State & Federal Criminal Defense

in the Rio Grande Valley,

the State of Texas,

and United States Federal Courts

From DWI charges in Hidalgo County to Federal Indictments throughout the United States District Courts, we defend the accused with the preparation, experience, and resolve serious cases demand.

Juan Sonny Palacios Jr.

Patricia Palacios Love

Jose Munoz Jr.

Alonso Armendariz Jr.

Sommer Vanhook

Manuel Gutierrez

Julie Carcano

Patty Garza

Audrey Nicol Love

Ryan Cabrera

Orlando Barcena

C R I M I N A L D E F E N S E

An easy plea can carry a lifetime of consequences.

A criminal charge is a turning point. A conviction can take your liberty, your livelihood, your reputation, your right to vote, your ability to own a firearm, and your standing with the people who matter most to you. The system moves fast — and it does not move in your favor by default.

Our criminal defense practice exists to change that math. We investigate, we challenge, we negotiate, and when the case demands it, we try it.

The strongest defense is built in the first 72 hours.

The earlier we are in the case, the more we can do.

A R E A S O F D E F E N S E

State and federal cases across every category.

0 1

DWI & Intoxication Offenses

First-time and repeat DWI, intoxication assault, intoxication manslaughter, refusal cases, and ALR license suspension hearings.

0 2

Drug Offenses

Possession, distribution, conspiracy, manufacture, and delivery charges under state and federal controlled substances laws.

0 3

Federal Crimes

Federal indictments in the Southern District of Texas and throughout the United States — drug conspiracies, firearms charges, immigration offenses, money laundering, fraud.

0 4

Violent Crimes

Assault, aggravated assault, family violence, robbery, manslaughter, and homicide charges in state district courts.

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Sex Crimes

Sexual assault, indecency, online solicitation, and registration matters. Among the most serious charges a person can face — handled with the discretion they require.

0 6

White-Collar & Theft

Embezzlement, fraud, forgery, identity theft, money laundering, and theft offenses ranging from misdemeanor to first-degree felony.

0 7

Weapons Offenses

Unlawful possession of a firearm, felon in possession, prohibited weapons, and federal firearms charges including § 924(c) enhancements.

0 8

Juvenile Defense

Cases in the juvenile justice system, certifications, and the long-term consequences of a juvenile record on a young person's future.

0 9

Bond, Appeals & Post-Conviction

Bond reductions, motions to revoke, probation violations, direct appeals, and post-conviction relief including writs of habeas corpus.

W H E R E W E P R A C T I C E

From courts in the Rio Grande Valley to federal courts throughout the United States.

Hidalgo County    •    Starr County   •    Cameron County   •   State of Texas   •   United States Federal Court

I F Y O U ’ V E B E E N A R R E S T E D

The first 24 hours shape the case.

What you say — and don't say — to law enforcement in the first day after an arrest often matters more than anything that happens at trial.

You have the right to remain silent. Use it.

Police are trained to obtain statements that can be used against you. They are permitted to use deception. They are not your friend in that moment, regardless of how the conversation feels.

If you are reading this for someone who was just arrested, the most important thing you can do is get them an attorney before they speak to investigators. Call us. We will help

Know Your Rights

0 1

Remain silent. Tell officers you are invoking your right to remain silent.

0 2

Ask for a lawyer. Do not waive that right under any circumstances.

0 3

Do not consent to a search of your person, vehicle, home, or phone.

0 4

Do not sign anything without an attorney present.

0 5

Do not discuss your case on a jail phone — calls are recorded.

0 6

Do not post on social media. Anything posted can be used as evidence.

Client Testimonials.

  • M. Perez

    I’m very pleased with Mr. Sonny Palacios and his entire team for being with me every step of the way throughout my case. They handled everything with professionalism, dedication, and care.

    If you need an attorney, I highly recommend Mr. Palacios, he truly goes above and beyond. He not only fought for me but also made payment arrangements that worked with my situation, which showed just how much he cares about his clients. I have nothing but a heart full of gratitude.

    Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with how everything was handled, thank you again for everything!

  • M. Brown

    Sonny and his staff are the absolute BEST! Very professional and respectful. I am very grateful for Sonny’s and his staff's dedication. Thank you very much!!

    If you want a GREAT lawyer, I highly recommend.

  • S. Rodriguez

    Sonny Palacios is the absolute best! He is very professional and helpful. His staff is kind and efficient! I recommend his office to anyone needing the best attorney in town!

    Being sued is very stressful. My appointment was set for the same morning I called and I walked out feeling immediate relief.

  • A. Brown

    Knowledgeable, dedicated and witty! These words don’t do justice to what an amazing attorney Sonny Palacios is!

    Thank you, Sonny and your staff, for all your hard work and dedication! Blessings!

  • A. Hernandez

    Best attorney.

    Highly recommend Mr. Palacios, he helped my husband and I with our cases and we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.

  • V. López

    Excelente abogado hace su trabajó muy bien!!

    Son muy atentos el y todo su Staff siembre disponibles cuando los nesecitas lo recomiendo para todo a quel que busca un buen abogado.

  • P. Mares

    Best lawyer, highly recommended.

  • A. Rodriguez

    Best outcome I could have asked for. Thank you Sonny for your dedication and hard work.

  • N. Pena

    Nobody else I'd rather go to!

    Staff is super friendly and helpful, always organized and never seen a flaw in their work!

    I highly recommend them! I put my stamp on it.

  • G. Chavez

    Sonny and his staff have been more than helpful and have given me the peace of mind I needed during such a difficult time.

    He always answers my calls and his staff is constantly giving me updates on my case.

  • P. Ramirez

    Satisfied with everyone at this office, Lawyer goes above and beyond for his clients. Staff is amazing and always very helpful when I had questions.

    Recommend him to anyone needing a lawyer!

  • E. Elizondo

    Going through a divorce was one of the most emotionally challenging experiences of my life, but having Sonny Palacios by my side made all the difference. From the very first consultation, I felt heard, respected, and supported. My attorney and their team treated me not just as a client, but as a human being navigating a deeply personal transition.

    Thanks to their guidance, I was able to close one chapter of my life with dignity and step into the next with hope. I can’t recommend Sonny Palacios enough to anyone going through a difficult separation. They don’t just handle cases—they help people heal.

  • J. Ovasquez

    Excelente abogado.

  • M. De Leon

    Friendly staff.