Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how The Law Office of John L. Hickman PLLC ("we", "us", "our", or "the Firm") collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal information through our website johnhickmanlaw.com (the "Site") and in the course of providing Texas criminal defense legal services. By using the Site or contacting the Firm, you agree to the terms of this Policy.

1. Information We Collect

A. Information You Provide

When you contact us (via contact forms, email, phone, or chat), you may provide:

  • Full name, email address, phone number, mailing address;

  • Case details or other information you voluntarily provide in an inquiry;

  • Information included in documents you upload (which may be sensitive).

B. Information Collected Automatically

We also collect technical data automatically when you visit the Site, including IP address, browser type, operating system, referring page, pages visited, and timestamps. We use cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Cookies section).

2. How We Use Your Information

  • To respond to inquiries and provide legal information, consultations, and representation;

  • To manage, administer, and improve the Site and our services;

  • To comply with legal and ethical obligations, and to protect our rights;

  • To send you administrative messages (e.g., appointment confirmations) if you have contacted us.

3. Attorney-Client Relationship

Submitting information through the Site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send confidential or sensitive information (including privileged materials) until a formal attorney-client relationship has been established in writing. If we agree to represent you, we will provide a separate engagement letter that explains our obligations and fees.

4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to collect Site usage data and improve your experience. Types of cookies we use include:

  • Essential cookies: required for core site functions.

  • Analytics cookies: to understand site traffic and performance (e.g., Google Analytics).

You can usually manage cookies via your browser settings. Disabling some cookies may limit Site functionality.

5. Disclosure of Information

Personal information will not be sold and will only be shared when legally required, to fulfill a client's request, or with third parties acting on the firm's behalf under strict confidentiality agreements. We may disclose information:

  • When required by law, subpoena, court order, or ethics obligation;

  • To service providers who perform functions on our behalf (hosting, analytics, email), under contract and confidentiality obligations;

  • To protect our rights, property, or safety, or the safety of others.

6. Sensitive Personal Data

Case facts and legal details may include sensitive personal data. We treat such information with heightened care. Do not submit especially sensitive details (e.g., health records, criminal history specifics, Social Security Numbers) through the Site unless requested and/or until a secure, documented relationship is established.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect personal information. However, no internet transmission or storage is completely secure. If you have security concerns about transmitting information, please contact us by phone to arrange a safer method.

8. Third-Party Links & Services

The Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. Third-party services (e.g., Google Analytics) collect data according to their own policies.

9. Retention

We retain personal information as needed to provide services, comply with legal and ethical obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Retention periods vary depending on the type of information and applicable law.

10. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights including:

  • Access to or correction of your personal information;

  • Deletion or restriction of processing;

  • Opting out of certain disclosures (see CCPA section below);

  • Filing complaints with your local data protection authority (see GDPR section below).

To exercise any rights, contact us at the address below. We may require identity verification before acting on requests.

11. Texas & Professional Considerations

As a Texas law firm, we follow applicable Texas laws and Texas Bar ethical requirements concerning client confidentiality and data handling. If a conflict exists between this Policy and mandatory professional responsibilities, the professional responsibilities govern.

12. California Residents (CCPA/CPRA Notice)

If you are a California resident, California law may provide you with additional rights regarding access to certain personal information, deletion, and opt-out of sale. John Hickman Law does not sell personal information. To submit a request under California law, contact us at the details below and include “California Privacy Request” in your subject line.

13. European Residents (GDPR)

If you are located in the EU/EEA, the lawful bases for processing your personal data may include consent (where requested), necessity to take steps at your request prior to entering into a contract, compliance with legal obligations, or our legitimate interests (e.g., providing legal information and protecting our rights). You may request access, correction, restriction, or erasure of personal data by contacting us. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

14. Children

The Site is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe we have collected information from a child, contact us and we will take steps to remove it.

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. We will post the updated Policy on this page with a revised "Effective Date." Material changes will be noted prominently.

16. Contact Us

If you have questions, requests, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact:

The Law Office of John L. Hickman PLLC

101 W Houston St
Paris, TX 75460-4179
Email: jhickman@johnhickmanlaw.com