Experienced Defense for Your Criminal Charges

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Caldwell County, you can trust the experienced criminal attorneys at Cofer & Connelly for effective representation in Lockhart and its surrounding areas. 

Our Caldwell County criminal defense lawyers routinely handle serious felony and misdemeanor offenses. Since 2020, we have achieved a 94% success rate, including dismissals, acquittals, and reductions.

Our firm is ready to get started on your case right away. Call us today at (512) 991-0576 to arrange a consultation with our criminal team.

Background on Caldwell County

Caldwell County is located about 30 minutes south of Austin, Texas with U.S. highway 183 bisecting the county north to south. Approximately 48,000 people live in Caldwell County, with most residents living in the city of Lockhart. Lockhart is the county seat, but Caldwell County also encompasses the growing communities of Luling and Martindale. Some portions of the cities of Niederwald, San Marcos, and Uhland also stretch into Caldwell County. 

Caldwell County is a small, tight knit community and home to the BBQ capital of Texas, Lockhart, Texas. Caldwell County is also home to the Luling Watermelon Thump, an annual summer watermelon harvest festival that’s been held since 1954. 

What Happens If You Are Arrested in Caldwell County?

While Caldwell County offers plenty of unique destinations, criminal charges are viewed seriously by the community and prosecutors. Caldwell County judges and juries are known to assess significant sentences for felony and misdemeanor convictions. However, first-time offenders have opportunities in both felony and misdemeanor court to participate in diversion programs. Diversion programs may offer alternatives to conviction for resolving pending charges.

Law Enforcement in Caldwell County

The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is located at the at 1204 Reed Drive, Lockhart, Texas. The Caldwell County Jail is also located at 1204 Reed Drive. The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office is led by Sheriff Mike Lane. Sheriff Lane’s duties include but are not limited to the following: 

• Overseeing criminal investigations;
• Security for county and district court operations;
• Enforcing traffic laws, county ordinances, and state laws;
• Overseeing service of process;
• Accepting bail for prisoners in his custody;
• Conducting sales of seized and unclaimed properties; and
• Overseeing the operation of the county jail and is responsible for the prisoners.

The Lockhart Police Department operates within Caldwell County and is headquartered in Lockhart at 214 Bufkin Lane. The Lockhart Police Department is jurisdictionally responsible for investigations within the city limits of Lockhart, Texas. The Lockhart Police Department is led by Chief Gary Williamson. 

The Luling Police Department also operates within Caldwell County and is headquartered in Luling at 1800 E. Pierce Street, Luling, Texas. The Luling Police Department is jurisdictionally responsible for investigations within the city limits of Luling, Texas. The Luling Police Department is led by Chief Bill Sala.

Caldwell County Courts & Judges

Caldwell County is a split jurisdiction that is served by the 421stJudicial District Court of Texas, the 22nd Judicial District Court of Texas, and the 207th Judicial District Court of Texas.

The Honorable Judge Chris Schneider presides in the 421st Judicial Court, the Honorable R. Bruce Boyer presides over the 22nd Judicial Court, and the Honorable Judge Tracie Wright Reneau presides over the 207th Judicial Court. 

The 421st and 22nd District Courts have general jurisdiction over civil matters and felony criminal cases in Caldwell County, with the 22nd District Court also serving Hays and Comal Counties. The 207th District Court has general jurisdiction and can hear criminal matters, however the 207th District Court primarily oversees civil cases in Caldwell, Hays, and Comal Counties.  

Caldwell County Prosecutors

The Cofer & Connelly team has developed a working relationship with the prosecutors in Caldwell County.

The Honorable Fred Weber is the Criminal District Attorney for Caldwell County. His office has dual jurisdiction and prosecutes felony and misdemeanor charges in Caldwell County. District Attorney Weber has served as the Caldwell County District Attorney since January 2015. 

District Attorney Weber office employs six Assistant District Attorneys including First Assistant Amanda Montgomery, Cassandra Benoist, Cynthia Sexton, Chase Goetz, Neil Kucera, Elizabeth Schmidt, and Alex Hellerstedt. 

Where Will My Case Be Tried in Caldwell County?

The Caldwell County Court at Law handles Class A and Class B misdemeanor charges and all civil cases filed in the County Court. Judge Trey Hicks currently presides over this court. Judge Trey Hicks has been the presiding judge in this court since January 2023. 

Caldwell County is also served by several courts handling Class C misdemeanors including Justice of the Peace courts and the Lockhart Municipal Court. Caldwell County Justice of the Peace Courts include four precincts, which are presided over by four Justices:

• Justice of the Peace Matt Kiely (Precinct One)
• Justice of the Peace Shanna Conley (Precinct Two)
• Justice of the Peace Anita DeLeon (Precinct Three)
• Justice of the Peace Yvette Mireles (Precinct Four)

The Justices of the Peace in each precinct handle Criminal Class C Misdemeanors involving the following code violations:

• Traffic
• Penal
• Health & Safety
• Education
• Parks & Wildlife
• Alcohol & Beverage

The Lockhart Municipal Court is a court of non-record run by the Honorable Robert Haedge, which primarily hears cases punishable by fine occurring within the city limits of Lockhart, including: traffic offenses, theft cases involving stolen property valued at less than $100.00, violations of city ordinances, public intoxication, possession of drug paraphernalia, and simple assault.

Contact a Criminal Attorney in Caldwell County Today

Whether you are facing a misdemeanor, felony, or federal crime in Caldwell County, Cofer & Connelly’s team of experienced attorneys are ready to help you through all stages of your criminal charge. We routinely handle all many of criminal offenses, including:

• Juvenile Crimes
• DWI
• Drug Possession
• Sex Crimes
• Assault Family Violence

Contact our criminal defense lawyers in Caldwell County today by calling (512) 991-0576 for a consultation. Our team is ready to help defend your rights!