Attorney Panel
For first-time applicants
Required for new applicants and for existing members who wish to update their bank information
For existing members who wish to remain on the panel
Information on Panel Wheel Placement
Qualifying to participate on the panel
Upon acceptance, each panel attorney will be evaluated by the Chief Defender to determine the appropriate placement on the panel 'wheel'. The wheel has different levels of assignment according to the charge's level of offense.
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To ensure highly effective assistance of counsel for the accused, the Chief Defender shall have the authority to elevate or lower an attorney's eligibility for assignment to a different grade of offense when necessary and proper.
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​Wheel placement is divided as follows:
Misdemeanors​
Category 1 Includes all misdemeanors EXCEPT DWI 2nd and Assault with Domestic Violence cases​
Placement on this level requires the attorney to meet the following criteria:
- Licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Texas and be in good standing
- Primary office must be in Lubbock County
- Complete 12 hours of Continuing Legal Education in criminal defense annually
- 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​
In addition to the requirements for Category 1, the attorney must meet the following criteria:
- Licensed at least one year
- Sat at least second chair on four trials (any level)
*Preference will be given to those that have attended a Trial College*
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Felonies​
State Jail Felonies​
In addition to the requirements listed above, the attorney must meet the following criteria:
- Sat at least second chair on three felony trials
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3rd Degree Felonies
In addition to the requirements listed above, the attorney must meet the following criteria:
- Sat first chair on at least one felony trial
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2nd and 1st Degree Felonies
In addition to the requirements listed above, the attorney must meet the following criteria:
- Sat first chair on 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 the requirements listed above, the attorney must meet the following criteria:
- Sat second chair in at least two 42A trials
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