Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist

Not All Criminal Defense Lawyers Are Created Equal.

When you’re charged with a crime in Texas—whether it’s DWI, assault, drug possession, sexual offense, family violence, or worse—you don’t need a warm body in a suit. You need a warrior in your corner. A strategist. A courtroom veteran. A Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist.

Because your future deserves more than just “good enough.”

What Does It Mean to Be Board Certified in Criminal Law?

The Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) awards the title of “Board Certified in Criminal Law” to fewer than 1% of licensed attorneys in the entire state. That’s right—out of over 100,000 lawyers in Texas, only a select few have earned the right to call themselves specialists in criminal defense.
This isn’t some participation trophy.

This is proof.
Proof that your lawyer didn’t just dabble in criminal law—but mastered it. Proof that they’ve tried real cases, qualified to even sit for the examination by exhibiting the necessary threshold of experience and practice, passed a brutal six-hour exam, been vetted by judges and peers, and shown exceptional competence, ethics, and professionalism.

The Road to Board Certification: It Isn’t Easy—and That’s the Point.

To become Board Certified in Criminal Law in Texas, a lawyer must:

• Have at least five years of full-time legal practice, with a minimum of three years focused on criminal law.
• Have handled a significant number of felony and misdemeanor trials, motion hearings, and plea negotiations
• Be recommended by judges and fellow attorneys who know their skill, ethics, and courtroom presence
• Pass a grueling day-long written exam that tests every corner of Texas criminal law
• Maintain ongoing legal education and re-certify every five years

This process separates the pretenders from the professionals. It weeds out the ones who wouldn’t last a round in a real courtroom.

Why Hire a Board Certified Criminal Lawyer in San Antonio or Bexar County?

Because your freedom is worth everything.

Because you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re trusting someone with your life.

When prosecutors are coming at you with everything they’ve got… when your reputation, your job, your license, even your liberty are on the line… would you hire someone who’s “learning as they go?”

Or would you hire a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, an expert in criminal law.?

Hiring a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law means you’re getting someone who’s:

• Respected by judges and feared by prosecutors
• Tested in trial and fluent in strategy
• Focused 100% on criminal defense—not distracted by divorces, contracts, or wills
• Trained to spot weaknesses in the state’s case that others miss

“A specialist knows the terrain because he’s fought the battle.”

Gerry Spence once said, “I would rather have a seasoned, battle-scarred fighter by my side than someone who just read about combat in a book.”

The same is true in criminal defense. When it’s you versus the government, you want a lawyer who has walked through fire, who has won in the trenches, and who knows how to win again.

Board Certification tells you this lawyer isn’t just good at talking—they’re good at fighting.

Who I Am—and Why It Matters

I’m Mario Del Prado, a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist with over 35 years of experience in Texas criminal courts. I’ve served as the Chief of the Major Crimes Division, and the Criminal Trial Division for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. I’ve tried hundreds of criminal cases, and I’ve won acquittals, dismissals, and reductions in charges that others said were impossible.
Now, I fight for you.

What Does a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

When you’re facing criminal charges, every decision feels monumental. The uncertainty, fear, and pressure reach new heights. You need to know that your attorney has the skill and expertise to stand between you and a life-changing outcome. That’s where a board certified criminal defense attorney like Mario Del Prado steps in, bringing decades of experience, deep local knowledge, and specialized expertise to guide you to safer ground.

The Value of Board Certification

To understand what makes a board certified criminal defense attorney distinct, consider this: board certification is not handed out lightly. It is a mark of exceptional achievement, testifying to years of courtroom success, ongoing legal education, and the recognition of a lawyer’s expertise by peers and judges. In Texas, the Board of Legal Specialization awards this credential only to attorneys who have demonstrated complete command of criminal defense law and a proven commitment to ethical advocacy.

When you hire Mario Del Prado, you hire a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist with over 35 years of experience as both a prosecutor and a defender. Each case is built on a foundation of mastery developed through thousands of hours in trial courts, including the most high-stakes matters—capital murder, sexual assault, and federal crimes. This is expertise forged under pressure, deployed to protect your freedom.

