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Attorney Profile

Meet Attorney Chris Hesse

Amarillo Criminal Defense Lawyer

Meet Attorney Chris Hesse

112 West 8th Avenue, Suite 617                                                

 Tel:  (806) 350-6785

Amarillo, Texas 79101                      

 Fax:  (806) 350-6786

www.PanhandleCriminalDefense.Attorney                                           

 Chris@PanhandleCriminalDefense.Attorney

 EDUCATION

J.D., Texas Tech University School of Law 2006

  • Criminal Justice Clinic Qualified Law Student 2005 — 2006
  • Texas Tech Lawyer Staff Writer 2004 — 2006
  • Tech Law Military Association Member 2004 — 2006

B.A., The University of Oklahoma 1999

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

  • Law Office of D. Chris Hesse Amarillo Owner 2007 – Current
    • Criminal Defense
    • United States Concealed Carry Association Self-Defense & Critical Response Team Attorney
    • Armed Citizens’ Legal Defense Network Affiliate Attorney
  • Hedwig Village & Hunters Creek Village Municipal Courts Houston City Prosecutor 2012
  • Bailey & Galyen, P.C Houston Associate 2010 – 2011
    • Managing Attorney, Houston Criminal Defense
  • Potter County Attorney’s Office Amarillo County Prosecutor 2006 – 2007
  • Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office Richmond Intern ship 2006
  • Comal County District Attorney’s Office New Braunfels Internship 2005
  • United States Attorney’s Office Lubbock Internship 2004
  • United States Marine Corps Captain 1994 – 2003
    • Lead logistic missions in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom for 3rd AAV Bn, 1st Marine Division.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Member, International Criminal Court Bar Association
  • Member, American Chemical Society; Chemistry and Law Division
  • Member, Amarillo Area Bar Association                                        

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • The Supreme Court of Texas
  • The United States Supreme Court 
  • The International Criminal Court        
  • First Circuit Court of Appeals                                                    
  • Third Circuit Court of Appeals                                                   
  • Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals                                                    
  • Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals                                                                         
  • Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals                                               
  • Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals                                                 
  • Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals                                                  
  • Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals                                                  
  • Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals 
  • U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals                 
  • U.S. Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals                              
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces 
  • Arkansas Western District Court
  • Colorado District Court
  • Missouri Eastern District Court
  • New Mexico District Court
  • Oklahoma Northern District Court    
  • Oklahoma Western District Court
  • Texas Northern District Court
  • Texas Southern District Court
  • Texas Eastern District Court
  • Texas Western District Court                                                                 

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

  • “Forensic Lawyer Scientist Chris Hesse in Amarillo Texas,” Ask A Lawyer with Steve Sleeper, Podcast (April 18, 2023)
  • “Defending the Lawyer-Client,” The Defender, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, Vol. 3, at pp. 12-16 (Fall 2019)
  • “Know Your Gun Laws!” Outdoors Scoped, Podcast, Episode 8, (April 2, 2019)
  • “The Risks of a Colorado Cannabis Vacation,” 48 Voice for the Defense, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, No. 2, at pp.  29-31 (March 2019)
  • “The Risks of a Colorado Cannabis Vacation,” The Defender, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, Vol. 2, at pp. 21-25 (Summer 2018)
  • “Gun Law:  Commit Even a Misdemeanor and You Could Lose Your Gun Rights,” Texas Fish and Game Magazine, at     pp. 42-45 (March 2017)
  • “A Texan’s Risk of a Colorado Cannabis Vacation,” The Emerald Magazine, (February 2017)
  • "The Warrior's Discovery Toolbox," 45 Voice for the Defense, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, No. 7, at pp. 23-28 (September 2016)
  • "Statutory Defenses: New Tricks for Old Dogs," Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Winter Seminar, December 10th, 2005, Dallas, Texas

HONORS, CERTIFICATIONS, & AWARDS

  • Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation                                       
    • American Chemical Society 2018
  • Certificate in Forensic Chromatography:  Principles of DUID      
    • American Chemical Society 2018
  • Certificate in Forensic Drug Analysis                                         
    • American Chemical Society 2018 
  • Certificate in Forensic Chromatography:  Theory & Practice       
    • American Chemical Society 2018
  • Jurisprudence Award                                                                 
    • Texas Tech University School of Law 2006
  • Certificate of Appreciation                                                        
    • Texas Tech University School of Law 2006
  • Certificate of Appreciation                                                        
    • City of Lubbock 2003

Recent Reviews & Testimonials

    Chris Heese will go beyound and above to make sure you are taken care of. Chris Heese will fight for you and do what is right. I was pleased with the outcome of Chris Heese being my attorney.
    - Rob
    I have used Chris on two separate occasions he has always answered my calls, messages, and email. I would recommend him for anyone needing a lawyer.
    - Robert
    "He will go above and beyond to get the results that you are seeking."
    Chris is an outstanding lawyer. He fought hard for my husband to get his charge for a DWI dropped and of course, he was successful in doing so. He cares about his clients and will go above and beyond to get the results that you are seeking.
    - Edaena
    "I could not have received any better counsel."
    Mr. Hesse assisted me as local counsel on a very difficult federal case. I could not have received any better counsel. On time, on task, and on the spot with guidance and advice. Highly Recommended!
    - Scott
    "Chris was an absolute professional in the courtroom"
    I sat 2nd chair with Mr. Hesse on a Possession of Marijuana case in April of 2014. Chris was an absolute professional in the courtroom. He was able to narrow down on the proper issues during jury selection and succeeded with the suppression of the Marijuana in the case. Judges are reluctant to grant suppressions, but Chris was able to get it done! At that point, the government had no other option than to dismiss the case. Had it not been for Chris' ability to spot a fatal flaw in the government's case, his client may have been wrongfully convicted. I have no doubt Chris will work hard on your case to expose the government just as he did in our case.
    - Armen Merjanian
    "Highly recommend Chris Hesse for your next criminal attorney!"
    I received a ticket for a traffic mishap you see i have a CDL and the city of Amarillo, TX. which does not dismiss them. he worked endlessly and countless hours to help me get the ticket off my record which he did. With little help from me I highly recommend Chris Hesse for your next criminal attorney!!
    - John Brooks
    "Excellent Lawyer"
    After being pulled over unfairly and being charge with possession. Chris Hesse helped me and got my charge dismissed. I would definitely recommend him to anyone needing an attorney. He is both experienced and willing to fight to get the best outcome for you.
    - Daegen
    "Not only did he fight for me, he showed he cared."
    Not only did he fight for me, but he showed he cared when everyone else seemed to just want to throw the book at me. He got my assault charge and disorderly conduct charges dismissed!!
    - Trent