Your Trusted Legal Emergency Lawyers™ in Edwards County, Texas
At Attorney911, the Manginello Law Firm, we understand that facing a legal emergency can be one of the most challenging and uncertain times in your life. Whether you or a loved one has been injured in a devastating accident, or you are confronting serious criminal charges, the need for immediate, aggressive, and professional legal help is paramount. We are here to serve the residents of Edwards County, bringing our extensive Texas-wide legal expertise and a proven track record of success directly to your community.
For over two decades, we have dedicated ourselves to protecting the injured and fighting tirelessly for the rights of defendants across Texas. Our commitment is simple yet profound: to deliver exceptional legal representation when you need it most. We believe that everyone deserves justice and a robust defense, and we stand ready to provide that for you in Edwards County.
We invite you to explore how our specialized practice areas and client-centered approach can make a decisive difference in your legal journey. From our deep understanding of complex personal injury claims, including car accidents, 18-wheeler collisions, and offshore incidents, to our comprehensive criminal defense strategies for DWI/DUI and drug charges, our firm is equipped with the knowledge and experience to navigate even the most intricate legal challenges. If you are experiencing a legal emergency in Edwards County, we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™.
Your Legal Advocates in Edwards County: Understanding Our Reach
Edwards County, with its unique blend of scenic landscapes, close-knit communities, and agricultural backbone, holds a special place in the heart of Texas. We recognize that while the county offers tranquility, its residents are not immune to legal challenges. Accidents can happen on Highway 55 or other rural roads, workplace injuries can occur in agricultural or ranching operations, and unexpected legal issues can arise. That’s why, even with our primary offices in bustling Houston, the vibrant capital city of Austin, and the industrial hub of Beaumont, our commitment extends to every corner of the Lone Star State, including Edwards County.
Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of Texas law and its application in diverse environments. We are not just a law firm; we are a dedicated team that brings a wealth of experience, including valuable insights gained from major metropolitan areas, to serve your localized needs in Edwards County. Our “throughout Texas” service model means that distance is no barrier to accessing top-tier legal representation. We leverage modern communication and efficient legal practices to ensure that you receive the same high level of attention and expertise as our clients in larger urban centers.
We understand that legal matters often require a personal touch, especially in communities like Edwards County where relationships and trust are highly valued. While our physical offices are located in key Texan cities, our dedication to supporting individuals and families across the entire state ensures that when you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you are connecting with a firm that genuinely cares about your legal emergency, wherever you are in Texas.
Ralph Manginello: A Foundation of Experience and Dedication
Our Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello, embodies the firm’s commitment to immediate, aggressive, and professional legal help. Born in New York but raised in the heart of Texas, Ralph brings a unique blend of East Coast tenacity and deep Texas roots to every case. He has been a practicing attorney since 1998, establishing his own personal injury law firm in 2001, which has since evolved into Attorney911.
Ralph’s journey is one of consistent achievement, from his time at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his B.A. in Journalism, to graduating from South Texas College of Law Houston. His strong academic foundation is complemented by a rich personal history in Texas, having grown up in Houston’s Memorial area and attending local schools such as Hunters Creek Elementary, Awty International School, and Memorial High School. Even his time at Cheshire Academy in Connecticut, where he graduated with honors and was a starting point guard on a championship basketball team, highlights a drive for excellence and a commitment to success. He will proudly be inducted into the Cheshire Academy Hall of Fame in 2021, a testament to his enduring legacy of accomplishment.
Admitted to the Texas State Bar and the New York State Bar Association, Ralph’s legal prowess is also acknowledged in the federal arena, with admission to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. His professional affiliations include the Houston Bar Association and the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), signaling his elite capabilities in criminal defense, an invaluable asset for those in Edwards County seeking justice.
Ralph’s passion for helping people is the driving force behind Attorney911. He founded the firm to ensure that individuals facing legal emergencies receive immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they can truly trust. For residents of Edwards County, Ralph’s leadership means access to a legal team that is not only highly skilled but also deeply empathetic to your situation. His extensive experience, particularly in complex litigation and his involvement in cases such as the BP explosion litigation, demonstrates a lawyer willing to take on formidable opponents and secure favorable outcomes.
Lupe Peña: Insider Knowledge Fighting for You
Joining Ralph in our mission is Associate Attorney Lupe Peña, whose unique background provides Attorney911 with an invaluable competitive edge. Lupe, a 3rd generation Texan with ancestral ties to the historic King Ranch, was born and raised in Sugar Land and continues to reside in the area with his family. This deep Texas heritage means he understands the local culture and values that resonate with communities like Edwards County.
Lupe’s educational path reflects a strong business acumen, starting with a B.B.A. in International Business from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. After several years in finance, he felt a powerful calling to the legal profession, graduating with a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston. Licensed in Texas since 2012, Lupe quickly honed his skills in critical areas of law.
