men and women behind the badge.

The journey to justice in the Texas legal system is fraught with challenges. On this candid episode of So You Got Arrested, criminal defense attorneys welcome Oscar Salinas, a Democratic candidate for Bexar County District Attorney, to discuss his platform for change.

Salinas, who honed his skills as a line prosecutor under former DA Nico LaHood and served in Denton County, stresses the urgent need for internal reform. He proposes bringing back robust training programs and the sister court mentorship system to support the many new prosecutors who often leave the job prematurely due to a lack of guidance.

The conversation covers:

• The Backlog's Root Cause: Why poor morale and inadequate training are key contributors to the massive case backlog, rather than just case volume.
• The 'Just' Decision: Salinas’ philosophy on empowering prosecutors to dismiss or reject cases when evidence is weak, regardless of pressure from media or "trolls."
• Growing Population vs. Stagnant Resources: How the DA's office is struggling to keep pace with Bexar County's growth, including the need for more Victim Advocates and additional district courts.

Salinas offers a prosecutor's perspective on how confidence, mentorship, and a commitment to justice—not pleasing public opinion—are essential to leading an effective and fair DA's office.

The Texas justice system can be complex, especially when dealing with probation. In this episode of "So You Got Arrested," BRCK criminal defense attorneys break down the ins and outs of probation, focusing specifically on what happens when a violation of probation—also known as a Motion to Revoke (MTR) or a Motion to Adjudicate (MTA)—is filed.

We clarify the difference between the two main types of probation—Deferred Adjudication (where successful completion leads to dismissal) and Regular/Straight Probation (where you are already convicted and a sentence is suspended)—and how a violation affects each one differently, including the maximum potential punishment.

Key Topics Covered:

• 🛑 What is Probation? Understanding "Community Supervision" and the conditions you must follow.
• 🚨 The Revocation Process: From a minor violation (like a dirty UA) to the warrant, no-bond status, and the attorney's role in securing a bond.
• 💰 Failure to Pay vs. Failure to Report: The critical difference and why stopping supervision fees won't revoke your probation, but stopping reporting will.
• 🔒 Deferred vs. Regular Probation Consequences: The "all or nothing" stakes of Deferred Adjudication (potential for full range of punishment, including 99 years for a First Degree Felony) versus the caps on Regular Probation (maximum 10-year sentence).
• ⚖️ The MTR Hearing: Your rights, the lack of a jury, and the lower "Preponderance of the Evidence" burden of proof (the 51% test) compared to "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt."
• 📝 Pleading True with an Explanation: Strategies for admitting minor violations while seeking a non-revocation outcome.
• 🚫 Technical vs. New Crime Violations: Why absconding (failure to report) and committing new offenses (Number One violations) are the most serious, and what to do about pending charges.
• ✅ The Judge's Options: What the judge can do at the conclusion of an MTR hearing, including revoking probation, converting Deferred to Regular Probation, or imposing a jail sanction (up to 180 days) as a condition of continuance.

If you are facing charges or need to understand your rights, options, and the smart moves that could change everything after an arrest or probation violation, this is the essential guide you need.

Criminal defense attorneys BRCK host an exciting discussion with Shannon Locke, a board-certified criminal defense attorney and candidate for Bexar County District Attorney. The conversation breaks down the messy nature of the Texas justice system, focusing on Bexar County's current challenges and the changes Locke proposes.

Locke, who has experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney in San Antonio, explains the importance of having a board-certified expert leading the DA's office, and how his deep understanding of the law is crucial for handling serious cases and maintaining public trust.

The discussion also dives into:

• Why the DA's office should stop asking, "Can we win this case?" and start asking, "What is the problem here?"
• The critical need for a collaborative relationship between the DA's office and law enforcement (like SAPD) through open communication and strategy.
• The issue of case backlog and the urgent need to address problems like domestic violence and exploitative relationships on the front end, rather than waiting years for trials.
• The importance of empowering Assistant DAs with discretion and supporting their mental health to create a less toxic, more effective environment.

Locke also shares his background, including his time in Arizona, his move to San Antonio to work under Susan Reed, and his unique perspective as the only bilingual (Spanish-speaking) candidate for the office.

Follow Shannon on TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonlocke5 

Connect with us 

https://www.youtube.com/@BRCKdefense

https://www.brckdefense.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/BRCKDefense/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/brckcriminaldefenseattorneys 

