- Sex crimes, such as sexual assault
- Violent crimes, such as family violence
- Theft crimes, such as robbery
- Weapon crimes, such as unlawful carrying
- Juvenile crimes, such as status offenses
When you work with our firm, we will take the time to understand the details of your case and develop a strong defense strategy that is tailored to your unique situation.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You
Being charged with a crime can have serious consequences on your personal and professional life. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to seek legal representation from a criminal defense attorney in Kendall County as soon as possible.
Here are a few reasons why:
- Legal expertise: Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law, procedures, and the legal system. They understand the nuances of the law and can provide you with expert legal advice tailored to your specific situation.
- Protecting your rights: A criminal defense attorney will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. They will advocate for you, safeguarding your constitutional rights, such as the right to remain silent and the right to a fair trial.
- Building a strong defense: A criminal defense lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and develop a strategic defense strategy on your behalf. They will identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and work to build a strong defense to protect your interests.
- Negotiating with prosecutors: Criminal defense attorneys are skilled negotiators who can engage in plea bargaining with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or penalties. They will work to achieve the best possible outcome for you, whether through negotiation or litigation.
- Courtroom experience: Criminal defense lawyers have experience navigating the courtroom environment and presenting compelling arguments before judges and juries. They understand court procedures and rules of evidence, allowing them to effectively represent you in court.
- Minimizing consequences: Even if you are found guilty of criminal charges, a skilled defense lawyer can work to minimize the consequences you face, such as reducing jail time, avoiding harsh penalties, or exploring alternative sentencing options.
- Protecting your future: A criminal conviction can have serious long-term consequences, affecting your reputation, employment opportunities, and personal relationships. By hiring a criminal defense attorney, you are investing in protecting your future and mitigating the impact of criminal charges on your life.
Overall, hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Kendall County is essential for ensuring that your rights are protected, building a strong defense, and achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
About Kendall County, TX
Kendall County is located approximately 90 minutes southwest of Austin, Texas, in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. About 44,000 people live in Kendall County, with most residents living in the city of Boerne or the community of Comfort. Boerne is the county seat and home to the Boerne Police Department. The Boerne Police Department and the Kendall County Sheriff’s Department are the largest local law enforcement agencies in Kendall County. Comfort and Sisterdale are a few of the other larger communities in Kendall County. These once small communities have grown in size and popularity in the last few years.
In addition to the Boerne Police Department and Kendall County Sheriff’s Department, the Department of Public Safety and the multi-county Joint Criminal Interdiction Task Force operate in Kendall County. Kendall County Sheriff Deputies and the Criminal Interdiction Task Force aggressively patrol the U.S. Interstate 10 corridor that runs through Kendall County.
The Courts and Judges of Kendall County
Kendall County is served by the 451st Judicial District Court of Texas, the Honorable Judge Kirsten B. Cohoon presiding. The 451st Judicial District Court was formed in 2015 and has general jurisdiction over civil matters, felony criminal cases, and misdemeanor criminal cases in Kendall County.
Judge Cohoon took the bench in January 2018 following a hotly contested election, ousting the incumbent Judge Bill Palmer.
Previously, Judge Cohoon served as the Boerne City Attorney in Kendall County from 2010 until she took the bench in 2018. Prior to serving as City Attorney, she practiced civil law in the San Antonio, and Houston areas.
Kendall County is also served by several courts handling Class C misdemeanors including Justice of the Peace courts and the Boerne Municipal Court. Kendall County Justice of the Peace Courts include four precincts, which are presided over by four Justices:
The Justices in each precinct handle Criminal Class C Misdemeanors involving the following code violations:
- Traffic
- Penal
- Health & Safety
- Education
- Parks & Wildlife
- Alcohol & Beverage
The Boerne Municipal Court is a court of non-record run by the Honorable Ed Phillips, which primarily hears Class C misdemeanor criminal cases filed by the police department, animal control, permitting and code compliance, and the fire marshal that are committed within the territorial limits of the City of Boerne. These include traffic and parking offenses, city ordinance violations, and other criminal offenses such as public intoxication, theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, and disorderly conduct.
Prosecutors in Kendall County
The Honorable Nicole Bishop is the District Attorney for the 451st Judicial District. She serves the head of the Criminal District Attorney’s Office, which prosecutes both felony and misdemeanor cases. District Attorney Bishop has served the office since 2010 and has been the District Attorney since 2017. Her office employs five Assistant Criminal District Attorneys.
Kendall County Law Enforcement
The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) employs 110 employees, including 55 Deputies, two full-time transport officers, and 34 corrections officers. Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is located at the at 6 Staudt St, Boerne, Texas. The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is led by Sheriff Al Auxier. Sheriff Auxier’s duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Overseeing criminal investigations;
- Security for county and district court operations;
- Enforcing traffic laws, county ordinances, and state laws;
- Overseeing service of process;
- Accepting bail for prisoners in his custody;
- Conducting sales of seized and unclaimed properties; and
- Overseeing the operation of the county jail and is responsible for the prisoners.
The Boerne Police Department resides in Kendall County. Like the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, the Boerne Police Department makes its home in the city of Boerne and is located at 124 Old San Antonio Road. Chief of Police Steve Perez leads the Boerne Police Department.
The Boerne Police Department is dedicated to protecting the citizens of Boerne and upholding state and local laws. It is accredited by the Texas Chief of Police Association and staffed by 43 police officers.
Where Will My Case Be Tried?
Felony and misdemeanor criminal cases are heard at the Kendall County Courthouse located at 201 E. San Antonio Ave, Boerne, Texas 78006. Court is held in the second-floor courtrooms. Pretrial conferences are held several days a week, with jury trials typically held twice a month.
If you are scheduled for court in this county, remember the old saying, “Early is on time, and on time is late.” The courts start promptly at their scheduled times, and the Judge Cohoon doesn’t take lightly to tardiness.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are facing criminal charges, don't wait to take action in the interest of protecting your rights and future. That starts will contacting our team at Cofer & Connelly, PLLC. We are a trusted local law firm with a reputation for providing high-quality legal services. We will provide you with the personal attention you deserve and work tirelessly to help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Call our office at (512) 991-0576 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our criminal defense attorneys in Kendall County.
