CHAPPELL, LANEHART & STANGL

Portrait of Chuck Lanehart

Chuck Lanehart, of Counsel

Chuck Lanehart has long been known in Texas as a winning trial lawyer. He has earned a well-deserved reputation as a lawyer who gets things done.

As of January 2026, he has retired from defending clients yet remains of counsel to the Chappell, Lanehart & Stangl Law Firm.

Sometimes, if the client is worthy and the cause is just, Chuck will work on a case pro-bono. He has helped hundreds of college-age kids who’ve had minor run-ins with the law, and he has been involved in multiple complicated white-collar criminal trials in federal court. He has handled more than 200 murder/homicide cases.

Two cases illustrate Chuck’s vast experience and willingness to help clients of all walks of life in small cases and large cases. He once defended a client who was accused of illegal possession of a protected species of turtles. It was just a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine, but Chuck demanded a jury trial. After a full day of trial, the client was acquitted. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Chuck represented a young man wrongfully accused of capital murder. The client’s co-defendant had already been convicted and sentenced to death. The case involved years of litigation, and in the end, the young man was acquitted. Chuck is one of a select few lawyers who have obtained a verdict of “not guilty” in a capital murder trial.

In recent years, he has devoted much of his time defending young college-age students accused of drug possession, driving while intoxicated and sexual assault crimes, including Title IX university investigations. Chuck has always discounted his fees for college students, his way of “paying it forward.”

Chuck received his undergraduate and legal education at Texas Tech University and was licensed to practice law in 1977.

Chuck was the founding editor of the Lubbock Law Notes, published by the Lubbock Area Bar Association (LABA), and served as President of the Bar. In 2018, Chuck received the James G. Denton Distinguished Lawyer Award, the Bar’s highest honor. He also served as Director of the State Bar of Texas and served as a member of the State Bar’s Grievance Committee.

He served as director of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA). TCDLA awarded him the President’s Commendation for “Outstanding Service to the Citizen Accused,” and TCDLA honored him with the President’s Award for his service to the Association’s Strike Force.

He is a founding member and former president of the Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (LCDLA). He enjoys mentoring younger attorneys and is often called upon as a lecturer on a variety of subjects at legal seminars. Chuck has served as course director for LCDLA’s Prairie Dog Lawyers Advanced Criminal Law Seminar and Nuts & Bolts Course for many years.

Chuck is also active in civic activities. He is past-president of the Lubbock Business Association, has served on the Board of Directors of LakeRidge Country Club, and is a former member of the City of Lubbock’s Zoning Board of Adjustment. He coached Lubbock Girls Basketball teams for many years. He is also a former member of the Lubbock County Historical Commission. He writes a regular history column in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s “Caprock Chronicles.” In 2021, his well-received book, “Tragedy and Triumph on the Texas Plains,” was published by The History Press.

In 2008, Chuck was named among the City of Lubbock’s “200 Most Influential People” by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

When you have need for the best advocate in a serious criminal case, you should contact Chuck Lanehart.

 


Real Clients, Real Results

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Acquittal on Arson, Sentence Reduced for Aggravated Assault

I don’t know if you remember me, but we all—my family and I—will forever remember you. My husband had gotten into trouble and we lived in a small town in the Hill Country. You took his case and you would fly from Lubbock for court.
It’s been a long time ago. My baby boy was three, and now he would have been 32, but he went to live in heaven at the age of 20. My older daughter was eight. She attended Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio and graduated with a master’s degree. She works with a major corporate office. My younger daughter was five. Now, after graduating from the same university, she is a teacher.
My husband, who is now a disabled veteran, has mellowed and became a great dad and grandfather.
I am telling you this because, as we all remember, you helped Ralph. You gave us our home back. You treated us with respect and dignity. We are forever grateful to you.
God bless you always and thank you again.

Wife of Client, Accused of Burning Down Jail and Assaulting a Police Officer

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Hi Chuck. Many years ago you helped my daughter, when she was student teaching. She was (wrongfully) accused of grabbing and hurting a child, if you remember. Today, she is a teacher in Coppell, TX and recently received full funding for a reading program. She has three kids and a great husband. Just wanted to let you know and say thank you!

Mother of Client, Accused of Assault of a Child

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I want to thank Chuck Lanehart and the rest of the LCDLA and TCDLA Strike Force. Never did I think I would be subpoenaed to testify against one of my former clients. And it did not seem real until (my defense team) looked at me and said, "we are wasting our time if you are not willing to go to jail" But at no time did I think I was in this battle alone. It was humbling to have such a wonderful cast of characters come to my defense. Again I want to give my sincerest thanks for everyone who supported and defended me during this process

Attorney at a Law Firm in Lubbock

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Thank you so very much for everything you have done for me. I cannot thank you enough. Finally have my life back and my future and I appreciate everything you did to give that back to me.
Thank you so much!!

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Thank you so much for your help in the Gomez case. I really appreciate your willingness to stand up as an expert in criminal defense.
Apart from that, thank you in general for your support and guidance. What a treasure to have someone so learned and yet, so approachable.
I'm sure I've only scratched the surface of your knowledge, and yet I've learned so much. Your kindness and willingness to help, may be slight to you, yet they meant the world to me. I look forward to learning all that you are willing to teach.

