​WARNING: DO NOT PAY EXTRA FOR THIS FIRM ($7,500 MISTAKE) ​I paid $7,500 to Michael & Associates for a first-time DWI defense, assuming a premium fee meant a premium defense and proactive communication. Instead, I got a garbage experience, terrible communication, and the same standardized punishment a cheap or court-appointed attorney would have gotten me. Save your money. UPDATE: After posting this, a third-party reputation management company called me trying to handle the damage. Notice how this page suddenly flooded with corporate responses to old reviews right after I posted? They are trying to bury this. They will spend money on PR cleanup, but still refuse to give me an itemized receipt of the work they did for $7,500. ​THE REALITY OF THEIR "REPRESENTATION" ​HORRIFIC COMMUNICATION: I was never clearly explained my options. I asked the assistant basic questions (like doing jail time instead of probation because I was moving out of state) and never got an answer. ​UNCLEAR PLEA TERMS: I didn't know what I was agreeing to until the actual day in court. I thought "probation deferred" meant it dropped if I stayed out of trouble; it actually meant deferring jail for a year of strict probation. ​LATE TO COURT: On my court date, my attorney was late. Everyone else's lawyer was there, and I had to frantically message his assistant just to see if he was showing up. ​DISASTROUS ERRORS THAT COST ME A WARRANT & $1,000: ​Because the case dragged out two years after the incident, I had already moved to another state. The attorney handled early hearings without me but failed to clearly communicate that I HAD to be there in person for the final one. Because he didn't ensure I understood, I missed the date, a warrant was issued for my arrest, and I lost my $1,000 bond. ​A WINNABLE CASE SETTLED FOR THE ABSOLUTE STANDARD: ​My case had multiple strong mitigating factors that a decent attorney should have fought with: ​SHADY BAC NUMBERS: I blew a 0.06 at the scene. Blood taken an hour later conveniently registered exactly a 0.08. ​THE THC EXCUSE: They found legal hemp-act THC in my system from weeks prior (I hadn't used that day). The attorney refused to argue it, claiming it made the case a "no go." ​MEDICAL EVIDENCE: I provided a doctor's note explaining a prescription medication that causes balance issues. It was ignored. ​THE $15,000 BOTTOM LINE: ​For a first-time misdemeanor offense with no prior record, I was handed the (presumably) maximum standard punishment. This ordeal cost me my six-figure job and roughly $15,000 overall, including: - ​1 year probation - 40 hours community service. - ​An Interlock device for a year (massive fees, plus Intoxalock's system hack left my car immobilized for weeks). - ​20 hours of out-of-pocket Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP) [they lost my first $350 substance survey - so I had to do a 2nd on my own for a double charge] -​Massive, ongoing out-of-state drug testing fees, a ~$350 MADD video, and a ~$500+ state class. ​MY REQUESTS MADE TO MICHAEL & ASSOCIATES ​I have repeatedly asked this firm's assistants for a detailed accounting of what work, what negotiations, and what actual representation they did to justify $7,500. I have received total silence. They seemingly did nothing but accept the prosecutor's very first standard offer and pocket my money. Do not hire them. read more

I was falsely accused of assault and hired Michael & Associates in San Antonio, Texas to represent me. From the beginning, my attorney, Kaytlyn Knowles, was outstanding. She was professional, dedicated, and relentless in gathering the facts and information needed to build a strong defense on my behalf. Kaytlyn and her assistant, Lori, were always available to answer my questions, provide updates, and make sure I understood what was happening throughout the entire process. Their communication and commitment helped ease a very stressful situation. During my case, I learned that Kaytlyn is not only a knowledgeable and experienced attorney, but also someone with strong relationships and a deep understanding of the court system. She knows how to advocate for her clients, negotiate effectively, and fight for the best possible outcome. I am extremely grateful for Kaytlyn, Lori, and the entire Michael & Associates team. Their professionalism, dedication, and support made a difficult experience much easier to navigate. I highly recommend Kaytlyn Knowles to anyone looking for an attorney who truly cares about her clients and will work hard on their behalf. read more

Michael & Associates has been amazing from start to finish, they helped me understand what had happen, and exactly how they were going to help me with it. I had needed a defensive attorney to help with a DUI charge. They took care of everything, all I needed to do was give them the most bare information I had. From the first day to the very last day, they kept in touch, explained what I needed to do, and what I didn't need to do. For my outcome, they are completely worth the value. I highly recommend them, I've told friends, family, the works, about the type of professionalism, shoot the communcation is what really sold me. A personal text line with all the information you can ask, if you're worried, or something happens along the way, you inform them, and they are there! Between Lori and Kaytlyn, I never felt as if I didn't know what was happening with my case. And in the end, a dismissal. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome, and Kaytlyn and her team 100% provided that. read more

