Overview
General Questions
How long has Mr. Hunt been practicing law? +
Mr. Hunt has been practicing law since 1977 — over 50 years. He began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in McLennan County before founding his own firm in 1985, where he has practiced criminal defense exclusively ever since.
Does Mr. Hunt offer a free consultation? +
Where is the firm located? +
The Law Office of Russell D. Hunt, Sr. is located at 425 Austin Avenue, Suite #1202, Waco, Texas 76701. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The mailing address is P.O. Box 726, Waco, Texas 76701.
Does Mr. Hunt handle cases outside of Waco? +
Yes. Mr. Hunt primarily practices throughout central Texas but is also licensed in the state of Minnesota and will travel there to handle federal criminal matters. He is admitted in the Western, Northern, and Southern Districts of the federal courts of Texas, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.
Services
Practice Areas
What types of criminal cases does Mr. Hunt handle? +
Mr. Hunt exclusively handles state and federal criminal defense cases, including:
Federal crimes · Drug charges · Violent offenses · Homicide & capital murder · Sex crimes · Child pornography · DWI/DUI · White collar crimes · Theft · College & university student defense.
He handles both felony and Class A and Class B misdemeanor charges at the state and federal level.
Does Mr. Hunt handle federal criminal cases? +
Yes. Mr. Hunt has extensive experience in federal criminal defense and is admitted in multiple federal district courts in Texas and Minnesota. Federal cases require a different level of knowledge than state court — Mr. Hunt brings deep familiarity with federal court procedures, sentencing guidelines, and pre-trial strategy.
Does Mr. Hunt handle capital murder cases? +
Yes. Mr. Hunt is qualified to handle First Chair Capital Murder cases. In one five-year period alone, he tried 10 Capital Murder cases to a jury — an extraordinary record in the most serious cases in the American legal system.
Does Mr. Hunt handle DWI cases? +
Yes. Mr. Hunt defends clients against DWI/DUI charges at all levels — from first offenses to felony DWI. He challenges every aspect of the arrest, including the legality of the traffic stop, breathalyzer accuracy, and field sobriety test procedures.
Limitations
What We Don't Handle
Mr. Hunt's practice is focused exclusively on trial-level criminal defense. The following types of matters are outside the scope of our practice:
The firm does not handle:
- Class C misdemeanors
- Criminal appeals
- Expunctions and record sealings
- Civil matters of any kind
- Family law, divorce, or custody matters
- Immigration cases
Does the firm handle Class C misdemeanors? +
No. The Law Office of Russell D. Hunt, Sr. does not handle Class C misdemeanors. Mr. Hunt focuses on Class A and Class B misdemeanors as well as state and federal felony charges.
Does the firm handle criminal appeals? +
No. The firm does not handle criminal appeals. Mr. Hunt's practice is focused exclusively on trial-level criminal defense representation.
Does the firm handle expunctions or record sealings? +
No. The firm does not handle expunctions or record sealings. Mr. Hunt's practice is devoted entirely to criminal defense at the trial level.
Qualifications
Credentials & Recognition
Is Mr. Hunt board certified? +
Yes. Mr. Hunt is Board Certified in Criminal Law by both the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (since 1990) and the National Board of Trial Advocacy (since 1992) — a distinction held by only a select few attorneys in Texas, reflecting the highest standards of legal competence and courtroom skill.
What is the AV Preeminent rating? +
The AV Preeminent rating is awarded by Martindale-Hubbell and represents the highest possible peer review rating for both legal ability and ethical standards. It is assigned to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers as exemplifying the very highest level of professional excellence. Mr. Hunt holds this distinction.
What professional associations is Mr. Hunt a member of? +
Mr. Hunt is a member of numerous professional associations, including:
American Bar Association (ABA) · Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) · National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) — Life Member · Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota · State Bar of Texas · Texas Association of Board Certified Specialists in Criminal Law · Waco McLennan County Bar Association · Federal Bar Association — Former Treasurer & National Delegate, Waco Chapter (1995–Present).
Jurisdiction
Court Admissions
What courts is Mr. Hunt admitted to practice in? +
Mr. Hunt is admitted to practice in the following courts:
• State Courts of Texas
• State Courts of Minnesota
• U.S. District Court — Western District of Texas
• U.S. District Court — Northern District of Texas
• U.S. District Court — Southern District of Texas
• U.S. District Court — District of Minnesota
• U.S. Court of Appeals — 5th Circuit
Why is Mr. Hunt licensed in Minnesota? +
Mr. Hunt is licensed to practice in the state of Minnesota and will travel there to handle federal criminal cases. He is admitted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota and is a member of the Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota.
Next Steps
Getting Started
How do I contact the firm? +
What should I bring to my consultation? +
Bring any paperwork related to your case — arrest records, charging documents, court notices, or any correspondence from law enforcement or prosecutors. The more information you can provide, the better Mr. Hunt can assess your situation. All information shared is strictly confidential.
Is my consultation confidential? +
Yes. All consultations and communications with the Law Office of Russell D. Hunt, Sr. are completely confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. Contacting the firm does not obligate you in any way.
What happens if I can't afford an attorney? +
Mr. Hunt provides pro bono legal advice each year to those who cannot afford the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. He expends at least 50 hours annually providing free legal counsel to indigent individuals seeking advice. Please call the office to discuss your situation.
Still Have Questions?
Call or email the office today — your first consultation is free and completely confidential.