An Attorney

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It is great to hear from an amazing group of people. I would prefer to remain anonymous, but want to give y'all a pat on the back and a huge thank you. I could not have had better legal representation for the DWI charge. While that is a situation I never saw myself in, Chuck Lanehart did a great job making sure I understood the process and represented me well. I also have to give a big shout out to you as well, Bernadette. At the time that I was going through my legal process I was very sad and felt ashamed and it made it easier to come into the law offices and see a bright shining face. 
Chuck really helped me out and it was great to work with the team. I would recommend Chappell, Lanehart & Stangl to anyone facing legal trouble.
Thank you!

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Weapons Charge Dismissed and Expunged

Thank you for all of your help during this difficult and stressful matter.

A Lubbock Citizen

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Defendant in Lubbock County

Thank you all for your continued support and dedication to my case. While I wish to keep my name confidential, I would love to express my sincere gratitude and leave an anonymous review. Not only did Chuck immediately call me (even after hours) to take my case, he never stopped being readily available to help me. He answered phone calls and emails with little to no wait time. He was great in keeping constant communication with me and answering any questions I may have had without making me feel overwhelmed or stressed. His knowledge and the way my case was handled privately throughout the years made me confident in knowing I made the right choice. Always making sure to be cautious and to keep my case out of the media, he did the very best he could for me. He is the reason I was able to take a breath in a time where not much made sense to me. I wouldn’t want any other lawyer in my corner and I will always refer him to anyone in need of a great lawyer because he is nothing short of that!

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News About Chuck Lanehart

Garza County Drug Possession Results in Case Dismissed

On October 7th, the entire firm worked as a team to win a dismissal in Garza County District Court. Our client was accused of 2nd degree possession of mushrooms and 2nd degree possession of THC. The penalty for a 2nd degree felony in Texas is governed by the Texas Penal Code § 12.33: imprisonment 2…

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Chuck Lanehart Honored at Texas Tech Alumni Dinner

Texas Tech University’s College of Media & Communications recognized Chuck Lanehart as an outstanding alumni. Bio of Chuck Lanehart Chuck Lanehart, a respected criminal defense attorney, has practiced law in Texas for over four decades. A graduate of Texas Tech University, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 1974 and a Doctor of…

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Chuck Lanehart Earns Honest Feedback from Client

Until you have been charged with a crime, it can be challenging to grasp how life changing an arrest and criminal trial are to an individual and their families. We share the following real testimonial to highlight how important it is to have an advocate for your freedom. To have an attorney that is defending…

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Chuck Lanehart Speaks to the Lubbock Area Bar Association

Chuck Lanehart was honored to speak to the Lubbock Area Bar Association last week. In celebration of Juneteenth this month, Chuck and Dwight McDonald chose a very uncomfortable topic, “Overcoming Early Lubbock’s Shameful Treatment of Black Residents.” Chuck spoke first on early history: Lubbock’s terrible racist newspaper editor, the Klan, Jim Crow laws, etc. Then…
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Lubbock Domestic Violence Dispute Evolves into a Criminal Case

Chuck Lanehart and Kaylee Long received recognition from the Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (LCDLA) for a complex criminal and family law case. Case Background The client represented herself and filed a protective order against her ex-boyfriend after he committed an act of domestic violence. In retaliation, he filed a bogus felony criminal charge against…

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Chuck Lanehart Earns Special Recognition from the City of Lubbock

In a special ceremony, Chuck Lanehart was honored to be recognized by the Mayor and City of Lubbock Council. WHEREAS: Chuck Lanehart is a very successful criminal lawyer who’s been practicing in Lubbock since 1977 after graduating from Texas Tech University’s School of Law. Chuck has represented more than 200 homicide cases throughout his outstanding…

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Chuck Negotiates Favorable Plea Deal for Drug Seizure Case

On October 17, Chuck Lanehart finalized one of Chappell, Lanehart & Stangl’s largest drug seizure cases in his client’s favor. The client was charged with possession with intent to deliver multiple Schedule 1 controlled substances, including fentanyl, morphine, methamphetamine, oxycodone and hydrocodone. The client was facing the possibility of multiple life sentences. After two years…

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College Student’s Sexual Assault Charge Avoided

After a year-long struggle, Chuck Lanehart finalized a difficult Title IX/date rape allegation on behalf of his client. The client, a college student, was accused of sexually assaulting another student. Chuck quickly convinced the Title IX office that the activity was consensual, but it took several months longer to convince the District Attorney to decline…
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Attorneys Aim to Bring Bonnie & Clyde Story to the Big Screen

Attorney Nicholson is a Lubbock Trial Attorney hoping to deliver the real story of Bonnie & Clyde. When Nicholson was a kid, his father worked with a man who once knew the infamous couple. A life long obsession has led to semi-retirement for Nicholson. After writing the movie script for Bud, Sis & WD: The…
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Chuck Speaks at Lubbock Area Bar Association

It was my privilege today to address the Lubbock Area Bar Association on the topic of “Justice and Injustice on the Texas Plains.” Great turnout at the Texas Tech School of Law and a great audience. It was wonderful to have my wife, daughter and grandson in attendance!

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