Ernest Acevedo III
Experience & Expertise
Born and raised in San Antonio, Ernest attended St. Mary’s University and Harvard Law School. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1994, Ernest had the opportunity to begin his career at any number of prestigious law firms throughout the country but chose to return to San Antonio and join his father in private practice. Ernest immediately embraced his role as a criminal defense attorney and began to build a reputation for himself in the legal community.
Ernest served as president of the Mexican American Bar Association from 1997-1998 and president of the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association for 2002-2003. His experience, knowledge and litigation skills have allowed him to achieve favorable results for his clients. Ernest remains dedicated to defending the rights of citizens charged with crimes throughout the State of Texas.
Education
- Harvard Law School, 1994 Juris Doctor
- St. Mary’s University, 1991 Bachelor of Arts
- Texas Bar Admission: 1994
- Western Federal District Admission: 2012
Awards & Honors
- Recipient of the Mexican American Bar Association of San Antonio’s President’s Award of Excellence, 1998
Distinguished Positions
- President of the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2002-2003
- President of the Mexican American Bar Association of San Antonio, 1997-1998
Professional Associations
- Member of San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Member of National College of DUI Defense
- Member of Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Member of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member of Mexican American Bar Association of San Antonio
Professional Speaking Engagements
- Top Shelf DWI: Standard Field Sobriety Tests, Don’t Believe the Hype 2018 DWI Expert Lecture Series
- Cross Examination of the Breath Test Expert Conference: Stuart Kinard Memorial Advanced DWI Seminar 2010
- DWI Things Every Lawyer Should Know Conference: 47th Annual Criminal Law Institute 2010
- Cross Examination of the Arresting Officer Conference: SACDLA Ultimate Cross Examination Seminar 2010
- Effective Jury Selection In DWI Cases Conference: How to Try a DWI in Bexar County 2008
- Cross Examination of the Technical Supervisor Conference: Stuart Kinard Memorial Advanced DWI Seminar 2008
- Examining Field Sobriety Testing Conference: Advanced DWI Seminar 2007
- Breath Testing Defenses Conference: 43rd Annual Criminal Law Institute 2006
- Cross Examination of the Technical Supervision Conference: Top Gun DWI Seminar 2006
- Field Sobriety Testing Conference: How to Try a DWI in Bexar County 2005
- Technical Supervisor Cross Examination Conference: Advanced DWI Seminar 2005
How Ernest approaches your defense
A defense begins with understanding your account, the accusation, and what is at stake for you. The work that follows is shaped by the evidence and the legal issues in your case.
Listen and identify priorities
Discuss the events, your concerns, custody status, and approaching deadlines. Identify records and witnesses that may help clarify what happened.
Examine the evidence
Review available reports, recordings, witness statements, and testing. Consider whether the investigation, stop, search, or questioning raises issues that can be challenged.
Evaluate the available options
Assess potential motions, negotiations, and trial strategy. Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the case and the consequences of the choices ahead.
Prepare for the next stage
Build the presentation needed for hearings or trial, including witness examination and challenges to the prosecution’s proof. Keep the defense focused on the circumstances of your case.
A family practice
The firm dates to 1976, when former judge Ernest Acevedo Jr. established the practice. Ernest Acevedo III continues its criminal defense work today.
Jonathan Alvarado
San Antonio roots. Experience in prosecution and the courtroom.
Background & Education
Jonathan Alvarado was born and raised in San Antonio. After graduating from Churchill High School, he attended Cornell University, where he obtained a double major in History and Government. While at Cornell, Jonathan was a member of the heavyweight rowing team, competing in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championship during his junior and senior years.
After graduating from Cornell, Jonathan attended the University of Houston Law Center. While in law school, he was active on the mock trial team and was granted membership in the Order of the Barristers for his achievements.
Prosecution & Courtroom Experience
After law school, Jonathan became an Assistant District Attorney at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. From 2019–2022, he served as a prosecutor in Harris County, handling every type of misdemeanor as well as a wide array of felony offenses.
In 2022, Jonathan returned home to San Antonio, becoming an Assistant District Attorney at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. From 2022–2025, he worked in the Criminal Trial Division (CTD) and the Intake Division, handling all types of felony CTD offenses, from assault to murder.
Joining the Firm
After leaving the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office in 2025, Jonathan joined the Ernest Acevedo Law Group. In 2025, he was also hired by Bexar County as a part-time Associate Judge, working at the Bexar County jail as a Magistrate Judge.