Chris S. Barnett
Law Offices of Chris S. Barnett
105 South Adams Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Map
Phone: (830) 856-2000 | Fax: (800) 504-0613
http://www.HillCountryDWI.com
http://www.SanAntonio-DWI.com
It's Your Call - Make it Count
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
All misdemeanors, Felony DWI's, felony drug charges, and most other felonies.
Sub-Topics
Abuse
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
Automotive
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DUI / DWI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Open Container
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic Violations
Computer Crimes
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
Criminal Records
- Expungement or Expunction
Drug Crime
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
False Identification
Felonies
Firearms & Weapons
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
Grand Jury Proceedings
Juvenile Crime
Misdemeanors
Perjury
Plea Negotiation
Probation
Property Crimes
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
Search & Seizure
Truancy
Violent Crimes
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
TX, Nov 2008
Bar Number: 24066555
Other Court Admissions
All Texas State Courts
Association Memberships
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) • Hill Country Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (HCCDLA) • The College of the State Bar of Texas
Continuing Education
Attorney Barnett always exceeds the required amount of continuing education hours.
Example Cases
State of Texas vs. E.C.
Client was charged with Driving While Intoxicated after a single car accident/rollover. The officer reported all six clues of HGN and positive VGN. Client admitted to drinking alcohol just prior to the accident. Client refused a blood draw at the hospital. Client won ALR and DWI charge was reduced to Obstruct Highway Passage with a nominal fine.
State of Texas vs. L.H.
Client was accused of almost running into a police cruiser while leaving a local watering hole. Client subsequently was stopped and arrested for DWI. Client provided a breath sample of 0.195 at the police station. At the suppression hearing the court found that the officer lacked reasonable suspicion at the time the stop was initiated and the motion to suppress was granted. Case dismissed.
State of Texas vs. A.M.
Client was charged with DWI-2nd after running into another car. Client was air lifted to a nearby trauma center for treatment. The client's blood was drawn at the hospital and the test showed a BAC of 0.148. After an extensive investigation into the State's evidence, errors were found that helped the attorney get the charges reduced to Obstruct Highway Passage with a nominal fine.
State of Texas vs. H.W. *JURY TRIAL - NOT GUILTY*
Client was accused of possessing dangerous drugs and hypodermic needles inside the secure area of a horse racing track. Client was also charged with bail jumping and failure to appear. Client was found NOT GUILTY by a jury.
Education
St. Mary’s School of Law
Juris Doctorate
San Antonio
TX
2008
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor of Sciences
Daytona Beach
FL
1998
• Major in Professional Aeronautics
• Minor in Economics
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Texas
Firm Focus and History
The firm was established in December 2008 and has been a Criminal Defense and DWI Defense firm from the beginning.
The primary focus of the firm is best described as aggressive DWI defense. So many of these cases rely solely on the subjective opinion of the arresting officer, and yet the consequences to the client can be life changing.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to attending law school Mr. Barnett was a corporate pilot, air charter owner/operator, general contractor, and owner/operator of various businesses including drive-thru convenience stores, an internet service provider, and options trader. The varied life experiences are invaluable on a day to day basis in negotiating with prosecutors and in trial.
Activities and Awards
• Member of the Board of Trustees with a local Christian private school
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Mr. Barnett supports clients educating themselves. The process can sometimes be overwhelming and it's important not only to educate yourself, but to have an attorney that is willing to take the time to explain everything to you.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Client prepared documents in criminal cases are not typical; however he would be willing to review the client's documents.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
"I wouldn't represent myself in a criminal matter. The emotional stress that a person goes through in dealing with a criminal matter does not promote clear thinking. My job is to guide my clients through the storm. In my previous career as a pilot, I was responsible for transporting my passengers from Point A to Point B in the safest manner possible. Nothing was left to chance. The same applies to my service as your attorney."
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
Attorney Barnett has always strived to be the quintessential professional. Becoming an attorney was a natural progression in his journey through life. As a patriot and believer in the Constitution, he feels it is his calling to protect those that can't protect themselves. The justice system in this country is better than any other country in the world, however it's not perfect. To function as designed, it must have skilled professionals guiding the process.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
As a DWI defense lawyer, his diverse and complimentary life experiences, and the early example of professionalism he saw in his father, give Attorney Barnett tremendous range and resources when advocating for his clients. Whether at the negotiation table with a prosecutor, or in court in front of a judge or jury, Mr. Barnett draws on his life experiences to the advantage of his clients.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Mr. Barnett fell into DWI and Criminal defense by accident. He strongly wanted courtroom experience after law school. The quickest way was criminal defense. He had no idea how much he would enjoy defending the citizen accused. Most of his clients are average people that have made common choices in life that have put them in harm's way.
What do you like best about your career?
Attorney Barnett really enjoys challenging Big Government. Our Founding Fathers set up this country so that government would be instructed by the People on how to operate. It would be an extension of the People. Government has evolved in such a way that the roles have reversed. This reversal is so evident in defending criminal cases that it's not even funny. He loves helping the underdog.
Tell us about your law firm:
Mr. Barnett is a solo practitioner and has one paralegal. His paralegal and he handle every aspect of the practice. She trained at a local San Antonio school and has been in the business for five years. She is very knowledgeable in criminal defense and if she can't answer the client's questions, she is constantly in contact with Mr. Barnett.
What are your strengths and style?
Mr. Barnett feels that it is important that you know what to expect right from the start, and spends time with you to make sure that you have the right tools and information to not only succeed in your case, but to feel comfortable and secure along the way. He understands that you are under a lot of stress and pressure in your case, and that a lot hangs in the balance. He takes your case personally, and your cause becomes his cause. You will always be treated like your case is the firm's most important case, an advantage not available in many larger firms.
Personal Interests:
Generally if it involves airplanes, boats, 4-wheel drive or guns, he's in. If it involves all of the above, he's definitely in.
Office Manager/Assistant
Tanner Squiers
Fax
(800) 504-0613
Office Hours
Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Additional Offices
San Antonio Office
Dominion Business Center
4 Dominion Drive, Bldg. 4
Suite 250
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 587-6464
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Most criminal matters are handled on flat fee basis.
Hourly Rates
$200 to $250
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes. As long as it takes.
Typical Retainer
All cases are different and priced accordingly.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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