Attorney 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.
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 level of offense when necessary and proper.
Wheel placement is divided as follows:
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
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*