CHAPPELL, LANEHART & STANGL

Caprock Chronicles: The Spanish Flu Pandemic in the South Plains

Chuck Lanehart looks into the 1918 to 1920 Spanish Flu in this week's Caprock Chronicle. It's easy to draw parallels to today's Coronavirus pandemic, but also many differences. For starters, the town of Lubbock was small and the entire South Plains region had fewer than 90,000 residents. Lubbock today is much larger and the impact…

Posted on:

Grand Jury Proceedings in Lubbock to Restart in May

grand jury room

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…

Posted on:

Freeing Clients Threatened by COVID-19 Exposure in Jails

handcuffs-criminal-law

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…

Posted on:

Fred Stangl Interviewed on Personal Bond Executive Order

criminal attorney on dna

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…

Posted on:

Coronavirus Impact on Criminal Law in Texas

COVID-19 Criminal Law

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…

Posted on:

Saga of Sam Cates, Crosby County Murder Defendant

Crosbyton Courthouse
Chuck Lanehart shares the backstory, accusations and trial of one of Crosbyton's most infamous murders in this week's Caprock Chronicle. In the 1920's, Sam Cates fired two shotgun blasts into his employer and landlord, the attorney J.W. Burton. Claiming self defense, Cates was charged with "murder with malice aforethought", a capital crime. If convicted, Sam…

Posted on:

Fred Stangl Interviewed on Police DNA Collection

criminal attorney on dna
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…

Posted on:

Making Bail Before Trial

If you have a loved one in jail awaiting trial, understand your options. Although a bail bondsman can be convenient (typically located near the jail/sheriff's office), it can be expensive. Up to 15% of the bond total is often required as a fee, which can be expensive. Cheaper Alternatives to Bondsman in Lubbock County In…

Posted on:

A criminal law firm for Lubbock families and students

Chappell, Lanehart & Stangl works directly with clients, and we also meet with families and parents of defendants. Whether your son or daughter is a juvenile or over the age of 18, parents can provide support in many ways to protect the future of those they love. Parents can help provide mitigation evidence and assist…

Posted on:

Murder Trial in Brownfield Ends in Favorable Plea Deal for Client

Terry County Courthouse near Lubbock Texas
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…

Posted on: