1. Hurley, Guinn, Singh & VonGonten
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI defense, federal criminal defense, appellate practice
Case Types Handled: Murder, intoxication manslaughter, DWI (all levels), drug possession, drug distribution, drug trafficking, sexual assault, fraud, conspiracy, federal crimes, white collar crimes, violent crimes, weapons offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, grand jury representation, appellate practice, motion practice, plea negotiations, ALR (Administrative License Revocation) hearings, post-conviction relief
Background: The firm’s partners include Dan Hurley, David Guinn, Mehr Singh, and Keltin VonGonten. The attorneys have over 75 years of collective experience, including hundreds of criminal trials in state and federal courts throughout Texas. Keltin VonGonten was selected to Rising Stars by Super Lawyers for 2023-2024. The firm has successfully handled appeals resulting in new trials, reduced sentences, and acquittals on charges ranging from drug delivery to intoxication manslaughter and murder. The firm is based in Lubbock and provides representation throughout West Texas and statewide for appellate matters.
Location: 1805 13th Street, Lubbock, TX 79401
Contact: (806) 771-0700 | https://www.hurleyguinn.com/
Consultation: Free initial case evaluation available
2. Keith & Lorfing
Practice Focus: Criminal defense (state and federal), white collar crimes, drug offenses, federal prosecution experience
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, white collar offenses (fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion), drug distribution and trafficking, firearms violations, child exploitation cases, internet crimes, murder, sexual assault, DWI
Legal Services: Federal court representation, trial defense, grand jury representation, motion practice, plea negotiations, post-conviction relief
Background: Russell Lorfing is the managing partner and a former federal prosecutor. He served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Lubbock, Texas, and ran a human trafficking task force on Saipan (a U.S. territory). His background as a federal prosecutor provides insight into how federal cases are built, what evidence is prioritized, and how charging decisions are made. The firm’s attorneys have handled over 500 combined jury trials. The firm has attorneys who graduated from top universities and have clerked at high-level courts. Russell Lorfing was previously a law clerk to the Honorable Barbara Harvey.
Location: Lubbock, TX (serves West Texas region)
Contact: (325) 225-0143 | https://lorfinglaw.com/
Consultation: Free confidential consultation available
3. Cofer & Connelly, PLLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense (state and federal), family law
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug offenses, assault, domestic violence, theft, federal crimes, violent crimes, sex offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, appeals
Background: Cofer & Connelly, PLLC is a team of criminal defense attorneys and former prosecutors. The firm has over 200 years of combined experience among its attorneys. Rick Cofer is a partner with more than 15 years of legal experience and is nationally known among trial attorneys. The firm provides comprehensive legal services from the initial investigation through trial and all related proceedings. The firm represents clients in state and federal courts throughout Texas.
Location: 500 Broadway Street, Suite 106, Lubbock, TX 79401
Contact: (806) 298-6518 | https://www.coferconnelly.com/
Consultation: Consultation available by appointment
4. Law Office of Cynthia Mendoza
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, federal criminal defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, drug offenses, DWI, assault, theft, violent crimes, white collar crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, grand jury representation
Background: Cynthia Mendoza is a criminal defense attorney based in Lubbock who handles both state and federal criminal matters. She has developed a reputation for providing quality legal representation to clients facing criminal charges in Lubbock County and surrounding areas. Her practice focuses on educating clients about the legal process and keeping them informed throughout their cases. She provides representation in the courts throughout Lubbock and the surrounding West Texas region.
Location: Lubbock, TX (serves Lubbock County and surrounding areas)
Contact: (806) 424-0900 | https://www.cynthiamendoza.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. King Law, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense (state and federal), DWI defense
Case Types Handled: DWI, drug crimes, sex crimes, federal crimes, violent crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, motion practice, plea negotiations, preliminary hearings, ALR hearings
Background: Michael King is the founding attorney of King Law, P.C. He previously worked as a federal defender for over five years, giving him substantial experience navigating the federal court system where procedures differ significantly from Texas state courts. His federal defense background provides a strategic advantage for clients facing federal charges. The firm serves clients throughout West Texas, including Lubbock, Abilene, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, and San Angelo.
Location: Lubbock, TX (serves West Texas region)
Contact: (806) 414-0456 | https://www.kingcriminaldefense.com/
Consultation: Free case review available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Texas
Attorneys in Texas must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas to practice law. The Texas Board of Law Examiners administers the bar examination and determines eligibility for licensure. All active attorneys must maintain membership in the State Bar of Texas.
Texas Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirements mandate that attorneys complete 15 hours of CLE annually, including at least 3 hours of ethics. Attorneys can carry forward up to 15 hours of excess credit to the next compliance year. The State Bar of Texas administers the MCLE program.
Texas offers board certification in criminal law through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Attorneys who meet specific experience, examination, peer review, and continuing education requirements may be designated as Board Certified in Criminal Law or Criminal Appellate Law. Board certification indicates a demonstrated level of substantial involvement, competence, and proficiency in the specialty area.
