Intoxication Assault Defense in McAllen
Former State & Federal Prosecutor Defending Intoxication Assault Charges
A collision investigation can quickly become a felony prosecution involving chemical testing, medical evidence, crash analysis, and disputed questions of causation. Texas uses the term Intoxication Assault when someone is accused of causing serious bodily injury while operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated.
This isn’t an ordinary DWI allegation. The State must establish intoxication and serious bodily injury, then prove that the alleged intoxication caused the injury. An early defense review may examine officer observations, blood or breath testing, witness accounts, vehicle damage, roadway evidence, and medical records.
Call (956) 594-5607 to discuss an Intoxication Assault investigation or arrest during a free initial case review.
Defense Led by Former Prosecutor Rolando Cantu
Our attorney, Rolando Cantu, is a former state and federal prosecutor with more than 15 years of experience handling serious criminal cases. That background informs how we evaluate the evidence, identify disputed facts, and anticipate the prosecution’s theory.
At Law Office of Rolando D. Cantu, clients work directly with Rolando Cantu throughout the legal process. We provide one-on-one attention, clear communication, and defense planning based on the facts and evidence in each case.
How We Assess an Intoxication Assault Accusation
We begin by identifying the exact allegations, the available evidence, and the issues that require further investigation. Although Vehicular Assault is sometimes used as a general description, Texas Penal Code Section 49.07 governs this charge.
Our assessment may address:
- Intoxication evidence: The timing, collection, handling, and interpretation of blood, breath, or other chemical tests.
- Officer observations: Reports, recordings, field sobriety testing, and statements attributed to the accused.
- Crash evidence: Vehicle damage, roadway conditions, witness accounts, and available reconstruction analysis.
- Causation: Whether the evidence connects the alleged intoxication to the collision and resulting injury.
- Injury evidence: Whether the medical information supports the statutory definition of serious bodily injury.
- Constitutional issues: The legality of the detention, arrest, search, blood draw, and seizure of evidence.
The defense strategy may change as discovery, medical records, witness information, or technical analysis becomes available. We keep clients informed while evaluating pretrial motions, negotiations, and trial preparation in light of new evidence.
Client Testimonials
Experience Clients Can Count On
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“From start to finish, he guided me, answered every question, and always returned my calls quickly.”- Robert M.
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“His unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy transformed my circumstances, guiding me towards a brighter future.”- F. S.
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“We've had a great experience with Mr. Cantu, he is very knowledgeable and very efficient. He's always ahead and works hard.”- Annie L.
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“If you are looking for an HONEST attorney who gets the results you need, is with you through the whole legal process, and answers all your calls, Mr. Cantu is the attorney for you.”- Victor G.
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“They are very professional and always answer your calls. Any legal issue is not always pleasant, but they make the experience as pleasant as possible.”- Luis T.
Native to the Rio Grande Valley, Rolando Cantu was born in Weslaco, Texas, and raised in Mercedes, Texas. He attended the University of Texas-Pan American. Through his hard work and diligence, he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. Driven by his passion for becoming a qualified and licensed lawyer by profession, Rolando Cantu continued his studies with zeal and focus at Thurgood Marshall School of Law-Texas Southern University. He graduated Cum Laude and successfully earned his Juris Doctorate Degree, before becoming a licensed lawyer in 2006.
Upon earning his J.D., he was hired by the Thirteenth District Court of Appeals to serve as a Briefing Attorney to Chief Justice Rogelio Valdez. Rolando Cantu was a valuable addition. He performed in-depth research and drafted hundreds of opinions for both civil and criminal appellate matters. This further contributed to his practical understanding of State law.
His passion for criminal defense got him the opportunity to serve as an Assistant District Attorney for the County of Hidalgo. He served for eight years, where he prosecuted hundreds of cases, including capital murder, aggravated robbery, assault, burglary of a habitation, felony theft, sexual offenses, intoxicated assault, and driving while intoxicated. Most recently, Rolando Cantu served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas-McAllen Division.