San Antonio, Texas Criminal & DUI Defense Lawyer

Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski

1017 South Alamo Street
San Antonio, Texas 78210
USA

(210) 228-9393

(210) 226-7540

www.defendtexas.com

Contact Kerrisa Chelkowski

Published Articles

Law Firm Overview Free Consultation

The Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski is a San Antonio Criminal Defense Law Firm providing effective criminal defense representation for people charged with state and federal crimes throughout Texas and the United States, including San Antonio, Hondo, New Braunfels, Laredo, Seguin, Kerrville, San Marcos, Boerne, and Del Rio, Texas. The firm also provides federal criminal defense representation in Washington, D.C. at the USSC.

Before opening the Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski, Attorney Kerrisa Chelkowski worked for two years as a prosecutor and gained valuable experience that she now uses to represent you. Being a prosecutor, she knows what the state government can and can’t do; it keeps her a step ahead of your case. As a prosecutor, she tried numerous cases and handled appeals through argument to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. She knows how important it is to move quickly, aggressively, and decisively to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution's case, and she knows how important it is to keep you fully informed of your case. Attorney Chelkowski will put you at ease and explain every step in your defense. Her experience helps you from investigation through post-conviction.

If you or a family member has been charged with a state or federal crime, of if you are considering appealing a conviction, our record speaks for itself. We stay focused on getting an outcome that is best for you. Our focus is on quality not quantity. We don’t maintain a high volume practice, so that we may give each client the individual attention he or she deserves.

Year this Office was Established: 2004

Languages: Spanish; English.

Practice Areas

Additional Practice Areas: Misdemeanors; Federal Law Offenses; State Law Offenses; Drug Possession; Drug Trafficking; Driver's License Suspension; Hiding Assets; Internet Fraud; Bank Fraud; Mail Fraud; Check Theft; Forgery; Solicitation of Minors; Child Molestation; Lewd Conduct; Lascivious Conduct; Aggravated Sex Crimes; Child Sex Crimes; Vehicular Manslaughter; Intoxicated Homicide; Bar Fight Offenses; Indecency with a Child; Dram Shop Act; Probation Revocations; Bail Bonds.

Practice Areas Description

Our practice includes:

- Federal Criminal Defense

At the Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski, we understand that an effective defense of a federal criminal charge requires a different approach than for a state charge. We prepare intelligent, creative defenses for people charged with federal crimes, including federal drug charges, white collar crimes, bank fraud, and other federal criminal charges. When we meet to discuss the charges against you, I will explain the federal court process, how the law applies to your circumstances, and the strategies that will be best for your future.

- State Offenses

We know how serious the penalties can be for people convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. Since 2004, we have been using my experience to defend the rights of people charged with state criminal offenses. Our lawyers never forget how important it is to take the extra step, try the extra legal challenge, and fight the extra fight to reduce or eliminate the charge against you. Some of the state criminal charges we represent clients against include: State drug charges; DWI/DUI; Assault/battery; Domestic violence; Burglary/theft; Rape/sexual assault; Murder/homicide; White collar crimes; and Motion to revoke probation (MTR) appeals.

- Appeals

If you have been convicted by a jury of a crime in a federal or state court, you are constitutionally guaranteed the right to appeal, and the appellate court is required to hear your case. Given the importance of your appeal, you do not want to leave your fate in the hands of an inexperienced, over-worked lawyer. You should hire dedicated, aggressive counsel to represent you. Our firm can provide you the type of representation you need in appellate court.

- Drug Offenses

A federal or state drug charge in Texas can result in a very serious penalty if you are convicted. Over the past several years, the Texas legislature has taken a harsher view of drug offenses, particularly in light of an increased use of meth, marijuana, cocaine, and heroine in the state. A misdemeanor drug possession conviction for less than two ounces of marijuana may result in six months in jail and a $2,000 fine. Generally, a conviction for any drug offense will also result in the loss of your driver's license. Our firm provides aggressive criminal and misdemeanor drug charge defense. If you face state felony or misdemeanor drug charges, we will do everything we can to protect your freedom.

- DWI/DUI Defense

At the criminal defense office of Kerrisa Chelkowski, we do more than simply provide legal defense for your DWI charges. As your DWI attorney, we work hard to prevent a driver's license suspension and any other penalties you face. As a former prosecutor in San Antonio, firm founder, Attorney Kerrisa knows how local prosecutors will approach your DWI/DUI charges. Simply put: They are out to get you off the road and into jail.