https://www.instagram.com/brckdefense/ 

Tune in as BRCK Criminal Defense attorneys break down critical constitutional rights in the context of Texas arrests. This episode demystifies common legal phrases like "pleading the fifth" (Fifth Amendment self-incrimination) and the Miranda Rule (custody and interrogation). The hosts also cover Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful search and seizure in vehicles, discussing the automobile exception, probable cause (like the smell of marijuana), and inventory searches. Get essential advice on handling traffic stops, Field Sobriety Tests, and DWI blood/breath requests, especially before the holidays. 00:00 Introduction: "So You Got Arrested" podcast, Texas justice system, and understanding your rights. 00:27 Pleading the Fifth: Explaining the right against self-incrimination from the Fifth Amendment. 01:22 Pleading the Fifth for Witnesses: The critical difference: witnesses who are not suspects do not have a Fifth Amendment right. 02:12 Fourth and Fifth Amendments: Overview of the right against unlawful search/seizure and self-incrimination. 02:43 Federal vs. State Constitutional Rights: Discussing how the Texas Constitution provides equal or greater rights. 03:37 Miranda Rights: Debunking the myth that a case is thrown out if rights aren't read; the requirements of Custody and Interrogation. 04:32 Volunteered Statements (Res Gestae): Why statements not in response to questioning (e.g., in a police car) are admissible. 05:58 The Jinx/Robert Durst Example: Confessing while talking to himself on a hot mic during an interview (not custody/interrogation). 07:25 Vehicle Stops and the Fourth Amendment: Discussing the lower expectation of privacy in an automobile vs. a home. 08:23 Automobile Exception: Why police generally don't need a warrant to search a vehicle (mobility). 09:52 Probable Cause - Smell of Marijuana: Why the smell of marijuana alone gives officers probable cause to search. 11:43 Searching Without Probable Cause or Consent: Discussing the use of a K-9 unit (drug dog). 12:41 Arrestable Offenses in Texas: Most offenses are technically arrestable, except speeding and open container. 13:28 Inventory Search Exception: How police can search a vehicle after towing it, and the requirement for a specific department policy. 17:24 Arizona v. Gant: The Supreme Court decision that cut back on the "search incident to arrest" doctrine for vehicles. 21:14 Pretext Stops: Why the officer's true motive for a stop doesn't matter as long as a legitimate violation occurred (e.g., expired registration). 23:39 Holiday Safety and DWI Advice: What to do when pulled over for a potential DWI. 24:57 Field Sobriety Tests: Advice on refusing or performing the tests and the Catch-22. 25:57 Breath/Blood Tests: Discussion of Intoxilyzers, blood draws, and the varying policies across counties. 28:35 Final Holiday Warning & Contact Information 

Connect with us 

https://www.youtube.com/@BRCKdefense

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https://www.facebook.com/BRCKDefense/ 

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 In this special Veterans Day episode of So You Got Arrested, we sit down with BRCK criminal defense attorney James Heath, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. James shares his unique and non-traditional journey into law, discussing how his initial attempt at community college didn't stick, leading him to enlist in the Marines, including a deployment to Afghanistan. He reveals how the rigorous discipline and life experience gained as an enlisted Marine shaped his mindset, enabling him to return to college, earn his degree, and ultimately attend law school. James discusses his passion for indigent defense, his work with the Public Defender's Office in West Texas, and how his military training—focusing on presentation, preparation, and systematic flexibility—helps him champion clients' rights in the Texas justice system today. Learn how experience outside of a traditional academic path can lead to becoming an effective and deeply empathetic criminal defense attorney. 00:01 - 00:26 Introduction - Host welcomes listeners and introduces the "So You Got Arrested" podcast, focusing on the messy Texas justice system. 00:26 - 01:24 Meet James Heath - Introduction of James Heath, a veteran BRCK attorney; discussion of his background and moving to San Antonio. 01:24 - 02:22 Early Life & Career Path - James discusses trying community college, working odd jobs, and deciding to enlist (host shares a similar non-traditional student story). 02:22 - 03:42 Joining the Marines - Discussion of James joining the Marine Corps after a recruiter's challenge (reverse psychology). 03:42 - 05:10 Military Service Details - Boot camp (San Diego), 29 Palms, father's support, and initial interest in criminal law/detective work. 05:10 - 05:54 Deployment to Afghanistan - Discussion of his time as an artilleryman and deployment to Afghanistan (approx. eight months). 05:54 - 07:02 Mindset Shift & Returning to School - How the Marine Corps provided positive traction and discipline; returning to community college and then UTSA. 07:02 - 08:08 The Non-Traditional Student - Comparing their late start in college and law school (age 27/28 vs. 32) and the value of real-life experience. 08:08 - 09:06 Life Experience as a Trial Attorney - Working odd jobs (busboy, bartender) and how waiting tables was the best training for trial work. 09:06 - 10:03 Marine Corps Discipline in Court - How being an enlisted Marine built people skills and how the military emphasizes presentation and preparation in legal advocacy. 10:03 - 11:29 Academic Turnaround - James discusses withdrawing initially, returning with discipline, and earning an Associate's degree from Northwest Vista Community College. 11:29 - 13:30 The Pivot to Law - How his brother suggested law; the importance of starting a career/education later in life (e.g., successful attorney graduating at almost 40). 13:30 - 14:32 Law School Prerequisites - Majoring in Politics and Law at UTSA and preparing for the LSAT. Discussing the constant effort needed to maintain discipline. 14:32 - 15:20 Sponsor Break (BRCK) - BRCK Criminal Defense advertisement. 15:20 - 17:12 Finding Criminal Defense - Starting law school (1L) thinking about contracts, but getting hooked on criminal law by Professor Pham. 17:12 - 18:39 Public Defender Internship - Working at the Far West Texas Regional Public Defender's office in Alpine, Texas, for a summer. Deciding this was the type of work he wanted to do. 18:39 - 20:07 The Indigent Defense Philosophy - James discusses his passion for ensuring basic rights are protected, regardless of financial means, linking it to his service as a Marine. 20:07 - 22:38 Quality of Defense - Discussion on the belief that liberty shouldn't hinge on money; the firm's dedication to appointed cases and James being "blind to the payment." 22:38 - 24:24 Joining BRCK - The transition from public defender to BRCK; how James was recruited after being called a "superstar" by court members. 24:24 - 26:2