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…
Client Released from Lubbock County Jail Due to Coronavirus
On May 8, Chuck Lanehart freed another client at risk of contracting COVID-19 at the Lubbock County Jail. The young African-American man faced serious drug charges in a rural county, which were the basis for a parole violation “blue warrant”. A blue warrant blocks the client from posting bail. Chuck swiftly negotiated a misdemeanor punishment…
Marijuana Possession Charge Ends in Case Dismissed
Lubbock’s New City Hall, Citizens Tower Opens
Caprock Chronicles: The Spanish Flu Pandemic in the South Plains
Grand Jury Proceedings in Lubbock to Restart in May
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, many functions of the criminal justice system have been put on hold. In Texas, a disaster declaration on March 13th caused non-essential court functions to be postponed in most jurisdictions. The Supreme Court of Texas and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals also suspended many hearings. Soon after, the state…
Freeing Clients Threatened by COVID-19 Exposure in Jails
Jails are described by health professionals as “petri-dishes” for COVID-19. At Chappell, Lanehart & Stangl, we are doing everything possible to obtain the immediate release of incarcerated clients who are threatened by the infection. Our law office is considered an “essential service” according to health guidelines. Lawyers and staff are at full force, working daily…
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…
Coronavirus Impact on Criminal Law in Texas
Governor Greg Abbot recently created several executive orders that affect the criminal defense process. There are also several criminal justice developments happening throughout Texas: March 29: Inmates accused, charged or previously convicted of violent crimes (physical violence or threat of physical violence) are barred from release in jail until bail is paid. This order affects…
Saga of Sam Cates, Crosby County Murder Defendant
