Attorneys
John S. Young | Christianson O. Hartman | Why Choose A Certified Attorney?
 |
John S. Young
Attorney
Board Certified | Crimal Law
by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
|
John S. Young has over 23 years of criminal trial experience and is the President of the Law Offices of John S. Young, P.C. With offices in Sweetwater, San Angelo and Abilene, Texas, Mr. Young handles all types of criminal cases in state and federal courts across West Texas, including Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, Snyder, Pecos and surrounding areas. John is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. John believes that it is important to provide aggressive, hard fought legal representation for every client—the same kind of representation that he would want, if he or one of his family members were accused of a crime. John’s personal and professional experiences and his extensive trial experience in criminal law matters bring a unique perspective and experience to his representation of each client in criminal law matters.
Mr. Young served as a criminal prosecutor while serving as an Assistant District Attorney in the Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney’s Office from 1988 to 1990. After leaving the District Attorney’s Office in 1990, John joined the law firm of Nunn, Griggs, Jones and Sheridan and began practicing criminal defense law in Sweetwater, Texas. He later became a partner in the law firm Jones, Edwards and Young, L.L.C. and in 1997 founded the Law Offices of John S. Young, P.C. An aggressive and zealous advocate, John’s passion is to fight the fight for folks that cannot, for whatever reason, fight for themselves and to ensure that each and every client receives the zealous, hard fought defense that they deserve. John aggressively defends each client that is accused of any crimes by the government, including all misdemeanors and the most serious felony crimes in state and federal court. John is one of only a few lawyers certified to be appointed as lead counsel in capital murder cases in which the death penalty is sought in the 7th Administrative Judicial Region of Texas.
 |
John believes that a criminal defense lawyer must work harder and smarter to ensure that every piece of evidence, every fact, beneficial to a client is available to be used before the jury. He frequently associates experts from numerous fields to assist on particular issues that may help in presenting a client’s case to a jury. John believes it is vitally important to use every resource available to ensure that his clients receive the best defense possible. John’s passion for the criminal law and his commitment to each client is demonstrated by his vigorous advocacy for every client - both in the courtroom and in preparing each case for trial. Although John has a good working relationship with many prosecutors, case agents and law enforcement personnel across West Texas, he understands that it is not his job to be “friends” with prosecutors, case agents or law enforcement personnel, or any court. It is John’s job to protect his clients and to take care of those who have entrusted their life, liberty and family to him and his law firm. John views each client, and the case presented by each client from the same perspective that he would want if he or a member of his family were accused of a crime. John’s personal and professional experience provides a unique understanding and perspective on the effect that a criminal allegation has against the accused and his family.
In addition to his extensive trial experience, John has written and presented papers at various criminal defense seminars on trying sexual assault cases, sexual assault of children, trial advocacy, legal ethics and the Texas Rules of Evidence. John believes it is important to maintain an active and current knowledge of the law and the changes in the criminal law brought by the Texas Legislature and decisions of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to ensure that each client has “cutting edge” legal resources and knowledge to defend his or her case.
John believes in the criminal justice system but fully understands that the “system” is only as fair and honest as those that control it. Often, the most difficult part of a case is getting a level playing field to begin a trial. John’s 23 years of experience, his extensive trial experience, his aggressive use of resources and experts and his common sense approach to the defense of the accused provides each client the certainty that he or she will receive an aggressive defense and begin the trial with a fair and level playing field.
Education
Texas Tech University School of Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence, 1988
University of Texas at Austin, Bachelors of Arts in Government, 1983
Professional Certifications
Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1998; recertified 2003, 2008
Certified as Lead Counsel in Capital Murder Cases in Which the Death Penalty is Sought, Seventh Judicial Administrative Region of Texas, 2002 – present
State Court Admittance
Texas Supreme Court
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
All Texas Courts of Appeal
All State District Courts and Criminal District Courts
All Misdemeanor Courts
Federal Courts of Admittance
United States Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
Professional Associations
State Bar of Texas
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Assoc. Director 2000-2002, Director 2002-2008)
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute (Executive Committee 2004-2012, Chairman 2011-2012)
Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Project, Executive Committee (2002-2007)
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Concho Valley Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Charter Member)
Big Country Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Nolan County Bar Association (President 1995-1996)
Criminal Justice Section, State Bar of Texas
District 16-C Grievance Committee (1996-2002)
District 16-C Grievance Panel Chairman (1999-2000)
District 16-C Grievance Committee Chairman (2000-2002)
Publications and Presentations
TCDLA “Attacking Forensic Evidence and Child Abuse Allegations Seminar”, Paper - Attacking Sexual Abuse Examinations
TCDLA-CDLP “CDLP Practice Seminar”, Paper - Final Arguments
TILS “SB7 Court Appointed Attorney Certification Seminar”, Paper- Forensic Trial Skills
TCDLA “Search and Seizure Seminar”
TCDLA-CDLP “Evidence for the 21st Century Seminar”, Paper - Articles IX and X, Texas Rules of Evidence
TCDLA “Legal and Forensic Issues in Child Abuse Cases Seminar”, Paper - What Every Criminal Practitioner Should Know About Sexual Assault Examinations
Course Co-Director, TCDLA-CDLP, A Day in the Life of a Criminal Defense Lawyer
TCDLA-CDLP Criminal Defense Trial Advocacy Training, Paper - Avoiding the Grievance Before it is Filed: A New Perspective on the Attorney Client Relationship; TCDLA Seminar
Course Director—CDLP-TCDLA Evidence Seminar
CDLP: Anatomy of the Win Seminar- Speaker
Areas of Practice
Federal:
Drug Conspiracy
Murder
Capital Murder
Gun and Weapon Offenses
Pornography
Child Pornography
Bank Robbery
Fraud, Health Care Fraud, FEMA Fraud
White Collar Crimes
Search and Seizure Issues
Revocation of Supervised Release
State:
Murder
Capital Murder
Drug Possession
Drug Delivery
Aggravated Crimes
Aggravated Robbery
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated Assault
Burglary
Theft, Fraud
White Collar Crimes
Conspiracy and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity
Search and Seizure Issues
Probation Revocation
Why Choose A Board Certified Attorney
BOARD CERTIFICATION IS A MARK OF EXCELLENCE AND A DISTINGUISHING ACCOMPLISHMENT
Within the Texas legal community, Board Certification means an attorney has substantial, relevant experience in a select field of law as well as demonstrated, and tested, special competence in that area of law. There are more than 70,000 attorneys licensed to practice in Texas. Only 7,000 are Board Certified. Board Certified lawyers earn the right to publicly represent themselves as a specialist in a select area of the law. In fact, they are the only attorneys allowed by the State Bar of Texas to do so. This designation sets them apart as being an attorney with the highest, public commitment to excellence in their area of law.
