Jonathan Watkins - a San Antonio, Texas (TX) Criminal Defense Lawyer

San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer

Updated: 05/19/2026

Areas of Practice

Criminal Defense 95%
Personal Injury 5%

Litigation: 75%

Attorney Information

Overview

Our firm provides boutique services for an array of criminal accusations. Our focus is customer-based and we treat every one of our clients with respect and dignity. I was fortunate to start my career at the District Attorney's Office. I was able to try to verdict several misdemeanor and felony allegations. My experience as an advocate ranges from a simple Class C misdemeanor case all the way up to aggravated felony allegations, like Sexual Assault and Murder.

I learned the value in "doing the right thing" while a prosecutor; and this same principle has followed my path as a criminal defense attorney. When the government files a case against you this is serious business, whether is a Driving While Intoxicated case or an Aggravated Assault case. Our goal is to have every case dismissed; or to get a result that benefits our clients. We specialize in jury trial work; and have been able to prevail on several contested pretrial hearings. Coming from a humble background has allowed me to develop a unique bond and sense of trust with my clients. Our justice system would be a failure without defense attorneys willing to work toward holding the prosecution to its burden.

In addition to specializing in criminal defense, our firm also handles select Personal Injury matters. Our focus with these cases is to get our clients the help they need, while pursuing justice on their behalf. Our law firm has been able to obtain several positive settlements for those with injury cases.

Awards and Honors

Super Lawyers® Selectees

Jonathan Watkins included in a Super Lawyers® list

Honors

Best Lawyers in San Antonio - Scene in SA Magazine, 2016 - 2023
Best DUI/DWI Lawyers - Scene in SA Magazine, 2019 - 2023
Texas Super Lawyers - Rising Star, 2023

Other Sources of Feedback About Jonathan Watkins

Included on the 2026 Texas Super Lawyers list

Past Lists

2025 Texas Super Lawyers list
2024 Texas Super Lawyers list
2023 Texas Super Lawyers list

Education

Legal Education
- St. Mary's University School of Law, San Antonio, Texas, 2012
  J.D.
Non Legal Education
- St. Mary's University School of Law, Austin, Texas, 2008
  B.A.
  Major: Government

Current Employment Position(s)

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Lead Trial Attorney
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Past Positions

Bexar County District Attorney's Office, Prosecutor, 2012 - 2016
Paesanos Restaruant Group, Server, 2009 - 2012

References

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Allan Smith, Esq.
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Dr. Vernon Williams
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The Honorable Ron Rangel
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George Salinas, Esq.
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Classes and Seminars

Opening a Law Practice, St. Mary's University School of Law, 2016

Pro Bono Activities

DWI Case Representation on behalf of a colleague's client, 2020 - 2021
Wills Clinic - St. Mary's University School of Law, 2010

Representative Clients

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State of Texas v. Anton Harris
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State of Texas v. Joshua Gonzales
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State of Texas v. Carlos Smith (tried as an Assistant District Attorney)

State of Texas v. Virginia McKinley (tried as an Assistant District Attorney)

Representative Cases

State of Texas v. Hector Ybarra, No. 2016-CR-8680 - Not Guilty verdict.
State of Texas v. Richard Gonzales, No. 543199 - Not Guilty verdict.

Ancillary Businesses

Clothing Company - J. Wats Clothing (to be launched in early 2024)

Mountaineering - General (multiple climbs in the Cascade Mountain Range in the Pacific Northwest)

Bar Admissions

Texas, 2012

Other Affiliations

Mexican-American Bar Association, 2019 - Present (Member)
San Antonio Young Lawyers, 2015 - 2019 (Member)
Rotary Club of San Antonio, 2015 - 2020 (U40 Member)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of North America, 2014 - 2018 (Big Brother)
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2018 - Present (Member)

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Contact

San Antonio, TX

130 E. Travis Street
Suite 425
San Antonio, TX 78205

Directions

Phone: 210-761-6459

Fax: 210-944-0889

Email: Send a message

Website: https://www.jonathanwatkinslaw.com

Hours: Monday - Friday: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Free Consultations
Virtual Appointments

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Jonathan Watkins - San Antonio, TX