The Keith & Lorfing Difference
Trusted Leader in Criminal Law
The Keith & Lorfing law firm is the leading law firm in West Texas for criminal law. Each of our attorneys are former prosecutors and have spent the majority of their careers defending the constitution and fighting for justice inside a courtroom. We are best known for our litigation skills, trial abilities, and our down-to-earth approach in resolving cases effectively and efficiently. With a solid reputation and track record in criminal law, you can feel confident that our law firm has the necessary expertise and resources to protect your legal rights during life’s unexpected challenges.
We level the playing field for hard working West Texans by aggressively defending their rights in and out of the courtroom
Everything we do – every decision we make, every client we choose to work with, every case we file – is driven by our desire to level the playing field for working-class Texans. Each of our attorneys comes from humble beginnings and knows the value of hard work. Our fathers and grandfathers were mechanics, laborers, firefighters, and enlisted military – and we haven’t forgotten where we come from. We’ve intentionally chosen not to represent corporations or the 1 percenters. Instead, we advocate for people like us – hard-working, family-oriented West Texans who simply want to give their kids a better life than they had. Sometimes that means standing up to the State of Texas when they are trying to strong-arm a plea offer. Other times, it means fighting for just compensation against a multi-million dollar insurance company. Regardless of the adversary, know our mission remains the same – to level the playing field for people like me and you.
Why Our Clients Like Us
ExperienceOur legal team has over 75 years of combined experience in criminal law. We can handle a wide range of complex and high conflict criminal cases. |
LocationWe have offices located in Lubbock, Midland, Abilene, and San Angelo to better serve the needs of our West Texas communities. |
FlexibilityWe can work with clients in person or virtually for those who prefer to work with us remotely. The choice is yours. |
PeopleWe only hire the most experienced and credentialed attorneys and staff. Go ahead - compare our resumes and pedigree to any other firm in West Texas. |
SizeWe have multiple attorneys on our team and the resources to help maintain a high level of quality and client satisfaction. |
SpeedWe use modern business best-practices to provide fast turnaround and response times, which is critical in time-sensitive situations. |
BudgetsWhat budget?! We pay out of our own pocket all expenses related to your case. If we don't win, you don't owe us a penny. |
ApproachOur approach is designed to produce great results for your case and to maximize your chances of securing a favorable plea deal or winning at trial. |
Russell grew up poor and saw his biological father struggle with addiction and a criminal record. His mother worked two jobs and the graveyard shift to make ends meet. He witnessed firsthand the devastating impact drugs and the criminal justice system have on family life. As a young man, he knew he wanted a different life. Through hard work and determination, he became the first person in his family to ever attend and graduate college. Russell is married to Jessica Lorfing, his beautiful wife, and he is the proud father of three amazing boys. He enjoys camping, hiking, and longhorn football. One of his greatest passions in life is exploring exotic places and adventure travel. He has traveled to over 70 countries, visited all seven wonders of the world, ran a marathon on the Great Wall of China, hiked to the base camp of Mt. Everest, survived the Amazon jungle, swam with sharks in the Pacific Ocean, explored the mountains of Patagonia, and tried walking on water at the Sea of Galilee.
The Best in the West
Don’t Let Our West Texas Roots Fool You - Our Attorneys Are Some of the Most Experienced in America.
With over 500 jury trials and over 75 years of experience, our team of attorneys have the experience and expertise you need to win and to win big. We employ multiple former federal and state prosecutors. Our attorneys have clerked at the highest courts in Texas, graduated from some of the best Universities, and handled the biggest cases. Our attorneys could have easily worked at the largest law firms in New York, San Francisco, or Washington D.C. but chose to come back to West Texas –to their home – to protect and fight for our West Texas communities.
Our representation goes beyond the courtroom. We help our clients become better fathers and better husbands through self-improvement.
We Don’t Back Down From a Fight
Not everyone has the luxury of starting life out on third base. If you’re anything like us, you’ve had to fight and claw your way to the top. If we’ve learned anything in this life, it’s that anything worth having, is worthing fighting for. Which is why we never back down from a fight. We handle some of the biggest cases in West Texas. And when the going gets tough, we show our competition just what it means to be West Texas Tough.
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Case Closed Child Abuse
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Charges Reduced Injury to a Child
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Dropped Motion to Revoke
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No Billed Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury
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Federal Sentence Reduction – GRANTED Immigration violations
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Charges Reduced Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
We Got The Stats To Back It Up
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#1
Voted Number One Law Firm in Abilene for 2023
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15
On Average, Our Attorneys have 15 Years of Experience
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9/10
9 out of 10 of our State Clients did not Spend a Day in Jail in 2023
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100+
Over 100 Charges Dismissed, Rejected, and/or Acquitted in 2023
Straight From The Horse’s Mouth
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Russell's experience as a prosecutor and defense counsel in both civil and criminal law has made him an excellent attorney.- Javier
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He responded immediately and help with my issue with professionalism and in an extremely quick manner.- Ashley H.
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When I was down and out, he gave me the tools and motivation to continue onward.- Matt L.
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He is the only attorney I've ever met that truly cared.- Randy
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If you don't hire Russell, I think you are making a huge mistake.- Catherine E.
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Russell was able to get me cleared of my charges through his expansive knowledge of both sides of the prosecuting and defensive sides of the law.- Avvo User
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Russell is a top-notch person. Hands down will recommend him to anybody.- Robert C.
