What does a criminal defense attorney review before advising on a plea or trial strategy?

He reviews all police reports, evidence logs, and witness statements to assess what the prosecution can factually prove, then identifies any procedural or evidentiary problems that affect the strength of their case.

How does a former prosecutor's background change how defense strategy is developed?

Having worked on the prosecution side in Tom Green County, Eric Oden understands which cases prosecutors believe they can win, what evidence they consider essential, and where their case-building methods are most likely to produce errors that can be challenged.

What happens if someone is facing a charge where prison time is genuinely likely?

Defense representation still matters—the goal shifts to identifying every available avenue to reduce charges, negotiate sentencing terms, or challenge procedural violations that may affect the outcome at sentencing.

How are motions to suppress evidence used in a criminal case?

When police collected evidence through an unlawful search, an improperly executed warrant, or a statement taken without proper advisement of rights, a suppression motion asks the court to exclude that evidence from trial, which can significantly weaken the prosecution's position.

What should someone do immediately after being charged in San Angelo?

Avoid making statements to law enforcement or investigators without an attorney present, and contact a defense attorney before your first court appearance—early representation allows for case review before positions harden and before prosecutors finalize their charging decisions.

Criminal Defense

The Law Office of Eric Oden represents clients in San Angelo from first-time misdemeanor charges through the most serious felonies, including murder. Eric Oden answers his own phone and returns calls the same day whenever possible—because the earliest decisions in a criminal case often have the most lasting consequences. His practice is built entirely around criminal defense, which means every call, every case file, and every court appearance stays focused on one area of law.

Tom Green County's courthouse handles a consistent volume of criminal charges. Eric Oden spent years in that same system as a Tom Green County prosecutor, which means he understands how cases are built before they reach the defense table—what evidence prosecutors rely on, which weaknesses they rarely acknowledge, and how the local judges and opposing attorneys approach their work. That perspective shapes how he analyzes your situation from day one.

Schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Eric Oden to go over your charges and understand what your defense options actually look like.

Criminal defense begins with a thorough review of everything the prosecution has: police reports, evidence logs, witness statements, and any recorded interactions. Eric Oden evaluates what the prosecution can actually prove, identifies gaps or procedural errors in how evidence was gathered, and then advises on whether a plea negotiation or trial preparation is the stronger path for your specific situation.

After that initial analysis, you'll have a clear picture of where the case stands. Charges that appeared straightforward often have procedural problems—an officer who exceeded the scope of a search, a statement taken without proper advisement, or a witness account that contradicts physical evidence. When those problems exist, they create negotiating leverage or grounds for suppression motions that can change the outcome of a case before it ever reaches a jury.

If the case proceeds to trial, preparation includes a full review of the prosecution's witnesses and a courtroom strategy built on the specific facts of your case—not a general template. Throughout every stage, Eric Oden explains what the court process involves and what to expect at each step so you're never caught off guard by a hearing date or a procedural deadline.

What does a criminal defense attorney review before advising on a plea or trial strategy?
He reviews all police reports, evidence logs, and witness statements to assess what the prosecution can factually prove, then identifies any procedural or evidentiary problems that affect the strength of their case.
How does a former prosecutor's background change how defense strategy is developed?
Having worked on the prosecution side in Tom Green County, Eric Oden understands which cases prosecutors believe they can win, what evidence they consider essential, and where their case-building methods are most likely to produce errors that can be challenged.
What happens if someone is facing a charge where prison time is genuinely likely?
Defense representation still matters—the goal shifts to identifying every available avenue to reduce charges, negotiate sentencing terms, or challenge procedural violations that may affect the outcome at sentencing.
How are motions to suppress evidence used in a criminal case?
When police collected evidence through an unlawful search, an improperly executed warrant, or a statement taken without proper advisement of rights, a suppression motion asks the court to exclude that evidence from trial, which can significantly weaken the prosecution's position.
What should someone do immediately after being charged in San Angelo?
Avoid making statements to law enforcement or investigators without an attorney present, and contact a defense attorney before your first court appearance—early representation allows for case review before positions harden and before prosecutors finalize their charging decisions.

Charged With a Crime and Unsure What's Next