Felony Crimes Lawyer Lubbock
Nationally Recognized Trial Attorneys
At Keith & Lorfing, our felony crimes lawyer in Lubbock, Russell Lorfing, brings a unique advantage as the only practicing criminal defense attorney who previously served as a federal prosecutor.
Facing felony charges can devastate your future, affecting everything from employment to housing opportunities, but our West Texas roots and unmatched insider knowledge give you the defense you need when your freedom is on the line.
Schedule your free consultation with our Lubbock criminal defense lawyer team — get immediate guidance on your felony charges and a plan to protect your future.
What Makes Felony Different from Misdemeanors
Felony charges carry far more severe consequences than misdemeanors, fundamentally changing how your case proceeds through the Texas criminal justice system.
⚠️ Felonies trigger grand jury, prison exposure up to life, and lifelong civil disabilities (voting, firearms, licensing).
Unlike misdemeanors that typically result in fines or short jail terms, felonies can lead to state prison sentences ranging from 180 days to life imprisonment.
The legal process for felonies involves grand jury proceedings, where prosecutors present evidence to determine if formal charges should be filed.
Felony convictions also trigger lifelong consequences, including loss of voting rights, firearm ownership restrictions, and barriers to professional licensing.
In Texas, felonies are classified into five categories:
- Capital felony: Death penalty or life without parole
- First-degree felony: 5-99 years or life in prison, up to $10,000 fine
- Second-degree felony: 2-20 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine
- Third-degree felony: 2-10 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine
- State jail felony: 180 days to 2 years in state jail, up to $10,000 fine
Our team helps clients manage these complex distinctions, ensuring you receive strategic advice tailored to your specific charges.
Types of Felony Crimes We Handle
Our West Texas criminal defense team handles the full spectrum of felony charges across state and federal jurisdictions, bringing over 500 combined jury trials to each case.
Violent Crimes:
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Murder and manslaughter charges
Drug-Related Felonies:
- Possession of controlled substances over specific weight thresholds
- Manufacturing and distribution across state lines
Property Crimes:
- Burglary of habitation (second-degree felony) or building (state jail felony)
- Theft over $2,500, escalating to first-degree felony for amounts exceeding $300,000
White-Collar Offenses:
- Fraud schemes involving federal banking regulations
- Money laundering and embezzlement cases
Federal Crimes:
- Interstate drug trafficking conspiracies
- Federal firearms violations
Hypothetical scenario: A Lubbock resident faces charges for possessing 400 grams of THC concentrate—automatically elevating the case to a first-degree felony with potential life imprisonment. We guide clients through these complex situations, developing defense strategies that protect their rights and future prospects.
Federal vs. State Charges in Lubbock
Federal and state charges create dramatically different legal challenges, requiring specialized knowledge that Russell Lorfing’s prosecutorial background provides. Federal cases typically involve more resources, longer investigations, and harsher sentences compared to similar state charges.
State felony cases in Lubbock County proceed through the 72nd, 99th, 137th, or 140th District Courts, following Texas Penal Code guidelines with more flexibility in sentencing and plea negotiations.
Federal cases are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas through the federal courthouse in Lubbock. Federal charges often carry mandatory minimum sentences, particularly for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
Aspect | State Charges | Federal Charges |
Prosecution Timeline | 6-18 months typical | 1-3+ years of investigation |
Conviction Rate | ~75-80% | ~95+ federal conviction rate |
Sentencing Guidelines | Texas Penal Code | Federal Sentencing Guidelines |
Typical Penalties | More negotiation flexibility | Mandatory minimums common |
Appeal Process | Texas Court of Criminal Appeals | U.S. Court of Appeals |
Russell’s experience as a former federal prosecutor gives our clients a critical advantage—he knows exactly how federal cases are built because he used to build them.
📌 Federal cases often involve years of investigation, mandatory minimums, and ~95% conviction rates, meaning specialized defense is essential compared to state proceedings.