An attorney that is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization must show substantial involvement and special competence in state and federal criminal law practice in Texas. A Board Certified Attorney in Criminal Law must devote a significant portion of their practice to the area of criminal law and have tried a number of criminal cases before a jury in state and federal court. Furthermore, the Board Certification process takes into consideration the nature, complexity, and duration of the cases handled by the attorney.
The process is voluntary and can only take place after an attorney has been in practice for five years, with a minimum of three years experience in the specialty area. Moreover, Board Certification is not a one-time event. It requires an ongoing involvement in the specialty area which is periodically substantiated with references from peers in that field. It also requires annual professional refreshment through TBLS approved, continuing legal education course work to stay abreast of current trends in law.
John S. Young is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Please contact the law offices of John S. Young, P.C. to get connected with John S. Young about your case today.
Top
__________________________________________________________________________
Christianson O. Hartman | John S. Young | Why Choose A Certified Attorney?
 |
Christianson O. Hartman
Associate Attorney |
Christianson O. Hartman is an attorney that joined the Law Offices of John S. Young, P.C. in 2011. Mr. Hartman focuses his practice on criminal and civil litigation matters and represents clients throughout West Texas. He truly cares about his clients and believes effective communication with clients is important in addressing their concerns.
Mr. Hartman aggressively defends his clients that are accused of an array of crimes by the State including misdemeanor and felony cases. Furthermore, Chris zealously advocates for his clients in various civil litigation matters including personal injury, auto accident cases, trucking accident cases, premises liability cases, business torts, and all other instances when a client is wronged by or has suffered damages at the hands of another person or entity. In addition, Mr. Hartman handles family law matters such as divorce, child custody and child support cases. Chris understands his clients’ concerns and each and every client is of utmost importance to him.
Before joining the Law Offices of John S. Young, P.C. Chris was a litigation attorney in South Texas where he handled many personal injury cases including auto accident cases, car wreck cases, commercial accidents, and slip and fall cases. While practicing in South Texas, Mr. Hartman negotiated his clients’ cases aggressively with insurance companies in order to maximize his clients’ settlement out of court and tried numerous cases before a jury to obtain recoveries and to defend the rights of his clients.
Mr. Hartman brings to his clients quality legal representation and the trial experience that they deserve. Chris’ philosophy is working each new case as if will be tried before a jury and prepares in such a manner. Furthermore, Chris has a passion for legal research and thorough investigation which ensures aggressive representation in every case.
Chris is a West Texas native who was born and raised in Sweetwater, Texas. He grew up with an agriculture background where he learned the value of hard work and dedication. Chris continued his education at Texas A&M University where he received his bachelor degree in finance in 2004. Following his undergraduate studies, he was employed in the wind energy industry where he negotiated lease agreements with landowners, resolved landowner disputes, and supervised construction. However, Mr. Hartman’s passion has always been the law and he received his law degree from Texas Tech University in 2009.
Education
Texas Tech University School of Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence, 2009
Texas A&M University, Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance, 2004
Publications and Presentations
What Texas Estate Planners Need to Know About Transferring a Wind Interest, 37th Annual Estate Planning Seminar, Corpus Christi, Texas, May 2010
What Texas Estate Planners Need to Know About Transferring a Wind Interest, Estate Planning Developments for Texas Professionals, October 2009
Is the Wind Mine to Give Away? Guidance for Testators Wishing to Transfer a Wind Interest, Texas Tech Estate Planning and Community Property Law Journal, Vol. 1, Summer 2009
Areas of Practice
Drug Crimes
Property Crimes
Firearm Charges
Probation Revocation
Crimes Against Persons
Sex Crimes
Personal Injury
Auto Accidents
Trucking Accidents
Premises Liability
Business Torts
Divorce
Child Custody
Top |
__