- White Collar Crimes

We offer effective defense for white collar crimes such as: Bank fraud; Mail fraud; Website fraud/internet crimes; Check theft, forgery; Identity theft; and Embezzlement. Attorney Kerrisa will use her experience as a former prosecutor to help you get the best possible outcome for your charges. She offers aggressive representation for people facing charges for white collar crime. An effective defense starts immediately. So as soon as you decide to start protecting your rights and your future, we will immediately begin attacking the prosecution's case against you and working to secure the best possible outcome in your case.

- Bank Fraud

With our current economic crisis, federal agents are vigorously investigating and prosecuting high profile individuals as well as average citizens involved in various financial crimes. Bank fraud and other crimes involving deception are serious charges that can result in very harsh penalties — if not handled effectively. Our criminal defense attorney, Kerrisa Chelkowski has extensive experience in representing clients in state and federal cases arising from bank fraud allegations. A former prosecutor, she knows how the state and law enforcement develop cases against defendants. However, with this experience, she is better prepared to help my clients fight the charges of bank fraud or wire fraud.

- Computer Crimes & Internet Fraud

People facing allegations involving Internet sex crimes must confront not only the potential criminal penalties, if convicted, but also the social stigma attached to such offenders. As an experienced defense lawyer, we know the intense level of anxiety our clients are enduring. We carefully collect the evidence and determine the most effective defense strategy to move forward with. We defend clients facing investigations or state or federal charges involving child pornography, solicitation of minors over the Internet, and other Internet sex crimes. We also handle other sex crimes or aggravated sex crimes involving children.

- Sex Crimes

our firm provides aggressive, respectful, and experienced criminal defense representation to clients facing investigations or criminal charges for sex crimes, including: Rape and date rape; Statutory rape/sex with a minor; Child molestation; Possession or distribution of child pornography; Lewd and lascivious conduct; Sexual assault/sexual battery; Internet solicitation of a minor; and Other sex crimes. We will ensure your rights are protected throughout your case. We thoroughly investigate and analyze all aspects of your case. Perhaps most importantly — we listen. We listen to your side of the story. Many times false allegations of rape arise from a tense break-up. Likewise, false allegations of child molestation may arise in a bitter divorce. We work diligently to get to the bottom of the matter and protect your rights.

- Expunction of Records

If you have a criminal record for a state or federal conviction, you should be aware that this information is not confidential. Government agencies refer to your record to determine your eligibility for certain benefits, services, and job opportunities. Employers and credit agencies check it to determine whether you are fit for a job or a loan. Even if your conviction happened years ago and has nothing to do with the present circumstances, it may be limiting your ability to live the kind of life you want. We have helped numerous people get a fresh start from a mistake that has haunted them for years. If you are concerned about an employer or another organization finding a conviction on your record we will discuss the circumstances of your conviction and whether an expunction is likely in your case.

- Murder/Assault, Crimes of Violence

We provide experienced representation for people charged with violent felony and misdemeanor crimes such as: Murder, homicide; Assault; Domestic violence, spouse abuse; Rape, aggravated sexual assault; Vehicular manslaughter, intoxicated homicide; Bar fight offenses; Indecency with a child; and Violations of the Dram Shop Act. If you have been charged, or think you may be charged, with a violent crime, we will start protecting your rights immediately and work aggressively to keep you out of jail.

- Probation Revocations

If you or a family member is on probation, you are never more than one mistake away from a motion to revoke probation (MTR). Violations do not need to be major. A simple act of neglecting a parking ticket can mean going to jail to complete your sentence. The probation officer holds your fate in his or her hands, and the standard to prove that you are guilty of the violation is extremely low. Our firm will fight to prevent your probation from being revoked. We will keep your best interests my top priority.

- Class Action Lawsuits

When you feel your rights have been violated, it can be extremely frustrating to trust anyone, especially when you are the victim that has been injured or abused in some way, as a result of negligent behavior or an illegal activity. A class action lawsuit seeks to award damages to all plaintiffs who may have been members of the same group suffering from similar injustices. Our firm represents those individuals whose rights have been violated, due to illegal activities or criminal offenses. In an effort to put a stop to illegal strip searching practices that took place in jails throughout Bexar County, attorney Kerrisa Chelkowski was able to help victims receive compensation from a $5.5 million class action lawsuit settlement out of court.

- Bail Bonds

A bail bond is a written agreement between the defendant and the court or a third party “surety” and the court, to pay a fixed bail amount, in order for the defendant to be released from police custody, while awaiting trial. Bail amounts are determined by the degree of the crime committed and your past criminal record. When bail money is paid to the court, it is a type of guarantee that you will take responsibility to appear for trial. At the San Antonio Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski, we represent clients for bail bonds and for criminal defense matters. Whether you were thrown in jail for a misdemeanor or felony offense, we can help you get out of jail and immediately work towards having your case dismissed in court.