Jaime DeAnda Speaks Out for First Time Since Arrest on ‘It’s Tejano Time’ Podcast

For the first time since his recent arrest, Conjunto Hall of Famer Jaime DeAnda is publicly sharing his side of the story.

Appearing on the Tejano Talk – It’s Tejano Time Podcast hosted by Oraldo “Buddy” Saucedo and Nemo Herrera, the longtime frontman and founder of Jaime y Los Chamacos addressed the circumstances surrounding his arrest, the ongoing legal dispute over the Los Chamacos name, and why he believes he was never properly notified about key court proceedings.

Recounting the Arrest

DeAnda detailed the moment he learned of the warrant while returning from a performance in South Texas.

After a show at Mustang Lounge in Weslaco, he and his wife were traveling back through a Border Patrol checkpoint when agents directed him to secondary inspection.

“When they asked for my driver’s license, that’s when I knew something was up,” he recalled.

After waiting approximately 30 to 40 minutes, authorities informed him there was a warrant for his arrest. He was transported to Brooks County Jail, where he said he spent the night awaiting further information.

“It is scary,” DeAnda said. “You don’t want to be there. You don’t want to go through it. But you realize this is serious. It’s getting out of hand.”

He also described concerns for his wife, Darlene, who was left alone to drive the couple’s RV after his arrest.

“I was worried about her the whole time,” he said. “She’s never driven it before.”

Questions About Legal Representation

A major portion of the interview focused on DeAnda’s claim that he was never properly represented during court proceedings that ultimately resulted in a judgment awarding ownership rights of the Los Chamacos name to Roel Joslin.

Jaime DeAnda and Roel Joslin | Photos by Thomas Vasquez / Tommy Gunz Photography

According to DeAnda, he consulted with an attorney years ago but never formally retained her.

“There was no money. There was no contract agreement,” he said. “To me, she’s not my attorney.”

DeAnda alleges that the attorney later appeared in court on his behalf despite having no recent communication with him and ultimately informed the court she could not locate him.

“She said she had no information on me, no address on me, and couldn’t locate me,” DeAnda said. “So why would she represent me without talking to me?”

The 61 year old accordionist contends those circumstances prevented him from presenting evidence or defending his position before the court rendered its decision.

“I never had my chance in court,” he said. “I never got to speak my side.”

Trademark Dispute and Ownership Claims

The legal conflict centers on ownership of the Los Chamacos and Jaime y Los Chamacos names.

As previously reported by Tejano Nation, a Jim Wells County court ruled in favor of Roel Joslin in August 2025, awarding ownership rights to the names and ordering DeAnda to pay $250,000 in damages. The ruling also permanently prohibited DeAnda from using the trade name for personal benefit.

DeAnda continues to challenge that judgment, maintaining he was never properly notified of the proceedings.

During the podcast, he explained that concerns over protecting what he views as his family’s legacy prompted him to pursue federal trademark applications.

“I found out the name wasn’t trademarked,” DeAnda said. “This is the legacy of my family. I didn’t want to lose it completely.”

He argued that the band’s history dates back to its founding by members of his family and that the name remains deeply connected to his decades-long career.

“This name has been part of my life since 1978,” DeAnda previously told Tejano Nation while disputing claims that he has no rights to the historic name.

Appeal Underway

DeAnda revealed that his legal team has filed a restricted appeal with the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, seeking a review of the case.

“It’s a higher court that listens to people that feel they’re not being treated fairly,” he said. “We’re hoping things will come out right and we’ll get to say our part.”

The veteran entertainer emphasized that the legal dispute remains ongoing and urged fans to remember they have only heard one side of the story.

“There’s a lot of misunderstanding and a lot of things that were not said on my behalf,” DeAnda said. “You’re only going to believe what you hear.”

Looking Ahead

While the legal battle continues, DeAnda said he remains focused on clearing his name and reconnecting with fans who have supported him throughout his career.

“Nobody wants to go through this,” he said. “But you’ll know who your real friends and real fans are when you’re alone. That’s when you know who’s still going to stand by you and realize this is not fair.”

As appeals move forward and enforcement proceedings continue, the future use of the iconic Los Chamacos name remains unresolved. What remains certain is that the dispute continues to draw intense attention throughout the Tejano music community as one of the genre’s most recognizable names fights for control of a legacy built over nearly five decades.

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