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

A criminal defense attorney is your shield, your strategist, and your voice throughout the legal process. From day one, their job is to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair treatment under the law. But this description only scratches the surface.

Here’s what you can expect when an experienced lawyer takes your case:

• Case Review and Investigation: Your attorney investigates every detail of the charges against you, searching for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and unearthing evidence that supports your innocence.
• Legal Guidance: They explain the charges, possible outcomes, and legal options in plain language so you can make informed decisions. This guidance is particularly crucial when facing allegations with the potential for long-term consequences, such as assault or drug offenses.
• Defense Strategy: A board certified attorney builds a customized strategy tailored to the facts, witnesses, and local court procedures, leveraging years of experience with judges and prosecutors in San Antonio and Bexar County.
• Negotiation and Representation: Whether negotiating for reduced charges or fighting for your acquittal at trial, your attorney stands as a relentless advocate, refusing to let your voice be lost in the system.
• Support Through Crisis: Legal battles take a toll both emotionally and mentally. Your attorney provides reassurance, direction, and unwavering support at every stage.

As Mario Del Prado often says, “When your liberty is on the line, there is no substitute for focused, determined advocacy.”

Why Board Certification Matters for Serious Charges

When the stakes are highest—when you’re accused of murder, a sexual offense, or federal crimes—not just any lawyer will do. Board certification proves a level of advanced trial skill, knowledge of the law, and commitment to excellence that ordinary credentials cannot guarantee.

In Bexar County and the greater San Antonio region, the legal landscape is as complex as the cases themselves. Judges have their preferences. Prosecutors test every weakness. A board certified criminal defense attorney draws from deep local experience, anticipating challenges and adjusting tactics on the fly. This can mean the difference between a guilty verdict and an acquittal, between a lengthy prison sentence and a chance to rebuild your life.

Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you’re asking whether to hire a criminal defense attorney, you already understand the seriousness of your situation. The answer is simple: when your freedom, reputation, and future are at risk, you need an advocate whose skill and commitment match the gravity of your case.

• Do not attempt to navigate the system alone. Laws are complex, and one mistake can have consequences that last for years.
• Prosecutors will build their strongest cases against you—their goal is not to protect your interests.
• You may qualify for alternatives, reductions, or even a dismissal, but only if your lawyer knows how and when to fight for these outcomes.

“With over 35 years defending the accused, there are no surprises in the courtroom—only opportunities to protect your rights when you’re prepared,” Mario Del Prado reminds his clients. That preparation and skill are what set board certified criminal defense lawyers apart.

The Del Prado Law Difference

At Del Prado Law, every client receives personal attention and battle-tested defense strategies. From high-profile murder cases to sensitive sexual assault or drug charges, our approach is rooted in decades of courtroom victories and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Mario Del Prado’s service as a former prosecutor and Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist brings rare perspective and robust negotiation power. You’ll never wonder where your case stands or whether you’re getting the protection you deserve—here, your rights and your future come first.

Take the Next Step to Protect Your Freedom

Choosing the right criminal defense attorney in San Antonio or Bexar County could decide everything about your future. Don’t settle for less than tested, board certified expertise. When the stakes are high and hope feels uncertain, you need a defender whose reputation is built on winning when it matters most.

Trust Del Prado Law to stand in your corner, fight for your liberty, and guide you toward safe shores. If you or a loved one faces charges, speak with us today. Let’s put experience, focus, and determination on your side— where they matter most.

Call to Action:
If you’ve been charged with a crime in San Antonio or Bexar County, you’re already up against the odds.
Don’t take another step without the right guide.

Call Del Prado Law Firm today. Let a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist stand beside you—someone who has the training, experience, and firepower to fight for your future.

📞 Call (210) 663-3750
📍 Serving San Antonio & Bexar County, Texas
🕒 Free Consultations Available