Austin Criminal Defense Attorney
When a former police officer becomes your defense attorney, they know exactly how the other side built their case against you — because they used to build those cases themselves.
Your Defense Starts with Someone Who Knows the System from the Inside
Most criminal defense attorneys learned the justice system from textbooks and courtrooms. The lead attorney at Texas Defense Team’s Austin office learned it from the other side of the badge.
As a former law enforcement officer and military veteran, Steve Bowling spent years working within the system before deciding to fight against its failures. He’s sat in the same rooms where prosecutors strategize. He’s executed the same traffic stops that lead to DWI arrests. He knows how officers are trained to build probable cause, how evidence is collected and catalogued, and where the cracks in that process tend to appear.
That perspective changes everything about how your case is defended.
When your attorney knows how police are trained to build a case, they know exactly where to look for the weaknesses. Field sobriety tests administered incorrectly. Traffic stops without proper probable cause. Evidence handling that doesn’t follow protocol. These aren’t things you learn in law school — they’re things you learn on the job.
The Austin office handles criminal defense across Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bexar, and Bastrop Counties. Whether you were arrested last night or you’re facing charges that have been building for months, the team at this office understands the local courts, the prosecutors, and the system you’re up against.
Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Austin
Every criminal case is different, but they all have one thing in common: the government is trying to take away your freedom. Here’s what the Austin office defends against every day.
DWI / DUI Defense
Texas DWI arrests are built on field sobriety tests, breathalyzers, and blood draws — all of which can be challenged. A former officer knows exactly how these are supposed to be conducted, and where they often aren’t.
Drug Charges
From simple possession to manufacturing and trafficking. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony can come down to weight, location, and how the search was conducted.
Assault & Family Violence
Assault charges in Texas carry serious consequences — especially family violence allegations, which trigger enhanced penalties and protective orders. Context matters, and so does the quality of the investigation.
Theft & Property Crimes
Shoplifting to burglary, robbery to fraud. Theft charges in Texas scale dramatically by dollar amount. The right defense strategy depends on the specific facts and the jurisdiction.
Weapons Charges
Texas gun laws are evolving. Unlawful carry, felon in possession, and weapons charges in connection with other offenses all require an attorney who understands both the letter and the practice of Texas firearms law.
Federal Crimes
Federal cases move differently than state cases — different courts, different prosecutors, different stakes. When the federal government brings charges, you need an attorney who isn’t intimidated by the weight of the system.
Sex Crimes
The most serious accusations require the most rigorous defense. Sex crime allegations carry life-altering consequences even before a conviction. Early, aggressive defense is critical.
Probation Violations & Warrants
A probation violation can mean revocation and prison time for the original charge. If you have a warrant, handling it proactively with an attorney gives you the best chance of staying out of custody.
Why the Austin Office Fights Differently
Law Enforcement Background
The lead attorney at this office didn’t just study criminal law — he lived it from the other side. Years in law enforcement and military service built an understanding of police procedure, evidence collection, and the prosecutorial mindset that you simply cannot get from a textbook. When your attorney has personally conducted traffic stops, executed search warrants, and testified in court as an officer, they spot problems in the prosecution’s case that other attorneys might miss entirely.
Local Court Knowledge
Every county courthouse in Central Texas has its own personality. The way cases are handled in Travis County is different from Williamson County, which is different from Hays County. The Austin office knows the tendencies of local judges and prosecutors — not from reading about them, but from standing in front of them hundreds of times.
Available When You Need Us
Arrests don’t happen during business hours. When you call (512) 991-1111, Sarah — our 24/7 receptionist — answers live and connects you with the right attorney for your situation. No voicemail trees. No waiting until Monday. You talk to a real person who can help, right now.
Counties Served by the Austin Office
The Austin office of Texas Defense Team handles criminal defense cases in these Central Texas counties:
Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Lakeway
Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Round Rock (north)
San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, Wimberley
San Antonio and surrounding areas
Bastrop, Elgin, Smithville
Statewide — we handle PI cases from any county in Texas
Don’t see your county? Call us anyway — Sarah will connect you with the right Texas Defense Team office for your area, or help you find qualified representation nearby.
Arrested? Charged? Don’t Wait.
Every hour matters in a criminal case. Call now for a free, confidential consultation with an attorney at the Austin office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Texas Defense Team’s Austin office different?
The Austin office is led by a former police officer and military veteran who became a criminal defense attorney. This law enforcement background means your attorney understands exactly how police build cases, how evidence is collected, and where the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case are likely to be. That inside knowledge is put to work defending you.
What criminal charges does the Austin office handle?
The Austin office handles all criminal defense matters including DWI/DUI, drug charges, assault and family violence, theft and property crimes, weapons charges, sex crimes, federal crimes, probation violations, warrants, and more. If you’ve been arrested or charged in Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bexar, or Bastrop County, contact us for a free consultation.
What counties does the Austin office cover?
The Austin office covers Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Bexar County, and Bastrop County. This includes Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Bastrop, San Antonio, and surrounding communities. For personal injury cases, we serve all of Texas statewide.
How much does a consultation cost?
Nothing. Your initial consultation with the Austin office is completely free and confidential. Call (512) 991-1111 anytime — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — and Sarah will connect you with an attorney.
I was just arrested. What should I do?
Call us immediately. Do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney present. Do not post about your arrest on social media. The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. We answer 24/7 — even at 3 AM on a Saturday.
Is this office independently owned?
Yes. The Austin office of Texas Defense Team is independently owned and operated by Steve Bowling Law, PLLC. While we share the Texas Defense Team brand and technology platform, all legal decisions, client relationships, and case management are handled independently. Your information is never shared with other offices. Learn more about our independent office structure.