Check out our March newsletter!
THE TEXAS DEFENDER
TexasCriminalDefenseGroup.com | (888) 818-7130 MARCH 2025
Meet Chase Diethrich, Your Advocate in Criminal Defense Law, Family, and Fighting for What’s Right
We get countless opportunities to establish and build upon the relationships in our lives. They occur when we have conversations with our loved ones, take action to help a coworker, or, in my realm, work together with opposing counsel to create better outcomes for our clients. We can gain a lot when we nurture these relationships, which is why I emphasize being the best partner I can be, regardless of whether it’s with my family, team, or clients. For those I haven’t met yet, my name is Chase Diethrich, and I am the supervising attorney for the Texas Criminal Defense Group. Working in the legal field was always on my radar because I knew I wanted a career where I could help people and make a real difference in their lives. However, I didn’t immediately enter law school and become an attorney. After graduating high school in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, I attended the University of New Mexico, where I majored in sociology and criminology. After graduation, I obtained my real estate license before starting work as an Associate Broker. While this role gave me some unique experience, my goals of becoming a lawyer still lingered. I felt it was time to follow my passion and enrolled in law school. After law school, I didn’t jump right into the legal field. I continued working on other valuable skills and building vital relationships. My connections eventually led me to Lubbock, where I got to know people at Texas Criminal Defense Group. Over time, my relationships with the team members here blossomed, and I knew this was somewhere I could help people for many years to come. I started working at the firm as a clerk while preparing for the bar exam, and I officially joined the team as an attorney when I became licensed in early 2018. Now that I’ve been with the firm for over seven years, I can comfortably say this is where I’m meant to be. I love helping people on a day-to-day basis. What really surprised me about the role is how important it is to create relationships with the opposing counsel. When you watch law programs on television, it often shows lawyers constantly at war with one another, but in reality, working with the other side allows us to create better deals for our clients. If that relationship doesn’t pan out or benefit my clients, I’m more than happy to head to
the courtroom. Some attorneys are petrified to spend time in court, but the team and I thrive in that setting. I also enjoy advising my clients to help them through the process. Most cases will not see a result during the first few months, which can create stress and uncertainty. I want to reassure my clients and provide them with some relief. I cannot fix everything with just one phone call, but I can provide explanations and knowledge to make the process easier. My job has opened the door to many opportunities, but it’s far from the only blessing in my life. I have a beautiful wife and two young children who provide happiness, joy, and gratitude to my life. My wife is also an attorney but specializes in a different area. We’re very active, both with indoor and outdoor activities. I’ve participated in MMA for over a decade, and now, my son is getting into karate. We’re greatly enjoying
training together! We’re big Tech fans and never pass on an opportunity to root for the Red Raiders. When you work with me or anyone else at our firm, you can rest assured we will fight to defend you and your rights. —Chase Diethrich
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How the NCAA Evolved Into a Basketball Powerhouse START YOUR BRACKETS! IT’S MARCH MADNESS
Many say Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. However, if you’re a college basketball fan, it’s safe to say that March Madness is your favorite season! Millions of fans come out to support their favorite teams and fill out brackets to guess the national champion. But the history of college basketball’s biggest tournament might surprise you. Humble Beginnings March Madness originated in Illinois as an annual high school tournament sponsored by the Illinois High School Association. It went from a small invitational in 1908 to over 900 schools participating by the late 1930s. It wasn’t until 1939 that high school official Henry V. Porter called the tournament “March Madness.” The Emergence of March Madness for Colleges March Madness wasn’t nationally known or associated with the NCAA until CBS broadcaster Brent Musburger used the term while covering the 1982 spring tournament. Since then, the term has been synonymous with the event, and college basketball has never been the same.
The First March Madness Champions Before UConn, Kansas, Baylor, and Virginia became NCAA men’s basketball champions, the University of Oregon paved the way. On March 27, 1939, the University of Oregon defeated Ohio State University, 46–33. Ohio State’s star forward, Jimmy Hull, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player — not bad for a 2007 Ohio Basketball Hall of Famer. Evolution of Tournament Expansions Only eight teams played in the 1939 tournament; by 1951, the number of teams doubled to 16. It wasn’t until 1985 that the 64-team tournament emerged. Further tournament expansion concluded in 2011, with 68 teams participating in college basketball’s big dance. March Madness Today March Madness isn’t exactly what it used to be 40 years ago, from the hoopla and controversy of Selection Sunday (March 16 this year) to the chaos and parity caused by NIL (athletes’ pay for “name, image, and likeness”). Nonetheless, the tournament’s foundational values of camaraderie mixed with a bit of friendly competition and, of course, the love of watching basketball remain as prominent as ever.
