Lubbock Private Defenders Office

05/08/2026

This year marks 3 years since we started RC in honor of Rachael following her premature passing in January 2023. Rachael was a deeply compassionate and dedicated MH panel attorney who gave so much to those around her.

RC continues to honor her spirit by keeping court attire, hygiene essentials, snacks, water, and other protective items available for MH clients in need. ❤️

04/28/2026

Last week we celebrated Administrative Assistant Day and the amazing women who keep everything running smoothly — Katy, Daisy, and Ayana. We appreciate all you do! 💐✨

03/20/2026

Shout-out to one of our Criminal Defense Investigators!

Since joining the Lubbock Private Defenders Office in August 2020, Chief Criminal Defense Investigator Eldon has become a vital member of the team. As the first Board Certified Criminal Defense Investigator that provides indigent defense, he sets a high standard and encourages others to pursue certification.

Through detailed investigation and a relentless pursuit of the truth, Eldon helps achieve fair outcomes, keeps innocent people out of jail, and saves taxpayer dollars for other community needs. He is active in state and national continuing education, serves on the MAC Committee, and is the founder of Fortress of Hope Ministries, supporting families of the incarcerated.

Driven by a passion for truth and justice, Eldon continues to make a meaningful impact on his clients and community.

03/03/2026

So proud of this duo! 💙✨ Christy and Callyn had the opportunity to present a mental health continuing education session for attorneys today. Helping bring awareness, education, and support to the legal community one presentation at a time! 👏🧠⚖️

02/24/2026

Last week, the entire LPDO office had the opportunity to attend the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Training. It was an incredible experience to connect, collaborate, and learn alongside colleagues from across the state.

LPDO was proud to showcase Chief Investigator Eldon Whitworth and Program Manager Sarah Velasquez as featured speakers, with Chief Defender Rusty Gunter serving as Course Director. Their leadership and expertise were on full display, highlighting the strength and dedication of our team.

LPDO looks forward to continuing to build and strengthen relationships with fellow MAC offices across Texas as we work together to advance excellence in indigent defense.

01/30/2026

Program Manager Sarah Velasquez and Case Manager Shanna Stockton recently attended TCDLA’s The Art of Mitigation training in Dallas. Through this experience, they gained a deeper understanding of mitigation practices and collaborated on new ways to better advocate for our clients. They are excited to return and begin applying this knowledge in their work.

01/08/2026

LPDO was represented well throughout the Prairie Pup Seminars yesterday. Mental Health Program Manager Sarah Velasquez and Mental Health Casemanager Callyn Hale spoke about the ways attorneys can utilize the mental health program to assist with their clients’ cases. Sarah showed how our mental health program has transformed in the last year, and Callyn emphasized the importance of trauma-informed, client-centered approaches when communicating with clients.

Lead Fact Investigator Eldon Whitworth presented on the incredible outcomes defense attorneys could get on cases with the addition of a fact investigator. He expressed the importance of getting an investigator requested as soon as possible to enhance positive case outcomes.

Chief Defender Rusty Gunter wrapped up the day by speaking on the topic of holistic defense. He emphasized the need for clients to be viewed as more than just their criminal case and encouraged attorneys to add in elements of holistic defense to their current practice.

01/08/2026

Good morning and happy first day of Prairie Dog!

Yesterday, Mental Health Case Manager Ariel Estrada was joined by LPDO Receptionist Ayana Stephenson and Assignments Coordinator Daisy Herrera to mingle with attorneys, answer questions about our office, and share their infectiously positive energy.

If you’re present this morning, you’ve likely already said hello to Mental Health Case Manager Shanna Stockton who is representing us this morning. If you haven’t, you definitely should—Shanna is spectacular at what she does. Her ability to connect with clients is admirable.

This afternoon, Mental Health Case Manager Christy Daniel will be there to say hello. She is one of our newer caseworkers—though you would never know that by her amazing quality of work—and this is a great opportunity for her to put faces to names.

Tomorrow morning, you’ll be greeted by Senior Mental Health Case Manager Calvin Vitela who is looking forward to seeing everyone again. As our longest-tenured caseworker, Calvin offers valuable insight into how our program and community resources continue to evolve.

Rounding out the conference for us tomorrow afternoon will be Mental Health Case Manager Callyn Hale who is always excited to chat and learn more about attorneys, their work, and how case managers can be the most beneficial to them.

Stop by, introduce yourself, and say hello!

01/07/2026

The 45th Annual Prairie Dog Seminar sponsored by TCDLA is kicking off today with the Prairie Pups - Nuts and Bolts Seminar co-sponsored by Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers Association!

LPDO’s Mental Health Case Management Team is set up and ready to chat with attorneys about our program. Caseworkers will be taking shifts at our booth throughout the week, so be sure to stop by and say hi!

12/30/2025