What truly sets Lupe apart is his extensive experience working for a national defense firm, where he gained firsthand knowledge of how large insurance companies operate and value claims. This insider perspective is a tremendous asset to our clients. He understands the tactics and strategies insurance companies employ to minimize settlements, allowing us to anticipate their moves and counter them effectively. Since moving to the plaintiff’s side, Lupe has recovered millions for his clients in complex cases including wrongful death, dram shop, trucking accidents, and car crashes.
Lupe is a skilled negotiator and a formidable trial attorney, known for his commitment to outworking, outsmarting, and outfighting the opposition. His ability to speak fluent Spanish also expands our capacity to serve the diverse communities across Texas, including potential clients in Edwards County who may prefer to communicate in Spanish. When you choose Attorney911, Lupe Peña’s unique and practical skill set ensures that you have a powerful advocate who keeps you informed and empowered at every stage of your case.
Our Commitment to Edwards County: Specialized Legal Services
We recognize that legal needs in Edwards County, while perhaps less frequent than in major urban centers, are no less critical. Our comprehensive suite of legal services is designed to address the challenges you might face, offering expertise that spans personal injury claims and criminal defense.
Navigating Personal Injury in Edwards County
Life in Edwards County, whether you’re working on a ranch, traveling through on a state highway, or simply enjoying the natural beauty, carries its own set of risks. When an accident occurs due to someone else’s negligence, the consequences can be life-altering. We are here to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Car Accidents: Edwards County’s roads, including portions of Highway 55 and Ranch to Market Road 335, see daily traffic. A sudden car accident can result in serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. Insurance companies, driven by profit, often try to minimize payouts. We have extensive experience negotiating with these powerful entities from a position of strength. We work with a broad network of experts—from medical professionals to accident reconstructionists—to build an undeniable case. If insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial. We don’t get paid unless we win, ensuring our interests are always aligned with yours.
Our success stories include a multi-million dollar settlement for a client whose leg was injured in a car accident, leading to a partial amputation due to staff infections. This dedication to achieving significant outcomes demonstrates our commitment to every client.
18-Wheeler & Big Rig Accidents: The expansive highways traversing Texas mean that 18-wheelers are a common sight. In Edwards County, commercial vehicles may transport goods to and from various agricultural or industrial sites. Accidents involving these giant trucks often result in catastrophic injuries. These cases are complex, involving intricate state and federal trucking regulations, commercial insurance policies, and often multiple liable parties. Our team is highly knowledgeable in personal injury law, trucking, and interstate commerce law. We meticulously gather evidence, including truck maintenance records, driver logs, and cell phone data, to build a strong case against negligent drivers and trucking companies. We have helped numerous families recover millions in compensation following such devastating incidents.
Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists in Edwards County enjoy the open roads, but they are also uniquely vulnerable in collisions. Drivers often claim they didn’t see a motorcycle, but the law requires all drivers to be aware of their surroundings. We aggressively protect the rights of injured bikers, fighting for compensation for “road rash,” closed head injuries, spinal cord injuries, loss of limbs, and even wrongful death. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take and work to recover property damage, lost income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Offshore Injuries & Maritime Law: While Edwards County is inland, many Texans are employed in the vast offshore and maritime industries along the Gulf Coast. If you are a deckhand, rig worker, seaman, or any other offshore professional injured on a vessel or rig, you have unique legal protections under federal laws like the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Our firm has successfully resolved numerous offshore injury cases, working with an extensive network of experts to represent you against powerful insurance companies. Prompt action is crucial in these cases; we urge you to contact us for a free initial consultation before settling with employers or insurers.
In one case, we secured a significant cash settlement for a client who suffered a back injury while lifting cargo on a ship, demonstrating our ability to achieve justice in complex maritime claims.
Workers’ Compensation: Workers in Edwards County, whether in agricultural, construction, or other sectors, deserve protection if injured on the job. The Texas workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits, but it is often complex and can be unfair to the injured employee. We guide you through the process, ensuring timely notification to your employer and proper medical treatment documentation. If your benefits are denied, we are experienced in defending your rights. Remember, immediately notifying your employer and seeking medical attention are critical first steps.
Our firm has recovered millions for workplace injuries, including a multi-million dollar settlement for a logging company worker who suffered a brain injury and vision loss from a dropped log.
Construction Accidents: Construction activity, whether for new homes or infrastructure improvements, is ongoing across Texas, including Edwards County. While workers’ compensation covers some injuries, additional compensation may be available through third-party claims. If a party other than your employer, such as a general contractor, a subcontractor, or an equipment manufacturer, was responsible for your injury from a crane accident, forklift incident, fall from heights, or scaffolding collapse, we can pursue a personal injury claim for damages beyond workers’ comp benefits.