Lubbock County Court Process
The felony process in Lubbock County follows a structured timeline that can extend for months or years. We guide you through each critical phase:
- Pre-Indictment Phase: Investigation, arrest, and initial appearance before a magistrate judge within 48 hours.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: Lubbock County grand juries require only 9 of 12 jurors to agree on an indictment. You have no right to appear before the grand jury.
- Arraignment and Discovery: Formal charges are read, you enter your plea, and both sides exchange evidence and witness lists.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Filing motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or exclude testimony. Successful motion practice can dramatically change your case’s trajectory.
- Trial or Plea Resolution: Most cases resolve through plea negotiations, though some proceed to jury trial, requiring unanimous verdicts for conviction.
We provide comprehensive guidance throughout each phase, leveraging our deep knowledge of Lubbock County courts to pursue the best possible outcome.
Penalties and Long-Term Consequences
Felony convictions trigger both immediate penalties and lifelong collateral consequences that extend far beyond prison sentences. These hidden punishments often prove more devastating than the criminal penalties themselves.
- Immediate Criminal Penalties: Prison sentences range from 180 days to life imprisonment, with fines up to $10,000 for most felonies.
- Enhanced Punishment: Prior felony convictions trigger enhanced penalties under Texas’s repeat offender statutes. A second felony conviction can result in enhanced punishment, while a third felony may result in 25 years to life.
- Professional and Economic Impact: Many professional licenses become unavailable, and employment opportunities shrink, with Texas Department of Public Safety background checks revealing convictions to employers.
- Housing and Civil Rights: Loss of voting rights, jury service eligibility, and disqualification from public housing assistance.
- Firearm Restrictions: Federal law permanently prohibits felons from owning firearms, making any possession a separate felony.
We work diligently to help you avoid these devastating consequences, exploring every legal avenue to protect your future.
⚠️ Beyond prison and fines, felony convictions ripple into every part of life, erasing gun rights, voting access, professional opportunities, and future housing stability.
Russell Lorfing’s Prosecutorial Advantage
Russell Lorfing’s experience as a federal prosecutor in Lubbock provides unparalleled insight into case development and prosecution strategies. This insider knowledge becomes your strategic advantage.
- Prosecutorial Strategy Insight: Having built federal cases for years, Russell anticipates prosecutorial moves because he’s made them himself.
- Federal Court Experience: Federal procedures, sentencing guidelines, and prosecutorial practices differ significantly from state courts, requiring specialized knowledge few defense attorneys possess.
- Case Assessment Expertise: Russell quickly assesses case strength from the government’s perspective, identifying potential plea negotiations or trial strategies.
No other defense firm in Lubbock offers this level of federal prosecution experience. While other attorneys may have handled federal cases, Russell actually prosecuted them.
Charged outside Lubbock? Talk to our Abilene criminal defense lawyer — same West Texas Tough™ defense, serving clients across the region.
Building Your Defense Strategy
Effective felony defense requires immediate action and strategic planning. Every hour you wait allows prosecutors to strengthen their case while essential evidence disappears.
- Immediate Case Assessment: We conduct thorough case evaluation within hours, reviewing arrest reports and identifying constitutional violations.
- Evidence Preservation: We immediately preserve surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and document crime scenes before evidence degrades.
- Motion Practice: Aggressive pre-trial motions can eliminate prosecution evidence through challenging illegal searches, Miranda violations, or procedural errors.
- Plea Negotiation Strategy: We leverage Russell’s prosecutorial insight to negotiate favorable agreements that minimize penalties and long-term consequences.
- Trial Preparation: With over 500 combined jury trials, we prepare every case for trial, strengthening our negotiating position.
✔️ Our approach combines constitutional challenges, evidence suppression, and trial readiness, ensuring the defense remains strong whether negotiating or going to verdict.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Delaying legal representation in felony cases often proves catastrophic. The prosecution begins building its case immediately after the arrest.
- Evidence Preservation Timeline: Surveillance footage gets overwritten within 30-90 days unless formally preserved. Witness memories fade, and people become reluctant to cooperate.
- Constitutional Rights Protection: Many violations occur during arrest or investigation, but identifying these requires immediate legal attention.
