1. Chappell, Lanehart & Stangl
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 75+ years of history and two Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, sex crimes, violent crimes, federal crimes, white collar crimes
Background: Since 1948, the law firm of Chappell, Lanehart & Stangl has dedicated the practice to defending Lubbock residents charged with a crime. The attorneys at Chappell, Lanehart, & Stangl work as a team, collaborating to bring more than 50 years of collective experience to build a winning strategy for defense. Chappell, Lanehart & Stangl is one of the oldest criminal law firms in Lubbock and boasts two specialists board-certified in the field of criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization: Chuck Lanehart and Fred Stangl. The criminal defense attorneys are known for their aggressive pursuit of justice and for their commitment to zealous advocacy. Fred Stangl is listed as a 2025 Super Lawyer in Lubbock. Chuck Lanehart was recognized as an outstanding alumni by Texas Tech University’s College of Media & Communications and has practiced law in Texas for over four decades.
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Contact: Available through website | https://lubbockcriminaldefense.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Law Office of Hurley, Guinn, Singh & VonGonten
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 75+ years of collective experience and hundreds of criminal trials
Practice Areas: DWI, drug crimes, murder, fraud, sexual assault, conspiracy, assault, intoxication manslaughter, appeals
Background: Led by partners Dan Hurley, David Guinn, Mehr Singh & Keltin VonGonten, the criminal law firm has had tremendous success in jury trials in both state and federal courthouses throughout the state of Texas. If you or a loved one are facing the consequences of an accusation or a conviction, you need the help of an experienced criminal trial lawyer. With over 75 years of collective experience, including hundreds of criminal trials, the attorneys at the Lubbock criminal defense law firm can help. Based in Lubbock, TX, Hurley, Guinn, Singh & VonGonten is a full-service criminal defense law firm dedicated to defending individuals facing state and federal criminal prosecutions including grand jury investigations. The criminal appellate lawyers have helped numerous people wrongly convicted of crimes get new trials, reduced sentences, and even acquittals in appellate courts in Texas.
Location: 1805 13th Street, Lubbock, TX 79401
Contact: Available through website | https://www.hurleyguinn.com/
Consultation: Free initial case evaluation available
3. Law Office of Cynthia Mendoza
Focus Area: Criminal defense since 2006 with extensive experience in state and federal courts
Practice Areas: Assault, domestic assault, aggravated assault, DUI/DWI, drug crimes, theft, sex crimes
Background: Facing a criminal charge is a frightening and confusing ordeal. Whether you are accused, being investigated, or have already been arrested, do not attempt to go through this legal process alone. Seek the services of the Law Office of Cynthia Mendoza to protect your rights, freedom, and future. Since 2006, the respected law firm in Lubbock, Texas has been representing hundreds of clients with charges similar to yours. The firm has extensive experience in both state and federal courts, providing only effective and aggressive defense plans to ensure the most favorable outcome possible. The firm is familiar with the workings of the Lubbock County Courthouse and the local law enforcement agencies, including the Lubbock Police Department and the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office. Hablamos Español.
Location: Lubbock, Texas (serves Lubbock and surrounding counties)
Contact: (806) 424-0900 | https://www.cynthiamendoza.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Law Office of Laurie Key
Focus Area: Criminal defense across West Texas and the South Plains with Texas SuperLawyer Rising Star recognition
Practice Areas: Municipal, state, and federal criminal offenses, juvenile cases, appellate cases
Background: The Law Office of Laurie Key provides exceptional legal representation across the West Texas and the South Plains. The firm serves clients who have been accused of criminal offenses at the municipal, state, and federal levels, including juvenile and appellate cases. Laurie has owned and operated her successful law office in Lubbock, Texas, since 2002, focusing primarily on criminal defense. She was selected for the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 lists of Texas SuperLawyer’s Rising Stars, a Thomson Reuters service. No more than 2.5% of attorneys in the State are included on the list each year. The firm is based in Lubbock, Texas, and regularly handles cases from Bailey, Castro, Crosby, Dawson, Floyd, Gaines, Garza, Hale, Hockley, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Swisher, Terry, Ward, and Yoakum counties. The firm also provides legal advice to parents and students of the various local universities and colleges, including Texas Tech University.
Location: 1213 Ave. K, Lubbock, TX 79401
Contact: (806) 771-3933 | http://www.lauriekeylaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Dunham & Jones
Focus Area: Criminal defense with multiple national awards and recognition
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, theft, shoplifting, drug crimes, assault, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Dunham & Jones was voted Best Law Firm by the Daily Texan and has been recognized as attorneys by both Time and Newsweek magazines. In addition, the firm has been ranked as one of the nation’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers and 10 Best in Client Satisfaction. These awards reflect the dedication to criminal defense. The firm has received Best Attorneys of America award 2018-2019, NACDA award 2017, Veteran Approved award 2017, National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers to Paul Dunham 2014, Newsweek recognition 2013, and American Institute of Attorney 10 Best award 2015. Dunham & Jones has a team of renowned Lubbock Criminal Defense Attorneys including Perry Simms who will protect your rights and fight for you in the courtroom. The firm’s goal is to get cases dismissed or reduced so that clients can have their arrest record, fingerprints and mugshot removed from public records.
