Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

A former West Texas district attorney who once ran a tough-on-drugs campaign has received an 18-year state prison term to go along with a federal sentence, both on drug-related convictions.
Rick Roach, 57, pleaded guilty Monday to a state charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver in exchange for a similar charge involving cocaine being dropped. Roach, already in federal prison after pleading guilty and getting five years on a drug-related firearms charge last year, will serve the sentences concurrently.

For more information check out the article in the Houston Chronicle.

Just a reminder that if you want to stay or be put on the courts attorney appointment list you will need to turn in your renewal application by Friday (30th).

These applications can be found on the county website at http://www.co.lubbock.tx.us

Please return to..
David Slayton, room 304
775-1020
dslayton@co.lubbock.tx.us
fax-806-767-9656

Letter to our President, Robin Matthews from the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office:

Ms. Matthews:

It has come to my attention that some attorneys are not completing the personal cash bonds in their entirety and are requesting that the jail staff complete any missing information, such as driver’s license number, employment address, and place of birth. I have instructed the jail staff that they are not to accept any bond unless all required information is complete. Attorneys may continue to submit handwritten bonds as long as the bonds are legible.

If an attorney does not have all required information, he/she may request a visit with the inmate to obtain the necessary information. However, it may save time and benefit the attorneys if they retrieve all information from their clients upon first communication.

Also, I would like to request your email address, so that I can forward updates, changes, or clarifications regarding such matters to you for dissemination to local attorneys. If you prefer to receive information in a different manner, please contact me at 775-1500 for arrangements.

Sincerely,

Jerry Baggs,
Major, Lubbock County Sherrif’s Office

Congratulations go to David Martinez. He obtained a mistrial after a hung jury (9-3 for acquittal) in a murder case in Potter County. David says he learned how to use mitochondrial DNA evidence to his client’s advantage. Good job, David!

Judge Corky Green suppressed a bad DWI stop in Bailey County on Steve Hamilton’s motion June 19. It was a 2nd degree felony, enhanced DWI. The stop was based on an anonymous citizen’s call-in for bad driving, almost hitting a light pole, driving all over the road and failure to drive in a single lane. Good job, Steve!

This month’s meeting will be at the usual time and place, but on the 22nd instead of the 15th.

A class action lawsuit was recently filed in Williamson County by citizens who felt they were denied their right to an attorney. Click here to read the article. Additionally, you can view the plaintiff’s pleadings by right-clicking here and saving it to your computer.

Daniel Warrick received a lesser charge of mere possession in the 364th District Court by objecting to the arresting officer testifying as an expert when not designated by the State as an expert. Judge Underwood agreed, and the jury was charged only on PCS, no intent to deliver. Good job Dan.

Floyd Holder received 22 counts of “not guilty” in a federal mail fraud case in the United States District Court, Northern Division. Congrats to Floyd, our “retired” senior LCDLA member.

Steve Hamilton and Nicky Boatwright got a not guilty in 8 minutes on a DWI 2nd in County Court at Law No. 1 June 6. Congratulations, gladiators!