Refinery & Plant Accidents: Although Edwards County does not host large refineries, residents may work in industrial facilities elsewhere in Texas. Our firm has a deep and demonstrated history in handling refinery and plant accident personal injury cases, notably being one of the few firms in Texas involved in the BP explosion litigation following the Texas City disaster. We understand that plants can cut corners at the expense of worker safety. We are prepared to provide immediate legal assistance against even the largest industrial companies, holding negligent parties responsible and seeking financial compensation for your injuries.
Toxic Tort Claims: Exposure to toxic chemicals, whether from contaminated water, black mold, defective drugs, or chemical spills, can lead to severe, long-lasting health issues. The effects can sometimes take years to manifest, making these cases particularly challenging to link to a specific source. We handle both individual and class action toxic tort claims, prioritizing your medical care and then meticulously calculating all immediate and future costs, losses, and expenses to maximize your compensation.
Wrongful Death Claims: The death of a loved one due to another’s negligence is unimaginable. In Edwards County, as anywhere else, these tragedies can occur from drunk driving accidents, motorcycle collisions, 18-wheeler crashes, or even medical malpractice. We understand the immense emotional difficulty involved and handle all legal aspects of your claim, allowing you to grieve. Working with economists and other experts, we ascertain the full financial impact, including pain and suffering, loss of relationship, lost wages, and all other losses, ensuring your family receives full and fair compensation. Timely action is essential to preserve evidence and identify witnesses.
Insurance Claims: Insurance companies are in business to make money, often by minimizing payouts. We possess an insider’s understanding of their tactics, allowing us to effectively challenge claim denials or lowball offers. Whether it’s an auto insurance dispute, a homeowner’s claim, or a business insurance issue, we fight to ensure you receive the compensation you are rightfully owed.
Robust Criminal Defense in Edwards County
Facing criminal charges in Edwards County can feel isolating and overwhelming. The Edwards County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement uphold the law, and navigating the legal system can be daunting. We are here to provide a strong, relentless defense, protecting your rights and your future.
DWI/DUI Defense: A DWI or DUI charge can have severe consequences, from license suspension and hefty fines to a permanent criminal record. We have handled hundreds of these cases throughout Texas, including those that might arise on Edwards County roads. Before you consider pleading guilty, contact us. We employ a broad range of defense tactics, fighting to prevent license suspension and challenging evidence even if you refused a breath test.
Consider these victories: We secured a dismissal for a client charged with drunk driving when our investigation revealed improper maintenance of breathalyzer machines. In another case, charges were dismissed for a client involved in a car accident at 2:30 a.m. where police failed to conduct proper tests and crucial medical notes were missing. We even achieved a dismissal for a client whose DUI/DWI charge relied solely on a video field sobriety test that did not accurately portray intoxication.
Comprehensive Criminal Defense: From drug possession charges to more serious allegations, our firm provides a robust defense for a wide array of criminal offenses. We understand that drug charges, often seemingly insurmountable, are not always a guaranteed conviction. We analyze cases for weaknesses, such as probable cause issues or illegal search and seizure, and challenge constitutional violations.
In a significant drug case, despite police finding a large quantity of illegal drugs in our client’s home, we identified weaknesses that led to deferred adjudication, allowing our client to avoid jail time and have charges dismissed.
Our expertise extends to:
- Drug Possession (Marijuana, Cocaine, Meth, Heroin, Ecstasy)
- Animal Cruelty
- Assault Crimes (including Family Violence, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence)
- Driving with an Invalid License
- Elder Abuse
- Expunctions
- Extortion
- Fake I.D. or False Impersonation
- Firearms Offenses
- Fraud
- Hit and Run
- Homicide-Murder
- Internet Crimes
- Kidnapping
- Public Intoxication
- Sexual Assault
- Theft Crimes
- Vandalism
No matter the charge, we are committed to providing an aggressive and strategic defense, working to mitigate consequences, protect your freedom, and restore your reputation.
Your Questions Answered: Legal Guidance for Edwards County Residents
We understand that when you’re facing a legal emergency, you have many questions. Here, we address some common concerns for residents of Edwards County, drawing on our statewide experience.
Q: How does Attorney911 serve clients in a rural area like Edwards County, given your offices are in larger cities?
A: We are committed to serving all Texans. We leverage secure digital platforms for communication, document sharing, and even initial consultations. While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our attorneys regularly travel for court appearances, depositions, and client meetings as needed. Our goal is to make accessing our expert legal services as convenient and effective as possible, regardless of your location within Texas. Our phone lines (1-888-ATTY-911) are always open for immediate legal assistance.
Q: What if my accident or legal issue involves a situation unique to Edwards County, such as ranching or agriculture?
