About Ms. Kerrisa Joy Chelkowski

When you look at Kerrisa Chelkowski’s career, you see a lawyer who thrives under pressure and knows how to command a courtroom. Whether she is addressing a jury in San Antonio or presenting oral arguments to the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans, Kerrisa brings a level of insight that only comes from years of high-level practice. She started as a prosecutor in Bexar County, handling over 30 cases in the appellate division alone—including death penalty appeals—before transitioning to private practice in 2004. This background as a former prosecutor gives her a distinct advantage in criminal defense; she can anticipate the state’s moves and dismantle their arguments before they even take hold. Her winning record in jury trials is a testament to her ability to connect with people and present a compelling narrative, but her skill with a pen is just as sharp.

With more than 35 published opinions to her credit, Kerrisa is a true "lawyer’s lawyer." She has taken cases all the way to the United States Supreme Court and serves as a Special Prosecutor for the Medina County District Attorney’s Office. This breadth of experience means she is just as comfortable arguing a complex federal motion as she is defending a high-profile state case. Her reputation for excellence has earned her spots on "Best Lawyers" lists and features in business journals like NSIDE, where she was highlighted as a leader of Generation X. She’s also a frequent contributor to legal and business publications, writing about the intersection of law and life, such as the career-ending impacts of a criminal conviction. A proud alumna of the University of Texas and Texas Tech Law School, Kerrisa has spent over two decades building a solid reputation across Texas as the person you want in your corner when the stakes are at their absolute highest.

 

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Communication
4.5
Quality of Service
3.5
Responsiveness
3.0
Value for Money
3.5
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
May 13, 2012
Hired Attorney

Ms. Chelkowski is a pleasure to work with. She is knowledgeable, professional and makes you feel comfortable during stressful situations. Her staff is courteous and fast to respond.

Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
March 23, 2011
Hired Attorney

Our case was strictly small potatoes -- problem with an overly enthusiastic department store security man -- but it was important to us and we did most of our communicating through her secretary, who was fine, but it would have been nice to actually have spoken with Chelkowski from time to time.

Services

Areas of Law

  • Domestic Violence
  • Criminal Law 2
    • Drug Crimes
    • Sex Crimes
  • Other 19
    • Assault Crimes
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Violent Crimes
    • Theft Crimes
    • DWI
    • Federal Offense
    • Criminal Defense
    • Post Conviction
    • Expunctions
    • Non-Disclosure - Record Sealing
    • Parole
    • Rule 35
    • Sex Offender De-Registration
    • Sentence Reduction
    • Sentencing Reform Act
    • Writ of Habeas Corpus
    • Motion to Revoke Probation
    • Revocations
    • Compassionate Release

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    2002, Texas
    U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
    U.S. Supreme Court
    U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
    U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
    2002, Texas
    Memberships

    National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
    San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Board of Directors
    College of the State Bar of Texas
    United States Supreme Court Historical Society
    Federal Bar Association
    Texas Criminal Trial College
    Hildalgo County Bar Association, Faculty Member
    San Antonio Bar Association
    Bexar County Women's Bar Association

  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Texas Tech University School of Law
    Class of 2001
    J.D.
    Other Education
    University of Texas at Austin
    Class of 1998
    B.S.
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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Ms. Kerrisa Joy Chelkowski was admitted in 2002 to the State of Texas and Texas.
  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    Ms. Kerrisa Joy Chelkowski is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, United States District Court for the Western District of Texas and United States Supreme Court.
  • Does this attorney speak any other languages?
    Ms. Kerrisa Joy Chelkowski speaks Spanish.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Ms. Kerrisa Joy Chelkowski attended Texas Tech University School of Law.