What to Expect When You're Arrested (in San Antonio)

Sean Henricksen Law Firm

I'm a criminal defense attorney in San Antonio. When I was in my early 20s, I was arrested for DWI. I had no idea what to expect or what was going on with my case because my attorney didn't let me know what to expect. Now that I'm an attorney, I want to make sure that you don't have to go through the same experience that I did. This podcast will let you know what you can expect to happen at the different stages of your case. Even though it focuses on how cases in San Antonio are handled, it will be helpful even if you're charged somewhere else. If you've been arrested for DWI, assault, possession, or anything else, you probably have many questions about what will happen in your case. You'll probably have more questions while your case works through the system. This podcast will answer many of your questions.

  1. May 14

    You're More Likely to be Arrested If You Carry a Gun

    Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions about this or if you're being charged with a crime, feel free to call us at 210-405-6410 or click here to schedule a free consultation. Click the link below to receive 4 Things You Should Do If You've Been Arrested: https://bit.ly/3tDOVbt We explain why carrying a gun in Texas can make an arrest more likely, even when you believe you are following the rules. We walk through the real situations we see in San Antonio where a firearm turns a small problem into a second case or even a felony. • traffic stops that escalate when a handgun is in plain view or not carried correctly  • unlawful carry of a weapon arrests that surprise otherwise law-abiding people  • DWI or possession arrests that lead to a vehicle search and an added gun charge  • how two cases get harder to dismiss than one  • felony convictions from decades ago that still trigger felon in possession charges  • self-defense situations that become aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or deadly conduct  • why there are no guarantees once you are arrested and charged  • practical steps to lower risk while respecting Second Amendment rights  If you have any questions about this or if you're being charged with a crime, feel free to call us at 210-405-6410 or click here to schedule a free consultation. Click the link below to receive 4 Things You Should Do If You've Been Arrested: https://bit.ly/3tDOVbt Advertisement Sean Henricksen Law Firm sean@seanhenricksen.com 210-405-6410 106 S. St. Mary's St., Ste 445 San Antonio, Texas 78205 www.seanhenricksen.com

    5 min

  2. Apr 8

    "Have You Had Anything to Drink?" How to Answer

    Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions about this or if you're being charged with a crime, feel free to call us at 210-405-6410 or click here to schedule a free consultation. Click the link below to receive 4 Things You Should Do If You've Been Arrested: https://bit.ly/3tDOVbt The most dangerous moment in a traffic stop often isn’t the lights in your mirror, it’s the “friendly” question that comes next: “Have you been drinking?” If you’ve ever wondered what you’re supposed to say, what you can refuse, and how a basic speeding stop suddenly becomes a Texas DWI investigation, we walk you through the turning points in plain English. We explain why the law matters at the roadside: an officer needs reasonable suspicion to stop you, and the stop is supposed to last only long enough to investigate the original violation. But once the officer gathers new facts, the scope can expand fast. We talk about the exact kinds of questions that can create momentum toward a DWI arrest and why your own words are often the easiest way for an officer to justify extending the detention. Then we get practical. We share how to handle the drinking question without helping the case build against you, how to invoke your right to remain silent, and why asking to speak with an attorney can shut down further questioning. We also break down field sobriety tests, including the common line that they’re just to “make sure you’re okay,” and why refusing those tests can protect you when the burden is on the officer to establish probable cause. If you’re dealing with a DWI charge or criminal case in San Antonio, use the links in the show notes to grab the free download and schedule a free consultation. Subscribe for more clear guidance, share this with someone who drives at night, and leave a review with the question you want answered next. Advertisement Sean Henricksen Law Firm sean@seanhenricksen.com 210-405-6410 106 S. St. Mary's St., Ste 445 San Antonio, Texas 78205 www.seanhenricksen.com

    6 min

  3. Jan 28

    Learn Who Can Take The Stand And What They’re Allowed To Say

    Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions about this or if you're being charged with a crime, feel free to call us at 210-405-6410 or click here to schedule a free consultation. Click the link below to receive 4 Things You Should Do If You've Been Arrested: https://bit.ly/3tDOVbt Courtroom testimony isn’t a free-for-all; it’s a tightly defined system that decides which voices the jury hears and how much weight they carry. We break down the three types of witnesses—those with personal knowledge, expert witnesses, and character witnesses—and show exactly how each one shapes a criminal case from the first question to the final verdict. We start with eyewitnesses, including police officers, and clarify what they can and cannot say under the hearsay rules. You’ll hear how a defendant’s own statements can come in as an exception, why an officer can describe injuries but not speculate on their cause, and how a 911 call gets authenticated through a records custodian before it reaches the jury. Then we shift to experts, the people who translate lab data into plain English. In DWI cases, that means breath-test operators and blood analysts who explain calibration, chain of custody, and uncertainty ranges—details that can make or break a number-driven case. Finally, we talk strategy with character witnesses and the defendant’s choice to testify. Character testimony can help establish credibility or peacefulness, but it also opens the door to rebuttal. We walk through two common scenarios—family violence and DWI—to show the usual witness lineup, the flow of evidence, and the key pressure points where a defense can challenge reliability and raise reasonable doubt. Along the way, we share practical guidance on preparing for testimony, spotting hearsay pitfalls, and focusing the jury on what’s admissible and persuasive. If you or someone you love faces charges in San Antonio, we’ve linked a free guide with five steps to take right now, plus a way to schedule a no-cost consultation. If this breakdown helped, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more people can find clear, actionable legal insights. Advertisement Sean Henricksen Law Firm sean@seanhenricksen.com 210-405-6410 106 S. St. Mary's St., Ste 445 San Antonio, Texas 78205 www.seanhenricksen.com

