About Brian Powers

Brian T. Powers has spent more than 20 years inside the criminal justice system: as a police officer, as a felony prosecutor in the Bexar County District Attorney's Office, as a magistrate judge and, since 2008, as a criminal defense attorney in San Antonio. He has seen how a case is built from every seat in the courtroom. Today he uses that experience for one purpose: defending people charged with crimes in San Antonio and Bexar County.

From police officer to prosecutor to defense attorney

Police officer

Brian graduated early from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in Criminal Justice and became a police officer at 21 with the City of Eugene, Oregon. He received commendations for the arrest of a fugitive featured on "America's Most Wanted" and for the arrest of 67 white-collar suspects in three months. As an officer he learned how investigations are run, how reports are written and where evidence collection can go wrong.

Felony prosecutor

After earning his law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law and interning with the United States Attorney's Office, Brian joined the Bexar County District Attorney's Office in 2006. In his first two years he handled thousands of domestic and family violence cases and tried many of them to a jury. He was promoted to Felony Family Violence Prosecutor, where he handled hundreds of cases involving sexual assault, indecency, aggravated offenses and murder. He has also served as a special prosecutor for surrounding counties.

Magistrate judge

As a magistrate judge, Brian saw how bond, probable cause and early case decisions are made from the bench. That perspective shapes how he prepares clients for court and how he argues for them.

Criminal defense attorney

Brian opened his own criminal defense practice in 2008. He handles every case personally. When you hire Brian Powers Law, you talk to Brian, not a case manager or a junior associate.

Why that background matters for your case

• He knows how prosecutors think. Years in the Bexar County DA's Office taught him how charges are filed, how plea offers are made and where a case is weakest.
• He knows how judges decide. Time on the bench gives him a practical sense of what persuades a judge on bond, motions and sentencing.
• He knows how police build a case. His law enforcement background helps him spot problems with stops, searches, reports and evidence handling.
• He works in the courts you are facing. His practice is focused on San Antonio and Bexar County, with cases in surrounding Texas counties by request.

Cases Brian handles

Brian defends people charged with aggravated assault, assault and family violence, DWI and intoxication offenses, drug offenses, theft, robbery, murder and manslaughter, firearms charges and probation violations. He also helps clients clear their records through expunctions and orders of nondisclosure. You can read about some of his cases that made the news on the Notable Cases page.

Education and experience

• 2008: Opened solo criminal defense practice, San Antonio
• 2006: Assistant District Attorney, Bexar County District Attorney's Office
• 2005: Juris Doctor, The University of Iowa College of Law
• 2004: Intern, United States Attorney's Office
• 1999: Police Officer, City of Eugene, Oregon
• 1998: BA in Criminal Justice, University of Texas at San Antonio

In his own words

Brian has written about what people facing charges should know, in plain language:

• What's the first thing to do after your first arrest?
• "This will go a lot better for you if you just talk to me" and other things officers say
• They didn't read me Miranda. Does that mean my case gets dismissed?
• The first commandment: don't lie to your attorney
• To trial or not to trial

Talk to Brian directly

Consultations are free and confidential. Call (210) 222-9446 or send a message, and Brian will talk with you about your case, your options and what happens next.

Let my past protect your future.