The LCDLA FAST has been formed to address concerns about pro se guilty pleas in Lubbock County Courts-at-Law. LCDLA is concerned that unrepresented misdemeanor defendants are being encouraged by judges and court administrators to waive their right to counsel; that unrepresented misdemeanor defendants are being systematically referred by judges and court administrators to prosecutors for legal advice, including advice about [...]

Becky Cannon, a friend to the Lubbock legal community, died suddenly this morning. Becky’s husband, Judge Tom Cannon, was a founding member of LCDLA. Our condolences go out to Tom and his family.

The Lubbock County Bar Memorial Service for our departed friend Alton Griffin has been scheduled for Thursday, February 9, at 1:15 in the 72nd District Courtroom. We all need to attend. It is recommended that you get there early to get a seat.

Services for Mr. Alton Griffin will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday January 27, 2006, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. A viewing will be held at Rix Funeral Directors from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday. The family suggests donations to the Texas Tech Law School Foundation, Alton Griffin Scholarship Fund, 1802 Hartford Ave., Lubbock, Tx 79409; St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, [...]

Sad news to report. Alton Griffin, charter member and past-president of LCDLA, former Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney, fierce advocate and friend, died this morning. Services are pending, and I will keep you informed. Chuck Lanehart, LCDLA Court Liaison

LCDLA, the Lubbock Criminal District Attorney’s Office and the Lubbock County Bar Association is cosponsoring a reception honoring Alton Griffin next Thursday, December 22, 2005, at 6:00 p.m., at the Texas Tech Law School. All members of the bar are invited. Especially welcome are all those who Alton gave them their start. If you know an attorney who has relocated, [...]

The fabled Irresistible Force met an Immovable Object today. LCDLA Charter Member Alton Griffin was asked to introduce Texas Tech University head basketball coach Bob Knight as featured speaker at the noon luncheon of the Lubbock Lions Club (largest in the Whole Universe). Coach Knight instructed Alton to “keep the introduction short.” Alton replied, “You do the speech. I’ll do [...]

The Lubbock County Commissioners Court decided recently to removed the monument that has been on the courthouse lawn since April. Spearheaded by the LCDLA, the politically-offensive granite slab is now in being carted off in garbage bins. Though critics claim it is a slap in the face to victims, people who truly understand the issue should be most pleased with [...]

The Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers Association applauds the decision made by the Commissioners Court to hold a public vote July 25th on a resolution regarding the removal of the monument. However, the delay may have a negative impact on citizens who trust our justice system to be a fair and unbiased one. We trust, despite the delay, the Commissioners will [...]