Joseph Hoelscher

Vigilant representation for Texas families - CPS, Child Welfare, and Criminal

17 years of experience

Texas, Federal Western District of Texas

Joe Hoelscher is an award-winning criminal and family law trial lawyer whose dedication to vigorously defending his clients has earned him national recognition. Having been involved with the legal system since his mother’s disappearance and murder in 1986, Joe knows how tough court is on clients and families in need of legal assistance. As a result, he has dedicated his law practice to helping his clients navigate the legal system so they can gain closure and find peace. Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda PLLC’s holistic approach to client services frequently involves the use of experts and counselors to help clients develop their case while overcoming the problems that led them to be involved with the legal system, whether in civil, criminal, or CPS court. Hoelscher has deliberately staffed his office with successful professionals who share in the experience of having been in court as litigants, victims, and witnesses so they can better understand their clients’ needs. As a result, he has successfully represented clients in high-profile civil and criminal cases, as well as precedent setting cases. Joe is a published author, frequent speaker at legal seminars, and media commentator on legal matters. He advocates a client-centered approach to legal representation and aggressive trial-oriented approach to the law. Joe is a native San Antonian, graduate of MacArthur High School, with three graduate degrees from St. Mary’s University and Baylor Law School. While practicing throughout Texas, he lives in San Antonio with his wife, Melissa, and three kids, Louisa, Cecilia, and Wolfgang. He supports a variety of social causes through his pro bono legal work which focuses on children’s issues, the rights of indigent accused persons, and First and Second Amendment issues.

Family Law
Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father’s Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
DUI & DWI
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights , Victims Rights
Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
Juvenile Law

Video Conferencing FaceTime Google Meet Skype Zoom
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Free consultations offered for criminal and DWI cases. Consultations for CPS investigations and CPS legal cases require a $250 consultation fee.
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Texas
Since 2007
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Languages

  • English:
    Spoken, Written
  • Spanish:
    Spoken, Written

Managing Member
Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda PLLC
2018 –

Current

Trial counsel for criminal, DWI, child welfare, and family cases.
Managing Member
Hoelscher Gebbia PLLC
2017 –

2018

Attorney/Owner
Hoelscher Law Office
2007 –

2017

Owner of a small law firm focused on DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) Defense, Criminal Defense, Trial Advocacy, and Family Law.
Law Clerk
54th District Court of Texas
2006 –

2007

Law clerk for Judge George Allen. Performed legal research related to felony trials and suppression issues, briefed issues related to various major felonies, including capital cases. Coordinated with criminal attorneys for expenses and motions. Handled DNA exoneration claims and prisoner correspondence.
Law Clerk
Goldstein Goldstein & Hilley
2005 –

2005

Legal research and writing for an internationally recognized criminal defense law firm. Cases included state and federal criminal trial preparation and significant research, writing, and exhibit preparation related to Capital writs. Performed work for both named partners and the senior appellate associate.
Assistant Director of Forensics
St. Mary’s University
1998 –

2002

Instructed nationally recognized students in speech and debate, including world championship preparation. Guest lectured in Persuasion and Public speaking courses. Conducted proprietary research in the area of layperson decision making between adversarial parties. Developed educational materials for use in university-level courses.
Director of Forensics
Texas Military Institute
1999 –

2001

Lead a nationally competitive speech and debate team, placing a student in the Top 10 in the USA 2 years in a row. Awarded Texas State Champion Coach by the Texas Forensics Association. Taught classes in logic, rhetoric, and public speaking.
Baylor Law School
J.D. (2006) | Law
2003


2006

Honors: Dean’s Academic Scholarship, Order of Barristers, 2nd Place National Criminal Procedure Tournament
Activities: Advocacy Program
Baylor Law School Logo
St. Mary’s University
M.A. (2002) | Communication Studies, International Relations
1998


2002

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St. Mary’s University
B.A. (1998) | Political Science
1995


1998

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Texas Super Lawyers – Criminal Defense
Texas Monthly Magazine
2023
Texas Super Lawyers – Family Law
Texas Monthly Magazine
2022
Texas Super Lawyers – Family Law
Texas Monthly Magazine
2021
DWI Trial Warrior
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association
2020
Client Service – Gold
Martindale-Hubbel
2019

Top DWI Lawyers
SA Scene Magazine
2019
San Antonio’s Top Lawyers
SA Scene Magazine
2019
Criminal Defense, DWI, and White Collar Defense categories
Top 100 – Criminal Defense
National Trial Lawyers
2019
Top 30 DWI Lawyers
SA Scene Magazine
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
National Trial Lawyers
2017
Top 30 DWI lawyers
SA Scene Magazine
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 30 Criminal Lawyers
SA Scene Magazine
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top Family Lawyers
SA Scene Magazine
2015
Client Distinction
Martindale Hubbel
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
National Trial Lawyers
2014
Best Lawyers of 2014
SA Scene Magazine
2014
Top 30 Criminal Lawyers in San Antonio
SA Scene Magazine
2014
Best Lawyers of 2013
SA Scene Magazine
2013

Texas Association of Family Defense Attorneys

Member
2022 –
Current
Activities: Legislative Committee
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Texas Association of Cannabis Lawyers

Founding Member
2017 –
Current
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Pro Bono College of The State Bar of Texas

Member
2016 –
Current
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Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association

Board of Directors
2009 –
Current
Activities: Judicial Conduct Committee (2020-Present), Media Relations Committee (2020-Present), Vice-Chair Cannabis Committee (2022-Present), Board of Directors (2020-Present)
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College of the State Bar of Texas

Member
2009 –
Current
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National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member
2009 –
Current
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San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association

Member
2007 –
Current
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Articles & Publications
Texas Drunk Driving Law
LexisNexis/Matthew Bender
October, 2023
Texas Drunk Driving Law
LexisNexis/Matthew Bender
2020
Texas Drunk Driving Law
LexisNexis
2019
Texas Drunk Driving Law
Lexis Nexis/Matthew Bender
2018
Texas Drunk Driving Law
LexisNexis
2017

Speedy Trial: Punishing the State for Making Us Wait
Voice For The Defense Magazine(Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
November, 2015
Sealing Criminal Records
San Antonio Defender Magazine
2012

Certifications

Legal Aspects of Analytical Testing in Intoxication Cases in Texas
Education Forensics, LLC


HGC Law
SAN ANTONIO
909 NE LOOP 410
STE 500
San Antonio, TX 78209
US
Telephone: (210) 222-9132
Fax: (888) 519-8229
Monday: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed (Today)
Sunday: Closed
Notice: Appointments may be made after hours or on weekends depending upon availability.

Free Consultation
Joseph Hoelscher

(210) 222-9132