Fred Stangl, Partner and Criminal Attorney

Fred Stangl has practiced criminal defense almost exclusively since obtaining his law degree from Texas Tech in 1999. He is certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and defends accused citizens across the South Plains.

Fred has called Lubbock home since 1991, when he traveled west from Wichita Falls to attend Texas Tech, earning a bachelor’s degree in zoology. After completing law school, he joined the law firm of Chappell, Lanehart & Wheeler, P.C. in 1999, studying under the tutelage of the great Byron Chappell. Fred and Chuck Lanehart formed Chappell, Lanehart & Stangl, P.C. in 2007.

Attorney Stangl has earned a reputation as a knowledgeable lawyer who fights passionately for his clients. He believes in what he is doing and takes pride in defending his fellow citizens against accusations by the government, as well as defending the Constitution we hold so dear. He will investigate every aspect of his clients’cases and use that knowledge to secure the best results possible, either through trial or agreement. Fred has utilized these skills in all kinds of cases, from traffic citations to capital murder.

Fred is a current member and past president of the Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He is also a current member and former Director of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He has served as a Director of the Lubbock County Bar Association, and he is involved in numerous civic activities.

Attorney Stangl has developed a reputation in the legal community as an advocate who gets things done. You can’t hire a better lawyer.

Real Clients, Real Results

Drug Charges Dismissed and Case Expunged

Mr. Stangl, we are so grateful for your help in dealing with our son's case. He has really turned his life around. He's working hard to get caught up with school and should graduate in June. Thank you for your wise counsel. You have made a difference in our lives.

Parents of Student in High School Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Drugs

Case Dismissed for Charge of Arson 1st Degree

I want to show you, that I care about you Fred. Seven years ago when I was down, you made me full again. Thank you for being my shining star!

Client with Special Needs

Cases Dismissed for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon; Felon in Possession of Firearm

Just wanted to say thank you for representing me in those two charges. Just want you to know that if I know anyone that needs a good criminal lawyer, I will send them your way. Once again, thank you for your work. May God bless you and your family.

Client with Two Prior Felony Convictions

Case Dismissed for Alcohol Violation

Fred, thanks for your able assistance on behalf of Lexi. She really needed someone to come to her rescue, and you certainly delivered!
Hollar if I can come return the favor. Cheers!

Client's Uncle

Case Dismissed for 1st Degree Arson

Dear Fred, I just want to thank you for everything you have done for me. I was blessed to have you as an attorney and friend.

Special Needs Client

Fred, I just wanted to say "good job" on your argument yesterday to the Amarillo Court of Appeals. Sounds like you've got the better side of it. All the Best!

Charges of Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia Dismissed & Dropped

Dear Mr. Stangl,

I can never thank you enough for helping me during one of the scariest times of my life doing so out of kindness of your heart. Although it will never be enough for all you've done, I hope you will enjoy some delicious dinner & drinks with these gift cards!

Thank you again and with gratitude.

Texas Tech Student at risk of a criminal record, jail time and expulsion.

Criminal Defendant in Lubbock, Texas

Dear Fred and Staff,

I want to thank you and your staff for your help in getting me out of this situation that I got myself into. I am truly grateful to you and staff. I have gone through a lot of fear and anxiety but you were there to guide and provide protection for me. May God continue to provide protection and blessings to you so you can continue to do this. Blessings.

Contact Stangl

News About Fred Stangl

Fred Stangl Receives Praise from Parents of Young Adult

Our criminal law firm works directly with defendants who need representation and we are often hired by families of loved ones, college students to young adults that find themselves in trouble. Recently, Fred received the following thank you note: Thanks so much for taking wonderful care of our kiddo. You and your office were top…

Expunction Granted for Lubbock College Student

Fred Stangl received the following thank you note, after getting an expunction granted for a client. With a clean record, a college student’s past crimes and arrest will be hidden from background checks. I wanted to personally thank you and your entire staff for the outstanding support and legal expertise you provided with my son’s…

Client Earns Community Supervision After Dog Attack Causes Death

Fred Stangl secured a plea deal for his client on January 30, 2025 that would allow for community supervision of five years and upon completion, a dismissal of the criminal case. Pleading guilty to the terms was a positive result for a client that was out on bond since 2019 after being charged with attack…

Fred to Present on Pretrail Case Management at Upcoming Legal Seminar

Fred has been named as a speaker for the prestigious “Prairie Pups” legal seminar co-sponsored by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. His presentation, on the subject of “Pretrial Case Management,” will take place January 8, 2025, at the Texas Tech University School of Law.

Client Involved in Deadly Shooting Granted Probation

In 2019, a young man participated in a robbery gone wrong in a central Lubbock neighborhood. Tragically, it ended in the death of a victim and two suspects were charged with murder. Fred represented one suspect (the driver) and was able to secure a plea deal for aggravated robbery while the murder charge was dismissed.…

Fred Stangl Secures Probation for Lubbock Client Charged with Murder

Fred Stangl represented a defendant over the past 4+ years charged with murder. Today, the client received 10 years probation on the lesser-included-offense (LIO) of Manslaughter. The Lubbock resident was accused of intentionally or knowingly shooting his girlfriend in the head in the front yard during an argument. After litigating the case over the last…

Fred Stangl Recognized by Texas Super Lawyers for 2023

Chappell, Lanehart & Stangl is excited to announce Fred Stangl, partner and criminal defense attorney has been awarded Super Lawyers for 2023. Only a few criminal defense attorneys are nominated each year by peers, from other law firms and lawyers. Fred Stangl is recognized by the Texas criminal defense community for his skill at trial in defending clients.…

Fred Secures “Time Served” for Criminal Defendant Charged with Felonies

A 25-year-old client was lucky to have Fred Stangl as his court-appointed attorney. Facing the prospect of a very long prison term for multiple felonies and a probation violation, Fred Stangl settled all of his cases for a short prison sentence, essentially “time served”. The following is a snippet of a note received from the…

Fred Stangl Elected to Board of Directors for TCDLA

Fred Stangl was newly elected to the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Swearing in on June 17th, Fred will help lead and oversee the organization for 2023-2024. Founded 40 years ago, the TCDLA is recognized as the largest state association of criminal defense attorneys in the nation. Annually, the TCDLA hosts numerous seminars and training…

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Fake Driver’s License Dismissed

We have all made mistakes, especially in our youth. For an 18-year old Texas Tech student, mistakes led to misdemeanor charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Fake Driver’s License. Fred got both charges dismissed and handled the case pro bono. I do wish to remain anonymous so I’m providing feedback via…