Austin Military Service Member Criminal Defense Attorney
Strategic Defense for Active-Duty Service Members & Veterans
You’ve spent your career operating under a specific set of rules and expectations. When you find yourself facing the civilian criminal justice system in Texas, it can feel like landing in a foreign country without a map. Whether you are currently stationed at Fort Cavazos or live as a civilian in Austin, the stakes of a criminal charge are amplified by your service history. A conviction doesn't just threaten your freedom; it threatens your rank, your benefits, and the reputation you spent years building.
At Lance Kennedy Law, we understand the weight of what you are carrying. We provide focused, high-stakes criminal defense for those who serve or have served, specifically handling matters in Texas state and federal courts.
Here's why clients choose our service:
Former Federal Prosecutor. Insight into how agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF operate.
Former State Prosecutor. Experience handling over 50 jury trials in Texas courts.
U.S. Army Judge Advocate Service. This firsthand experience informs our work ethic, courtroom composure, and our deep respect for your situation.
Board Certified in Criminal Law. Two of our attorneys hold this distinction, reflecting significant trial experience and a high level of peer recognition in the Texas legal community.
Need immediate legal guidance? Contact Lance Kennedy Law today by calling (737) 324-7540 or send us a message through our online form to request your free confidential consultation. Se habla español.
Aligning Military Experience with Texas Civilian Courts
A common misconception is that any legal matter involving a service member automatically routes through a military judge advocate. However, if an agency like the Austin Police Department or the Travis County Sheriff initiates a charge, the matter is handled entirely within the civilian justice system.
To provide a strong defense, we focus our practice in local state and federal courtrooms rather than handling base-level military justice processes such as courts-martial. Criminal cases in Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties, as well as federal matters in the Western District of Texas, operate under distinct statutory rules, procedures, and local courtroom dynamics that require consistent courtroom involvement and focused attention.
While our founder, Lance Kennedy, spent 10 years serving as a U.S. Army Judge Advocate, our firm applies that structural discipline, preparation style, and courtroom composure to civilian criminal defense. If you are navigating an administrative matter on base, we can point you toward appropriate resources for those proceedings.
Understanding Your Options in Austin
In Austin and the surrounding counties, there are specific programs and legal frameworks designed for service members. These are not automatic exemptions from the law, but they are tools that, when utilized correctly within a defense strategy, can lead to outcomes that prioritize rehabilitation and the preservation of your record over simple punishment.
Veterans treatment courts. These programs focus on service-related issues like PTSD or traumatic brain injuries that may have contributed to the incident.
Mitigation and sentencing. We know how to present your service record to a prosecutor or judge in a way that provides context to the situation, rather than just an excuse.
Federal vs. State exposure. With our background as former federal and state prosecutors, we understand the nuances of cases that might draw interest from both local authorities and federal agencies.
We represent clients in a wide range of serious criminal matters. We understand that for a service member, even a "minor" misdemeanor can have major career implications.
DWI & Intoxication Offenses
A DWI in Texas can lead to a license suspension and jail time, but for a service member, it also triggers a chain of events within your unit. We work to mitigate the civilian legal damage while you manage the administrative side of your service.
Assault & Family Violence
Allegations of assault can lead to a permanent loss of your right to possess a firearm under the Lautenberg Amendment. This is often a career-ender for those in the military. We take these cases seriously, focusing on a thorough investigation of the facts.
Drug Offenses & Federal Charges
Whether it is a state-level possession charge or a complex federal drug conspiracy case, we have the experience to challenge the evidence. From illegal searches to issues with chain of custody, we look at every angle to protect your rights.
I appreciate his compassion and proactive strategy that got my son the best possible outcome.
“Lance took the time to talk to me explained the process and scenarios, he answered all my questions I felt completely confident he was the one we needed to represent my son.”
- Jenny B.
I highly recommend Lance for your legal needs.
“Lance Kennedy Law provided excellent service when I needed legal representation for a family member. Their communication was prompt, keeping me up to date on our case.”
- Sandy S.
All in all, I’d give him a 10/10! Great job!
“He was very professional, answered all my questions in a timely matter. Even on the same day”
The legal process is often slow and frustrating. We aim to change that experience by being accessible and direct.
Comprehensive review. We start by listening to your side of the story and reviewing every piece of evidence the government has against you.
Clear communication. We speak Spanish and offer clear, honest communication throughout the process. You will never be left wondering what the next step is.
Trial readiness. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial. When prosecutors know that we are ready and willing to go before a jury, it changes the nature of the negotiations.
Discretion. We understand the sensitive nature of your career. We work to resolve matters as quietly and efficiently as possible.
Protecting Your Future in Travis, Hays, & Williamson Counties
Our courtroom presence is not limited to just one local jurisdiction. While our main office is in Austin, Lance Kennedy Law serves clients throughout Travis, Hays, and Williamson Counties, and we maintain an active operational footprint across Texas with additional office locations in San Antonio and Frisco. We understand how local procedures and courtroom dynamics can shift from one county to the next, allowing us to adapt our strategy to the specific tendencies of local prosecutors and judges.
If you are a service member or veteran facing serious state or federal charges in Texas, do not leave your defense to someone who does not understand the discipline, structural realities, and stakes of your life. You have spent your career protecting others; now it is time to have a dedicated team protect your future.
Schedule your free consultation today with Lance Kennedy Law by calling (737) 324-7540. Se habla español.
If you were arrested for DWI, our firm can help you build a strategic defense to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Some common legal strategies include:
Unlawful traffic stops. Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over, such as speeding or swerving. If the DWI stop was unlawful, we can challenge the evidence against you and fight for dismissed or reduced charges.
Lack of probable cause. Law enforcement must have probable cause to arrest you for DWI. If the officer arrested you without sufficient evidence of intoxication, we can file a motion to suppress all evidence gathered after the arrest.
Improper field sobriety tests. Standardized tests like the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand are frequently used to establish probable cause, but are often subjective and influenced by outside factors. We challenge the administration and accuracy of FSTs to prove they were improperly conducted or inconclusive.
Inaccurate chemical test results. Breath and blood tests can be inaccurate due to improper calibration or operator error. Medical conditions like diabetes and acid reflux can also mimic intoxication and cause false positives. We can identify any testing errors to dismiss inadmissible evidence from your case.
If you were charged with DWI on I-610, your driver’s license may be suspended unless you request an administrative license revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days of your arrest. ALR cases are separate civil proceedings handled by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe can result in automatic license suspension, making it crucial to consult a knowledgeable DIW defense lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers can request an ALR hearing on your behalf and work tirelessly to restore your driving privileges.
No. While an aggravated DWI is not always a felony, it can elevate standard charges to a higher misdemeanor class or felony, depending on the specific aggravating factor involved.
We understand that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and stressful. As dedicated federal criminal defense attorney with years of experience, I am committed to providing personalized legal counsel for your defense. My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you have an ally to help get your life back.
1
Get a Free Case Review
Let’s discuss your case, your goals, and what strategies are right for you.
2
Resolve Your Case
I will lead you every step of the way. Together, we will fight for a dismissal.
3
Get Your Life Back
Work to get the best results possible so you can get your life back.
Choosing the right criminal defense attorney in Austin is an important decision. At Lance Kennedy Law, our criminal defense attorneys understand the weight of this choice and the trust you place in your legal representative. Our promise to you goes beyond just words, it’s a tangible commitment to excellence, transparency, and relentless advocacy as we navigate your case together.
