Defense Lawyer Contact - Finding a Good One

sparx · Post by **sparx** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 10:45 am

I know that should someone, whether a CHL holder or not, be forced to use their weapon in self-defense and a BG becomes wounded or killed as part of that act, once the LE has been called (followed by possible ambulance if needed) to report the situation that the GG should immediately call their defense lawyer.

However, in advance preparation for someone that has never needed a lawyer (let alone a defense lawyer)...

1. Where would one go to look for such a lawyer (besides the Yellow Pages)?

2. Are there any tips to finding a good one? (i.e.: One that will actually fight for you and do a good, honest job with your defense versus someone that will just waste your money with frivolous stuff that racks up the hours and earns the lawyer plenty of pay, but really doesn't help your case much, if at all.)

3. Are there perhaps even lawyers that specialize in the defense of CHL holders that have had to defend themselves with deadly force against a BG?

4. Are there any recommendations for finding such a good (more than just competent) lawyer in the DFW area? Especially one with knowledge, experience and a good track record for winning cases brought against their clients in self-defense situations.

The reason I ask is that I've heard it's a wise idea to have such a lawyer contact kept available in advance of any such need. Although I would certainly hope that they will never need to be called, I would hate to have to try and find a suitable lawyer "after the fact" when there would undoubtedly be other pressing areas that need attention (such as my own health or well-being should I be wounded, too, for example).

All suggestions or recommendations are welcome. Although I hope to never need to use deadly force against another in self-defense, I want to make sure I'm also prepared for that "next step" afterwards, should it become inevitable. Thanks!

seamusTX · Post by **seamusTX** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:22 pm

This guy talks the talk, but I don't know anything about him other than reading his web site: http://www.burger.com/gunindex.htm

He's in Houston, but maybe he can recommend like-minded attorneys in other cities.

I need to say this in light of other conversations which have gone off the rails: In Texas, prosecution for legitimate self-defense is rare.

By legitimate, I mean that you are being attacked by a criminal and in fear of your life or welfare, or defending another innocent party.

Unsuccessful claims of self-defense usually involve arguments between parties who know each other, bar fights, drug deals, or other shady situations. Obviously you are not going to get into one of those situations.

It's also obvious that you can't get away with shooting someone for snooping around your car or giving you the finger. Your life or that of another person must be in danger.

Feel free to disagree. :^)

- Jim

mrvmax · Post by **mrvmax** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 4:37 pm

I posted before and asked this. Charles had some names. I'll see if I can find the post.

Here it is from Charles:

"I don't know of anyone in Austin, but I'm going to post the name and contact numbers of the attorney that helped with the legal seminar we did a few months ago. He could probably make a referral, but to be honest, if I were needing him for a self-defense shooting, I hire him and let him travel to Austin.

I'm a civil trial attorney and I presume you want a criminal attorney. If someone gets sued over a self-defense shooting I can help, but that will come later in the process."

Regards,
Chas.

Here's his name:

Derek Hollingsworth
Rusty Hardin & Associates
5 Houston Center
1401 McKinney, Suite 2250
Houston, TX 77010

longtooth · Post by **longtooth** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 4:38 pm

I will print it oof & keep it.

sparx · Post by **sparx** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 8:54 am

Me too. Thanks! (I missed that in going through the threads... thanks for tip!)

Venus Pax · Post by **Venus Pax** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 10:33 pm

Charles, I don't know if I completely understood.
The guy you listed is a criminal attorney, correct?
You mentioned civil litigation.

I'm actually more worried about civil litigation than criminal charges.
Did you say that you do work in civil litigation? (ex: BG's family sues GG after GG's shot leaves him paralyzed/dead.)
I'm wanting to keep contact numbers in my phone book, but I want them to be accurate in the event that we need to use them.

ETA: Is there a phone number for him, especially an emergency contact number?

longtooth · Post by **longtooth** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 5:22 am

Got it. Thanks guys.

abelgarza1 · Post by **abelgarza1** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:11 pm

Anyone use Prepaid Legal?

Post by **Charles L. Cotton** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:36 pm

Venus Pax wrote:Charles, I don't know if I completely understood.
The guy you listed is a criminal attorney, correct?
You mentioned civil litigation.

I'm actually more worried about civil litigation than criminal charges.
Did you say that you do work in civil litigation? (ex: BG's family sues GG after GG's shot leaves him paralyzed/dead.)
I'm wanting to keep contact numbers in my phone book, but I want them to be accurate in the event that we need to use them.

ETA: Is there a phone number for him, especially an emergency contact number?

Yep, I'm a civil trial attorney. I'd be happy to represent any of our group in a civil case, but I seriously doubt that will ever come up in a righteous shooting in Texas. It can mind you, but it's not at all likely. If it does, "I'm your huckleberry." Send me a PM if you want my contact numbers.

Chas.

GrillKing · Post by **GrillKing** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:47 pm

Although I think it's good to have the name of a good civil attorney (Chas!!), the possible criminal aspect is the higher priority for me if I do have to shoot. I think you will have plenty of time for getting it together for a civil suit defense, but if I need a get out of jail card, I want it quickly! If you subscribe to the only talk on the advice of counsel theory (as I do), I think I would want the criminal experts advice very quickly. The local / county jail or police holding cell is not a place I want to spend much time.

I like option 1 the best, have no desire for option 3, will live with 2 if required.

1. Tell your story on advice of counsel and go home.

2. Tell your story on advice of counsel, pay your bail / bond (whatever it is, I don't know the difference) and go home.

3. Sit in jail

Gary

cxm · Post by **cxm** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 7:12 am

The big difference between a civil action and a criminal action is you need an attorney NOW in a criminal action.

In a civil action you have time to give Charles a call, and discuss the issue is leisure.

In looking for a criminal lawyer, you want one who will give you a phone number to reach him 24/7 in an emergency (or one of his partners if he is away.) If the guy does not have such contact information available, they find another lawyer. When you need a criminal defense lawyer, you need them NOW... not next business day.

FWIW

Chuck

badgerw · Post by **badgerw** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:28 am

You might contact your local bar association. They can refer you to local attornies who specialize in criminal defense.

Another approach is to contact your local police union. They can refer you to the attornies that handle officer-involved shootings.

Bill

badgerw · Post by **badgerw** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 8:46 pm

I had an appointment to speak with my attorney today about other matters.

When we finished our scheduled business, I laid out the CHL/self-defense issues for her. Then I asked, "If you shot someone in self defense, who would you want as your criminal attorney?"

She thought about it for a while and said:

Mark Stevens
310 S. St Mary's St
Suite 1505
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-226-1433

I hope to meet with him soon. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

Bill

TexasCHLforum.com

Defense Lawyer Contact - Finding a Good One

Defense Lawyer Contact - Finding a Good One

Criminal = Urgent Need; Civil = Take Time

San Antonio criminal defense attorney