The Texas Indigent Defense Commission oversees the provision of legal representation to indigent defendants. Texas uses a county-based system where some counties have public defender offices while others use court-appointed attorney systems. Eligibility for appointed counsel is determined by financial screening based on federal poverty guidelines and other factors.
Texas classifies felonies into five categories: Capital felony (death penalty or life without parole), First Degree felony (5-99 years or life imprisonment, up to $10,000 fine), Second Degree felony (2-20 years, up to $10,000 fine), Third Degree felony (2-10 years, up to $10,000 fine), and State Jail felony (180 days to 2 years in state jail, up to $10,000 fine). Misdemeanors are classified into three classes: Class A (up to 1 year in county jail, up to $4,000 fine), Class B (up to 180 days, up to $2,000 fine), and Class C (fine only, up to $500).
Texas maintains the death penalty for capital murder. Capital cases require specialized training, and attorneys must be certified to accept appointments in capital cases.
Texas has expanded its expunction and nondisclosure laws in recent years. Expunction (complete destruction of records) is available for acquittals, dismissals, pardons, and certain other dispositions. Orders of nondisclosure (sealing from public view but not destruction) are available for deferred adjudication upon successful completion of community supervision for many offenses. Recent legislative changes have expanded nondisclosure eligibility to include certain convictions.
Texas bail law requires judges to consider the safety of the community, the victim, and law enforcement, as well as the defendant’s ability to post bond and risk of flight. Texas Constitution Article I, Section 11 provides that all prisoners are bailable by sufficient sureties unless charged with capital offenses when the proof is evident. Cash bonds, surety bonds, and personal recognizance bonds are available options.
The speedy trial requirement in Texas is generally governed by case law and the Sixth Amendment rather than a specific statutory time limit. However, defendants may file a motion to set a speedy trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the criminal court process in Lubbock County?
After arrest in Lubbock County, defendants are typically brought before a magistrate within 48 hours for an initial appearance where they are informed of charges, advised of rights, and bond is set. For misdemeanors, cases are handled in Lubbock County Courts at Law. For felonies, a grand jury must issue an indictment before prosecution can proceed in the District Courts. The Lubbock County Courthouse is located at 904 Broadway Street. The Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office handles prosecution of felony cases. After indictment, the defendant is arraigned in the District Court that will handle the case. Pretrial hearings, plea negotiations, and trial follow. The defendant has the right to a jury trial for all criminal offenses.
How does bail work in Lubbock, Texas?
After arrest, a magistrate sets bail based on factors including the nature of the offense, defendant’s criminal history, community ties, and ability to pay. Texas law requires bail to be set at an amount that is not excessive and that reasonably assures the defendant’s appearance. Options include: personal recognizance (PR) bond (no payment required), cash bond (full amount paid to the court), surety bond (payment through a bail bondsman, typically 10-20% of the bond amount as a non-refundable fee), or attorney bond (attorney posts bond on client’s behalf). For certain offenses, including some violent crimes and crimes committed while on bail or probation, there is a presumption against release on personal bond. Bond can be modified by motion if circumstances change. The Lubbock County Detention Center is located at 3502 N Holly Avenue.
What are the penalties for a first DWI in Texas?
A first DWI offense in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor (or Class A if BAC was 0.15 or higher). Penalties include: 72 hours to 180 days in jail (up to 1 year if BAC was 0.15 or higher), fine up to $2,000 (up to $4,000 if BAC was 0.15 or higher), driver’s license suspension for 90 days to 1 year, annual surcharge of $1,000 to $2,000 for three years to maintain driving privileges, possible ignition interlock device requirement, and mandatory DWI intervention or education program. An occupational license (for driving to work, school, and essential activities) may be available. If a passenger under age 15 was in the vehicle, the offense is enhanced to a State Jail felony with penalties of 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a fine up to $10,000.
Can I get my criminal record expunged or sealed in Lubbock County?
Texas provides two main avenues for clearing criminal records: expunction and nondisclosure. Expunction (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55) completely destroys records and is available for: acquittals, dismissals (after waiting periods), cases where the statute of limitations has expired, pardons, and certain other dispositions. Nondisclosure (Texas Government Code Chapter 411) seals records from public view (though law enforcement and certain agencies retain access) and is available for: successful completion of deferred adjudication for many offenses and certain convictions after waiting periods. Waiting periods vary by offense type, ranging from immediate eligibility to 5 years. Certain offenses, including sex offenses requiring registration, murder, human trafficking, and family violence offenses, are not eligible for nondisclosure. A petition must be filed in the court where the case was handled.
What pretrial intervention programs are available in Lubbock County?
The Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office offers pretrial diversion for eligible first-time offenders charged with certain nonviolent offenses. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges. Deferred adjudication is available at the judge’s discretion for many offenses, allowing the defendant to plead guilty or no contest, complete a period of community supervision, and have the case dismissed without a final conviction (though the arrest record remains). Drug Court provides intensive supervision and treatment for defendants with substance abuse issues facing drug-related charges. Veterans Court serves eligible veterans. Mental Health Court addresses defendants whose offenses are related to mental health conditions. Eligibility for these programs depends on the specific charges, criminal history, and other factors. Participation typically requires admission of responsibility and compliance with program requirements.