An arrest in San Marcos — or anywhere else in Hays County — is prosecuted separately from an Austin arrest, by a different district attorney’s office, in different courts, with different tendencies around plea negotiation and diversion. Hays County criminal matters are handled through the Hays County court system in San Marcos, and knowing that court and that DA’s office matters as much as knowing the law.
San Marcos is also home to Texas State University, which means a meaningful share of Hays County cases involve students — minor-in-possession charges, drug possession near campus or the Square, theft, and assault cases that can carry consequences well beyond the courtroom, including student conduct proceedings. Every charge type handled in Austin — DWI, assault, drug crimes, theft, expunctions, and warrants — is handled the same way in Hays County, adjusted for how that county’s courts and prosecutors actually operate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my Hays County case be heard?
Cases are heard in Hays County’s courts in San Marcos, separate from Travis County — call to confirm the specific court assigned to your case.
Does a Hays County charge affect my status at Texas State University?
It can, independent of the criminal case itself — student conduct proceedings often move on their own timeline, and it’s worth discussing both together.
Arrested in San Marcos or Hays County? Call 512-827-7767 for a free case review.