- Plea Negotiation Advantage: Prosecutors are more willing to negotiate early, before investing significant resources in case preparation.
Russell’s prosecutorial background provides unique insight into investigation timelines and prosecutorial decision-making, helping you manage critical early stages.
Cost and Payment Options
We believe quality defense shouldn’t be limited to those who can pay large retainers upfront. We offer transparent fee structures and flexible payment options.
- Typical Fee Ranges: Felony defense costs typically range from $5,000 to $25,000+, depending on complexity. Federal cases generally require a higher investment.
- Our Approach: Free initial consultation with clear fee estimates and flexible payment plans designed around your financial situation.
- Value of Experience: Consider the cost of inadequate representation: decades in prison, lifetime employment barriers, and permanent reputation damage.
💰 With flexible payment structures, investing in proven felony defense costs far less than the lifelong consequences of inadequate representation.
Your Defense Starts Here
Russell Lorfing’s background as one of the only former federal prosecutors practicing criminal defense in Lubbock gives us unparalleled insight into how cases are built and prosecuted. We know exactly what you’re facing because we’ve been on both sides of the courtroom.
Don’t let another day pass while prosecutors build their case against you. Early intervention can mean the difference between conviction and dismissal, between prison time and probation, between a felony record and a clean slate.
We guide you through every step of the legal process, providing the strategic counsel and aggressive advocacy needed to achieve the best possible outcome.
Your freedom can’t wait. Call us at (325) 480-8100 or contact us online for your free consultation with Lubbock’s most experienced felony defense team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a felony case typically take in Lubbock County?
Felony cases in Lubbock County typically take 6-18 months to resolve, depending on case complexity and court schedules. Simple state jail felonies may resolve faster, while first-degree felonies or complex federal cases can extend beyond two years. Factors affecting the timeline include plea negotiations, expert witness availability, and whether you request a jury trial versus accepting a plea agreement.
What should I do immediately after being arrested for a felony in Lubbock?
Contact our experienced felony defense attorney immediately, remain silent except to request counsel, and avoid discussing your case with anyone except your lawyer. Do not consent to searches, sign any documents, or provide statements to law enforcement without your attorney present. Time is critical for evidence preservation and building your defense strategy effectively.
Can I get a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor in Texas?
Yes, some felony charges can be reduced through plea negotiations or specific legal motions, particularly state jail felonies, which may be reduced to misdemeanors under certain circumstances. Our attorney will evaluate factors like criminal history, case facts, and prosecutorial discretion to determine reduction possibilities. Having experienced legal representation significantly improves your chances of achieving charge reductions.
How much does hiring a felony defense attorney cost in Lubbock?
Felony defense attorney fees in Lubbock typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on charge severity, case complexity, and trial requirements. Federal cases generally cost more due to their complexity. At Keith & Lorfing, we offer flexible payment plans and transparent fee structures during your free consultation to make quality representation accessible.
Will a felony conviction affect my ability to work in Texas?
A felony conviction can significantly impact employment opportunities, as many employers conduct background checks and may have policies against hiring individuals with felony records. Professional licenses in healthcare, education, finance, and law may be suspended or permanently revoked. However, some employers consider factors like time since conviction and job relevance when making hiring decisions.
The Best
In the West
Our every action is driven by a deep-seated commitment to fighting for hardworking Texans. Each client we represent and every case we undertake reflects our dedication to ensuring fairness and justice.
Our roots run deep in West Texas. Many of our attorneys hail from modest backgrounds, with family histories steeped in professions like farming, mechanics, labor, firefighting, and military service. These humble beginnings instilled in us the value of hard work, a principle we uphold daily.
We consciously choose to stand with the everyday people rather than corporations or the elite. Our focus is on representing dedicated, family-oriented Texans who aspire to provide a better future for their children. This often means challenging big insurance companies that attempt to undercut rightful claims. 
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Russell Lorfing
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We’re committed to being the best in the West! Proudly serving clients throughout Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, Midland & all of West Texas.