Richard Hinds

I’m Richard Hinds, JD/PI, a criminal defense attorney and licensed private investigator with over 26 years of experience serving Southeast Texas. As one of fewer than 20 attorneys in Texas who hold both a law degree and a private investigator’s license, I bring a unique advantage to my clients, offering expert legal representation along with in-house investigative services. This combination allows me to handle every aspect of a case—from gathering evidence to defending my clients in court—without the need to rely on outside investigators.

My career began after graduating from Baylor Law School in 1997, where I was named to the Dean’s List. Since then, I’ve built a reputation as a fierce advocate, focused on resolving cases without trial whenever possible. I understand the risks of trial, where conviction rates are high and sentences often three to four times harsher than plea deals. That’s why I prepare each case as if it’s going to court from day one, which often leads to dismissals or favorable plea agreements for my clients.

As the founder of Texas Financial Investigators, I work with a highly skilled team, including an ex-law enforcement officer, to challenge prosecution investigations head-on. My tough, uncompromising style is rooted in my background as a former Golden Gloves boxer and Teamster, bringing strength and resilience to every case I take on.

I serve clients across DeWitt, Victoria, Calhoun, Jackson, Refugio, Lavaca, Goliad, and surrounding counties. My mission is to protect my clients’ rights, freedoms, and futures. If you need a skilled, dedicated advocate, I’m ready to fight for you.

Baylor Law School

J.D. (1997) | General law.

1995 - 1998

I completed the Baylor School of Law degree program in 27 months.

Honors: Selected for and awarded membership in the Order of Barristers based on moot court and other advocacy competitions Selected Best First-Year Team in moot-court competition Dean's List

Owner

Richard Hinds, PI, Criminal Defense Attorney

1998 - Current

I have been a self-employed solo practitioner attorney for the past 25 years. For most of that time, my law practice was a general one that handled both civil and criminal matters. In 2020, thanks to the free time forced upon me by the statewide shutdown of courthouses due to COVID, I decided to use that time to obtain my professional investigator's license. From working with them, I knew professional investigators had abilities and skill sets that are critical in achieving favorable outcomes in criminal defense cases. Since then, I have narrowed the focus of my practice to criminal defense. As a criminal defense attorney, I can fully utilize the training and skills I acquired while becoming a licensed professional private investigator. Every criminal defense attorney should be required to learn the information I did to become a licensed professional investigator. It is invaluable in achieving favorable outcomes for my criminal defense clients.

State Bar of Texas  # 24004077

Member

1998 - Current

Texas

State Bar of Texas

ID Number: 24004077

Since 1998

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
  I accept most forms of payment, including cash, checks, PayPal, Venmo, Zell, MasterCard, Visa, etc. If you want to pay using a certain service and we do not currently have an account with it, we will get one. There are so many it is difficult to keep it with all of them. As noted below, I will also consider taking certain types of personal property in partial or complete trade for my legal services. I prefer not to do this, but if it is the only way for someone who needs my unique skill set and abilities to afford me, then I am willing to consider it.
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  To help clients get the type of criminal defense they deserve, I have recently begun accepting personal property (e.g., cars, motorcycles, boats, jewelry, ATVs, etc.) in partial or complete payment for my fees. I do this because I am not the cheapest criminal defense attorney and for good reason. If a client wants to hire me, I will do everything I can to make that possible. When clients hire me, they get a two-for-one deal. They get a criminal defense attorney that was trained at Baylor School of Law and has 25 years of criminal defense experience and who also is a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) licensed private investigator. If you are facing criminal charges, it is time to lawyer up and investigator up. In many of these cases, my investigation skills are more important than my legal skills. The prosecutor has a team of investigators working trying to get you convicted. You need your own to fight fire with fire.

Q. I was served a "voluntary" list of questions (document requests) from the SEC but cannot afford an attrny. Suggestions?

July 8, 2023

A: This is like making voluntary statements during a traffic stop. Just don't do it. Name, address, and DL, and then STFU.

Remember, "Nobody ever got into trouble for what they do not say" and in this case do not voluntarily provide. I you do not supply how can you get into trouble for it?

Many times these are fishing expeditions. If you do not respond, they may just let it go. They are playing "good cop" making it voluntary. Make them work for it.

Giving it to them may cause far more problems than it solves. Unless you are served with some type of court order compelling production, I would not respond and see what happens. Do not tell them you do not have an attorney.

Do not answer their calls, emails, etc. unless there is some law I do not know about that would require you to.

You will probably get answers from other attorneys all over on this one. It is a judgment call.

I am a firm believer in not making it easy on them. They are lazy by nature and if it becomes difficult and they have to do a little extra work, it has been my experience that many government employees will just let it go.

Without more info, I say wait and see what they do. Do not respond. Not responding to a voluntary request is not against the law (to my knowledge). Make them work for it and see what their next move is.

Good luck. Hope this helps. ... Read More

Q. HELLO, MY NEIGHBOR HAS BEEN STALKING ME FOR A YEAR. SHE APPLIED FOR A RESTRAINING ORDER AT COURT BUT SHE NEVER SHOWED UP

July 1, 2023

A: Do not give her attorney anything. I am not sure exactly what all the facts are in this case but I would not give her attorney anything.

There is no upside to giving it to HER attorney YOUR videos of her, and possibly many downsides that I can imagine in future litigation or false claims.

Those videos protect you. She is obviously erratic and unpredictable.

Unless compelled to do so by court order, I would not give her the videos. You have nothing to gain by doing so.

Hopes this helps.

Q. What type of lawyer do I need on my side of I'm becoming a paid police informant ?

June 28, 2023

A: You need a criminal defense attorney.

In most cases, the identity of a police informant is kept confidential. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. An attorney can help you understand your rights and negotiate with the police and prosecution to keep your identity confidential.

If you are called to testify in court, your attorney will be there to represent you and protect your rights.

If you are considering becoming a police informant, it is important to speak with an attorney first.

Good luck.