Donald Francis Lighty

Donald Francis Lighty, Criminal Defense Attorney in Beaumont, Texas

Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Employment, and General · 4.6/5 rating from 25 verified client reviews

MemberatStevens Baldo & Lighty PLLC

Beaumont, TX

Practicing criminal defense in Beaumont since 1985.

41+
Years practicing
4.6 ★
25 client reviews
6
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Donald Francis Lighty is a member based in Beaumont, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Employment, and General. Donald has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stevens Baldo & Lighty PLLC. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 25 client reviews.

Based in
Beaumont, TX
Experience
over 41 years
Known for
Criminal Defense · Employment · General
  • Handles Criminal Defense, Employment, and General matters from Beaumont, TX.
  • Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Donald Francis Lighty: Donald Francis Lighty is a member based in Beaumont, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Employment, and General. Donald has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stevens Baldo & Lighty PLLC. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 25 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Donald takes on

Donald concentrates on criminal defense, employment, general, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Beaumont, Texas

Donald takes criminal defense matters in Beaumont, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Beaumont, Texas

Donald takes employment matters in Beaumont, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

General cases in Beaumont, Texas

Donald takes general matters in Beaumont, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Beaumont, Texas

Donald takes litigation matters in Beaumont, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Beaumont, Texas

Donald takes personal injury matters in Beaumont, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Donald Francis Lighty — criminal defense lawyer in Beaumont

Donald Francis Lighty is a member based in Beaumont, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Employment, and General. Donald has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stevens Baldo & Lighty PLLC. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 25 client reviews.

Mr. Donald Francis Lighty is a lawyer practicing personal injury defense litigation, civil defense litigation, premises liability and 4 other areas of law. Donald received a B.B.A. degree from Southern Methodist University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Donald practices at Stevens Baldo & Lighty PLLC in Beaumont, TX.

Working with Donald on a criminal defense matter

Mr. Donald Francis Lighty is a lawyer practicing personal injury defense litigation, civil defense litigation, premises liability and 4 other areas of law. Donald received a B.B.A. degree from Southern Methodist University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Donald practices at Stevens Baldo & Lighty PLLC in Beaumont, TX.

Clients Donald works with

Donald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, employment, and general matters in Beaumont and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • St. Mary's School of Law

    J.D. · 1985

  • Southern Methodist University

    B.B.A. · 1982

Jurisdictions

Donald's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court,

    1995 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Supreme Court

    1991 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1987 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1986 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1986 · ACTIVE

  • Texas

    1985 · ACTIVE

Donald studied at J.D. in St. Mary's School of Law and B.B.A. in Southern Methodist University.

Law school and academic background

Donald completed J.D. in St. Mary's School of Law and B.B.A. in Southern Methodist University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donald runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Donald has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Donald Francis Lighty's office in Beaumont

Donald's primary office is at Century Tower, 550 Fannin Street, Suite 700, Beaumont, TX, 77701-3108. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Stevens Baldo & Lighty PLLC

Century Tower, 550 Fannin Street, Suite 700

Beaumont, TX 77701-3108

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Donald Francis Lighty — 4.6/5 rating from 25 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Donald. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Beaumont.

4.6

25 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Donald Francis Lighty claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Donald Francis Lighty — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Donald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Donald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Donald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Beaumont, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Donald

Donald discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Donald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Donald's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Donald Francis Lighty

  • How much does it cost to hire Donald for a criminal defense case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Donald offer a free consultation?

    Donald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Donald's current terms during booking.

  • How long do criminal defense cases in Texas typically take?

    Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Donald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Donald take my case if I'm outside Beaumont?

    Donald is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Donald will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Donald?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Donald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Donald accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

    Donald's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Beaumont, Houston and Dallas in Texas

Donald handles criminal defense matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Donald's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Beaumont handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.