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MILITARY LAW

We have extensive experience representing clients at every stage of military justice proceedings.

CRIMINAL LAW

We assist clients with investigation, trial, appeal, and writ of habeas corpus matters in state, federal, or military courts.

San Antonio Texas Criminal & Military Defense Lawyers

 

Michael C. Gross and Joseph A. Esparza are Board Certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Only 1% of all lawyers in Texas meet this standard. They are also Board Certified in criminal trial advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

 

The firm of Gross and Esparza, P.L.L.C., is located in San Antonio, Texas and is comprised of two attorneys, Michael Gross and Joseph Esparza. They have litigated cases throughout Texas for a combined total of 65 years. Each attorney teaches and participates in legal education seminars and conferences on state and federal criminal defense topics for other lawyers across Texas. The firm represents clients throughout Texas and has represented out-of-state clients in both civilian and military law matters. Military representation is world-wide with representation at a general court-martial as far away as Japan. Mr. Gross is a former judge advocate with the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Mr. Esparza is a former judge advocate with the United States Air Force (USAF).

From 2013-2023, Gross and Esparza, P.L.L.C. received a Tier One Excellence rating in criminal defense by U.S. News - Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" rankings. From 2010-2012, this firm's predecessor, The Law Office of Michael C. Gross, P.C., received a Tier One Excellence rating in criminal defense by U.S. News - Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" rankings. Mr. Gross and Mr. Esparza have won for their clients accused of criminal matters at trial, on appeal, and on post-conviction writ in state, federal, and military courts throughout the United States.

The firm is devoted 100% to the practice of criminal law, whether the charges are state, federal, or military. Both Mr. Gross and Mr. Esparza have handled and tried to verdict high-profile death penalty cases and have kept clients off death row or had new clients taken off death row in Texas. This criminal law experience is brought to bear on every case accepted by the firm. 

 

The criminal defense matters in their cases range from driving while intoxicated (DWI) to capital murder to white collar crime. Both Mr. Gross and Mr. Esparza are also experienced, former judge advocates authorized to practice in all military jurisdictions worldwide. Both served as prosecutors while on active duty as well as decorated military defense counsel, and both are thoroughly familiar with criminal defense matters in the military justice, court-martial, and administrative systems. They have handled all levels of courts-martial, administrative discharge boards, and other adverse actions.

Appellate clients seeking to appeal their conviction or clients seeking a writ of habeas corpus to fight their conviction have also enjoyed success with our firm. Mr. Gross has devoted his career to the representation of citizens accused of crimes and has won many trials and received accolades for his work. Mr. Esparza is a former Bexar County felony prosecutor and defense counsel who has a reputation for fighting hard for his clients and has a long track record of "Not Guilty" verdicts. Put their experience to work for you.

 

Offenses

  • Capital Murder

  • Murder

  • Aggravated assault

  • Assault with a weapon

  • Possession of controlled substances

  • Possession of marijuana

  • Drug dealing

  • Drug manufacturing

  • Domestic violence

  • Embezzlement over $1,500

  • White collar crime, organized crime

  • Fraud, including check forgery and identity theft

  • Hit and run resulting in death

  • Sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault

  • Child pornography

  • Child molestation

  • Human Trafficking

  • Injury to a Child

  • Prostitution

  • Grand theft and grand larceny

  • Unlicensed possession of a prohibited weapon
     

Misdemeanors

  • Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offenses

  • Criminal mischief

  • Drug possession of less than 28 grams

  • Marijuana possession  of less than 4 ounces

  • Disorderly conduct

  • Embezzlement of $1,500 or less

  • Failure to appear in court

  • Hit and run not resulting in death

  • Reckless driving

  • Driving with a suspended license

  • Theft or shoplifting of $1,500 or less

  • Weapon offenses

  • Violation of a protective order

  • Possession of alcohol under the age of 21

Firm Recognition
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers/Best Law Firms - U.S. News & World Report
  • Texas Super Lawyers
  • Scene in San Antonio Best SA Lawyers
  • AVVO - 10.0 Superb Rating - Criminal Law, Military Law
  • Texas Board of Legal Specialization - Criminal Law
  • Texas Board of Legal Specialization - Criminal Appellate Law
  • National Board of Trial Advocacy - Criminal Trial Law
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