About Rafael
Rafael Zapata-Yordán brings deep experience from the public defender's office, where he represented defendants through the full range of the Texas criminal justice system — from arraignment through trial. His caseload built expertise across the entire process.
As a public defender, Rafael handled the full spectrum of criminal cases — misdemeanors through serious felonies — giving him a close understanding of how courts process charges, how prosecutors assess cases at different stages, and what defense strategies are most effective at each point in the proceedings.
That breadth of experience is directly relevant to clients at Texas Defense Team. Whether a case is in its earliest stages — with an arraignment still pending — or approaching trial, Rafael knows the system from the inside. He has been in the room where prosecutors evaluate whether to offer a plea, and he has stood at counsel table through trial.
Rafael Zapata-Yordán serves as Managing Partner at Texas Defense Team, working across all five counties the firm serves: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and Bexar. He handles criminal defense and DWI cases and is a Spanish-speaking attorney available to clients whose primary language is Spanish.
Background & Credentials
- Former public defender — Texas
- Managing Partner, Texas Defense Team
- Criminal defense: all 5 TDT counties
- Spanish-speaking
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Rafael Zapata-Yordán do before joining Texas Defense Team?
Rafael Zapata-Yordán served as a public defender, representing defendants through the Texas criminal justice system — from arraignment through trial. That experience gave him a deep understanding of how cases are evaluated, negotiated, and litigated from the defense side.
Does Rafael Zapata-Yordán handle cases in Spanish?
Yes. Rafael Zapata-Yordán is a Spanish-speaking attorney. Texas Defense Team serves Spanish-speaking clients and can discuss your case in Spanish from the initial consultation through representation.
What counties does Rafael handle cases in?
Rafael Zapata-Yordán handles criminal defense cases in all five counties Texas Defense Team serves: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and Bexar. Call (512) 599-9000 for a free consultation.