Attorney Panel

Qualifying to participate on the panel

On a case by case basis, when necessary and proper, the Chief Defender shall have the authority with approval of the Executive Director, to elevate or lower an attorney's eligibility for assignment to a different grade of offense from that which the attorney is presently qualified, provided adequate procedural and/or substantive safeguards are put in place to ensure highly effective assistance of counsel for the accused.

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Misdemeanors​

Category 1

Includes every case EXCEPT DWI 2nd and Assault with Domestic Violence cases.

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As a condition to inclusion in the Attorney Panel, each prospective attorney must meet the following criteria:

1. The attorney must be licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Texas and be in good standing with that entity.

2. ​Maintain the attorney’s primary office in Lubbock County.

3. Complete 12 hours of Continuing Legal Education in criminal defense annually.

4. Maintain membership in the Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association.

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Category 2​

Includes all Category 1 cases plus DWI 2nd and Assault with Domestic Violence cases.

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In addition to requirements 1-4 above, each prospective attorney must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be licensed at least one year.

2. Must sit second chair on four trials (any level).

3. Preference will be given to those that have attended a Trial College.

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Felonies​

State Jail Felonies​

In addition to being qualified for all misdemeanors, the applicant must sit second chair on three Felony trials.  However, if applicant’s Misdemeanor Category 2 qualifying trials were felonies, those trials may count toward State Jail Felony level qualification.

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3rd Degree Felonies

In addition to State Jail Felony qualification criteria, the applicant must sit first chair on at least one Felony trial.​

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2nd and 1st Degree Felonies

In addition to Third Degree felony qualification criteria, the applicant must sit first chair in two additional felony trials of third degree or higher.​

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Offense Contained in CCP, 42A.054 For any offense including an allegation contained in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 42A.054, in addition to being Second and First Degree qualified, the applicant must sit second chair in at least two 42A trials.​

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