HOW ONE MISTAKE CAN IMPACT EVERY PART OF YOUR LIFE THE DOMINO EFFECT OF A DWI
jail, and a one-year license suspension. The punishments become more severe for repeat offenses. Depending on the situation surrounding your arrest, such as the presence of a child in the car or refusing arrest, you could see additional charges and punishments. Career Risks A DWI conviction will result in a criminal record, which means it will be visible to any employer who runs a background check on you. This could prevent you from moving up in your field or finding a job, especially if you work a job requiring you to drive. Additionally, if your license is suspended, you may have difficulty getting to work regularly, putting your job at risk. Financial Struggles Additional costs come with DWIs on top of the initial fines. You could have to pay legal fees and the costs associated with court-ordered programs. These can
Nobody ever wakes up in the morning with the intention of getting a DWI, but it happens every single day. People drink alcohol while watching a sporting event or have a few extra drinks with dinner before making the poor decision to get behind the wheel. It doesn’t matter if they thought they weren’t intoxicated or believed law enforcement wouldn’t catch them; the punishments stemming from a DWI conviction can have lasting impacts. Your life will likely never be the same. Here are three situations you can expect after receiving a DWI conviction. Remembering these before you start drinking could help you make responsible decisions. Legal Punishments Driving while intoxicated is against the law and can result in severe punishment. A first DWI offense is a Class B misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of $2,000 in fines, 180 days in county
add up quickly, eating into your budget and putting your living situation in question, especially if your employer lets you go from your job due to your license suspension. You shouldn’t lose hope if you receive a DWI charge. Defense strategies are available that can help you avoid a conviction. Call us today to see how we can help you!
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HAPPY TCDG CLIENTS “TCDG provided me with A+ client service from day one! They were very professional, thorough during the life of my cases. I am very pleased with the legal representation I received!” -Tunisha knowledgeable, transparent, and
When you think about holidays that incorporate alcohol into the celebration, St. Patrick’s Day is likely near the top of your list. Thousands of Americans head to the bars every year to get their fill of green beer and Irish whiskey to celebrate the occasion. While this holiday can be incredibly fun when celebrated responsibly, it also comes with significant risks. Here are the three most common criminal charges that occur on St. Patrick’s Day and the actions you can take to avoid legal trouble. Public Intoxication: This occurs when someone is in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that they are endangering themselves or others. The easiest way to avoid this charge is to make sure you don’t overconsume. Know your limits and don’t exceed them. If you’re going out in a group or with someone else, hold each other accountable to ensure nobody drinks too much and wanders away from the group. DWI: Driving after you’ve had a few too many can put many lives at risk, even if you’re just driving down the block. Before going out for St. Patrick’s Day, determine how you will get home by ensuring someone stays sober or preparing to take a rideshare. To reduce the temptation to drive yourself, leave your fob or key at home. Assault: March Madness will take place in the weeks following St. Patrick’s Day. It can be fun to go to the bars to watch the games but don’t let your emotions get away from you. You don’t need to start fights with opposing fans. If you start to feel yourself getting worked up, stop drinking and step away. Throwing fists isn’t going to help your team win. The events in March offer plenty of opportunities for fun, but don’t let poor decisions ruin the experience for you. Create a plan with your group before going out, don’t drink too much, and stay calm when facing emotional situations. That way, you can enjoy the celebration again next year without any worry! YOUR GUIDE TO STAYING OUT OF TROUBLE ON ST. PATTY’S DAY Green Beer, Green Flags
Not Your Mom’s Corned Beef and Cabbage
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients • 1 (4 lb) corned beef brisket with spice packet • 3 qts water • 1 onion, quartered • 3 carrots, cut into large chunks • 3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces Directions 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine corned beef, spice packet contents, water, onions, carrots, celery, and salt. Bring to a simmer (skimming off any foam on top). 2. Cover pot, reduce to low heat, and let simmer for 3 hours until meat is fork tender. 3. Add potatoes to the pot and let simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until potatoes are al dente. 4. Add cabbage along the edges of the meat and on top. Cover and let simmer until cabbage is tender, 20–30 minutes. 5. Place meat on a cutting board and let rest for 10–15 minutes. After meat has cooled, slice against the grain. 6. Add to a large serving bowl, ladle vegetables and broth over top, and serve. • 1 tsp salt • 2 lbs red potatoes, halved • 1 small head of cabbage, cut into eighths
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INSIDE 1 2
How Chase Diethrich Found His Calling
The History of College Basketball’s Rise to Riches The True Price of a DWI
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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Without the Legal Hangover
Not Your Mom’s Corned Beef and Cabbage
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Engage Your Kids With Fun Gardening Projects
How to Make Gardening a Family Adventure GREEN THUMBS IN TRAINING
start laying soil or filling your planters. Help your children transplant their seeds or young plants directly into the area. Now, put them in charge of caring for the plants by checking on and watering them. You may want to follow behind to ensure they aren’t over or under-watering. Make it fun and informative! You can get your kids more involved by encouraging them to research their plants and track their growth. They can even look online to see how their plants should be developing. Soon enough, those fruits and vegetables will be ready to eat, and you should let your children pick anything ripe when possible. Seeing the fruits of their labor (literally) will make this experience even more enlightening and enjoyable for them.
There’s nothing better than spending time with your kids outside, enjoying an entertaining, creative, and informative activity. But sometimes, these activities are hard to coordinate. Thankfully, gardening appeals to parents and kids from all walks of life. All you need is a dedicated area in your yard or patio and seeds, and you’re ready to get started.
Let your kids choose the plants. This is arguably the most crucial part of igniting your children’s interest in gardening. If you pick out the fruits, veggies, and flowers you want to grow and invite your kids to help plant, water, and pick, they may lose interest quickly. Instead, include them in the process from the get-go. Take them to the store and let them pick out seeds or plants. Encourage them to choose produce they already enjoy eating, making it even more fun for them! Just be sure their choices can grow in your area during the current season. Make space and plant together. After choosing your seeds, you must ensure your garden is ready to sustain life. Dedicate a section of your lawn or patio to your gardening efforts and
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