Court System Knowledge And Experience For Criminal Defense, Mental Health And Guardianship
When faced with legal issues, you want the most knowledgeable lawyer possible on your side – a lawyer that knows the court system and knows how the judges make their decisions. This is essential to achieving the best possible resolution of your case. When dealing with a mental health commitment or a criminal case complicated by mental health issues, a thorough knowledge of the legal and mental health systems is even more important to obtaining a favorable outcome. The Law Office of Krista A. Chacona has the knowledge that comes with Krista’s 25+ years of experience. But we also bring dedication and empathy to the case, the combination of which allows us to fight more effectively on your behalf. This firm was founded on Krista’s strong desire to take a different approach from other firms in handling cases and clients.
Our Law Firm’s Philosophy Of Client-Centered Representation
That “different approach” is Krista’s central philosophy of client-centered representation, which is built upon the concept of putting the focus of each case where it belongs – on the client. It shouldn’t be a rare approach, yet most lawyers forget that the client is as important as the case. The only way to get clients what they want and what they need is by listening to them and incorporating that knowledge into their defense.
Open client communication is a vital part of every case. But accessibility and responsiveness are also essential to good client relations. We take great pride in our client communication, striving to get clients the information they need quickly and clearly.
About Krista A. Chacona
Krista received her legal education at the Albany Law School of Union University in Albany, New York, where she earned her Juris Doctor. She passed the New York State bar exam in 1997.
Krista began her legal career in Northern New York, where she practiced criminal law exclusively and served as the primary felony attorney for the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office under the interim public defender. She gained essential trial experience there, managing a robust and diverse criminal caseload. She was admitted to practice in the state courts of New York, as well as the Northern District of New York’s federal court. Upon moving to Texas in 2000, she began practicing civil litigation with two small law firms in Austin. As a civil attorney, she worked with corporate clients, as well as individual clients and small businesses, to resolve a wide variety of issues through negotiation, mediation and/or litigation. Upon starting her own practice in 2006, Krista returned to her first love – criminal defense – and added mental health to her practice. As an Attorney Ad litem, Krista has defended thousands of clients against civil commitments in Travis and Williamson County. She has also served a special master for the Travis County Probate Court, presiding over probable cause hearings in civil commitment proceedings. Krista mentors new lawyers and speaks frequently at state and local bar association seminars on the topics of mental health and the law.
Krista remains licensed to practice in New York. She is also licensed to practice law in the state courts of Texas, as well as the federal courts for the Western and Northern Districts of Texas. Her admission to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States is pending approval.
For more than 25+ years, Krista has provided people in need with quality legal services at reasonable rates. Her experiences working in government and in larger firms provided her with the confidence and experience necessary to start her own law firm in Austin. Her passion is helping people resolve their legal issues with her with her knowledge and legal skills, but also helping clients achieve and maintain stability, with her extensive knowledge of the challenges facing people with mental health issues and referrals to available resources.
President’s Award of Merit, Texas Young Lawyers Association
The President’s Award of Merit is given at the discretion of the Texas Young Lawyers Association’s (TYLA) President to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the furtherance of the goals and objectives of TYLA or who have performed above and beyond the call of duty while conducting the business of the TYLA. “As a member of the National Trial Competition Committee, Krista contributed greatly to its success by recruiting and coordinating hundreds of volunteer judges. Without prompting, she enthusiastically gave of her time and talents to meet the needs of the committee, participants and overall competition.” – TYLA
Travis County Women Lawyers Award – criminal law 2022
Read what Krista Chacona’s client say: “I have never gone to an attorney who was so great. She was very professional, very patient and absolutely the most honest attorney I have ever met. ” – IB
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