    5 min

  4. Jan 8

    Want Your Case Dismissed? Don't Accept a Plea

    Send us Fan Mail If you're being charged with a crime, there are three ways your case can end: dismissal, trial, or a plea. If you accept a plea, your case will not be dismissed. This sounds simple, but it's something most people don't think of when they're deciding whether or not to accept a plea. Most cases that get dismissed are dismissed later in the case. Once the state is preparing for trial on a case, there are certain problems that may come up that were not clear just from reading the police report. Obviously, not every case is going to get dismissed. If you want your case dismissed (everyone does) to think about the reason you want your case dismissed and how badly you want it dismissed. Are you willing to take your case to trial if the state doesn't dismiss your case? If you have any questions about this video, or if you're being charged with a crime in San Antonio, feel free to call me at 210-405-6410 or click the link below to schedule a free consultation: https://seanhenricksen.com/schedule-consultation/ We also have a free download for you: 4 Things You Should Do Right Now If You've Been Arrested: https://bit.ly/2Xjj9Eh . . . #SanAntonioLawyer #TXLawyer #familyviolence #Assault #possession #BexarCountyLawyer #CriminalDefenseLawyerSanAntonio #CriminalDefenseLawyerTX #CriminalDefenseLawyerBexar #SeanHenricksenLawFirm #SanAntonioLawyerFreeConsultation #Lawyer #CriminalDefenseLegalAdvice #criminaldefenseattorney #marijuana  Advertisement Sean Henricksen Law Firm sean@seanhenricksen.com 210-405-6410 106 S. St. Mary's St., Ste 445 San Antonio, Texas 78205 www.seanhenricksen.com

    5 min

  5. 11/12/2025

    4 Things Not to Do If Arrested for Family Violence

    Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions about this or if you're being charged with a crime, feel free to call me at 210-405-6410 or click here to schedule a free consultation. Click the link below to receive 4 Things You Should Do If You've Been Arrested: https://bit.ly/3tDOVbt We lay out the four biggest mistakes people make after a family violence arrest and show how to avoid new charges, warrants, and stress. We also explain how a trusted attorney can seek safer bond terms, keep you compliant, and protect long‑term rights. • what no contact and emergency protective orders actually restrict • how violations create new criminal charges and warrants • why bondsman and pretrial check‑ins matter and how to stay compliant • consequences for missing the first court date and how to prevent it • long‑term risks of family violence convictions for guns, custody, and enhancements • how to evaluate whether your attorney is responsive, respectful, and strategic • steps to modify bond or protective terms through your lawyer • where to get a free checklist and a no‑cost consultation Advertisement Sean Henricksen Law Firm sean@seanhenricksen.com 210-405-6410 106 S. St. Mary's St., Ste 445 San Antonio, Texas 78205 www.seanhenricksen.com

    5 min

  6. 11/11/2025

    How To Legally Carry A Handgun In Your Car In Texas

    Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions about this or if you're being charged with a crime, feel free to call me at 210-405-6410 or click here to schedule a free consultation. Click the link below to receive 4 Things You Should Do If You've Been Arrested: https://bit.ly/3tDOVbt We have represented several clients who were arrested for unlawful carry of a weapon when they had no idea they were breaking the law. Many people, including police, judges, and prosecutors, get the law on unlawful carry incorrect. If you have a handgun in your car, you have to have it hidden (not in plain view) or in a holster. You also cannot be committing another crime, like DWI or possesion of any illegal drugs while you have a gun. Many people are pulled over for speeding and when the officer sees that there's a handgun in between their seat and the center console that is not in a holster, they end up getting arrested. We also see people who are arrested for DWI and also get charged with unlawful carry because there is a gun somewhere in the car.  Advertisement Sean Henricksen Law Firm sean@seanhenricksen.com 210-405-6410 106 S. St. Mary's St., Ste 445 San Antonio, Texas 78205 www.seanhenricksen.com

    5 min

  7. 09/15/2025

    Fingerprints Don't Lie (But Sometimes They're Never Collected)

    Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions about this or if you're being charged with a crime, feel free to call me at 210-405-6410 or click here to schedule a free consultation. Click the link below to receive 4 Things You Should Do If You've Been Arrested: https://bit.ly/3tDOVbt Navigating the criminal justice system feels like walking through a minefield without a map. What evidence should police collect? Can an arrest alone derail your career? How do you find the right attorney when your freedom hangs in the balance? The truth about forensic evidence might shock you. When police fail to collect fingerprints and other crucial evidence, they're not "saving the system money" as some claim. The real cost comes later—in lengthy court battles, wrongful convictions, and lives destroyed. I break down why fingerprinting drug containers could solve cases faster and more accurately, especially when multiple people had access. The police investigation forms the foundation of everything that follows, yet receives the smallest investment. More troubling is the suggestion that jurors should lower their expectations about proof beyond reasonable doubt. Family violence charges become public record immediately upon arrest—not conviction. Your employer can find this information with a simple search, and many professions require immediate reporting of arrests. Teachers, nurses, commercial drivers, and countless others face suspension or termination based solely on accusations. This devastating reality underscores why finding an attorney who pursues dismissals aggressively matters so much. Choosing the right defense attorney might be your most crucial decision. Look beyond promises and focus on accessibility, respect, and specialized experience with your type of case. Can they be reached easily? Do they listen to your concerns? Have they successfully handled similar cases? Client reviews reveal patterns that brochures won't. No-contact orders present another complex challenge, particularly in family violence cases, where modifications depend on victim input, court tendencies, and case specifics. Have questions about your specific situation? Reach out through the contact information in the show notes. Your future deserves a thoughtful, strategic approach with someone who understands what's at stake. . . . #SanAntonioLawyer #TXLawyer #BexarCountyLawyer #CriminalDefenseLawyerSanAntonio #CriminalDefenseLawyerTX #CriminalDefenseLawyerBexar #SeanHenricksenLawFirm #SanAntonioLawyerFreeConsultation #Lawyer #CriminalDefenseLegalAdvice #CriminalDefense Advertisement Sean Henricksen Law Firm sean@seanhenricksen.com 210-405-6410 106 S. St. Mary's St., Ste 445 San Antonio, Texas 78205 www.seanhenricksen.com

    14 min

  8. 08/19/2025

    Why You Need An Attorney for Misdemeanors, What Does Assault - Married Mean

    Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions about this or if you're being charged with a crime, feel free to call me at 210-405-6410 or click here to schedule a free consultation. https://seanhenricksen.com/schedule-consultation/ The legal aftermath of a criminal charge—even a misdemeanor—can haunt you for years if you don't take proper action. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, I share why misdemeanor charges deserve serious attention and proper legal representation. My own DWI charge from my early twenties followed me through job applications, law school admissions, and attorney licensing because I didn't understand my options for record cleaning. This experience drives my passion for helping clients avoid similar pitfalls. Family violence cases particularly demand careful handling, as Texas law imposes consequences more severe than many felonies—permanent record stains, lifetime firearm restrictions, and significant custody implications.  Most people don't realize that "family violence" extends far beyond marriage to include dating relationships, co-parents, and even roommates. A college dormitory dispute could potentially carry devastating legal consequences under Texas law. While most charges allow for record sealing after successful completion of deferred adjudication, family violence cases with that formal finding remain permanently on your record unless dismissed or won at trial. San Antonio's recent 12% decrease in homicides contrasts with the politically-motivated approach to family violence arrests, where officers often feel pressured to make arrests regardless of circumstances. This explains why over half of misdemeanor family violence cases here eventually get dismissed—but not before causing significant disruption to lives and livelihoods. Knowledge truly is your best defense. If you're facing criminal charges in San Antonio, especially involving family violence allegations, contact the Sean Hendrickson Law Firm at 210-405-6410 or through our website to schedule a free consultation. We'll map out a strategic game plan to protect your rights and your future. If you have any questions about this or if you're being charged with a crime, feel free to call me at 210-775-0852 or click here to schedule a free consultation. https://seanhenricksen.com/schedule-consultation/ Click the link below to receive 4 Things You Should Do If You've Been Arrested: https://bit.ly/3tDOVbt . . . #SanAntonioLawyer #TXLawyer #BexarCountyLawyer #CriminalDefenseLawyerSanAntonio #CriminalDefenseLawyerTX #CriminalDefenseLawyerBexar #SeanHenricksenLawFirm #SanAntonioLawyerFreeConsultation #Lawyer #CriminalDefenseLegalAdvice #CriminalDefense Advertisement Sean Henricksen Law Firm sean@seanhenricksen.com 210-405-6410 106 S. St. Mary's St., Ste 445 San Antonio, Texas 78205 www.seanhenricksen.com

    10 min
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I'm a criminal defense attorney in San Antonio. When I was in my early 20s, I was arrested for DWI. I had no idea what to expect or what was going on with my case because my attorney didn't let me know what to expect. Now that I'm an attorney, I want to make sure that you don't have to go through the same experience that I did. This podcast will let you know what you can expect to happen at the different stages of your case. Even though it focuses on how cases in San Antonio are handled, it will be helpful even if you're charged somewhere else. If you've been arrested for DWI, assault, possession, or anything else, you probably have many questions about what will happen in your case. You'll probably have more questions while your case works through the system. This podcast will answer many of your questions.

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