Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Lubbock

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lubbock, Texas?

  You can reach the Lubbock Police Department at (806) 775-2865 for non-emergency incidents or concerns.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lubbock, Texas?

  To obtain a copy of a police report, you need to make a written request and submit it through any of the ways below. You must include as much detail as possible about the report you need so the correct record can be located.

  Submitting the written records request:

  • Fax it to 806-775-2051
  • Submit it in person to the City Manager's Office at 1314 Avenue K, 11th Floor, Lubbock, TX 79401
  • Mail it to the City of Lubbock Attn: Open Records Officer, P.O. Box 2000, Lubbock, TX 79457
  • Email it to orr@mylubbock.us.
  • Complete and submit a Records Request Form online by going to the Lubbock Open Records Center (link below) and clicking on “Submit an Open Records Request.” https://lubbocktx.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(mev2su3d4flzc13ubnqviq4x))/SupportHome.aspx

  Once the police report copy is ready for review or pickup, you will be notified through the contact method your specified in the request.

• If you are the defendant in a criminal case in Lubbock, do you have to testify during your trial?

  No, you don’t have to testify. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent even during the trial stage. You can, however, testify if you choose to. In any case, you cannot be called to testify without your consent, and your refusal to testify cannot be held against you. Consult with a Lubbock criminal defense attorney to determine if it is in your best interest to testify or not.

• Can you get your DWI record in Lubbock expunged?

  In Lubbock, you may request for your DWI records to be expunged if the court found you not guilty, it was proven that you were falsely charged, or you were pardoned. However, DWI convictions in Texas cannot be expunged. If you are a first-time convicted offender, you can attempt to have your DWI arrest record sealed by submitting an Order of Nondisclosure.

• How can you help your criminal defense attorney in Lubbock prepare for your trial?

  You can help by providing information or documentation to serve as mitigation evidence, a defense tool that can reduce your criminal culpability or the gravity of the charge. This type of evidence includes character references, education transcripts, family photographs, and trauma and family dysfunction histories. Even details that you think may be negative, such as treatment records for substance abuse, should be shared with your Lubbock lawyer. Treatment records can be positively used as evidence of your addiction recovery.

• Can you drop your court-appointed public defender in Lubbock and hire a private attorney?

  Yes, you can choose to hire a private criminal defense attorney in Lubbock if you think it serves your best interests. You must do it during the early stages of your case, so the new attorney has enough time to prepare for trial. The judge may not give your case additional time to account for the change of attorneys.

• What is the statute of limitations for filing criminal charges in Lubbock, TX?

  Information or indictment of misdemeanor charges must be presented no more than two years from the date the offense was committed. Felony charges have a longer statute of limitations. Depending on the felony category, the statute of limitations to present the indictment range from three years to indefinitely. There are no time limits for Lubbock prosecutors to file charges for violent crimes like murder, sexual assault, and indecency with a child.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.