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.

Contact Stangl

News About Fred Stangl

Fred’s Client Has Case Dismissed, Cash and Dodge Challenger are Returned

It’s not every day that you get a client’s case dismissed along with the return of a Dodge Challenger and $8,000 in cash. Fred Stangl’s client was arrested for Possession of THC, a second degree felony in Texas, which carries a possible prison term of up to 20 years. The cops seized his 2017 Dodge…

Recent Results for Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers: Chuck and Fred

Chuck Negotiates for Modified Probation Due to Coronavirus Pandemic Chuck Lanehart's client was on probation for a second-degree felony, but continued to suffer from substance-abuse problems. To avoid having his probation revoked, the client agreed to go to SAFPF. A Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility is a six-month in-prison treatment program followed by up to…

Your Guide to the New Texas Assault Laws

On Sept. 1, 2019, several new laws took effect in Texas that broadened assault classifications and toughened penalties for offenses. Being hit with assault charges in Texas is a serious situation — the state has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world — so it’s important to be aware of these changes and…

Fred Stangl Interviewed on Personal Bond Executive Order

Governor Greg Abbot’s recent executive order was covered by the Lubbock Avalanche Journal. In the state-wide order, Judges are prevented from issuing Personal Recognizance Bonds to suspects accused of, or previously convicted of violent crimes. The order was made as more jails and prisons begin to find positive cases of COVID-19. As a result, counties…

Fred Stangl Interviewed on Police DNA Collection

A change in state law allows police in Texas to collect DNA evidence upon arrest. The law is named the Krystal Jean Baker Act after a kidnapping/murder victim's case was unsolved for 14 years. Eventually, the family received justice when a suspect was arrested for an unrelated crime with a DNA match. Prior to the…

Murder Trial in Brownfield Ends in Favorable Plea Deal for Client

Attorney Fred Stangl ended a murder trial after only one day in court. Four years of research, interviews and preparation resulted in the short trial defense of his client. The original murder charge, began on Independence Day in 2015 after police responded to a shooting incident in Brownsfield. We have previously covered the successful motion…

Recent Wins for Criminal Attorney Fred Stangl

Burglaries and First Degree Drug Charges Fred recently represented a gentleman who was charged with multiple burglaries and a first degree drug charge. Due to prior criminal history, the client would have received a punishment of 15 years to life in prison. After filing a motion to suppress evidence, Fred successfully argued law enforcement illegally…

Results on College Student Criminal Cases

Student crimes are a practice at Chappell, Lanehart & Stangl and our firm has experience defending young adults. Students are charged with a variety of misdemeanor to felony offenses carrying serious consequences without skilled criminal defense. Often first-time offenders, character witnesses and other case factors can help students at trial and with sentencing. THC Drug…

Fred Stangl Receives Praise from Client

Recently, a thank you letter arrived from Fred‘s client, who was facing 5 years to life in prison. Originally charged with aggravated assault, Fred and co-counsel Mark Hall litigated the case and settled for a four-year sentence to Possession of a Weapon in a Correctional Institution. Fred’s client is now immediately parole-eligible. Below is the…

Attorneys Read Declaration of Independence for 4th

An annual tradition continued for Fred Stangl, Chuck Lanehart and other local criminal defense attorneys. A reading of the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights took place on the steps of the Lubbock County Courthouse on July 3rd to celebrate July 4th. All across Texas, members of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA)…

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