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They got me out of a tight jam with pure professionalism and tact.- Brian H.
West Texas Criminal Defense
Serving Clients in Abilene, San Angelo, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa & Surrounding Areas
The Keith & Lorfing law firm is the leading law firm in West Texas for criminal law. Each of our attorneys are former prosecurots and have spent the majority of their careers defending the consitution and fighting for justice inside the courtroom. We are best known for our litigation skills, trial abilities, and our down-to-earth approach in resolving cases effectively and efficiently. With a solid reputation and track record in criminal law, you can feel confident that our law firm has the necessary expertise and resources to protect your legal rights during life's unexpected challenges.
Our Mission
We level the playing field for hard working West Texans by aggressively defending their rights in and out of the courtroom
This is NOT How Your Story Ends
If you or your loved one have been charged with a crime, know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Being accused of a crime can be terrifying and overwhelming. If you’re reading this, it is likely you or a family member have been arrested or are currently being investigated by the police. If you feel like the sky is falling, like it’s you against the world, and you just don’t see any way through, know this is not how your story ends. Over 90% of our clients don’t spend a day in jail. Our team of trial attorneys work tirelessly to advocate for our clients. We fight to restore your reputation and to safeguard your constitutional rights.
What You Need To Know
1. The police are not your friend
It’s important to recognize that most police are not bad people – but they do have a job to do. And that job typically includes building a case against you or your loved one. It’s imperative that you not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present, even if you’re innocent - especially if you’re innocent. A criminal investigation is something you generally cannot talk your way out of. Police can, intentionally or unintentionally, twist things you say or take your statements out of context. Worse, the law allows police to use trickery or deceit to convince you to confess or turn over evidence. Police often use tactics to convince you to waive your rights and talk to them. Listen for statements like, “why do you need an attorney if you’re innocent” or “We can’t help you if you don’t tell us your side of the story.” or “If you don’t tell us what happened, we’ll just have to arrest you.” Don’t take the bait. Instead of providing a statement, invoke your right to remain silent. You can do so by respectfully and unequivocally telling law enforcement – “I want to speak with you, but I was taught to always have my lawyer present. Respectfully, I do not want to answer any questions. I wish to remain silent and invoke my right to counsel.” Check out this video on how to invoke your rights.
2. Don’t consent to a search of your cell phone, car, or home
The United States constitution protects every one of us from unreasonable searches and seizures. When you give consent to law enforcement to search your home or personal belongings, you are waiving your constitutional rights. Police officers are trained in psychological tactics to try to influence you to waive your rights. They can be intimidating and in some instances, overtly threatening. Don’t give in. Even if you feel like they are going to find the evidence eventually, insist they get a warrant. In other words, do not give them your password, do not allow them into your home, do not let them search your car. Police officers will often try to trick you to get you to open your phone up. They may tell you that you can call your parents or significant other. As soon as you open your phone to make the call, they seize your phone. Resist the temptation to waive your rights. They exist for your protection.
3. Hiring the right attorney is the single most important decision you can make
If you’re reading this, know you’re doing exactly what you should be doing: looking for the right lawyer to fight for you or your loved one. Every lawyer claims to be the best. But how do you knowwhich attorney will return your calls and keep you informed? And how do you know that your attorney cares more about your future than his pocketbook? The truth is, you really don't know. The best recommendation is a direct referral from a family member or friend. Ask around and see what they have to say. Then call up the attorney and talk to them. Ask for a list of references. If they are too busy for you in the beginning, they will almost certainly be too busy for you down the road. If they refuse to provide you with a list of references, that should be a red flag as well. If you don't know any attorneys personally, we recommend going online and doing your research. Check out sites like Avvo, Google, and Yelp. Don’t be afraid to schedule several consultations with different lawyers. Check out our guide on what to look for when hiring an attorney. Print it out and take it with you to every consultation. Remember – your future and reputation are on the line – so choose wisely.
3 Things You'll Get With Keith & Lorfing
Our Passion Projects
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Freedom Fighters
Our representation goes beyond the courtroom. We help our clients become better fathers and better husbands through self-improvement.
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A Tad From DadWe help you stay involved in your children’s lives while you're incarcerated. Through small gifts and memorializing your best life advice, we are here for you so you can be there for them.
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File a 2255 MotionLearn about federal habeas corpus, including 2255 and 2241 petitions. If you or a love one has already been sentenced, this website will explain your post-conviction options.
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Learn Federal SentencingFederal sentencing guidelines is a whole other world. Let us do our part to decode the complexity of the federal sentencing guidelines…one enhancement at a time.
Advantages of Working with Keith & Lorfing
The benefits of hiring a skilled defense lawyer are many. Our firm can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf for reduced charges or sentencing, gather crucial evidence and information that can be favorable to your case, find flaws, inconsistencies, procedural errors, and more related to your arrest and charges, and can advise you on such matters as how to plead and what the consequences may be. We take pride in the quality of representation we provide as well as the personal support we give to every client. Our goal is to help you come out the other side with life skills that will serve you well in building a better future for yourself and your family
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Charges Reduced Aggravated Assault
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Case Dismissed Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury
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No Billed Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury
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Deferred Probation Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
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Case Closed Child Abuse