San Antonio Criminal Lawyer

The lowest courts in Texas are the Municipal Courts and Justice Courts.  These are local trial courts of limited jurisdiction.  The Municipal courts are from criminal misdemeanors punishable only by fine (ie parking tickets) and have limited civil jurisdiction in cases involving dangerous drugs.  Justice courts have a jurisdiction of civil actions of not more than $10,000.  Justice courts also have the capacity of deciding criminal misdemeanors punishable by fine only.  Justice Courts are also referred to as small claims courts.

The next level of courts are the County-Level Courts.  There are three distinct types of county courts: Constitutional County Courts, County Courts at Law, and Statutory Probate Courts.  Constitutional County Courts have exclusive jurisdiction in misdemeanors greater than $500 fine or jail time.  They can also hear appeals de novo from the lower courts.  Additionally, they may hear probate cases and have original jurisdiction in civil actions between $200 and $10,000.

County Courts at Law can hear all civil, criminal, original and appellate actions prescribed by law for constitutional county courts.  In addition, they have jurisdiction over civil matters for up to $100,000.  Statutory Probate Courts are primarily for probate matters.

The rules applicable to lawyers are not uniform across the United States and can be divided into two categories: professional rules and standards and the law governing lawyers. Professional Rules and Standards are divided amongst several categories: ABA Codes of Ethics, Ethics Advisory Opinions, Specialized Codes and Practice Norms. In almost every state, the authority to regulate the practice of law lies with the highest court in the state. Most state and federal courts base their rules on the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct adopted in 1983. The ABA has no legal authority over the practice of law, but it does have significant influence in the area of professional responsibility. The model rules are categorized into eight sections: client-lawyer relationship, counselor, advocate, transactions with persons other than clients, law firms and associations, public service, information about legal services, and maintaining the integrity of the profession. More then 40 states have adopted the 83 version of the Model rules. Although these standards have no legal effect unless adopted by a court or legislature, they can provide guidance to practitioners and provide evidence of good faith.