A: Our team possesses a broad understanding of the diverse economic and social landscapes across Texas. We have experience with workplace injuries in various sectors, including those common in rural and agricultural communities. Our approach involves thorough investigation to understand the specific context of your situation, ensuring that all relevant local factors and regulations are considered in building your case. Our network of experts can also include specialists in industries relevant to Edwards County if required.
Q: If I’m injured and unable to travel, how can I get strong legal representation?
A: We prioritize your well-being. If you are incapacitated or severely injured, we can arrange for consultations via phone or video conference. In certain situations, our team can travel to meet with you in Edwards County or at a medical facility. We aim to remove any barriers to you receiving the legal support you deserve during a difficult time.
Q: How do you handle cases that might fall under both state and federal jurisdiction, especially in a county like Edwards?
A: Our attorneys, particularly Ralph Manginello, have extensive experience with federal courts, including the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This dual expertise is crucial when cases involve federal laws, such as some trucking regulations (FMCSA), maritime law (Jones Act), or certain federal criminal offenses. We ensure that your case is handled within the appropriate legal framework, whether state or federal, to maximize your chances of success.
Q: What about unique types of damages in personal injury cases, like loss of livestock income or damage to agricultural property?
A: We conduct a comprehensive assessment of all your losses. Our team works with economists and other financial experts to calculate not only typical damages like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but also more specific economic impacts such as damage to agricultural equipment, loss of crop yield, or diminished value of livestock, ensuring every aspect of your loss is considered for compensation.
Q: I’m concerned about legal fees. How does the contingency fee structure work for Edwards County residents?
A: For personal injury cases, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us no legal fees unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery we secure for you. This model ensures that quality legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation, and aligns our success directly with yours. Criminal defense cases, however, typically involve different fee structures; we will discuss all financial arrangements transparently during your free consultation.
Proven Results: Our Track Record Speaks for Itself
Our commitment to our clients in Edwards County, and throughout Texas, is underscored by our consistent record of success. We are proud of the justice we have secured for victims and the robust defense we have provided for those accused.
Multi-Million Dollar Settlements:
- Workplace Injury: A multi-million dollar settlement for a worker in a logging company who suffered a brain injury and vision loss when a log was dropped on him.
- Car Accident: A multi-million dollar settlement for a client whose leg injury in a car accident led to a partial amputation due to medical complications.
- Trucking Wrongful Death: Multiple multi-million dollar recoveries for families facing wrongful death cases involving 18-wheeler accidents.
- Maritime Injury: A significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship, due to inadequate assistance.
Significant Case Victories:
- BP Explosion Litigation: Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in the complex BP Texas City explosion litigation, showcasing our capability to challenge even the largest corporations.
- Drug Charges: We secured deferred adjudication for a client who faced 5 to 99 years in jail for drug possession after police entered his home without proper legal grounds, leading to eventual dismissal of charges.
Specific Case Outcomes:
- DWI Dismissal (Improper Breathalyzer): Charges dismissed for a client after our investigation revealed a police department employee failed to properly maintain breathalyzer machines, rendering the evidence unreliable.
- DWI Dismissal (Lack of Evidence): Client’s DWI case dismissed on the day of trial when police failed to conduct blood/breath tests, on-scene staff didn’t note intoxication, and hospital records were missing.
- DWI Dismissal (Flawed Video Evidence): DWI charges dismissed when we successfully argued that a video field sobriety test, though appearing to show impairment, did not accurately reflect our client’s sobriety.
These results are not just numbers; they represent lives made whole again, freedoms protected, and justice achieved. They reflect our unwavering dedication, meticulous preparation, and aggressive advocacy for every client we serve.
Immediate Help, Fast Wins: Your First Step in Edwards County
When a legal emergency strikes, time is of the essence. Critical evidence can vanish, witness memories can fade, and deadlines for filing claims or responding to charges can quickly approach. That’s why our brand promise is “Immediate help. FAST WINS.” We are prepared to act quickly and decisively on your behalf.
We understand the specific challenges that residents of Edwards County might face. Perhaps you’re recovering from an accident and need assistance understanding your rights, or you’re facing unexpected criminal charges and need an immediate defense. Our team is ready to step in.
Your first step is crucial: reach out to us. We offer a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss the specifics of your situation without any obligation. During this consultation, we will listen attentively to your story, assess the details of your legal emergency, and provide you with an honest evaluation of your options. This is your opportunity to understand how our expertise, specialized knowledge, and dedication can benefit you.
Don’t face a legal emergency alone. Let the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ at Attorney911 be your trusted advocates. We protect victims like you throughout Texas, including the valued residents of Edwards County.
SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or visit our website to secure your free consultation. We are here to bring you the immediate, aggressive, and professional help you deserve. Your legal emergency is our highest priority.