Location: Lubbock, Texas (serves Lubbock County and Lubbock Metropolitan area including Abernathy, Idalou, Shallowater, Wolfforth, New Deal)
Contact: (806) 999-9999 | https://www.dunhamlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available with easy payment plans and no money down in most cases
Criminal Defense Laws in Texas
Felony Classifications
Texas classifies felonies into five categories:
Capital Felony: Includes capital murder. Penalty is death or life imprisonment without parole.
First-Degree Felony: Includes murder, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated sexual assault. Penalty is 5-99 years or life in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony: Includes manslaughter, robbery, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 2-20 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
Third-Degree Felony: Includes third DWI, certain assault offenses, and stalking. Penalty is 2-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
State Jail Felony: Includes theft $2,500-$30,000, certain drug possession, and credit card abuse. Penalty is 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to $10,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes assault causing bodily injury, DWI (first offense), and theft $750-$2,500. Maximum 1 year in county jail and $4,000 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes DWI (first offense without aggravating factors), theft $100-$750, and criminal mischief. Maximum 180 days in county jail and $2,000 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor: Includes theft under $100, minor traffic violations, and disorderly conduct. Fine only, maximum $500.
Expunction and Non-Disclosure
Expunction: Available for arrests that did not result in conviction, certain acquittals, pardons, and dismissed cases. Expunction completely removes the record.
Non-Disclosure: Available for deferred adjudication cases. Seals the record from public view but law enforcement and certain agencies can still access it. Waiting periods vary by offense.
DWI Laws
Texas DWI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, any detectable amount under 21). First offense is a Class B misdemeanor with 72 hours to 180 days jail (minimum 6 days if open container), $2,000 fine, and 90-day to 1-year license suspension. Second offense is a Class A misdemeanor with 30 days to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine, and 180-day to 2-year license suspension. Third offense is a third-degree felony with 2-10 years prison. Texas has no “lookback” period, meaning all previous DWIs can be counted against you. Texas has implied consent; refusal results in 180-day license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Lubbock?
Criminal cases in Lubbock are heard in multiple courts depending on the offense. Lubbock County Court at Law handles Class A and B misdemeanors. Lubbock Municipal Court handles Class C misdemeanors and city ordinance violations. The 72nd, 99th, 137th, and 140th District Courts handle felony cases in Lubbock County. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas (Lubbock Division) handles federal criminal cases. Having a Lubbock criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems, judges, and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What are the consequences of a drug conviction in Lubbock?
Drug convictions in Texas carry significant penalties that vary based on the type and amount of controlled substance. Possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 substance (like cocaine or heroin) is a state jail felony with 180 days to 2 years. Possession of 1-4 grams is a third-degree felony with 2-10 years. Possession of 4-200 grams is a second-degree felony with 2-20 years. Larger amounts carry first-degree felony penalties. Additionally, drug convictions result in automatic 180-day driver’s license suspension. For non-citizens, drug convictions almost always result in deportation. A Lubbock criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether you qualify for diversion programs or probation.
What is deferred adjudication in Texas?
Deferred adjudication is a form of community supervision (probation) in Texas where the judge does not enter a finding of guilt. Instead, the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, and the judge “defers” the adjudication of guilt. If the defendant successfully completes the probation period, the case is dismissed without a conviction. However, the arrest and deferred adjudication remain on the defendant’s record unless sealed through a petition for non-disclosure. Deferred adjudication is not available for all offenses; certain offenses like DWI, intoxication manslaughter, and some sex offenses are not eligible. A Lubbock criminal defense attorney can negotiate for deferred adjudication as an alternative to conviction.
What resources are available for Texas Tech students facing criminal charges?
Texas Tech University students facing criminal charges should understand that a conviction can impact their academic standing, financial aid, and future career prospects. The university has a Student Conduct process separate from the criminal court system. Several Lubbock criminal defense attorneys, including the Law Office of Laurie Key, provide legal advice specifically for parents and students of local universities. Students should be aware that Class C misdemeanors like Minor in Possession (MIP) can result in driver’s license suspension and may need to be reported to the university. An attorney can help navigate both the criminal court process and advise on how to handle university conduct proceedings.
Can I get my Texas criminal record expunged or sealed?
Texas allows expunction (complete removal) of certain records, including arrests that did not result in conviction, acquittals, pardons, and dismissals (after waiting period). Expunction makes it as if the arrest never occurred. Texas also allows non-disclosure (sealing) of deferred adjudication records after waiting periods (generally 2 years for misdemeanors, 5 years for felonies). However, certain offenses are not eligible for non-disclosure, including murder, kidnapping, trafficking, sexual offenses, family violence, and offenses requiring sex offender registration. A Lubbock criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file the appropriate petition to clear your record.