Clients In Criminal Law
Biography
Amanda I. Hernandez is a highly regarded criminal defense attorney known for her extensive experience and dedication to her clients. Licensed in 2016, Amanda quickly established herself as a formidable advocate in the courtroom. Her practice encompasses a wide range of criminal defense matters, including federal cases, felonies, and misdemeanors.
Amanda began her legal career at the Flanary Law Firm PLLC, where she honed her skills as an associate attorney. Her exceptional abilities and dedication led to her current role as Of Counsel at the firm. In 2024, Amanda took a significant step forward in her career by founding Amanda Hernandez Law, PLLC, a testament to her commitment to providing top-tier legal representation.
Amanda's legal acumen is demonstrated by her successful jury trial experience, where she has effectively defended clients in high-stakes cases. Her expertise spans federal and state courts, showcasing her versatility and comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system.
Her peers have recognized Amanda's contributions to the legal field, notably naming her the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association's (SACDLA) Young Lawyer of the Year in 2019. This accolade reflects her exceptional skill and dedication early in her career. In 2024, she was honored as a SuperLawyers Rising Star, further solidifying her reputation as a leading attorney in criminal defense.
In addition to her legal practice, Amanda is deeply involved in various professional organizations, reflecting her commitment to criminal justice reform and the legal community. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP), where she advocates for the eradication of capital punishment and works towards a more just legal system.
Amanda also holds the position of Vice President of the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (SACDLA), demonstrating her leadership and dedication to supporting fellow defense attorneys. Her involvement extends to the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, where she actively contributes to advancing the practice of criminal defense in Texas and also serves as a speaker for the Criminal Defense Lawyers Project. As such, Amanda shares her knowledge and insights with other legal professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the legal community.
Amanda's expertise is further recognized through her role as an associate editor for "Voice for the Defense," a prominent publication dedicated to criminal defense issues. Her contributions help shape the discourse around criminal defense strategies and advocacy, benefiting her peers and the broader legal community.
Education
- St. Mary's University School of Law, San Antonio, Texas
- J.D. - 2016
- Honors: External Advocacy Mock Trial Team (2014 – 2015)
- Honors: St. Mary’s Renna and Jeff Embry Mock Trial Competition Finalist (2016)
- Honors: St. Mary’s Renna and Jeff Embry Mock Trial Competition Best Speaker Overall (2016)
- Honors: STARS Scholarship Recipient (2013 – 2015)
- Honors: Judge Lee H. Lytton, Jr., Scholarship Recipient (2013)
- Honors: St. Mary’s Dean’s Law General Scholarship Recipient (2013)
- Honors: Study Abroad program, St. Mary’s Institute on China Law and Business, Beihang University, Beijing, China (June 2014)
- University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- B.B.A. - 2011
- Honors: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship Recipient
- Major: International Business with a Concentration in International Relations
- Tim Evans Trial College
- 2017
Bar Admissions
- Texas, 2016
Professional Associations
- San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2024 to Present
- San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Member, 2015 to Present
- Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, Vice President, 2024 to Present
Honors
- 2018 Rising Star Lawyer - Scene in SA Magazine
- 2019 Young Lawyer of the Year - SACDLA
- Top Attorney in San Antonio 2020, Rising Star - San Antonio Magazine
- 2021 Rising Star Lawyer - Scene in SA Magazine
- 2024 Rising Star - Super Lawyers Magazine
Past Positions
- Flanary Law Firm PLLC, Associate, 2016 to 2024
Languages
- English
Honors
- 2018 Rising Star Lawyer - Scene in SA Magazine
- 2019 Young Lawyer of the Year - SACDLA
- Top Attorney in San Antonio 2020, Rising Star - San Antonio Magazine
- 2021 Rising Star Lawyer - Scene in SA Magazine
- 2024 Rising Star - Super Lawyers Magazine
Classes & Seminars
- Criminal E-Filing, Nuts and Bolts (SACDLA CLE), 11/30/2018
- The Basics of Cross-Examination & Tips to Remember, Defense Wins Championships (CDLP CLE), 09/20/2019
- Defense Wins Championships: Cross- Examination, Defense Wins Championships (CDLP CLE), 11/13/2019
- Juvenile Law & Criminal Defense, St. Mary's Remote Roundtable, 10/09/2020
- The More Important the Action, the Greater the Resistance: (Cross Exam), Battling the Resistance (CDLP CLE), 10/16/2020
- The More Important the Action, the Greater the Resistance: (Cross Exam), Battling the Resistance (CDLP CLE), 03/19/2021
- Common objections & Responses, Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Webinar, 08/27/2021
- Scrimmaging | Pre-Trial Investigations, Getting Game Day Ready (CDLP CLE), 10/01/2021
- Scrimmaging | Pre-Trial Investigations, Getting Game Day Ready (CDLP CLE), 11/17/2021
- Opening & Closing Arguments, Journey to Justice (CDLP CLE), 10/14/2022
- Death Penalty Decision Makers, TCADP 2023 Annual Conference, 02/25/2023
- Staying Mentally Strong for the Journey, Journey to Justice (CDLP CLE), 04/21/2023
- Pre-Trial Investigations, TCDLA Riding for the Defense Seminar, 09/15/2023
- Stalking and Harassment Charges, ACDLA & The Capital Area Private Defender Service April 2024 CLE, 04/12/2024
- What the Heck is a Delta 8 Pen?, TCDLA's 17th Annual DWI Defense: Defending Freedom: Cases w/DWI, Prescription Drugs & Marijuana, 05/03/2024
- Marijuana & Hemp, TCDLA 37th Annual Rusty Duncan Advanced Criminal Law Seminar, 06/14/2024