If you're looking for an outstanding criminal defense attorney, I highly recommend Marissa Giovenco and her team. From the very beginning, Marissa and her assistant, Orange, were professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. They took the time to answer every question and made sure I understood the process every step of the way. What impressed me most was Marissa's experience and her strong professional relationships within the Bexar County justice system. Her knowledge and familiarity with how the local system works proved to be incredibly valuable. The best possible outcome was achieved-my case was dismissed before my first court appearance. I couldn't be more grateful for the representation I received. If you need a criminal defense attorney who is dedicated, effective, and truly cares about her clients, I highly recommend Marissa Giovenco and Orange. Thank You, Ken read more

I had an excellent experience with Michael & Associates from start to finish. The entire team was professional, responsive, and made what could have been a very stressful process much easier to navigate. A special thank you to Kara, my legal assistant, who was always kind, organized, and quick to answer my questions. She kept me informed every step of the way and made sure I always knew what to expect. I also want to recognize Attorney Janie Martin for her professionalism, knowledge, and dedication. She took the time to explain everything clearly, fought for the best possible outcome, and made me feel confident that I was in good hands. If you're looking for a law firm that truly cares about its clients and provides outstanding communication and representation, I highly recommend Michael & Associates. Thank you to Kara, Janie Martin, and the entire team for your hard work and support! read more

I can't say enough good things about this law office. From the very beginning, they treated me with kindness, respect, and genuine compassion. They took the time to listen to my concerns, explained everything clearly, and always made me feel like I mattered--not just another case. Going through a legal situation can be overwhelming, but their professionalism, communication, and dedication gave me confidence every step of the way. They were responsive, honest, and truly fought for the best outcome for me. I'm incredibly grateful for everything they did and for the support they provided during such a difficult time. If you're looking for a law office that genuinely cares about its clients and works hard on your behalf, I highly recommend them. Thank you for making a stressful experience so much easier. read more

I recently had the pleasure of having Janie Martin as my attorney in fighting my DWI case. I can conclude that she is absolutely the best attorney that money can buy. Most definitely the best money I have ever spent in my life. If you want to win then you need a winner and Janie is a hard worker and a winner. She worked hard to get my court fees reduced from $6000 to $0 and probation time from 24 to 12 months which was miraculous. She answered all of my questions and helped me through every step of the process. If you're looking for a lawyer, do yourself a favor and spend the money so you can leave your worries behind and mistakes in the past. Janie Martin has your back and will do her best for you to help you move on in life as quickly and effectively as possible! read more

Absolutely incredible experience with Michael and associates. I had the unfortunate experience of having a family member be facing criminal charges and I was worried beyond belief. Michael and associates however greatly put me at ease. From the beginning they heard me out and listened and explained every thing possible. My family member ended up having his charge dismissed and I was ecstatic to be over such a nightmare. I greatly appreciate the weekly updates at the same time every week on the case - was never in the dark. Cannot recommend Michael And Associates enough! read more

I had a great experience with this law firm. From the start, the team was professional, responsive, and genuinely focused on my situation. They took the time to explain my options clearly and guided me through each step without confusion or pressure. Ultimately, their work led to a favorable outcome, and I'm very grateful for the outcome and the care I received along the way. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for knowledgeable, dedicated legal representation. read more

Mr. Pate was amazing! My son was facing serious felony charges and Mr. Pate was able to keep him from being sent to prison. I'm very grateful and thankful for all he has done for my son! Mr. Pate was always there to support us the entire time and highly recommend him. If you need an amazing lawyer that knows what he needs to do to help you then don't hesitate and hire Mr. Pate like my son did! He truly saved my son's life and future! Thanks again Mr. Pate!!! read more

Michael's and Associates are great attorneys Christina was my attorney Christina King, is she done an excellent job everything I wanted done she got done. She was well organized and explained everything to where I could understand if you able to find yourself on the wrong side of the law I suggest using Michael and Associates. I can't thank them enough for keeping me out of jail read more

Attorney Ryan is exceptional. It took them two weeks to have my entire case dismissed. Their communication was very clear and professional. I highly recommend their services. 10 out of 10!! read more